The view of Hakone jinja Torii in the lake at Hakone, a must-see close to Mount Fuji in Japan
©Waraporn Meengoen/123RF

Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji : a must-see in Kyoto ancient capital — Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, a must-see in Japan's ancient capital
©siraphol/123RF

Maneki-neko in Tokyo — Maneki-neko in a Tokyo temple
©Jordy Meow

Kanazawa - Modern train station with wood huge torii
©Steven Lasry/Unsplash

The Daisho-in temple, on the sacred island of Miyajima, is worth a visit with its 500 small Buddhist statues — The Daisho-in temple on the sacred island of Miyajima is well worth a visit, with its 500 small Buddhist statues
©Sean Pavone/123RF

Traditional Japanese okonomiyaki, savory pancake
©vichie81/123RF

Enjoy comfortable 3 * hotels, well located, with impeccable Japanese service
©Tsugu 京都三条 Kyoto

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JAPAN EXPERIENCE

Discover Japan

Duration : 13 days
Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima

This guided tour in Japan takes you to Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Not to mention the majestic Mount Fuji, the sacred island of Miyajima and the historic city of Kanazawa.

This small group tour allows you to discover the country in just under 2 weeks, in the company of a specialist English-speaking guide. It's ideal for your first organised trip to Japan!

2 week itinerary in Japan (13 days):

Departure city/airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
Tokyo (3 nights)
Hakone - Mount Fuji (1 night)
Kyoto (3 nights)
Osaka (1 night)
Hiroshima (1 night)
Kanazawa (1 night)
Tokyo (2 nights)
End return airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 12 nights / 13 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

Please note that the tour departure and end dates indicated on this page relate to your actual stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.

Example :

Departure from Europe : January 1st
Arrival in Tokyo (date to be selected in the tour calendar upon reservation) : January 2nd
Return flight from Tokyo : January 14th

Why book this trip to Japan?

Accompanied by a bilingual English-speaking guide, a specialist in Japanese culture
Inclusive: guide, accommodation, transport, transfers
Small groups of between 9 to 12 people maximum
Visit to the must-see places for a first trip to Japan
Stays in 3* hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation)
A variety of visits, activities, meals and transport (Shinkansen, minibus...)
One free day in both Tokyo and Kyoto, which can be guided if desired
40 years of expertise from Japan Experience, the leading European travel agency in Japan
Phone assistance in English, from 8AM to 10PM, 7/7

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

Day 1 : Sunday - Wake up in Japan

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita: NRT or Haneda: HND). Welcome to Japan!
Our airport assistant will greet you in English as you clear customs.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).
This transfer is by shared shuttle, with other customers departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival time, and stops may be made before your hotel.
If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, don't hesitate to take the ‘Private taxi from the airport’ option.
Check-in at the La'Gent Shinjuku Kabukicho or similar 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).
You will be met by your guide at 7pm in front of the hotel reception. The presentation of the tour will take place during a welcome dinner offered by Japan Experience, scheduled for 7pm on the day of your arrival. If your flight time does not allow you to join the group at this time, a packed lunch will be served at the hotel.
Day 2 : Day 2: First steps in the capital

Breakfast at the hotel.
Early departure for a guided tour of Tokyo:
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage
- Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Tokyo, and its Nakamise-Dôri, a narrow alley lined with historic shops
- A timeless moment during an authentic tea ceremony
- Hamarikyu Gardens, nestled between skyscrapers and Tokyo Bay
- The chic and elegant Ginza district
Lunch provided by Japan Experience. Dinner on your own. Your tour guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat!
Daily travel by public transport and on foot (approximately 10 km in total).
Day 3 : Tuesday: Tour of Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel.
Continue your tour of Tokyo with your guide:
- Ueno: Tokyo's iconic park, famous for its cherry blossom trees (late March, early April) and lotus pond
- The Tokyo Sky Tree* with its panoramic view of the city
- Harajuku: the avant-garde district
- Meiji-Jingû: the imperial sanctuary
- Takeshita-Dôri: Japan's most famous street
- Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
- Shibuya and its famous ‘crossroads’.
Lunch provided by Japan Experience. Dinner on your own.
Day's travel by public transport and on foot (approximately 10 km in total).
* One of the three tallest towers in the world at 634m. In the event of bad weather, reduced visibility or heavy crowds, Japan Experience reserves the right to replace this visit with another observation point.
Day 4 : Wednesday - On the way to Mount Fuji

