12 Day Wonderful Japan
Australian Owned
Bullet Train included
Return Flights Included
7-Day Change of Mind
Day by Day Itinerary
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto
Highlights
- Ride the iconic Japanese bullet train
- Tour Tokyo’s incredible sites including the Meiji Shrine, the historic Asakusa, and the grounds of the Imperial Palace
- Take in views of Mount Fuji and a boat cruise on Lake Ashi
- Visit Kanazawa with free time to visit the stunning Kenrokuen Gardens – one of the most beautiful in Japan
- Ample time in Takayama to explore this historic city at your own pace
- Experience the moving memorials in Hiroshima and the floating torii gate at Miyajima Island
- Option to stop and visit Himeji’s “White Heron Castle” – the largest surviving traditional Japanese castle
- Tour Kyoto exploring imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses
- Explore Nara on a guided tour to visit Todai-ji Temple – home to one of the largest bronze buddha statues in the world
Itinerary
Tokyo
Konichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo – Japan!
On arrival, you will be met by a local representative the arrivals hall and transferred to your accommodation.
Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Meal: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Please note:
If purchasing the land only option, please be advised that transfers are not included. You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel.
Depending on the time of your departure flight, the start date of your tour may be the day prior.
Tokyo
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.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Tokyo
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish, giving you the opportunity to discover new sights, shop, or simply relax. Alternatively, you may choose to participate in an optional tour, which is available for those interested in enhancing their experience with additional activities.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Optional tour: ‘Tokyo in-depth’
Spend a full day exploring the vibrant and dynamic side of Tokyo. Start by visiting the renowned fish market, then head to Odaiba, an artificial island, where you’ll explore the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation) and take in stunning views of the Rainbow Bridge spanning Tokyo Bay. The day concludes with a transfer to the bustling Shibuya district, known for its iconic intersection, often considered the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.
Tokyo 
Kanazawa
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then head to the train station to board your bullet (shinkansen) train to Kanazawa. With your Japan Rail Pass, you’ll travel for approximately 2.5 hours at speeds exceeding 300 km/h. Upon arrival, make your won way to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
While in Kanazawa, we recommend visiting Kenroku-en Park, renowned as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. Explore the Omicho-Ichiba Market, famous for its exceptional seafood, and visit the Nagamachi Yuzen-kan, which features stunning kimonos crafted from Kaga Yuzen silk, a traditional local technique.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kanazawa New Grand Hotel 3* or similar
Please note: Your luggage will be transported separately all the way to Takayama by courier. We recommend to pack an overnight bag for your overnight stay in Kanazawa
Kanazawa 
Shirakawa-Go Takayama
After breakfast, board your coach for the journey to Takayama. On the way, we’ll stop at Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village renowned for its distinctive sloping thatched-roof houses, which have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. After free time to explore, we’ll continue to Takayama, where the remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. We suggest visiting the Sanmachi-suji district, the historic heart of the city, where you can stroll among traditional sake breweries and charming houses that have been transformed into craft shops.
This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at the ryokan, offering a taste of authentic local cuisine.
Meal: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hoshokaku Hotel 3* or similar
Takayama Nagoya Hiroshima
Today, we’ll utilize our rail pass to journey from Takayama to Hiroshima, with a transfer in Nagoya. Before we depart, we suggest taking some time to explore the local morning markets in Takayama, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere and discover fresh produce and regional specialties. Additionally, a visit to Takayama Jin’ya is highly recommended. This historic site was once the residence of the lord of the Kanamori clan and later served as the administrative seat for the governor of the ancient Hida province, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history.
Upon arriving in Hiroshima, you’ll check into your hotel and have the remainder of the day free to explore at your own pace, relax, or enjoy the local cuisine and attractions.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima 3* or similar
Please note: Your luggage will be transported separately to Kyoto by courier. We recommend to pack an overnight bag for your two nights in Hiroshima.
Hiroshima
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Today, you’ll spend a full day visiting Miyajima Island, accessible by ferry. Explore the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, which features a series of stilted structures dating back to the sixth century, and is renowned for its majestic torii gate that rises from the water. Afterward, return to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park, along with the Atomic Bomb Dome, which stands as a poignant reminder of the city’s history and resilience.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima 3* or similar
Hiroshima Himeji Kyoto
Depart from Hiroshima to Kyoto via shinkansen train using your Japan Rail Pass. If you wish, you can make a stop in Himeji, approximately one hour from Hiroshima by shinkansen, to visit Himeji Castle. Known as the “White Heron Castle,” it underwent restoration work completed in 2015. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated not only for its stunning appearance but also as a rare example of an original castle structure that has remained largely intact.
After your visit to Himeji, continue your journey to Kyoto, which is about an hour from Himeji by shinkansen. Upon arrival in Kyoto, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or similar
Kyoto
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or similar
Kyoto Nara Fushimi Kyoto
After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Kyoto to Nara via rapid train. Spend the entire day exploring Nara with an English-speaking guide. Begin with a visit to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Continue to the impressive Kasuga Shinto Shrine, known for its thousands of lanterns that illuminate the surroundings. Both sites are located within Nara Park, where you can encounter numerous fallow deer roaming freely. On the return journey to Kyoto, make a stop at Fushimi Inari Taisha to marvel at its iconic endless rows of red torii gates. Afterward, return to your hotel in Kyoto.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or similar
Kyoto Osaka (Kansai Airport) Home
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You will have free time to explore or relax until it’s time to head to the airport. We will drive you to Kansai Airport for your flight back home.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in-flight
Please note: If purchasing 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
Arrive home today.
