Tour Routing
Highlights
- Explore Tokyo’s Asakusa neighbourhood, home to the ancient Sensō-ji Temple. Marvel at the grand Kaminarimon Gate and stroll along Nakamise Street, which offers a vibrant selection of traditional crafts and Japanese treats.
- Visit Nara’s historic Tōdai-ji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue, Daibutsu. Explore Nara Park where you’ll encounter friendly sika deer roaming freely, adding a unique charm to this cultural experience.
- Osaka Castle: Discover the historical Osaka Castle, a stunning example of Japanese architecture from the 16th century. This iconic landmark played a pivotal role in Japan’s feudal history and offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto: Stroll through the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Japan’s most photographed sites. This shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god Inari, provides an unforgettable experience as you walk through its winding paths in the serene forested hills.
- Himeji Castle: Marvel at Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, renowned for its elegant design and historical significance. As one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, Himeji Castle offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Japan’s medieval architecture.
- Explore More: Looking for a longer tour? Here are some options that allow you to gain a deeper insight into the region.
Itinerary
Tokyo, Japan
Welcome to Tokyo – Japan!
Upon arrival at Narita Airport, please go to lobby A at Narita Airport and you will be greeted by our representative with the “AVG Travels” logo. They will take you to the hotel to check in.
The rest of the day at leisure or explore the city on your own.
Meals: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Toyoko Inn Narita Airport Shinkan 3* or Similar
Important Information:
- If you purchase the land only option, please be advised transfers are not included. You will need to make your own way to the hotel.
- With all the flight delays without notice from your side, our driver will wait for you at the airport only 90 minutes from your landing time. After 90 minutes, the driver will leave, and you have to transfer to the hotel on your own (at your own expense)
- If the guest arrives at the hotel on their own without notifying the designated contact person and does not meet the driver as arranged, no refund will be issued.
- The standard check-in time at the hotel is 03.00pm. If you arrive before the standard check-in time of, you can leave the luggage at the hotel reception until a room is available. Although early check-in may be permitted, it is subject to availability and solely at the hotel’s sole discretion. Any fees associated with early check-in must be paid directly to the hotel.
Tipping Information: Tips in Japan is 10 AUD/person/day for tour guides and drivers (The total tip amount will correspond to the number of days in your tour package). Our tour guide in Tokyo will collect tips on the second day of the tour.
TokyoCity Tour
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full day of exploring Tokyo with an English-speaking guide. The day begins with a visit to the Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the renowned Japanese artist who spent his entire life in Tokyo.
Next, you’ll explore the vibrant Asakusa district, home to Senso-ji Temple, the city’s oldest temple, and the bustling Nakamise-dori street lined with traditional shops. The tour continues with a stroll around the Imperial Palace, featuring the iconic Nijubashi bridge, and a visit to the sophisticated Ginza district. The day concludes with a stop at the Bunkyo Civic Center, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis from its observation deck.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: KOKO Hotels premier Nihonbashi Hamacho 3* or Similar
TokyoHakoneLake AshiKawaguchiko
After breakfast, depart Tokyo and journey to the picturesque Hakone national park. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, set within the caldera of Mount Hakone and renowned for its views of Mount Fuji. The lake’s western-inspired boats offer scenic rides through this forested area, which has long attracted hikers and sightseers.
Next, travel to Lake Kawaguchiko, the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, known for its breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji. Check into your hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner. The evening is yours to explore the local nightlife at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: The Celecton Hotel Gotemba interchange 3* or Similar
KawaguchikoMt. FujiHamamatsu.
Today, we departed Kawaguchiko and traveled by coach to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting). This point is halfway up Japan’s tallest peak, known as one of the country’s three holy mountains. From here, if the weather is clear, we’ll enjoy views of the majestic summit above the clouds.