Breakfast at the hotel.
Luggage transfer to Kyoto organised by Japan Experience (1 piece of luggage per person).
Bring a small bag for the night in Hakone - Mount Fuji.
Train journey to the centre of Hakone - Mount Fuji (approx. 1h30).
Depart for the heights of Hakone for a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji (weather permitting).
- Visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum, exhibiting contemporary sculptures in an exceptional natural setting.
- Lake Ashi-no-ko and its Japanese torii portico with its feet in the water
- The incredible Owakudani** volcanic site
The Japan Experience signature: a day in a chauffeur-driven minibus to avoid the crowds on the site's buses and funiculars.
Check into your Ichinoyu Honkan ryokan or ryokan of the same category (traditional Japanese hotel). Rooms with private baths.
Meals provided (lunch and traditional Japanese dinner) by Japan Experience.
**The site may be inaccessible due to volcanic activity.
Daily travel by train, bus, cable car, boat and on foot (approx. 7 km in total).
Day 5 : Thursday - Tracing the past

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan (predominantly savoury).
Departure on foot or by public transport to Odawara station, then departure for Kyoto by Shinkansen express train (3-hour journey).
Start of the guided tour of Kyoto:
- The Fushimi Inari Taisha sanctuary and its thousand porticoes
- Gion, Kyoto's historic district, with its Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka streets and the Gion district.
- Kodai-ji, Kyoto's maple and bamboo temple
Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the historic Gion district.
Check-in at the Intergate Kyoto hotel or hotel in the same category.
Meals provided (lunch and dinner) by Japan Experience.
Day's travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto, by public transport and on foot (approx. 6 km).
Day 6 : Friday - Treasures of the old capital

Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning tour of Kyoto by minibus, then on foot:
- Ryoan-ji Zen Garden
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The enchanting Path of Philosophy
The Japan Experience signature: enjoy a matcha tea while admiring the Japanese garden Murin-An.
Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner at leisure - Your tour guide will be able to recommend the hidden addresses in Kyoto!
Daily travel by minibus and on foot (about 8km in total).
Day 7 : Saturday - Free Day

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day: Enjoy the many wonders of the ancient capital at your own pace. Your guide will be happy to provide recommendations.
Only breakfast is provided by Japan Experience at the hotel. Other meals, transportation, and visits are not organized by Japan Experience.
Feel free to contact us if you wish to book various activities for this day. We highly recommend exploring the Tea Road in Uji, a city renowned for producing the best matcha (powdered green tea) in Japan.
Day 8 : Sunday - Among Temples and Deers

Breakfast at the hotel.
Train journey to Nara (50min).
Visit to Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century.
With your guide, discover :
- Kofuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda
- Todai-ji, with its large bronze Buddha and imposing Nan-Daimon gate
- Kasuga Taisha sanctuary and its myriad lanterns
Departure for Osaka (50 min) and check-in at the Hiyori Osaka Namba hotel or equivalent.
Lunch provided by Japan Experience. Dinner on your own.
Day's travel by train and on foot (approximately 10km in total).
Day 9 : Monday: Japan's sacred island

Breakfast at the hotel.
Luggage transfer to Tokyo (for 2 nights) organised by Japan Experience (1 piece of luggage per person). Pack a small bag for one night in Hiroshima and one night in Kanazawa.
On the way to Hiroshima by Shinkansen (2h30) then the island of Miyajima by boat (10 minutes) to visit the sacred island and its famous great portal (ootorii).
Return to Hiroshima and check-in at the Intergate Hiroshima hotel or hotel of the same category.
Lunch and dinner provided by Japan Experience.
Day's travel by Shinkansen, boat and on foot (approx. 10 km).
Day 10 : Tuesday - Historic cities

Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, take a tour of the Peace Memorial Park and its museum.
Early afternoon, depart for Kanazawa by Shinkansen and Express train (4h).
Check-in at Hotel OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi or a similar category hotel.
Meals (lunch and dinner) are provided by Japan Experience.
Transport for the day is by public transport, by Shinkansen and on foot (about 10 km).
Day 11 : Wednesday - Ishikawa's pearl

Breakfast at the hotel.
Discover Kanazawa, a small city nestled between the sea in the north and the Japanese Alps.
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's beautiful Japanese garden, considered one of the top 3 gardens in Japan!
- Omicho, a huge fish market selling seafood fresh from the Sea of Japan
- The Nomura house, once a Samurai residence, located in a picturesque old quarter of the city.
In late afternoon travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen (2 hours 45) and check in at your hotel La'Gent Shinjuku Kabukicho or similar.
Lunch is provided by Japan Experience. Dinner at your leisure
Transportation for the day by public transport, bus, Shinkansen and on foot (approx. 10km)
Day 12 : Thursday - Don't miss a thing

Breakfast at the hotel.
A free day to visit the countless other interesting monuments and sites in the capital and its surroundings: your guide will be able to give you recommendations.
Lunch, transportation and tours are unaccompanied and not organised by Japan Experience.
In the evening, a farewell dinner is provided by Japan Experience.
Day 13 : Friday - Sayonara, and see you next time!

Transfer to Tokyo airport (Narita: NRT or Haneda: HND). Included, but not accompanied.
This transfer is by shared shuttle, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops may be made before you arrive at the airport.
If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, directly to the airport and without any intermediate stops, select the ‘Private taxi to the airport’ option.
Return flight to Europe (not included).
Don't hesitate to extend your trip by one or more days to Tokyo, Nikko, Kamakura... we'll be happy to advise you.

Accommodation
- 11 nights in 3* hotels
- 1 night in a ryokan at Hakone - Mount Fuji (room with private bath)
The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.
Transportation
- Transfer airport <> Tokyo
- Prepaid public transport card
- Japan Rail Pass for 7 days
- Other transport during your stay, except on free days
- Luggage transfer (see details in the itinerary)
Experiences and meals
- Guidance from an English-speaking specialist on Japan
- Tours and activities mentioned in the programme
- Almost full package: all meals (except free days and half of the dinners during the tour)
In Japan, breakfast is traditionally savory. Western-style hotels typically offer a variety of choices, but traditional accommodations like ryokan or temple lodgings often provide a more traditional Japanese breakfast experience.

Additional services
- Unlimited Wi-Fi access, except on free days
- Complete travel diary sent to you 20 days before your departure
- Phone assistance in English, from 8AM to 10PM, 7/7; in addition to the guide's assistance during the day
Not included in the price of your trip
- Flights between your country <> Japan
- Optional insurance policies
- Personal expenses (including 5 dinners at your leisure and any expenses for the two free days)
- Drinks with meals (except water and sometimes tea)
- Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section
About the risk of cancellation of your guided tour
While there is very little risk that your guided tour will be canceled, this risk does exist. It is usually 4%.

If you are unfortunately in this 4%, you will be informed 3 to 2 months in advance and we will ALWAYS offer you another tour, in the same season and most of the time on the same dates. We also offer, as an alternative, 100% reimbursement of the tour (excluding flights).

In 2024, out of our 300 guided tour customers, only 5 had to be redirected to another tour and 2 chose to be refunded.

