Highlights of Japan

Name: Highlights of Japan
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (6 reviews)

6 reviews

Activity

Culture

Overview

From Tokyo to Osaka, discover cultural wonders in the Land of the Rising Sun

Commencing in electric Tokyo, this cultural highlights adventure is the ideal way to experience some of Japan’s most iconic cities and sites in just eight days. Visit atmospheric Kyoto to delve into the heart of the nation’s cultural heritage, taste the amazing and diverse cuisine, uncover beautiful nature and Unesco World Heritage sites in Nikko, discover the historic Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima and visit captivating Miyajima. This rich journey through the Land of the Rising Sun ends in lively Osaka before we head home with memories to last a lifetime.

Cherry blossom season: Experience the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossom season in Japan, when the sakura trees bloom with delicate pink blossoms. See the Dates & Prices tab for our special departures.

Key Information

Trip Code: AOQ
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Japan
Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All breakfasts and two dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout

Highlights

Discover the iconic cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka
Enjoy the natural beauty and Unesco sites of Nikko
Experience cherry blossom season or beautiful autumn colours
Take the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train
Taste a variety of Japanese cuisine

Itinerary

First Destination: Tokyo
Next Destination: Osaka

Meals included:Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Tokyo
Next Destination: Osaka

The trip begins in Tokyo, the futuristic capital of Japan.

Around 6pm, say konnichiwa to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Japanese welcome by arranging a group dinner and a casual tour around Shinjuku, the nightlife district of Tokyo.

Want more time in Tokyo? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Hotel Monterey Akasaka (or similar)

Meals included:Dinner

Today we utilise the efficient Tokyo metro system and enjoy a half-day city tour. Begin with an early morning visit to Asakusa, the oldest geisha district in Tokyo and home to Senso-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city. The surrounding streets are lined with traditional shops selling Japanese crafts and souvenirs, making it a delight to explore.

From Asakusa, we continue by metro to Ginza, one of the most famous upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment districts in Tokyo. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. You may enjoy lunch in Ginza, visit the Imperial Palace, or make your way independently to Harajuku to see Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji. The surrounding park is a forest of some 120,000 trees representing 365 different species, offering a tranquil escape within one of the world’s most populated cities.

Neighbouring Harajuku is Omotesando, often referred to as the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo, a broad, tree-lined avenue featuring flagship fashion stores designed by internationally renowned architects.

The afternoon is free to explore at leisure, allowing you to enjoy some downtime or get into the city to see more of Tokyo.

Please note, the order of activities and areas visited today may change depending on the weather conditions and other factors. Your tour leader will provide full details of the schedule during the initial trip briefing.

Accommodation: Hotel Monterey Akasaka (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Tokyo and travel by train (approximately two hours) to beautiful Nikko, known for towering cedar trees and Unesco World Heritage sites, such as the Toshogu Shrine.

Upon arrival, we visit a few of the most popular sites. The Shinkyo Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Nikko. This bright, vermillion bridge spans a river on the outskirts of the main shrine complex and is (aside from Toshogu Shrine) the most photographed attraction in Nikko. Often featured in traditional Japanese art prints known as ukiyoe, it is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Japan and is photogenic in all seasons.

No visit to Nikko would be complete without a visit the Toshogu Shrine, which was built as a mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate who ruled Japan for more than 250 years. This lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen Shinto and Buddhist buildings in a beautiful forest setting.

We spend the night in Nikko in a traditional-style guesthouse.

Important: As there is no storage for large suitcases on the train, you will need to pack a small overnight bag before leaving Tokyo. You are reunited with your main luggage in Kyoto on Day 4.

Accommodation: Turtle Inn Nikko (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Today we set out on a longer journey (approximately 4hr 30min) west to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, by local train and shinkansen. As we arrive in Kyoto after 2pm, we can enjoy a bento lunch on the train.

After checking into our hotel, we visit Nishiki Market, where we embark on a tour that will delight our senses. We walk through the narrow, covered food markets, where there are many interesting food shops to explore. This is a great opportunity to learn about Japanese produce and snap some photos of goods you won’t find back home. Some of the shops give out or sell samples, so leave space in your stomach.

The late afternoon is the best time to visit the Gion district, also known as the Geisha District for being one of the hanamachi (flower towns) where Geisha live and work. The highlight is Hanami-koji, the most popular street in Gion where lavish teahouses and machiya (old houses) are lined up. In the early evening, you may see a Geiko or Maiko on the way to her engagement.

