asia·Multi-day tour·13 days
13-Day Japan Essentials Flexible Tour from Tokyo to Hiroshima: Hakone, Osaka and Kyoto
★ 4.7· 35 reviewsSelect Meals Included
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Explore the streets of Tokyo
• Take in the epic Mt Fuji
• Stroll down the Bamboo Forest
• Visit Fushimi-Inari Red Torii Gates, Gion District, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Miyajima Island, Senso-ji Temple
• Take in the epic Mt Fuji
• Stroll down the Bamboo Forest
• Visit Fushimi-Inari Red Torii Gates, Gion District, Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Miyajima Island, Senso-ji Temple
13 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Arrive in Tokyo
Touch down in Tokyo! Once you reach your hostel in the historic Asakusa area, your tour guide will be there to welcome you. Tonight, you will enjoy a Japanese cuisine feast and get to know the other members of your group. After dinner, when the crowds have dispersed, you will have the chance to explore the Tokyo Senso-ji Temple by night, which is an iconic landmark.
Activities: Welcome Dinner, Senso-Ji Temple
Free Time Suggestions: Tokyo Skytree
Physical Rating: LowMeals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Multishare (mixed gender) dorms - Sakura Hostel Asakusa - 2
Day 2 — Explore Tokyo, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park & Akihabara
In the morning, you will attend a Japan Orientation Briefing where you will learn about simple Japanese customs and phrases. After that, you will head to Harajuku, the birthplace of Japanese teen pop culture, followed by a visit to Yoyogi Park, which houses the beautiful Meiji Shrine.
Later in the day, you will be heading to Akihabara, also known as Tokyo's electric town. Here, you will be amazed by the neon lights and the variety of shops around the area. You can engage in arcade games, explore the famous Maid Cafes, or simply wander around the town. For those of you who want to try street go-karting*, this will be your chance! Take to the streets in a go-kart while wearing your favorite character costume.
Activities: Japan Orientation, Tokyo Districts
Free Time Suggestions: Maid Cafe
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Akihabara
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Multishare (mixed gender) Dorms - Sakura Hostel Asakusa - 3
Day 3 — Explore Tokyo & Shibuya evening
You have the first half of the day to yourself. Your guide will be available to assist you with your plans, but you could attend a sushi-making class*, visit the Imperial Palace, or simply wander around this enchanting city.
Later in the evening, you will travel to Shinjuku, where you can take in an unparalleled view of Tokyo's skyline, explore the famous Omoide Yokocho Alley and have dinner before observing the iconic Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing.
* Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability.
Activities: Shibuya Crossing, city walks
Optional Extras: Sushi Class
Free Time Suggestions: TeamLab
Physical Rating: MediumMeals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Multishare (mixed) Dorms - Sakura Hostel Asakusa - 4
Day 4 — Hakone, Mt Fuji Viewing & Romance Car
Today, you will embark on a journey to the beautiful mountain town of Hakone by taking the "Romance Car." On your arrival, you will check into your guesthouse and then take a train deeper into the mountains to explore.Hakone is known for its delicious food and offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). After a day of exploring and taking pictures of Japan's most famous mountain, you will return to your guesthouse for a family-style dinner.
* If you have asthma/respiratory condition, the brief visit to Owakudani is not advisable, please speak to your guide for an alternate arrangement.
Activities: Mt Fuji Viewing
Physical Rating: Medium
Mount Fuji
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Twin or Triple Tatami Mats - Gora Gaku Guesthouse - 5
Day 5 — To Kyoto! Gion District Walking Tour & Yakitori
Say goodbye to the peaceful surroundings of Hakone, you will take the bullet train journey to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan. On your arrival, you will check into your accommodation, which is conveniently located near the traditional area. After settling in, you will set out to explore the surrounding neighbourhood.
In the evening, you will be accompanied by a guide on a walking tour of Kyoto's Gion district. This area is famous for its Geishas, the traditional art form of entertainment in Japan. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of one. After the walking tour, you will be treated to a delicious dinner at one of the best yakitori (grilled chicken sticks) places in town, which is included in your tour.
