Discounted

Highlights of Japan

Japan - Trip code JPH Discovery
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282Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

From the bright lights of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, this fast-paced tour packs in Japan's highlights. Sample street food in Osaka, take time to reflect at Hiroshima, the site of the world's first atomic attack, and visit the holy island of Miyajima, dotted with temples and free-roaming deer. Along the way, tick off Japan's must-dos travelling via bullet train and trying izakaya-style cuisine.

Why we love this trip
  • Tokyo - Get to grips with Japan's ultra-modern capital and explore the traditional temples of Asakusa.
  • Kyoto - Spend a full day discovering the temples and gardens of Japan's Imperial Capital.
  • Jigokudani Onsen - Catch a glimpse of the famous snow monkeys bathing in hot springs.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Dinner: 3

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Train

  • i

    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tour begins in Tokyo

Our tour starts today in Tokyo, Japan's ultra-modern capital. A sprawling metropolis, Tokyo is one of the world's most populous cities and a dazzling blend of traditional culture and all things new.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for a welcome meeting. If some of the group are arriving on later flights, the main introductory briefing will take place on the morning of Day 2 with everybody present. After the meeting, we'll have dinner (included) at a nearby local restaurant where you'll have the chance to try 'izakaya' style Japanese cuisine.

There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Tokyo at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). The city centre is around an hour away from Haneda and an hour and a half from Narita.

Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Please note, while our itinerary gives us a full day in Japan's capital, there's a lot to pack in. If you really want to get to grips with Tokyo's sites, we recommend adding additional nights to your trip pre-tour.

Japanese hotels have strict rules regarding check in and all customers are required to wait until 3 PM for room access. You will be able to store your luggage while waiting but if you require an early check in, then you should request this at the time of booking. We do not guarantee this will be possible and depending on availability an extra fee will be charged.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Dinner

Day 2 - Explore Tokyo’s neon streets and peaceful gardens

Over one-quarter of the Japanese population lives within a 50-kilometre/31-mile radius of the centre of Tokyo, making it the most populous metropolitan area in the world. The result is a bustling and exciting city - an economic powerhouse of Asia. However, scratching its neon-clad surface reveals a city bursting with history and tradition. A morning stroll to Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensoji, will introduce us to Tokyo's unique culture. We'll then board a boat for a short journey along the Sumida River. Gaining a totally different perspective of the city, we'll drift past high-rise apartments, secluded gardens and busy warehouses. Arriving in the heart of the city, we'll visit Hamarikyu Gardens.

At a convenient time in the day, we'll get our Japan Rail Passes validated at a nearby station. Please note that for late bookings, and people who have not provided their passport copy in time as requested, it will not be possible to issue a Japan Rail Pass and you'll be provided with individual train tickets for the included journeys instead.

The rest of the day is left free, and you might like to board a train to visit the Meiji shrine and Shinjuku area, where the latest electronic gadgets dazzle from glowing shopfronts.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Bullet train to Kanazawa via the snow monkeys of Jigokudani

No trip to Japan would be complete without a journey on a high-speed train and this morning we leave Tokyo and board the Shinkansen. Our main bags will be forwarded to Osaka today and we'll make do with an overnight bag for tonight. The bullet trains are known for their extremely punctual service, comfortable carriages, and lack of noise as you travel at speeds of up to 300 kilometres/186 miles per hour. Alighting at Nagano in the Japanese Alps, we'll make our way by private coach to Jigokudani Onsen, home to Japan's famous snow monkeys. Here the indigenous macaques descend from the hills to bathe and play in the hot springs, a unique behaviour not found anywhere else in the world. Despite their wintry moniker, the monkeys can be observed in and around the pool throughout the year (although sightings are more likely in colder months). Our walk to the spring takes 30 minutes along a pretty forest trail which is mostly flat with some steep stairs and narrow sections. Once at the spring, we'll spend around an hour observing the monkeys before returning along the same path.

Leaving Nagano behind, we'll head for Kanazawa, which until 150 years ago was the 4th largest city in Japan. The city has shunned mass industrialisation and retains its traditional charm with its winding back streets, delicate tea shops and the beautiful autumn maples and spring cherry blossoms of Kenrokuen Gardens. Once ruled by the Maeda Clan, one of the most powerful Samurai families in Japan, the city has several traditional samurai districts and, along with Kyoto, is one of Japan's cultural capitals.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Explore Kanazawa. Train to Osaka for street food tour

As the town was not targeted during World War II, much of Kanazawa consists of old buildings and gives a sense of what Japan was like in the 19th century. We'll spend some time wandering around the colourful stalls at the town's Omicho market, where fresh fish and crab are brought daily from the Sea of Japan along with vegetables from the surrounding countryside. A great dish to try here is chirashi-zushi, which consists of scattered seasoned sushi rice topped with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and raw fish. We'll also visit Kenrokoen Gardens which took nearly two centuries to complete and translate from their original Japanese as the 'Garden of the Six Sublimities'.

