Overview
Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 14 Day Discover Japan. From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines and the soaring beauty of Mt Fuji, this tour provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional Japanese Inn.
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Our Price From
US$4,724 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $1,645 per person
Trip Length
14 Days
Trip Starts
Tokyo
Trip Ends
Tokyo
Departures
May 2026 to Dec 2028
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
2 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 5/5
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
15
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
AJDJ
Itinerary
Arrive to your starting hotel around 4:00 pm and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm. There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.
Accommodation:
The B Akasaka
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
In the morning collect your JR Pass. Board a bullet train for Kanazawa in the afternoon. The evening is yours to explore, or opt to attend a dinner with the group. Take a short train ride to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest, and it became a thriving center for culture and arts.
Accommodation:
Garden Hotel Kanazawa
Included Experiences
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
- Free Time: Spend the evening getting know Kanazawa. Opt to attend a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Explore the city's well-preserved geisha district. Then, stroll through Kenroke-en, ranked one of the nation's top three gardens before exploring the historic Nagamachi samurai district. After strolling through the expansive gardens of Kenrokuen, opt to stop at the massive Kanazawa castle next door. Kanazawa is also home to many interesting museums, opt to visit one or learn more about local crafts. Loving the food in the city? Take a trip to the local seafood market to see where some of the fresh, tasty ingredients come from.
Accommodation:
Garden Hotel Kanazawa
Included Experiences
- Higashi Geisha District Visit: Step back in time with a visit to the Higashi Chaya geisha district of Kanazawa. Learn about the geisha culture, prevalent in Kanazawa since the 17th century. Visit the traditional two-story wooden houses decorated with lattice and discover the traditions behind this iconic Japanese way of life.
- Kenroku-En Garden Visit: Walk around this breathtaking garden, ranked one of the top three in Japan. With unique bridges, ponds and fountains, pagodas and tea houses there's lots to see here in any season.
- Nagamachi Samurai District Walk: Step back in time with a visit to the Nagamachi Samurai district of Kanazawa. Take a walk through the historic samurai district located just below the Kanazawa Castle, where traditionally samurai and their families lived in mud huts.
- Free Time: Explore the city with some free time.
Optional Experiences
- Myoryuji Ninja Temple Visit: Visit the famous Ninja Temple. While there's no evidence linking the temple to ninjas, the hidden doorways, passages and escape routes seem designed for stealthy attackers. Please leave all nunchucks with security.
- Kanazawa Castle Visit: Visit the massive castle located beside the Kenrokuen Garden. At over 400 years old, the castle has a great history and is the perfect place to wrap up exploration of the gardens.
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: If you are interested in eccentric art visit this beautiful museum with unique exhibits and architecture. Capture a trippy underwater photo in the simulated swimming pool. (450-1200 JPY per person)
Arrive in picturesque Takayama and relax in the traditional Japanese inn. Arrive in Takayama in the afternoon and begin taking in the beautiful scenery of this traditional city.
Accommodation:
Minshuku Iwatakan
Included Experiences
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
- Free Time: Explore this charming town with a free afternoon.
Optional Experiences
- Sake Street Visit: Stroll down this quaint road, lined with sake breweries and vendors, and learn more about this typical Japanese beverage made from fermented rice. Have a sample or two to test it out. (300-400 JPY per person)
Explore the Hida No Sato traditional folk village, and walk the quaint streets of the old town – lined with sake breweries and craft shops. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area. Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past in the thatched houses and rice fields. Opt to visit one of the markets or rent a bike and cycle out of the town centre and into the countryside.
Accommodation:
Minshuku Iwatakan
Included Experiences
- Hida no Sato (Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village) Visit: Visit the Hida Folk Village, an outdoor museum where various buildings from the 1600s are open to tour. The steep, thatched roofs of the farmhouses are said to resemble praying hands. Take a peek inside to see tools and furniture from the original village.
- Free Time: Use free time to enjoy the area, sample sake or visit a nearby hot spring for a soak.
Optional Experiences
- Sake Street Visit: Stroll down this quaint road, lined with sake breweries and vendors, and learn more about this typical Japanese beverage made from fermented rice. Have a sample or two to test it out. (300-400 JPY per person)
- Bike Rental: Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
Arrive in Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the tragic history of this city. The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.
Accommodation:
Toyoko Inn Hiroshima-eki Shinkansen-guchi II
Included Experiences
- Hiroshima Park and Peace Memorial: Walk through the Peace Park in the centre of Hiroshima, a living memorial dedicated to the tens of thousands who died from the atomic bomb blast in 1945. Visit the statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia as a result of the bomb blast, despite folding 1,000 origami paper cranes to appeal to the gods to make her well. See the frame of the Gembaku Dome, the sole building to withstand the explosion. Reflect, remember, and be reminded of the power we all hold to create peace.
