11 Day Best of Japan
Return Flights Included
Independent Travel
Rail Pass & Bullet Train Included
7-Day Change Of Mind
Day by Day Itinerary
Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama
Highlights
- Independent touring of Japan’s iconic cities by rail
- Three exciting bullet train rides
- Guided tour of Tokyo including the Hokusai Museum, the historic Asakusa district, a walk around the Imperial Palace, and the upscale Ginza district
- Tour Kyoto’s iconic sites with an expert local guide including the Golden Pavilion, the Ryoanji Temple and the ancient Gion district
- Free time to explore Kanazawa and Takayama at your own pace
- Traditional dinner in a ryokan
Itinerary
Home 
Tokyo
Konichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo – Japan!
On arrival, use your included rail pass to make your way to your hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Meal: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Tokyo
After breakfast, spend a full day exploring Tokyo with an English-speaking guide. Start at the Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the iconic Japanese artist who spent his entire life in Tokyo. Next, visit the historic Asakusa district, home to Sensō-ji Temple, the city’s oldest temple, and stroll along Nakamise-dori boulevard, known for its traditional shops.
Continue with a walk around the Imperial Palace, where you’ll see the famous Nijubashi Bridge, and explore the upscale Ginza district. The day concludes with a visit to the Bunkyo Civic Center, a skyscraper offering a panoramic view of the bustling metropolis from its observation deck.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Optional Tour: Kamakura & Hakone visited
Full-day guided tour in English. Depart for Kamakura and visit the famous Great Buddha, the monumental statue originally housed in the Kotokuin temple that has stood alone under the Kamakura sky since 1495, when the temple was destroyed by a tsunami; and then to the Hasedera Temple, with its splendid garden full of hydrangeas and colorful flowers. In the afternoon, an excursion to the natural beauty of Hakone, from which the majestic Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance (weather permitting). Visit to the sacred Hakone Shrine and the ‘boiling’ valley of Owakudani.
Tokyo 
Kyoto
Following breakfast at the hotel, make your own way to the train station for your shinkansen train arriving at Kyoto Station in the early afternoon.
Meet your English-speaking guide at the hotel lobby for tour of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. The visit will touch on the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the city’s iconic temple made famous by the novel by the writer Yukio Mishima, and will continue with the Ryoanji Temple, famous for its rock garden whose elements are arranged in such a way that they can never be seen all at once. On the way back, stroll through the ancient Gion district, known for its tea houses and the maiko, would-be geishas, who are occasionally seen wandering its alleys.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or similar
Please note: Luggage will be transported separately to Kyoto by courier and will arrive the next day. Please be sure to pack an overnight bag for your first night stay Kyoto.
Kyoto
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have the entire day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Take this opportunity to discover the city’s many attractions, wander through its historic streets, or relax in its serene gardens. If you prefer a more guided experience, you also have the option to join an organized tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or similar
Optional Tour: Nara & Fushimi visited.
Full day sightseeing tour of Nara. Visit Todai-ji, a temple housing the Great Buddha, one of the world’s largest bronze statues, and the large Shinto shrine Kasuga, surrounded by some 10,000 lanterns. Both buildings are located in Nara Park, where numerous deer live in semi freedom. Return to Kyoto, stopping en route at the Fushimi Inari Taisha to admire its endless red portals. Meals not included. Return to the hotel.
Kyoto
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. You’ll then have a full day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. We recommend visiting the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple and Sanjusangen-do, which features 1,001 wooden statues of the Bodhisattva Kannon. Alternatively, you can use a rechargeable IC card to travel to nearby locations such as Uji, known for its green tea and the UNESCO-listed Byodo-in temple, or Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or similar
Kyoto Kanazawa
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then make your own way to the train station to travel to Kanazawa by express train (2nd class) using your included Japan Rail Pass. On arrival, make your way to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.
In Kanazawa, we recommend a visit to Kenroku-en Park, considered one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan; the Omicho-ichiba market, renowned especially for its fish products; and the Nagamachi Yuzenkan, where splendid kimonos made of Kaga Yuzen silk, the traditional technique of the area, are on display.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Kanazawa New Grand Hotel 3* or similar
Please note: Luggage will be transported separately to Tokyo by courier. Please be sure to pack an overnight bag for your first night stay Kanazawa and Takayama.
Kanazawa Takayama
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning, make your way to the train station for a 30-minute journey to Toyama on the bullet train (Shinkansen) in 2nd class. From Toyama, continue your journey on an express train (2nd class) to Takayama, which takes approximately 1.5 hours, using your Japan Rail Pass.
Upon arrival in Takayama, proceed to your hotel and then spend the rest of the day at your leisure. We suggest exploring the Sanmachi-suji district, the heart of the old town, where you can wander through traditional sake breweries and distinctive houses that have been transformed into craft shops.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at the ryokan.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hoshokaku Hotel 3* or similar
Takayama Nagoya Tokyo
Spend the morning exploring Takayama at your own pace before heading to the train station for your journey back to Tokyo. Using your included Rail Pass, board an express train for a 2.5-hour ride to Nagoya. You may want to stop here for lunch, as Nagoya is renowned for its grilled eel (unagi). Continue your journey on the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Tokyo, arriving about 2 hours later.
Upon arrival in Tokyo, make your way to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Tokyo Home
Today, make your way to the train station and use your Japan Rail Pass to transfer to the airport for your included flight. Alternately, you may wish to purchase the limousine bus transfer service available direct from your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: in-flight
Please note: Please ensure you arrive at either Narita or Haneda Airport at least 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight.
Home
Arrive home today.
We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Japan trip with Asia Vacation Group.
Included
- Return international flights
- Japan Rail Pass in 2nd Class for all train travel and airport transfers
- 3-star centrally located hotels
- Private full day guided tour of Tokyo
- Afternoon guided tour of Kyoto
- Daily breakfast and 1 dinner
- Luggage transportation
- All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
Excluded
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Tipping
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a pay in “3 Instalment Payment Plan” as follows
- First payment: $300 per person deposit due at time of booking
- Second payment: $2,000 per person due 7 days after the initial booking.
- Final payment: Balance due 120 days before your departure date.
Please note Asia Vacation Group’s 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/Melbourne/Adelaide/Brisbane/Perth.
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 Asia Vacations Group 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. Asia Vacations Group 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.
Important Information
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.
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.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,150 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size: from 2 persons
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’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.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan, for stays less than 90 days.
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
If you want to request your early arrival or extended departure, you are able to request the pre & post tour accommodation below:
Pre Tour Accommodation
$360 per room, per night
Post Tour Accommodation
$360 per room, per night
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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