Following your exploration of the Mount Fuji area, you’ll continue your journey to Hamamatsu. Upon arrival, you’ll have the evening free to relax and explore at your own pace. Enjoy an overnight stay in Hamamatsu.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Route Inn Hamamatsu Dealer Dori 3* or Similar
HamamatsuNaraOsaka
Today, we’ll travel to Nara, renowned for its historic temples and free-roaming deer. Our first stop is Tōdai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), one of Japan’s most iconic temples. This grand structure houses one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues, known as Daibutsu. After visiting the temple, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through Nara Park, where you can encounter hundreds of friendly sika deer roaming freely.
Following our time in Nara, we’ll head to Osaka. There, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the lively Dōtonbori area. This bustling district, running alongside the Dōtonbori Canal, is famous for its vibrant shopping scene, delicious street food, lively bars, and entertainment options. As evening falls, the area lights up with a dazzling array of colorful neon signs and mechanized displays, including the iconic Glico Man and Kani Doraku crab signs. After the tour, you’ll have the evening free to enjoy Osaka at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: KOKO HOTEL Osaka Shinsaibashi 4* or Similar
Osaka Free Day
Today, you have free time to explore Osaka at your leisure.
You can wander through its vibrant shopping districts, savor local cuisine, or visit landmarks like Osaka Castle. Alternatively, you may purchase an optional tour to Kyoto, where you can see highlights such as Fushimi Inari Shrine or Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: KOKO HOTEL Osaka Shinsaibashi 4* or Similar
Optional tour: Guided Day Trip to Kyoto
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, which follows the scenic Lake Biwa Canal. This path is ideal for a leisurely walk, especially during the cherry blossom season in March or April. You’ll also visit Heian Jingu Shrine, a relatively recent Shinto shrine established in 1895. Despite its modern origins, it boasts impressive features, including a towering torii gate that reaches nearly 25 meters in height. The garden behind the main hall, a prime example of Meiji-era garden design, is adorned with several weeping cherry trees. Next, explore Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Zen temple renowned for its two floors covered in pure gold leaf, set within a stunning classical Zen Garden. The temple’s architecture integrates three distinct styles: Shinden, Samurai, and Zen.
OsakaHimejiKuraishikiHiroshima
After breakfast, depart Osaka to visit Himeji Castle, also known as the “White Heron Castle.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle, consisting of 83 buildings. Its white roof, reminiscent of a heron in flight, gives it its popular name, Shirasagi-jō. Enjoy stunning views of Himeji city from the castle grounds.
Next, travel to Kurashiki, located on Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. Explore the Bikan Historical Quarter, renowned for its well-preserved historic buildings and charming local shops. After your visit, transfer to your hotel in Hiroshima.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: HOTEL MYSTAYS Hiroshima Peace Park 3* or Similar
HiroshimaMiyajima IslandOsaka
After breakfast, board a ferry for a short trip to Miyajima Island, renowned for its lush forests and ancient temples. On arrival, visit the iconic “floating” torii gate, which appears to be partially submerged at high tide and marks the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine, first built in the 12th century. Nearby, explore the Museum of History and Folklore, housed in a 19th-century merchant’s home and showcasing cultural artifacts. Enjoy a stroll along Omotesando Shopping Street, where you can grab lunch before returning to Hiroshima by ferry. Upon returning to Hiroshima, visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, or Genbaku Dome, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. This partially ruined building is one of the few structures that survived the 1945 atomic bombing and stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s resilience and the tragedy of war.
Next, tour the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which features moving and significant exhibits. The eternal flame in the cenotaph symbolizes the city’s hope for the abolition of nuclear weapons, intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon is destroyed.
Afterwards we made our way back to Osaka. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: HATAGO INN Kansai Airport 3* or Similar
OsakaHome
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You will have free time to explore or relax until it’s time to head to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: On plane
Note: If you purchase the land only option, please be advised airport transfers will not be included and you will need to make your own way to the airport.
Home
You arrived home today. We hope you had a pleasant trip in Japan and see you again on your next trip with AVG Travels!
Dates & Prices