This afternoon, we'll travel by train once more (a two-hour journey) to the city of Osaka. Japan's second city is famed for its modern architecture, buzzing nightlife and tasty street food. This evening your tour leader will take you on a street food tour around the Namba area, one of Osaka's most vibrant and interesting districts where miles of covered arcades criss-crossed by canals and rivers open up to back streets filled with history and small shops. We'll get to try a few local delicacies such as Takoyaki - also known as Octopus balls, Okonomiyaki - a type of savoury cabbage-based pancake filled with pretty much whatever you like, Kushikatsu - skewered meat and vegetables that are deep-fried, and ramen - pulled noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavoured with soy sauce or miso.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Travel by train to Hiroshima and visit Miyajima Island

Our main luggage will be forwarded to Kyoto today and we'll use our overnight bags again. A couple of morning train journeys take us to Hiroshima. This thought-provoking city was completely destroyed on the 6th of August 1945 as the target of the first atomic bomb to be used in wartime. Hiroshima has literally risen from the ashes and is now a thriving, friendly city. Travel around the city is easy, thanks to the colourful street trams, brought in all over Japan after the war.

Just off the coast of Hiroshima is the tiny island of Miyajima which we'll visit upon arrival today. The relaxed feel of this island is enhanced by the deer that roam freely through the streets. As you arrive on the ferry, you can take in the famous view of the floating torii gate. Considered to be one of the most iconic sights in Japan, these red gates appear to float on the water with the hills of the island forming a spectacular backdrop. There are various hiking trails to explore and a cable car to the top of Mount Misen for great views. You might also like to take time to visit some of the island's many shrines before we take the ferry back to the mainland.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Experience the poignant Peace Park and Peace Museum. Bullet train to Kyoto and explore Nijo Castle

First thing this morning, we'll have time to visit the Peace Memorial Park and the well-presented museum on the site of the 1945 A-bomb hypocentre. Whilst serving as poignant reminders of the nuclear holocaust, their overwhelming message is of hope that such horrors will never reoccur.

Later this morning, we'll make our way back to the train station for the journey to Kyoto, which takes around two hours. The imperial capital for more than 1,000 years, Kyoto has more than 2,000 temples and shrines, many set in perfectly manicured landscaped and tranquil gardens. We'll start exploring this fabulous city this afternoon with a visit to Nijo Castle. Built in 1603 as a Shogun palace, it's a great example of the sumptuous setting in which the Shogun would have held audiences with his samurai warriors. The extensive gardens and gates are impressive, but the real ingenuity of the castle is the nightingale floors, so called because they are designed to make a chirping noise when walked upon, thus making it impossible to sneak up on the castle's inhabitants. The rest of the afternoon is left free to explore.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Explore Kyoto's temples and gardens - full-day tour with local guide

We'll spend today exploring more of Kyoto and visiting some of the city's many temples.

We'll start with a traditional tea ceremony and take time to explore Kyoto's charming streets, soaking up the unique atmosphere. Accompanied by a professional local guide, we'll head on to Ryoan-ji Temple with its beautiful Zen gardens and famous rock garden. The exact history of the gardens is unknown, but it's thought the temple was converted from an aristocrat's villa in 1450. Whilst in the gardens try testing out the theory that at least one of the rocks is hidden from every vantage point. We'll then explore the famous Golden Pavilion. The temple is a three-storey building with the top two tiers covered in gold leaf. Set in a lake, the building appears to float on the water and the reflections, coupled with the background of forest make it worthy of its place on many Japanese postcards.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - Tour ends in Kyoto

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Kyoto.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Kyoto at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is approximately one hour and thirty minutes by train, or Osaka International Airport (ITM) which takes around an hour by shuttle bus. Please note that you'll be required to walk a short distance from the hotel to the train station or bus collection point and that the transfer will be unescorted.

Please note, our itinerary allows for limited time in Kyoto, if you'd like to explore more of Japan's cultural capital, we recommend adding additional nights to your trip.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Japan

Climate

Japan's climate is mostly temperate, with five distinct seasons. Summer is from June to September with temperatures reaching 30°c, although it can vary from warm to very hot after mid-July with temperatures in the mid-30s. July and August can be very hot and humid. Spring and Autumn are mild throughout Japan. Winter, October to April, is cold with snowfall. The main rainy season is June. Japan can be prone to short, tropical cyclones in August to October. October / November although cooler is a great time to see the Autumn colours. For trips that visit the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Onsen, you're very likely to see them all year around, aside from in October/November when there is enough food in the forest to prevent them coming down to the baths. You may still see some at this time but not in the numbers found during the rest of the year.