Activities: Gion District Walking Tour
Free Time Suggestions: Geisha Performance
Physical Rating: MediumMeals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Included(Dinner at Torikizoku)Stay: Multishare (mixed gender) dorm - Piece Hostel Kyoto - 6
Day 6 — Kyoto, Kiyomizu-Dera & Fushimi-Inari
You will wake up before dawn and take the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. You and your group will arrive early to avoid the huge crowds of tourists and explore the winding corridors of the red gates that seem to go on forever.
After that, you will head towards Kiyomizu-dera temple, which is one of Japan's most famous temples, and an absolute must-see. It is a breathtaking bamboo and wooden complex that sits high on the mountainside. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore at your own pace. If you want to experience the traditional side of Japan, you can choose to participate in a tea ceremony* and rent a kimono.
*Must be booked 30 days before the tour start date. Subject to availability.
Activities: Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari Shrine
Optional Extras: Kimono Hire, tea ceremony
Free Time Suggestions: Nishiki Market
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kiyomizu-dera
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Multishare (mixed gender) dorm - Piece Hostel Kyoto - 7
Day 7 — Kyoto: Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain
Your day will start with a train ride to Arashiyama, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and a river flowing through it. Today's itinerary includes a visit to the stunning bamboo forest, a climb up Monkey Mountain, and an optional traditional Japanese boat ride through the valleys. You will have the afternoon free to explore the town at your leisure.
Activities: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Mountain
Free Time Suggestions: Arashiyama traditional boat
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Arashiyama
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Multishare (mixed gender) dorm - Piece Hostel Kyoto - 8
Day 8 — Osaka: Golden Pavilion, Zen Garden, Osaka Food Walk
You will head to the breathtaking Golden Pavilion, a stunning building covered in gold and surrounded by a lake and a beautiful traditional Japanese garden. After that, you will visit the peaceful Daitoku-ji, a complex of old temples nestled in a leafy area where you can reflect on your adventures so far in a serene environment.
Later, you will be exploring the famous Dotonbori area in Osaka, where you will experience the food, the people, the lights, and the vibrant colours of the "kitchen of Japan." Your guide will show you the best spots for street food, and you will have the chance to taste some of the delicacies that make Osaka such a renowned foodie city. The evening will finish with a night of karaoke and drinks.
Activities: Golden Pavilion, Zen Garden visit, Imperial Palace visit, Osaka Food Tour, karaoke
Free Time Suggestions: Heian Shrine
Physical Rating: Medium
Dotonbori
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Multishare (mixed gender) Dorm - Grand Hostel LDK Osaka Shinsaibashi - 9
Day 9 — Osaka: Osaka Castle Gardens
After nursing your head from last night's antics, we thought it best to give you the morning off to explore Osaka yourself. You may choose to visit AmericaTown, where you can explore unique shops and cafes, or relax and rejuvenate at Spa World, a sprawling complex offering various international-themed baths and wellness treatments. Alternatively, dive into the culinary history of Japan at the Ramen Museum, where you can sample different regional varieties of this beloved dish. Or for those of you who want to explore Osaka's dark underbelly with a local, join the Osaka Backstreets tour!
In the evening, you'll regroup to visit the historic Osaka Castle, a magnificent structure surrounded by beautiful gardens and moats. After watching the sunset, you'll then head over to the vibrant Shinsekai district, Dotonbori's little brother. Here, you can savour a variety of local delicacies for dinner, explore bustling streets filled with neon lights, and experience the lively atmosphere that makes this area a must-visit.
Activities: Osaka Castle Gardens, Shinsekai Tour
Free Time Suggestions: Ramen Museum
Optional Extra: Osaka Backstreets Tour
Physical Rating: Low/Medium
Osaka Castle Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Multishare (mixed gender) Dorm - Grand Hostel LDK Osaka Shinsaibashi - 10
Day 10 — Osaka: Nara Park & Osaka nightlife
It's an early start today as you head out of the city, 45 minutes on the train to beautiful Nara. As you leave the train station and begin your walk towards the main park, keep your eyes out for the friendly locals along the way. Nara is famous for being a city that lives symbiotically with deer and is historically important as the former capital of ancient Japan.
You'll make your way around the serene park & stunning temples before heading back to Osaka to explore further districts.
