Japan's Classics and World Expo 2025
This tour will take you to the must-visit destination of Japan. First, explore the electrifying fusion of ancient and modern in Tokyo, where TeamLab Planets' interactive art awaits.
Next, dive into Osaka's infectious energy and delectable street food before your exclusive 2-day access to the World Expo 2025 Osaka. This year’s theme “Design Future Society for Our Lives” reflects the main purpose of World Expositions : presenting new technologies that will make our lives better.
With the goals of reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the World Expo 2025 Osaka will become a key platform for innovation in a variety of fields. Don’t miss out on the biggest event of 2025!
Finally, finish your tour in the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, where magnificent temples and charming streets are waiting to be explored.
11-day itinerary
- Departure city/Airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
- Tokyo (3 nights)
- Osaka (4 night)
- Kyoto (3 nights, including 1 day trip in Nara)
- Return city/Airport : Kyoto (Kansai International Airport : KIX)
Please find below the itinerary details.
Tour length : 10 nights / 11 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)
PLEASE NOTE: The departure and end dates shown on this page only apply to your stay in Japan. You must therefore leave Europe the day before the first day of your tour. The date of your return flight and that of your return to Europe are identical due to the time difference.
Example :
- Departure from Europe : January 1st
- Arrival in Tokyo (= the date to be selected in the calendar when booking) : January 2nd
- Return flight from KIX airport / Return to Europe : January 12th
Please note that flights are not included in the price of your tour.
This tour information was last updated on June 25, 2024.
Why choose this trip to Japan ?
- Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
- Settle in the heart of Tokyo in your 3* hotel chosen for its comfort and location
- Tickets for the world-famous TeamLab Planets interactive museum
- Travel by shinkansen to Osaka and discover the gastronomic capital of Japan
- Take advantage of your tickets for the Osaka World Expo 2025
- Get the most out of your transportation pass and use it to visit Tokyo and the Kansai region
- In Kyoto settle in your 3* hotel that combines Japanese and Western styles
- Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket WiFi
- If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
- A number of guided days or other optional activities are available
- On the final day, a shuttle bus will take you from your accommodation to the airport
- Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, the leading European travel agency in Japan
Your trip in detail
Program
Day 1 : Wake up in Tokyo 東京
Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).
Welcome to Japan! 日本へようこそ!Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.
If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.
Check in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).
Day 2 : First steps in the capital
What to do in Tokyo on your first day
Start your exploration in Harajuku, a hotbed of avant-garde fashion: eccentric boutiques, Japanese pancakes and the legendary Takeshita-dôri street await you. Nearby, nestled in the middle of a forest in the heart of the city, find peace at the Meiji Jingu shrine.
In the afternoon, head for Omotesandô, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées, for a shopping spree before heading to the Shibuya crossroads, famous for its incessant ballet of pedestrians.
Don't forget to sample the local culinary specialities throughout the day!
One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).
Day 3 : The big loop
For this second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".
Leave Tokyo Central Station and immerse yourself in the chic Ginza district, with its luxury boutiques and refined restaurants. Next, head to the open-air Tsukiji market for a festival of flavours.
In the afternoon, discover Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, and visit the Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, the oldest in the capital. Finish your day in style by climbing to the top of the Tokyo Skytree for a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole of Tokyo.
Why not add a cruise between Hama-rikyû and Asakusa?
TeamLab Planets is THE place finish your day in style. This one-of-a-kind digital museum in Tokyo promises a mind-bending journey into the future of art. With your included entry tickets, prepare to be swept away by interactive installations inspired by nature's beauty and evolution.
The acclaimed museum's goal is to create interactive artworks, bringing together different disciplines, particularly video mapping, and inspired by the elements of nature, its movements and evolutions.
Day 4 : First steps in the capital of Kansai
Take a shinkansen to Osaka and immerse yourself in its history with a visit to the medieval castle, its gardens and its cherry blossom trees in bloom during April.
Then head for the city centre and Nakanoshima Island for a striking contrast between skyscrapers and rose gardens. Continue your exploration with a nature break in Utsubo Park, a haven of peace in the heart of the business district.
Shopaholics will find what they're looking for in Umeda, a veritable temple of Japanese boutiques. Finish your day by climbing to the top of the Umeda Sky Building for a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole of Kansai, and even Kyoto on a clear day!
Day 5 : Gastronomic introduction
For your second day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary :
Explore the depths of the sea at the Osaka Kaiyûkan aquarium, the largest in the world in terms of volume. Then head to the Tennôji district for an immersion in Japanese culture with a visit to the Shitennô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the country.
For a unique relaxation experience, visit Spa World, Japan's largest thermal baths. Let yourself be transported by the retro atmosphere of Shinseikai, then plunge into the technological world of DenDen machi, the technogeeks' village.
Continue your evening in Dôtonbori, Japan's liveliest district, renowned for its restaurants, bars and neon signs. Don't forget to try the local culinary specialities, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
Day 6 : World Expo 2025 Osaka
Immerse yourself in the future at the World Expo 2025 Osaka! With exclusive 2-day access, delve into groundbreaking exhibits, explore captivating global pavilions, and witness live performances that redefine technology and culture.
Day 7 : World Expo 2025 Osaka
Day two at the World Expo 2025 Osaka! Buckle up for another day of groundbreaking exhibits and cultural wonders.
Day 8 : Heading for the old capital
Board a train and whisk yourself away on a short journey from Osaka to Kyoto, where you'll discover the captivating history of Japan's old capital (40 minutes, included in your package).