Time difference to GMT

+9

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Buddhism, Christian and Shinto

Language

Japanese

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Rain gear is essential all year. You will need warm clothing from October through until April when temperatures drop, especially at night. December until February are particularly cold so bring extra layers if you are travelling at this time.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes, and sandals for relaxing. Comfortable shoes, and sandals for relaxing. Shoes that are easy to put on and take off are recommended for visiting temples and sites.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

You should take one main piece of baggage and a daypack.

There are a few days on the tour when you will not have your main luggage so will need to pack the day bag with your essentials.

Your main luggage is forwarded on day 3 from Tokyo to Osaka and on day 5 from Osaka to the final destination at Kyoto. Your daypack should therefore have sufficient space for the overnight stays in Kanazawa and Hiroshima. The reason we include this luggage forwarding service is to avoid being encumbered on the train journeys.


Equipment

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Japan

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8
Dinner price
£15-20
Beer price
£4
Water price
£1.00 - 2.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Yen.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
It is preferable to take money in Yen or GBP, USD etc.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available. Some ATMs do not accept western bank/credit cards. Your Tour Leader can advise you locally if needed.
Credit Card Acceptance
In major restaurants and stores. Credit cards are not always accepted in smaller shops or restaurants. Ask your leader if needing any help with budgeting or being prepared for when cash is needed.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Train

Accommodation notes

During this tour, we stay in comfortable-graded hotels. Each one has been chosen with location in mind and is just a short walk from the nearest metro or train stations.

While clean and comfortable, hotel rooms and ensuite bathrooms in Japan are often much smaller than in other destinations. This is due to the pressure on space in high-density urban areas coupled with Japanese expectations about the size of living spaces. It's unlikely that you'll be able to keep your suitcase open at all times, especially when sharing the room. For this reason, and the fact we use a lot of public transport, we recommend packing light. Please see our luggage information for more information.

Most hotels in Japan have self-service laundry facilities with washer driers that dispense detergent and softener, so it's perfectly possible to travel light and clean your clothes as you go.

Food and drink

Food in Japan is of paramount importance culturally and is often a highlight for those visitors interested in different cuisines. Options for vegetarians are limited as fish and seafood plays an important part in local cuisine and many vegetable dishes are cooked in fish broth. The included meals do not cover alcoholic or soft drinks. For people with severe allergies please note that it will be impossible to cater without risk of cross contamination, depending on the specific allergy, as the meal is often prepared by one chef in a limited kitchen for all guests staying at the guesthouse. You should always advise us of any allergies but in this case please enquire at time of booking or prior to travel to see what will be possible. For others with allergies and preferences in their diet please note that we will try to accommodate but, while the meal will be plentiful, you may be offered slightly less choice than others.

Japan

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry. Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for the latest advice on entry requirements. Information can change at any time.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

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British passport holder do not require visa to enter Japan for tourism purposes.

All visa related issues for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Japan Rail Pass - A clear copy, either as a scanned photocopy or photo, of your main passport photo page is required. Please ensure that all the information is clearly visible with none of the edges missing. This is required by our local agent to issue your Japan Rail Pass and is required no later than 6 weeks prior to travel. Explore will request this from you approximately 8 weeks prior to departure. If your passport copy is not received on time this will mean we cannot issue you a Japan Rail Pass. Instead you will be issued individual rail tickets for the included journeys and you will not have the benefit of a Japan Rail Pass, which enables you to travel effectively for free on local trains and the Tokyo Monorail in your free time while the pass is valid. Similarly for late bookings it will not be possible to issue a Japan Rail Pass if the cut off date has already passed, and you will be issued single tickets instead.

Although not required, by registering on the visit Japan Web website, travellers are able fill out the Disembarkation Form and Custom Declaration Form in advance. By filling out these forms online, two QR codes will be produced that can be shown during entry procedures into Japan. This may help you proceed through customs and control quicker. As this step is not required, travellers can instead fill out physical paper forms upon arrival as well.
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If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Japan

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory. We recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. The use or possession of Vicks inhalers and some other common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g. for allergies and sinus problems or even certain mild painkillers, such as those containing certain levels of codeine) are banned under Japan's strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance about these medicines. If in any doubt about customs procedures for such items, you should check with the nearest Japanese Embassy before visiting Japan. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

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