More about your trip

Price Variation Clause:

Our tours prices are subject to change, either upward or downward, depending on supply, demand, yen exchange rates, and price adjustments from our suppliers. Please note that no refunds will be made after the reservation if a price difference is observed. Likewise, in the event of a price increase after the reservation, no additional costs will be charged.

Your itinerary :

The tour guide may make minor adjustments to the program based on daily constraints.
Prices displayed on this page may vary due to fluctuations in the Japanese Yen exchange rate.
Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to individuals with reduced mobility.
Children and infants are welcome. A child rate is offered for ages 3 to 11. They will be provided with a standard adult bed in each accommodation and a standard seat in transportation. For infants aged 0 to 2, a "baby" rate is offered, which includes a baby crib in most accommodations, though availability cannot be guaranteed in every place.
Pets are not allowed.
For vegetarians, vegans, or those with strict dietary requirements: There are few vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Japan, especially on group tours. Japan Experience cannot accommodate every dietary preference, but the guide can assist in selecting suitable dishes at each restaurant. This also applies to those with food intolerances.
Your travel documents will be provided as follows:

The digital version of your travel booklet and other digital travel documents will be sent by email 3 weeks before departure.
Airport transfer tickets will be provided by our airport assistant upon your arrival, if applicable.
Other physical travel documents necessary for the trip will be given by your tour guide at your hotel meeting at 7:00 PM on the first day.

This program is subject to changes due to factors like weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. The order of visits may also be adjusted. Please note that due to current situations, all information mentioned is subject to change or adaptation.
For baggage transfer, any additional luggage will incur an extra charge (approximately 25 GBP per person per bag). It's essential to inform your tour guide in advance.

About accommodations:

In Japan, even 3-star hotels (according to local standards) offer high quality but often compact rooms, typically ranging from 12 to 20 square meters.
Double Rooms: Standard rooms for two people usually feature two single beds (twin beds) that can often be pushed together. In Tokyo, these rooms generally range from 15 to 18 square meters.
Single Rooms: Solo travelers booking single rooms incur an additional fee. This fee can be waived if they opt to share a twin room with another participant. Single rooms typically range from 12 to 15 square meters.
Traditional Accommodations (Ryokans)rooms include a private bathroom (Western or Japanese-style) and private toilets. Guests also have access to the ryokan's communal Japanese baths (onsen), which are often segregated by gender. Please note that these baths may not be accessible to individuals with visible tattoos.
Accommodation names: The hotel names listed on the website are indicative. If unavailable, an equivalent standard hotel will be arranged. Hotels listed correspond to local standards and may change on-site to hotels of similar category.

About your transportation:

Flights are not included in this tour. Feel free to contact us if you wish to include flights in your booking. Economy class flights with layovers or direct flights, upgrades to premium economy or business class, departures from other cities or countries: we can advise you accordingly.
The departure and return dates on this page concern your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and depart from the same airport. On departure, you should leave the day before from Europe and land no later than 2:30 PM to be present at 7:00 PM at your hotel to meet your tour guide. However, the return flight will be on the same day due to the favorable time difference. Feel free to consult us for any uncertainty or need for clarification on the choice of international flights.
If flights have been purchased independently without Japan Experience's assistance, it is necessary to email us your flight information (flight number, airport, date, and arrival time) one month before your departure to allow us to organize your reception and airport transfer.
Airport Transfers: The shared limousine bus shuttle departs from the airport and stops directly at or near your hotel (maximum 10 minutes on foot). Our airport assistant in Tokyo will guide you to the platform for the airport transfer. The transfer to the hotel is unassisted. If you prefer to be accompanied from the airport to the hotel reception, choose the "Accompanied Airport Transfer" option. This shared shuttle or bus transfer may depart between 1.5 to 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival and may make stops before your hotel. For a private transfer without stops and directly after your flight's actual arrival, consider the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option. Note: Due to frequent flight schedule changes by airlines, if your arrival time changes less than 72 hours before departure and exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. In such cases, you may need to take a taxi at your expense, with reimbursement sought from your airline for schedule changes. The same policy applies to your return: changes cannot be made to the shuttle schedule within 72 hours of your return flight, necessitating a taxi reserved through the hotel at your expense, with reimbursement procedures handled directly with the airline. Japan Experience disclaims responsibility for last-minute schedule changes.
The prepaid public transportation card must be returned to the guide at the end of your stay unless individually extended by Japan Experience.
After your flight arrives in Japan, you may have to wait up to 1 to 2 hours for a shared shuttle (medium to large bus). If preferred, you can request a private shuttle coordinated with your flight times.
If your outbound flight does not allow you to arrive at your hotel by 7PM on the first day of the tour, you will not be able to enjoy the included welcome dinner. Dinner expenses will be at your own cost. Rest assured, your guide will still meet you to provide all necessary travel information.
For your return flight, a shuttle will be provided to take you to the airport. It will arrive there between 3 to 1.5 hours before your flight.

