Japan In a Week

  • Duration : 9 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto

This organized trip to Japan offers you the chance to discover Tokyo and Kyoto in just over a week, including an essential visit at the foot of the majestic Mount Fuji. In a small group, you'll explore these captivating locations with an expert English-speaking guide. It's the perfect choice for a first trip to Japan!


1 week itinerary in Japan (9 days):

  • Departure city/airport: Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
  • Tokyo (3 nights)
  • Hakone - Mont Fuji (1 night)
  • Kyoto (3 nights)
  • Osaka (1 night)
  • End return airport: Osaka (Kansai International Airport : KIX)

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length: 8 nights / 9 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 10th
  • Arrival in Europe : January 10th (except in case of late departure)

Why book this trip to Japan?

  1. Accompanied by a bilingual English-speaking guide, a specialist in Japanese culture 
  2. Inclusive: guide, accommodation, transport, transfers
  3. Small groups of between 9 to 15 people maximum
  4. Visit to the must-see places for a first trip to Japan
  5. Stays in 3* hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation)
  6. A variety of visits, activities, meals and transport (Shinkansen, minibus...)
  7. One free day in Kyoto, which can be guided if desired
  8. 40 years of expertise from Japan Experience, the leading European travel agency in Japan
  9. Phone assistance in English, from 8AM to 10PM, 7/7

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Sunday - Tokyo, Here We Come!

    Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda). Welcome to Japan, Yokoso!

    English-speaking airport assistant will greet you at the customs exit.

    Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Tokyo (see details).

    This transfer is done by shuttle or shared bus with other clients heading to the same hotel or nearby hotel. These transfers depart between 1.5 to 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival time and may include stops before reaching your hotel.

    For a private transfer, direct without stops right after your flight lands, choose the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.

    Check-in at Hotel La'Gent Shinjuku Kabukicho or a similar 3-star hotel (rooms available from 3:00 PM).

    You will be greeted by your tour leader at 7:00 PM in front of the hotel reception. They will introduce the tour itinerary during a welcome dinner provided by Japan Experience. The dinner is scheduled for 7:00 PM on the day of your arrival. If your flight's arrival time does not allow you to join the group at that time, a meal box will be provided for you at the hotel.

  • Day 2 : Monday - Exploring Tokyo

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Early departure for a guided tour of Tokyo:

    • Tokyo Sky Tree* with its panoramic view of the city
    • Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of Tokyo's oldest, and Nakamise Dôri, a narrow street lined with historic shops
    • Asakusa, a traditional district and pilgrimage site
    • Hamarikyu Gardens, a Japanese garden nestled among skyscrapers and Tokyo Bay
    • Ginza, the chic and elegant district

    Lunch provided by Japan Experience. Dinner on your own. Your tour guide can recommend some tasty dining spots!

    Travel for the day will be by public transport and on foot (approximately 10 km total).

    (*) One of the world's three tallest towers, soaring to 634m. In case of bad weather, reduced visibility, or high congestion, Japan Experience reserves the right to replace this visit with another observation point.

  • Day 3 : Tuesday - Tokyo's Must-Sees

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Continue exploring Tokyo with your tour guide:

    • Ueno: iconic park in Tokyo, famous for its cherry blossoms (late March, early April) and lotus pond
    • Harajuku: the avant-garde district
    • Meiji Shrine: the imperial shrine
    • Takeshita-Dori: Japan's most famous street
    • Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
    • Shibuya and its famous "scramble crossing"

    Lunch provided by Japan Experience. Dinner on your own.

    Travel for the day will be by public transport and on foot (approximately 10 km total).

  • Day 4 : Wednesday - Hakone and Mount Fuji: A Day of Wonder

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Transfer of your luggage to Kyoto organized by Japan Experience (1 bag per person). Prepare a small backpack for your night in Hakone - Mount Fuji.

    Travel by train to central Hakone - Mount Fuji (about 1.5 hours), then transfer by minibus.

    Head to the heights of Hakone to admire Mount Fuji, weather permitting:

    • Hakone Open-Air Museum,
    • Explore Lake Ashi and its Japanese torii gate in the water,
    • Visit the spectacular volcanic site of Owakudani**.

    Check-in at your ryokan Ichinoyu Honkan or a similar category ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with private baths.

    Meals included (traditional Japanese lunch and dinner) by Japan Experience.

    Travel for the day will be by train, minibus, boat, and on foot (approximately 6 km total).

    **Access to this site may be restricted due to volcanic activity.

  • Day 5 : Thursday - Journey through History

    Traditional Japanese savory breakfast at the ryokan.

    Travel by public transport to Odawara Station, then board the Shinkansen bullet train for Kyoto (2 hours journey).

    Check-in at Hotel Intergate Kyoto or a hotel of similar category.

    Begin guided tour of Kyoto:

    • Gion, the historic district of Kyoto with its Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka streets,
    • Kodai-ji, Kyoto's temple with maples and bamboo.

    Please note that taking photos is strictly prohibited in the historic Gion district.

    Meals provided (lunch and dinner) by Japan Experience.

    Travel for the day will be by Shinkansen to Kyoto, public transport, and on foot (approximately 6 km total).

  • Day 6 : Friday - Exploring Kyoto's Treasures

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Tour of Kyoto by minibus:

    • Ryoan-ji Zen garden
    • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
    • Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
    • The enchanting Philosopher's Path
    • Enjoy a gourmet break while admiring Murin-An

    Lunch provided by Japan Experience. Dinner on your own - Your tour guide can recommend hidden gems in Kyoto!

    Travel for the day will be by minibus and on foot (approximately 6 km total).

  • Day 7 : Saturday - Free Day

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Free day: Enjoy at your own pace the many wonders of the ancient capital. Your guide will be happy to provide recommendations.

    Only breakfast is provided by Japan Experience at the hotel. Other meals, transportation, and visits are free and 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. Luggage transfer to Osaka.

    Travel by train to Nara (50 minutes).

    Explore Nara, ancient imperial capital of Japan in the 8th century, with your guide:

    • Visit the exterior of Kofukuji Temple with its magnificent pagoda.
    • Explore Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Bronze Buddha and the impressive Nan-Daimon Gate.
    • Discover Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its numerous lanterns.

    Return to Osaka for your final night.

    Lunch and dinner provided by Japan Experience.

    Travel for the day will be by train and on foot (approximately 10 km total).

  • Day 9 : Monday - Sayonara and until your next journey!

    Transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) from your hotel by direct train or shuttle bus, depending on the hotel's location.

    Transfer to Itami Airport (ITM) is not provided by Japan Experience.

    Meals other than breakfast are not covered by Japan Experience.

    Return flight to Europe.

    Feel free to extend your trip by one or more days in Osaka, Hiroshima... we'll be happy to provide recommendations.

  • Accommodation

    • 7 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
    • Train ticket between Odawara and Kyoto on the Shinkansen bullet train, ordinary class - reserved
    • 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 4 dinners at your leisure and any expenses on your free day)
    • 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 2023, out of our 300 guided tour customers, just 12 had to be redirected to another tour and 0 remained at home.

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: 
  1. The digital version of your travel booklet and other digital travel documents will be sent by email 3 weeks before departure. 
  2. Airport transfer tickets will be provided by our airport assistant upon your arrival, if applicable.
  3. 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 Osaka (Kansai International 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

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
  • 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

Japan In a Week

From
$2,205 per person - 1 week

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