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the historic Gion district. Start by climbing the steps leading up to the Kiyomizu-Dera temple, admiring its spectacular architecture and taking in the panoramic view over the city.
Then lose yourself in the picturesque lanes of Sannen-zaka and Ninnen-zaka, lined with traditional houses and craft shops. Finish your visit with a stop at Kôdai-ji temple, famous for its maple trees, which blaze with colour in autumn, and its bamboo forest.
Day 9 : Kyoto
Start your day by immersing yourself in the Zen garden of Ryôan-ji temple, admiring its harmoniously arranged stones. Next, head for Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and marvel at its resplendent architecture. Continue on to Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, and appreciate its elegance.
Then take the Path of Philosophy, a footpath lined with cherry blossom trees in spring, and enjoy a contemplative stroll. Finish your day with a visit to Nanzen-ji temple, a Buddhist complex surrounded by Zen gardens and bamboo groves.
One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).
Day 10 : Between temples and deer
On your last day, head for Nara, Japan's ancient capital, a 50-minute train ride away (included in your package). Immerse yourself in history at the Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine, admiring its thousands of vermilion-red lanterns.
Next, head for Tôdai-ji, a Buddhist temple housing a huge bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon Gate. Finish your exploration of Nara with Kôfuku-ji temple and its ravishing pagoda.
On your return to Kyoto, stop off to watch the sun set at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, a unique Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of red torii.
If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).
Day 11 : Sayonara, and see you next time!
Take a direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).
Return flight to your home country.
Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in the Kansai area or elsewhere...Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!
![Maneki-neko in Tokyo](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2021-07/Tokyo%20-%20Gotokuji%20-%20%23Spirituality%20-%20%23Fall%20-%20Photo%20Credit%20Jordy%20Meow%20%2B%20Link%20to%20Jordy%20website.jpeg.webp?itok=srK1UYFN)
![Shibuya Shibuya](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/legacy/japan_experience/1555682651701.jpg.webp?itok=TQJNw2G6)
![Senso-ji temple in Asakusa with Tokyo Sky Tree behind, a must-see on your first days to visit Tokyo](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2021-07/Tokyo%20-%20Sensoji%20-%20%23Spirituality%20-%20%23City%20-%20123RF%20OK%20Paid%20-%20Photo%20Credit%20Chan%20Richie.jpeg.webp?itok=G2v7ZYlI)
![Osaka Skyline Osaka Skyline](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2023-04/Osaka_Umeda_Sky_Building_Panoramablick_05.jpeg.webp?itok=zJQTYKZV)
![Glico Dotonbori Glico Dotonbori](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2022-01/Glico%20Dotonbori%20Osaka-Tenpal%2C%20%E9%81%94%E5%B1%B1%20%E6%99%BA%E5%AD%900%2C%20pixabay.jpg.webp?itok=jwAZK6Oe)
![Yumeshima artificial island by night, the site of Expo 2025 Osaka Yumeshima artificial island by night, the site of Expo 2025 Osaka](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2024-07/masterplan_figure_04.jpg.webp?itok=vKVq6pG3)
![Site of Expo 2025 Osaka Site of Expo 2025 Osaka](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2024-07/masterplan_figure_07.jpg.webp?itok=4sqwU4hv)
![Kiyomizudera Easy access to Kiyomizudera with unlimited regional subway and buss pass!](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2022-10/Kyoto%20-%20Kiyomizudera%20-%20%23Spirituality%20-%20%23Nature%20-%20%23Fall%20-%20123RF%20OK%20Paid%20-%20Photo%20Credit%20Luciano%20Mortula%20.jpg.webp?itok=tsXh4pC0)
![Kinkaku airport Kinkaku airport](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2023-04/Kyoto%20-%20Kinkakuji%20-%20%23Spirituality%20-%20%23Nature%20-%20Photo%20Credit%20Jordy%20Meow%20%2B%20Link%20to%20Jordy%20website.jpg.webp?itok=eTeAh4gU)
![Nara, Japan's first imperial capital. Nara, Japan's first imperial capital.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2023-06/Nara%20-%20joey-huang-unsplash.jpg.webp?itok=5O5SKVwD)
![Sayonara - bye bye Japan !](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_470/public/images/2021-04/Departure%20-%20Sayonara%20luggage%20-%20123RF%20%3A%20Sezer%20o%CC%88zger.jpg.webp?itok=mLjTVDXX)
Accommodation
- 3 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo
- 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Osaka
- 3 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Kyoto
The basic rate is based on a twin room for two people.
Transport
- Airport transfer to Tokyo HND or NRT
- Return airport transfer Kyoto > Kansai International Airport KIX
- Prepaid public transport card
- Tokyo Metro pass 3 days
- Shinkansen tickets for Tokyo > Osaka, seats reserved in standard class
- Kansai Area pass 3 days
Experiences and meals
- Airport meet and greet
- 2-day tickets for the World Expo 2025 Osaka
- Tickets for TeamLab Planets
Included in your self-guided tour
Additional services
- Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi
- Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure
- Telephone assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese bilingual. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. This phone number is valid for telephone calls and also for WhatsApp.
Not included in the price of your tour
- Flights Europe <> Japan
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses, including meals (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack.
- Public transport once your transport cards have run out (see details)
- Everything not mentioned in the section "Included in your tour".
Additional services
When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:
Japan Experience Flex :
Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.
Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions.
Frequently asked questions
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