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate and meet the friendly local deer. Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating Torii Gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure. Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Accommodation:
Toyoko Inn Hiroshima-eki Shinkansen-guchi II
Included Experiences
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Miyajima Island Visit: Take a trip to Miyajima Island, famed as one of Japan's most scenic spots, with a free afternoon to explore. See the famous floating Torii Gate, set out in the bay, which glows extraordinarily at sunset. The island is dotted with shrines and temples, populated by deer, and traversed with hiking trails for those who want to get some exercise. There are also lanes full of souvenirs and tasty treats. Visit Miyajima at your own pace, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
- Free Time: Spend free time however you choose. Opt to hike, try the region's famed oysters, or check out the important sights and museums.
Optional Experiences
- Mt. Misen Visit: Set out for the summit of Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak at 500m (1,640 ft) above sea level. Opt to hike one of three trails through the forest and keep an eye out for wild deer or catch a ride on the ropeway and walk the remaining distance to the top. Take in great views of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day see as far as the city of Hiroshima.
Travel to historic Kyoto. Explore the marvellous Fushimi Inari shrine and walk under thousands of torii gates. Continue on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse.
Accommodation:
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Included Experiences
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit: Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, located just outside of Kyoto. Walk under the thousands of iconic torii gates (as seen in the film Memoirs of a Geisha) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The shrine itself is at the base of the Inari mountain but includes many trails up to smaller shrines in the area.
Wander the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens before visiting Kyoto's iconic Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion.
Accommodation:
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Included Experiences
- Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit: Explore Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion, named for the temple’s top two floors that are covered in gold leaf. The temple is surrounded by trees and sits on a reflective pond, making this must-see in Kyoto a perfect place for photos. While the temple can be busy, there are gardens around the area to explore once you’ve had enough of the view.
- Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit: Visit the Nijo Castle, the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period built in 1603. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property is divided into three areas: the Honmaru (main circular fortification), Ninomaru (secondary circle of defense), and the gorgeous gardens that surround both.
- Free Time: Discover more of this cultural city with some free time.
Spend a full free day discovering the Zen gardens, huge wooden temples, pagodas and shrines of Kyoto. Opt to enjoy the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion, and take a leisurely stroll down the lovely Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji.
Accommodation:
Hearton Hotel Kyoto
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Head out and explore this captivating city.
Optional Experiences
- Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji: The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond.
- Daisen-in Zen Rock Garden Visit: Take a walk through the gardens around Daisen-in Temple. This zen garden uses gravel, sand and stones to recreate a river and ocean, symbolizing the Buddhist journey through life.
- Gion Walk: Walk through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Visit shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices) entertain.
Travel to the Mt Fuji region and enjoy optional walks around Lake Kawaguchi. Savour an amazing Japanese kaiseki dinner. Leave Kyoto and travel to Kawaguchiko arriving mid afternoon. Take the rest of the afternoon to visit the Onsen Spa at tonight's accommodation before dinner.
Accommodation:
Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko
Included Meals:
Dinner
Included Experiences
- Train: There are multiple train changes during this ride and a short taxi ride at the end.
- Onsen Spa Visit: Visit the natural hot springs in traditional style and soak in the waters and feel all your troubles float away.
Enjoy a morning in Kawaguchiko exploring the Five Lakes region on foot. Later, travel to Tokyo by train.
Accommodation:
Toyoko Inn Tokyo Keihin Tohoku-sen Oji-eki Kita-guchi
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Lake Kawaguchiko Walk: Set out on a walk through this pocket of the Five Lakes region for unforgettable views of the local landscape. Depending on the weather, capture a glimpse of the snow-capped summit of Mt Fuji.
Explore buzzing Tokyo with a free day. Opt take in some more sights, visit the museums and gardens, or do some shopping. Meet with the group later tonight for our final dinner together.
Accommodation:
Toyoko Inn Tokyo Keihin Tohoku-sen Oji-eki Kita-guchi
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Spend free time visiting any must-see sights you missed, touring a museum, or picking up souvenirs for friends back home.
Optional Experiences
- Ueno Park Visit: As Japan's most popular city park, Ueno is known for its museums and cherry blossoms. Stroll the pathways, admire the thousands of trees, including approximately 800 Somei-yoshino cherry trees, look for lotus on the pond, or opt to visit the temples and museums (entrance fees).
- Sensō-ji Temple Visit: Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs.
- Ginza Shopping: The Ginza district is Tokyo’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York. Window shop at Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, then check out the latest electronics at the Sony showroom or Apple store. Visit the Wako department store with its historic clock tower, housed in a building that dates back to 1894. If you are there on a weekend, head to Ginza’s main street where pedestrians rule without Tokyo’s traffic.
- Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit: Visit this shrine dedicated to the 123rd emperor of Japan, Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine is a great place to escape the bustle of the city and wander the grounds along the wide walking paths.
- Imperial Palace East Gardens Walk: The Imperial Palace in Tokyo’s city centre is home to Japan’s Emperor and Empress. It is surrounded by a moat and three gardens, all open to the public. Stroll throughout the grounds, admire the azaleas and hydrangeas (when in season), discover the original stone wall that surrounded the palace back in 17th to 19th centuries during the days when samurai warriors defended the ruler. Visit nearby Sannomaru-Shozo-kan museum and see exquisite kimonos and Japanese paintings.
Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Trip Inclusions
- Experience the past in Takayama's folk village and Kyoto's historic centre.
- Explore Nijo Castle.
- Lose yourself in the picturesque Kenroku-en Garden.
- Marvel at iconic Mt Fuji and Miyajima's floating torii gate.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Wellness Moment: Onsen Spa Visit, Kawaguchiko
- Your Discover Moment: Tokyo
- Higashi Chaya District visit
- Kenroku-en garden visit
- Nagamachi Samurai District walk
- Hida No Sato folk village visit
- Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
- Miyajima Island excursion
- Nijo Castle and gardens visit
- Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion visit
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine visit
- Lake Kawaguchiko (Five Lakes Region) walk
- Kaiseki dinner
- Japan Rail (JR) pass (14 days)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Bullet train, local train, subway, tram, ferry, public bus, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (10 Nights), Traditional Inns (1 Night), Traditional Inns With Shared Facilities (2 Nights)
- Japan is one of the most populous countries in the world and space is at a premium. Therefore, hotels rooms are small! Additionally, most Japanese hotels do not have designated non-smoking rooms. Therefore, we ask hotels to deoderise rooms before check in. Please note rooms for couples usually still have two twin beds in Japan. Rooms with one large Queen or King bed are not common.
- Ryokan are traditional inns found across Japan. Featuring tatami floors (soft mats of woven straw), futon beds, Japanese-style baths, cotton kimono (casual robe worn to lounge around or to head to the bath), and elaborate meals (often served in the comfort of your own room), a ryokan is the perfect place to experience traditional customs and hospitality. As ryokan are usually top tier accommodations, most guests stay only one night, often to celebrate a special occasion or holiday. Don’t be intimidated by the formalities inherent to a stay at a ryokan, your hosts will welcome you the same way they do all their guests. Have fun and enjoy this relaxing opportunity to learn more about Japan’s unique customs.
- Minshuku are Japan’s answer to the Western bed and breakfast. Similar to ryokan, they have traditional features like tatami floors, futon beds, and Japanese-style baths. Minshuku are often family-run, and as such they offer a great opportunity to interact with local people and learn more about the nation’s customs. More affordable and simpler than ryokan, minshuku tend to have smaller guestrooms, shared bathroom facilities, and any included meals (traditional, local, and delicious) are served in a communal dining room.
- Please note that some of the traditional Japanese inns used on this tour only offer shared bathing facilities. This means that individual shower stalls will not be available, instead several shower stations are available in an open, same-sex bathing area. Shared bathhouses and onsen (hot springs) are an essential part of Japan’s culture, traditionally serving as a place for men or women to gather, relax, and discuss the days happenings.
- 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Trip Reviews (2)
This was our 5th trip with G Adventures and it did not disappoint. The CEO, Toshio, was outstanding in his knowledge, organization, kindness and generosity. He even guided us around during free time ! I used Global Journeys to book the trip because they quoted a better price than GAdventures. Melissa made the booking easy and made sure I received read more my GAdventures credit and also that we could use our rail pass on the last day for our transfer to the airport. We used Zipair for our flight and had no problem using a no-frills company to save on our flight costs. Accomodation was as expected with only 2 nights with shared washrooms. Seniors might have difficulty with beds on the floor.
Time of year was perfect for us as we don’t like heat, Temperature ranged from 10-20 C with the cooler days being in the mountains. There was only 1 day of rain and it was light. We had a nice mix of fellow travellers from 4 different countries and an age range of 35- 80 yrs. A couple of people in the group brought way too much luggage and relied on others for help. We walked 17,000- 20,000 steps a day so you must be fit enough do this as well as carry your own luggage. The itinerary was ideal for first time visitors and we didn’t feel rushed.
Time of year was perfect for us as we don’t like heat, Temperature ranged from 10-20 C with the cooler days being in the mountains. There was only 1 day of rain and it was light. We had a nice mix of fellow travellers from 4 different countries and an age range of 35- 80 yrs. A couple of people in the group brought way too much luggage and relied on others for help. We walked 17,000- 20,000 steps a day so you must be fit enough do this as well as carry your own luggage. The itinerary was ideal for first time visitors and we didn’t feel rushed.
This G Adventures Tour is highly recommended for first time travellers to Japan wishing to enjoy the highlights within a short time frame. Whilst the tour is guided, there is sufficient flexibility allowing for free time to discover popular sightseeing spots, shopping and restaurants independently or with fellow travellers. This fully escorted tour read more will take you by train all over Japan. I recommend extending your stay in Tokyo at the end of the tour so you can immerse yourself in the unique and fascinating culture of Japan.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
18 Apr 2026
18 Apr 26
Tokyo
Friday
01 May 2026
01 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,579
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
19 Apr 2026
19 Apr 26
Tokyo
Saturday
02 May 2026
02 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,579
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
24 Apr 2026
24 Apr 26
Tokyo
Thursday
07 May 2026
07 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,579
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
25 Apr 2026
25 Apr 26
Tokyo
Friday
08 May 2026
08 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,579
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
26 Apr 2026
26 Apr 26
Tokyo
Saturday
09 May 2026
09 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,579
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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