Accommodation: Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

Today, along with your tour leader, enjoy an exploration of the Kyoto highlights while using the comprehensive bus and metro systems.

The tour starts with an early morning visit to one of the most unusual Shinto shrines in Japan. Fushimi Inari is composed of thousands of vermilion torii gates following trails inside the forests of Mount Inari. The Shrine, which was featured in Memoirs of a Geisha, is famous for the impressive contrast and mystical atmosphere created by the colours of the torii gates and the surrounding nature.

Next on our schedule is Arashiyama, one of the richest areas in Kyoto for sightseeing, which contains some of the most stunning scenery in the area. Starting at Togetsukyo Bridge, a local landmark, we make our way to the bamboo forest path on the west side of the river before stopping at Nonomiya Shrine.

After a lunch break, we continue to the serene Ryoan-ji Temple, which has a well-maintained rock garden. Nearby is the stunning golden pavilion collectively known as Kinkaku-ji Temple. The temple grounds are relatively smaller than that of most temples and shrines in Kyoto but what is undoubtedly impressive is the pavilion completely covered in handmade gold leaves.

Accommodation: Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

Following breakfast, we move further west by Shinkansen to Hiroshima (approximately three hours). Along the way, we break our journey to visit one of the most beautiful castles in Japan, Himeji Castle. Also called Shirasagi-jo (the White Heron Castle) or Hakuro-jo (the White Egret Castle), it resembles a white bird in flight with a white exterior and distinctive roof design.

After, we pick up lunch to enjoy on the train and continue to Hiroshima.

Perhaps more than any city in the world, Hiroshima is famous for one moment in history; on 6 August 1945, it became the first target of an atomic bomb. However, Hiroshima has risen phoenix-like from its ashes, and rebuilt itself as one of the most laid back and vibrant cities in Japan, full of wide boulevards and museums and famous for great food and welcoming people.

This afternoon, we visit the Peace Memorial Museum for a sobering reminder of the events of 1945 before experiencing the surrounding Peace Park, where the atmosphere is one of hope and peace.

We spend the night in Hiroshima.

Important: As there is no storage for large suitcases on the train, you will need to pack a small overnight bag before departing Kyoto. You are reunited with your main luggage in Osaka on Day 7.

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-ekimae (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

This morning, we take a short ferry trip to Miyajima, a wooded island in the Inland Sea near Hiroshima. Here is, perhaps, the most photographed site in Japan: the Floating Torii Gate. Please note, while the floating tori of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine is currently undergoing renovation works, we still recommend a visit to this enchanting island. Deer roam freely and we spend time at leisure before we make our way by Shinkansen (approximately 2hr 30min) to our final destination, Osaka.

The second-largest metropolitan area in Japan, Osaka has a distinct, vibrant character. The residents are lively and known to work hard and play hard. Osaka is also known as the shopping, dining and nightlife capital of Japan. It’s a good place to buy souvenirs and enjoy our last dinner together or sing in a karaoke box before heading home.

Accommodation: Karaksa Hotel Grande Shin-Osaka Tower (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

The tour ends this morning after breakfast. If you have a late flight your tour leader will happily give suggestions for your sightseeing plans.

Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to extend your stay in Japan.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Call us on 0203 733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Hotels and a traditional-style guesthouse

In Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, our hotels are centrally located with excellent, modern facilities and English-speaking staff.

For the one night in Nikko, we stay in a traditional inn/guesthouse where we can feel the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside. Ryokans and minshukus, while comfortable and full of local character, do not run along the same lines as Western hotels and all have their own unique style.

Some are more like Japanese B&Bs (minshukus) with a homestay/guesthouse feel (guests make their own Japanese-style beds up), while others are managed more like a standard hotel (ryokans) with bedding made up for guests. Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is usually in the Japanese style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor.

Rooms are always doubles or twin-share but bathrooms and showers are generally communal. Please be advised, while females and males have access to separate gender-specific bathrooms, inside showering and bathing facilities can lack the level of privacy you would be used to in a Western-style shared bathroom.

Onsen (Japanese public bath)

For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is a somewhat unfamiliar territory. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns frequently situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, that nudity compulsory, and that the water temperature is often hotter than most hot tubs can cause some reluctance for first timers. However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that an onsen dip is likely to be a trip highlight. You may have the opportunity to try a public onsen. Please be aware, you may be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos.