We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Japan trip with AVG Travels.
Included
- Return international flights
- Return airport transfers
- Small group tour – no more than 24 travellers
- Incredible sightseeing of Tokyo’s main sites – Experience incredible views of Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko, visit the well-preserved old town of Takayama, tour the ancient capital of Kyoto, delve into the history, culture and cuisine of Osaka, visit the moving Peace Park memorial in Hiroshima and the floating torii gate & Itsukushima Shrine of Miyajima Island
- 12-nights in central 3-star & 4-star hotels
- Breakfast daily
- Ride the iconic Japanese bullet train
- Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
- Local English speaking tour guides
Excluded
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Tipping
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
AVG Travels offers you a pay in “3 Instalment Payment Plan” as follows
- First payment: $300 per person deposit due at time of booking
- Second payment: $3,000 per person due 7 days after the initial booking.
- Final payment: Balance due 120 days before your departure date.
Please note AVG Travels 7-day cooling off offer.
Please refer to the “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking, you can request a full refund of your initial deposit. Please note, after 7 days, our standard terms and conditions apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including name, booking number and the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This package includes international flights from Sydney or Melbourne.
Interstate Surcharge
Surcharge of $400 for departures from Adelaide & Brisbane & and $500 for departures from Perth
Airline Selection: We book the best available airlines for your journey, which may include a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. Specific airline requests can be made at the time of purchase. This includes upgrades to your preferred carrier, premium economy or business class cabins or specific seats. Whilst we will try our best, not all requests can be confirmed.
Flight Conditions: Flights may not be direct and could involve a maximum of two transits.
Ticketing Information: Once issued, tickets are non-refundable. Changes are subject to airline rules, airline change fees, and an AVG Travels change fee of $250 per person.
Passenger Details: Please ensure all traveller names are as per passports. This includes all middle names. Errors may incur a name change fee of $150 plus airline charges, or require the purchase of a new ticket.
Flight Schedule Changes: Any changes or cancellations to airline schedules are outside our control. We recommend staying updated with airline schedules before departure. Additional expenses for extended transits or alternative arrangements are the traveller’s responsibility.
Internal Airfares: Local flights included in your itinerary may utilise low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage is included; any additional baggage fees are payable at check-in.
Booking Considerations: If travelling with others on separate bookings, we may not be able to guarantee all flights are the same due to availability.
Luggage and Fees: You are responsible for your luggage at all times. Excess baggage fees, if incurred, are payable directly to the airline. All tickets will include 20 kg checked baggage per person, plus 7 kg of hand luggage. We recommend travelling with a max 20kg per person due to restrictions on internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Please note, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included.
No-Show Policy: Missing your flight may result in fees including a no-show fee, airline reissue fee, and possible new ticket purchase. AVG Travels charges a $250 admin fee for re-booking assistance.
Price Adjustments: Prices are final at the time of ticketing. Any subsequent changes may result in additional costs due to factors beyond our control, such as currency fluctuations or airline surcharges.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
- Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
- Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
- Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
- Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
- Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
Tour by AVG Travels
Our AVG Travels Experts have crafted this itinerary, blending local insights and travellers preferences to create this unforgettable experience. We have considered attractions, logistics, and unique opportunities, ensuring each detail aligns perfectly. Our expertise transforms trips into seamless adventures, offering bespoke inclusions that will ultimately enhance your time touring with AVG Travels.
Land Only Packages
Transfers ARE NOT included for land only packages.
Please note that customers purchasing the land only option need to make their own way to the joining hotel and the airport at the end of the tour. Asia Vacation Group can assist with purchasing private transfers if choosing the land only option.
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required. Participants should be comfortable navigating stairs, boarding and disembarking from the coach, and walking reasonable distances, typically around 2 kilometers per day or more. Please disclose any physical conditions at the time of booking to assess suitability for the tour.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Please be advised that tipping for tour guides, drivers and bellmen are required and will be collected by your travel consultant 7 days before you depart. A gratuity of $10 per person/day can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry as they have done an impeccable job to serve you through your holiday. Please note that tipping is not the norm in Japan.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while travelling.
We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is AU$1,190 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Group size:
Min 10
Max 24 travellers
Triple Share
Upon request
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages. Visa conditions are subject to change at short notice, so it is the responsibility of the traveller to consult with the relevant consulates to ensure they have the appropriate visa for entry to the countries being visited.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan, for stays less than 90 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Cherry Blossoms
Please note that Cherry Blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
Luggage Policy:
1 Passenger is limited to carrying a maximum of 2 Suitcases with following Dimensions;
1 Suitcase having measurement of L 51 cm x W 31 cm x H 77 cm, with maximum weight 30 KG
1 Common Carry on Cabin Suitcase having L 38cm x W 23cm x H 60cm, with maximum weight of 10kg
Extra Charge for transfers is needed for any overweight and over quota luggage
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
- AU$300 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
Post Tour Accommodation
- AU$ 300 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
Please select the number of extra nights required in the ‘Additional Nights Accommodation’ field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
Wide variety of well priced Tours of Asia. I found the Tours available to choose
Our holiday was an amazing experience we enjoyed the scheduled tours all were very interesting.
We were very happy and had no problem at all when booking
This is the 2nd time that I have booked with Asia Vacation
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