Upon reservation Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex :
Cancellation insurance before departure (conditions apply).

Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance and on-site assistance (conditions apply). COVID protection included.

You can subscribe to our Zero Carbon Project when making your reservation. Your contribution will help offset your CO2 emissions while supporting ecological initiatives. For more information, please visit our dedicated page.

Frequently asked questions

Whether you want to discover new things or discover yourself, stay in a fully organised tour or take a leisurely one: at Japan Experience, you will find a tour to suit your needs!

Discover our 3 tour formulas now: guided, self-guided or personalised tour:

Guided tours: Travelling with a specialist

Would you like to travel with a small group of 8 to 12 people, accompanied by a private English-speaking guide?

Classic destinations or off the beaten path, Japan Experience offers many guided tours, for all kinds of budget. Offering several departure dates throughout the year, these tours start at €2,890 per person.

Self-guided tours: Independent travel

These tours, with pre-planned itineraries, include accommodation, flights, transport, 24-hour assistance and optional guided activities. From €540 per person, plan your days as you wish, following the recommendations in your travel diary.

Tailor-made tours: Travel according to your desires

Design the trip you've always dreamed of! Our specialist advisors are available by email, telephone or directly in one of our agencies to answer all your questions and help you design your own customised tour.

It's very simple and easy, just book directly online through our website:

(1) Choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and indicate the number of participants. Several options are available to you.

(2) Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount* online and confirm your reservation.

(3) You will then receive an e-mail confirming the conditions of your registration.

(4) Book your flight ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the necessary schedules for your tour)

(5) One month before departure, settle the balance of your booking.

For more information on the tours or to make a reservation, please contact our advisors on +33 (0)1 42 61 60 83 or at contact@japan-experience.com, or come and visit us at our agency in Paris.

* travel insurance and options included

Recommended dates for seeing the spring flowers:

- plum blossoms: mid-February to mid-March

- cherry blossoms (sakura): between 20 March and 15 April (dates vary from year to year)

- wisteria, iris, azaleas: mid-April to end of May

- hydrangeas: June

- lotus flowers: August

Recommended dates outside of spring :

- Autumn leaves: mid-November

- Observation of Zen gardens under the snow: mid-December to mid-February

Few Japanese speak English, even in the tourism sector. With the exception of hotel staff in the major tourist cities, few Japanese are fluent in English. However, this does not prevent them from doing everything to help tourists in need.

One or more guided activities are included in all Japan Experience tours. This will allow you to get a closer look at Japan's thousand-year-old culture. Feel free to add one or more optional guided days.

Guided tours are led by bilingual Japanese guides, for total immersion without effort!

Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe's No. 1 travel agency in Japan

The guarantee of the first tour operator specialising exclusively in Japan for 40 years
A wide range of products to let you Experience Japan from the inside
Competitive prices thanks to a single team in the UK, Europe, USA and Japan, with no intermediaries
Assistance available in Japan throughout your trip
A specialist team is available 7 days a week, by phone and email
The best advice thanks to the 3,500 articles available on our website