Activities: Nara Park & Temples
Optional Extra: TeamLab Osaka
Physical Rating: Medium
Nara Park
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Multishare (mixed gender) Dorm - Grand Hostel LDK Osaka Shinsaibashi - 11
Day 11 — Hiroshima: Peace Memorial & Local Guided Tour
After a little downtime in the morning, you'll head to the iconic city of Hiroshima. After checking in to your accommodation, you'll walk to the humbling Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and be taken around this area by our local guide to educate you on the area's astonishing past. View the Atomic Dome, ring the Peace Bell and say a prayer at the eternal flame. This important and historic city will live long in your memories.
You'll finish with a walk around the museum to learn about Hiroshima's devastating past before grabbing some food and calling it a day.
Activities: Morning Danjo Garan Complex Tour, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Guided Tour
Physical Rating: Low
Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Multishare (mixed gender) – Mange Tak Hiroshima - 12
Day 12 — Miyajima Island: Itsukushima Shrine, Hall of 1,000 Mats
Today you will take the metro towards the beautiful Miyajima Island, located about 1hr away from Hiroshima. Once you're off the metro, you'll take a short ferry ride to the island, known for its stunning collection of forests and ancient temples. You'll take an easy stroll around the island, visiting the incredible Great Torii gate that sits just offshore. This famous giant, orange Torii gate sits partially submerged at high tide.
Next, you'll have the afternoon free to explore the serenity of the rest of this island paradise. If you're looking to immerse yourself even further in Japanese culture, consider booking a Traditional Japanese Archery experience as an optional extra. In the evening, you'll head out one last time as a group for your final evening together in Japan!
Activities: Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Hall of 1,000 Mats
Optional Extra: Traditional Japanese Archery Experience
Physical Rating: Medium
miyajima island
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Multishare (mixed gender) – Mange Tak Hiroshima - 13
Day 13 — Farewell Japan
It's time to say goodbye to your group and the new friends you have made from your tour. We hope you've loved your Japan experience!
If you want to experience more activities in Japan, check out this 14-Day Japan Tour from Tokyo to Hiroshima with Sushi Making Class, Tea Ceremony, Gion Walking Tour and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum included.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- Stays: 12-night accommodations
- Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
- Transport: All transport from Day 1 to 13 (excl. airport transfers), Including bullet train, subways, Romance Car & more. (Airport transfers are not included on Day 1 & 13)
- Crew: Your tour leader and local guides
- Activities:
- Welcome Dinner
- Japan Orientation
- Famous Tokyo Districts (Shinjuku, Harajuku, Akihabara and more)
- Visit to Senso-ji Temple at night
- Shibuya Crossing
- Mt Fuji viewing & exploring Hakone
- Fushimi-Inari Red Torii Gates
- Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
- The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
- Climb Monkey Mountain (Iwatayama)
- The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- Food tour in Osaka
- Karaoke
- Osaka Castle Gardens
- Shinsekai Tour
- Explore Nara Park & temples
- Morning Danjo Garan Complex Tour
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Guided Tour
- Miyajima Island
- Itsukushima Shrine
- Hall of 1,000 Mats
Not included
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and departure city
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals the tour guide arranges
- Entrance fees & optional tours (Prices vary from season to season; only the price at the ticket booth / box office is final): Sushi making class, Street Go Karting, Kimono Hire, Tea ceremony, Samurai Museum and Sword Experience, Osaka Backstreets Tour (subject to availability)
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–27 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 27 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 28–61 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 28 days to 61 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 62+ days before | 90% | Cancellation Made 62 or more days prior to departure, Refund 90% of total purchase amount |
Important info
Special notes
- FAQs:
What is the age range of this tour?
- We have an age range of 18 – 45 years old for our tours. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old, though this range varies to slightly older with certain destinations, and are looking to experience our adventurous "flashpacking" style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of all different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded conscious fellow travellers..
What fitness level is required to join this tour?
- This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness due to the amount of walking involved. There will be some days where you will be walking more than approximately 8-10km. Please bring appropriate footwear for this!
Can I bring a suitcase on this trip & is there a luggage limit?