Single supplements

Single supplements can be pre-booked for six nights only, these are limited and payable at the time of booking. In Nikko, single supplements are not available and rooming is based on twin share (sharing with another group member of the same gender). In Japan, often single supplements are accommodated in either a single or a twin-bedded room. Double for sole use rooms are limited in availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Please advise at time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement and we will do our best to fulfill your request.

Worth knowing

Room sizes and beds in Western-style hotels in Japan are generally smaller. Twin rooms will be provided as standard for two passengers sharing a room, as these offer more space and comfort than double rooms.
If you would like to add pre- or post-tour accommodation to your existing booking, we strongly recommend you request well before 30 days before departure. Booking requests within 30 days before departure, including pre- and post-tour accommodation, and especially during peak season (March-April/October-November), may not be possible due to limited availability during peak travel periods.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Tokyo Hotels

A city where ancient traditions sit alongside cutting-edge technology, Tokyo is endlessly fascinating, vibrant and full of contrasts. Extra nights here give you time to explore neighbourhoods at your own pace, sample world-class cuisine, and experience the city’s unique blend of culture, design and innovation. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:

Hyatt Regency Tokyo: Located in the Shinjuku district, this comfortable and well-appointed hotel offers spacious rooms, excellent dining and easy access to transport links. Its calm atmosphere and convenient location make it a great base for discovering Tokyo’s many highlights.

Hilton Tokyo: Set in the heart of Shinjuku, this modern high-rise hotel features stylish rooms with city views and impressive leisure facilities. With direct access to public transport and shopping areas, it’s ideal for travellers wanting convenience and comfort.

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: Rising above the vibrant Shibuya district, this elegant hotel offers refined rooms with sweeping skyline views and a more boutique feel. Known for its attentive service, quality dining and excellent location, it provides a sophisticated retreat in one of Tokyo’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate) and encompasses the main cultural highlights of Japan. For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Itinerary: Most of the trip involves sightseeing on foot and using public transport. We walk mostly in cities and towns; although not strenuous, the amount of walking each day is considerable and fast paced (good comfortable walking shoes are required). We visit some temples and shrines, most of which are built on hillsides. This will mean ascending and descending lots of steps, so a good level of fitness is essential.

Travelling with us in Japan: We rely on the country’s world-renowned public transportation network, making our Japan trips unique compared with our tours in other destinations, in which we generally use private transportation. Public transport here is accessible, clean and punctual. It’s also intrinsically woven into the local way of life, which is why we encourage travellers to embrace this way of travelling in Japan.

On this trip, all transport is by public transport, mainly using the extremely efficient train system. Therefore, it is essential all group members are punctual to ensure we do not miss any of the scheduled services. Some of the distances covered are long but trains are very comfortable, which makes the journey pleasant.

As Japanese trains have very limited storage for large bags, there are two occasions when we cannot travel with our main luggage and instead need to pack a small overnight bag. This is noted on the daily itinerary. See the Essential Equipment section for more information about how to pack.
It’s essential you pack light, as you need to carry your luggage through train stations and busy areas.
Luggage transfer services include one main bag per person.

Flexibility: The order of activities in Tokyo and Kyoto may change depending on the weather conditions and other factors. Your tour leader will provide full details of the schedule during the initial trip briefing.

Before you go: We recommend downloading the Uber or GO Taxi apps before you arrive, as both are widely used in Japan. The Google Translate app will also be useful.

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Monterey Akasaka, 4 Chome-9-24 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052
Phone: +81 3-3401-7111
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today, there will be a welcome briefing around 6pm.
Airport: Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)

Please note: Transfers are not available on this trip. Japan’s public transport system is excellent, efficient and is the expected mode of transport for both local people and visitors. The public transport systems have become increasingly easier to use, and everywhere you will find English signage.

Arriving into Tokyo Narita (NRT) Airport:

The start hotel for this tour from Tokyo Narita Airport requires a total transfer time from the airport of approximately 60-90 minutes.

Upon arrival into Narita, follow signs to Narita Airport train station. From here, take the Keisei Skyliner train (duration 45 minutes/departs every 30 minutes) to Keisei-Ueno station. Disembark at Keisei-Ueno station and follow the signage to Ueno station (no more than a five-minute walk). Upon arrival at Ueno station, take the Hibiya Line on the Tokyo Metro (duration six minutes/departs every 10 minutes) three stops to Kodemmacho where you need to get off.