- We would highly recommend bringing no more than 15kg on this trip, and bringing a backpack instead of a suitcase if you can. You won't need to carry your luggage around during daily excursions, but you will need to transport your luggage between each accommodation so we recommend packing as lightly as possible.
The luggage limit on the Shinkansen (bullet train) is very strict. Bags over 160cm (height x width x length) need an advance reservation and bags over 251cm cannot be accommodated even with a reservation.
Do we have to carry our luggage around with us each day? Is there a luggage delivery service on this trip?
- You will need to transport your luggage between accommodations, but during the day when out and about you can leave your luggage safely stored away at the hostel.
We do not offer a luggage delivery service but our guide can direct where you need to go to do it yourself.
I'm arriving at 9pm on day 1, will this be a problem?
- Arriving at 21:00 is not a problem at all, but you will miss the welcome dinner and night walk at Senso-ji Temple. Be mindful that all public transport into the city stops running around midnight which may impact you if any of your flights are delayed. If this is the case, there will be information in your welcome email about how to get into the city after midnight.
Where should I fly into? Where do we spend the first night of the tour?
- You can fly into Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND). It doesn't matter which one you fly into. We don't offer airport pick ups on this tour but we include incredible detailed information on how to get to the hostel from both airports in your welcome pack.
The first night is at Sakura Hostel Asakusa in Tokyo. You will be notified in the unlikely case that there are changes.
How long do you have to explore Akihabara on the tour?
- You'll have a couple of hours to explore the area before your tour guide takes the metro back to the accommodation, however you can always stay on longer in an area if you want to and your guide will give you clear instructions on using the public transport on your own.
Is there much free time in each location?
- Compared to our 10 and 14 day itineraries, our Japan Essentials tour has a lot more free time for you to explore on your own, or with your new friends on tour. While there is still a lot included in the tour, you'll have a few days where there is more opportunity for free time.
Do we need to purchase a Japan Rail Pass?
- The Japan Rail Pass is not included and you don't need to purchase one as we take care of all the transport for you. We try to use local transport for a more authentic experience.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
- Due to the nature of cuisine in Japan, strict dietary requirements may be difficult to accommodate in some areas. Many of the broths/stocks which flavour much of Japanese food are not vegetarian/vegan friendly, and many meals contain either meat, fish, or egg elements. We recommend downloading the app "Happy Cow" and asking your tour guide for advice throughout the tour. You may also bring some snacks/supplements with you if necessary, but please note that Japanese customs can be very strict with medication so ensure you double check everything you bring.
The tour doesn't end in Tokyo, is the return to Tokyo included?
- For those wishing to return to Tokyo after the tour finishes in Osaka/Hiroshima there is the option to include the train cost in the ticket price. This is bookable by your agent at the time of booking or you can add it to your basket when booking on our website. Those guests who wish to book their return train journey whilst on the tour will need to arrange this as soon as possible as it does sell out, so we would recommend arranging this before you arrive.
How is WiFi and data access on the trip?
- As Japan is a developed country, Wi-Fi and data access is excellent. All the hostels that we stay in have strong and consistent Wi-Fi. If you'd like to stay connected whilst on the road you can pick up a tourist sim card at the airport, these will cost you anywhere between $20-$40 for 2 weeks worth of data.
How long are the travel times?
- Whilst on the tour the longest travel time is around 4 hours. There will be a day where we will be on the train for 2-3 hours twice in one day with a 30 minute change.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price listed is the price per person in a share basis.
* Days 1, 2, 3 you will be staying in multi-share accommodation in the Tokyo, day 4 you will either be in twins or triples in the Hakone, days 5, 6, 7 you will be in multi-share accommodation in the Kyoto, days 8, 9, 10 in multi-share accommodation in the Osaka, days 11, 12 in multi-share accommodation in the Hiroshima.
* Days 1, 2, 3 you will be staying in multi-share accommodation in the Tokyo, day 4 you will either be in twins or triples in the Hakone, days 5, 6, 7 you will be in multi-share accommodation in the Kyoto, days 8, 9, 10 in multi-share accommodation in the Osaka, days 11, 12 in multi-share accommodation in the Hiroshima.
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$2428
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