The Dormy Inn Kodenmacho is a couple of minutes’ walk from Kodemmacho metro station. Train tickets can be purchased at the stations before boarding and the journey costs approximately 2,800 yen (US$20).

Arriving into Tokyo Haneda (HND) Airport:

The start hotel for this tour from Tokyo Haneda Airport requires a total transfer time of approximately 45 minutes.

Upon arrival into Haneda, follow signs to the Haneda Airport monorail station. From here, take the Tokyo Monorail (duration 23 minutes/departs every 10 minutes) to Hamamatsucho station.

Disembark at Hamamatsucho station and change to either the JY (Towards Inner Loop ⟲) or JK Line (Towards (Local) Minami-Urawa) to travel a few stops to Kanda station where you need to get off.

The Dormy Inn Kodenmacho is a 10-minute walk from Kanda station. Tickets can be purchased at the stations before boarding the trains. The journey should cost under 1,000 yen (US$7).

Japan

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Japan. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/japan
Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/japan
United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/entry-requirements
USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Japan.html

The cuisine is usually a highlight of any Japan trip. It is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes, usually prepared with seasonal ingredients. Seafood is common and usually comes grilled or deep fried. Sushi and sashimi aside, other staple dishes include soba, ramen or udon noodles, sukiyaki (meat, fish and vegetables cooked in broth) and yakiniku (grilled meat).

When food is not included, your leader is always available to recommend the best local eateries and arrange group meals for a full immersion in the varied and excellent cuisine of Japan.

Worth knowing

Food for certain diets (including gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan) is minimal or non-existent in many areas of Japan. The group meals arranged by the tour leader are in traditional eateries where the choices of vegan dishes may be limited to simple salads or boiled rice. However, there are several vegan restaurants in Kyoto and Tokyo. Please let us know before travel of your dietary requirements.

Most stocks, which are common in Japanese cuisine, contain animal products and even vegetable tempura is mostly fried in the same oil as meat or fish. While some substitutions may be possible, strict vegetarian or vegan meals cannot be guaranteed. Those who can consume dashi stocks typically have fewer issues, but for those concerned, we recommend bringing supplementary food items.

Japan has four very distinct seasons. Our aim has been to avoid the extremely cold winters and humid summers and settle for the more pleasant spring and autumn. In Tokyo, September and October are warm, maximum temperatures are 26C (79F) and minimum 12C (54F). September is likely to be the warmer of the two and rain is likely. April is cooler with temperatures possibly going as low as 7C (45F) with a high of 17C (63F). Kyoto is very similar climatically to Tokyo but the higher up into the mountains we venture, the colder it will become with nights being especially cold, particularly in March and November.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Reviews

Add new review

Chenbei Chang

Added April 2025

wonderful trip

There are many beautiful temples and shrines along the way, each with its own character and all are surrounded by gardens or woods. The cherry blossom (still plenty even though not at its peak season) and other flowers decorate the buildings and make the already scenic landscape stand out more....

Thoughts on Group Leader

Duke is a wonderful leader who is knowledgeable, considerate, and helpful for each of us. He printed out the background pages for the temples and shrines, asked us what experiences we wanted to have, what food we would like to eat, and what gifts we intended to buy. He took into account of our individual needs and planned stops and trips to make sure that we got what we wanted. He was consistently patient with us, even as we wandered around slowly in the crowd from time to time. He introduced several extra activities, which were all great and memorable. He also helped plan our post-group travels. I am really happy with everything he did.

Jack Gamble

Great holiday. Great guide.

Most Inspirational Moment

Variety of sites. Food. Weather. Golden temple. Kyoto. Tokyo

Thoughts on Group Leader

A pleasure to be with.

Read all reviews

Highlights of Japan

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

From Tokyo to Osaka, discover cultural wonders in the Land of the Rising Sun

Key Information

What's Included

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Hotels and a traditional-style guesthouse

Extend Your Trip

Tokyo Hotels

Essential Information

Key information

Japan

Reviews

wonderful trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Incredible experience, and a wonderful country!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Highlights and Lowlights

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Highlights of Japan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Highlights of Japan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Highlights of Japan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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