Overview
Read 3 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 9 Day Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo. From the Buddhist monks of Kōyasan to the high rollers of Tokyo, see the many faces of Japan on this condensed tour beginning in Osaka. Savour the region’s culinary delicacies and the beautiful views at Mt Fuji. You'll stay in a mountain temple and really soak up local culture in onsen hot springs. A great combination of the traditional and the contemporary, this adventure provides a taste of the rich culture of Japan.
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Our Price From
US$2,499 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $1,070 per person
Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Osaka
Trip Ends
Tokyo
Departures
Apr 2026 to Dec 2028
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
3 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.7/5
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
15
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
AJJR
Itinerary
Arrive at any time 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:
City Route Hotel
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.
Travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Journey to Mt Koya, a religious centre founded in 816 by the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi. The train ride up the mountain is possibly one of the finest rail journeys in Japan. For the final steep ascent, switch to funicular and then hop on a bus to reach the monastery. In the evening, dine on shojin-ryori, typical vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata, or kimono.
Accommodation:
Sekishoin
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple: During the overnight stay in the mountain temple, witness the routines of the monks and dine on typical fare. Explore the temples and moss covered Oku-no-in cemetery in the afternoon. In the evening, savour the shojin-ryori vegetarian cuisine, and relax in a yukata or kimono. Early morning at the temple offers the chance to observe the monks praying, before a vegetarian breakfast. Breathe the fresh mountain air and soak in the beautiful surroundings.
Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Have some time to enjoy Koyasan this morning, before travelling to Hiroshima this afternoon. Early morning offers the chance to observe the monks praying. Breathe in some fresh mountain air before a vegetarian breakfast, then start the journey back down the mountain via bus, train and funicular. Later, board a train to Hiroshima, a historically significant city, marked by the explosion of the first atomic bomb in 1945.
Accommodation:
Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi Ⅱ
Included Meals:
Breakfast
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.
- Oku-no-in Cemetery Visit: Oku-no-in is the most sacred site in Koyasan and the location of the mausoleum for Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The area is surrounded by a massive cemetery, the largest in Japan. With over 200,000 tombstones lining the almost 2km path to Kobo Daishi's mausoleum, there is plenty of area to explore. Be sure to see Torodo Hall (Hall of Lamps), the main place of worship, where more than 10,000 lanterns are kept burning day and night.
This morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen.
Accommodation:
Toyoko Inn Hiroshimaeki Shinkansenguchi 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.
- Ferry: Hop a ferry to reach the island and journey back in the evening.
- 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: Free time on Miyajima Island to make the most of this beautiful location.
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 Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour.
Accommodation:
Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo
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.
- Local Train: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- 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.
- 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.
Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time.
Accommodation:
Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo
Included Experiences
- 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.
- Free Time: Continue exploring Japan's historic capital with some free time.
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.
Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a feast on a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs. Travel to Hakone, a town in the hills famous for its onsens, or natural hot springs. In the evening, enjoy savouring a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, followed by a recommended soak in the onsen.
Accommodation:
Hotel Kagetsuen
Included Meals:
Dinner
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.
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
- Lake Ashino-ko Boat Ride: Hop aboard a passenger boat to cruise the waters of Lake Ashinoko. If you are lucky, on a clear day you can capture a view of Mt Fuji. The lake was formed from the caldera of Mt Hakone following its eruption 3000 years ago. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
- Traditional Kaiseki Meal: Savour a complex meal of traditional Japanese foods, then finish the day with a soak in the onsen.
Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping. Arrive before noon to Tokyo, with time to explore this energetic metropolis. Opt to visit Ueno park and the museums, Akihabara for cutting edge electronics, Harajuku for funky fashions, Ginza for the highest of the high end, walk the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or just stroll the streets, looking for the traditional life that still lies just under the modern surface.
Accommodation:
The B Akasaka
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: With so much to do, start exploring now.
- Local Train: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Optional Experiences
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Take in views of Mt Fuji.
- Stay in temple lodging and learn about Buddhism.
- Gaze at the famous floating torii gate in Miyajima.
- Explore Kyoto's Nijo Castle.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Local Living Moment: Overnight in Mount Kōya Temple, Kōyasan
- Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
- Miyajima Island excursion
- Nijo Castle and gardens visit
- Gion walk
- Fushimi Inari shrine visit
- Lake Ashino-ko boat ride
- Traditional kaiseki meal
- Japan Rail Pass
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Bullet train, local train, subway, tram, ferry, public bus, cable car, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (7 Nights), Mountain Monastery (1 Night, Shared Facilities)
- 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.
- 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- 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 (3)
I loved every moment. 2
Emily and Mary, NSW, Australia, Nov 2025
Wonderful tour. Japanese 'CEO' was so kind and well organized. She made sure we had a great variety of experiences in and outside of the cities. I loved every moment of my tour.
Japan, you've gotta go!!! 0
Kirsty M, New Zealand, Sep 2024
We are a family of three, with a 14yr old daughter. We completed a 9 night tour in Japan with G Adventures , booked through Gobal Journeys. Our agent has been very responsive to my email queries. There was a issue with the sleeping arrangement, but with a great response the issue was resolved to my satisfaction. The tour had a friendly, enthusiastic read more and very helpful Japanese guide
Out group of 15 for on well, we were varied ages, my daughter was also well engaged with the group. Accommodation was comfortable and varied with size of rooms and comfort of the bed, all expected after researching Japanese Accommodation.
I would definitely recommend this tour for those interested in seeing Japan, but without the stress of being from A to B.
Out group of 15 for on well, we were varied ages, my daughter was also well engaged with the group. Accommodation was comfortable and varied with size of rooms and comfort of the bed, all expected after researching Japanese Accommodation.
I would definitely recommend this tour for those interested in seeing Japan, but without the stress of being from A to B.
Wonderful Introduction to Japan 2
Peter, VIC, Australia, Apr 2018
This tour was a fantastic introduction to Japan, its culture and cities. The highlights for me were Hiroshima and Miyajima although Koyasan was very spiritual. I would definitely return to Japan again and explore other places.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Monday
13 Apr 2026
13 Apr 26
Osaka
Tuesday
21 Apr 2026
21 Apr 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,599
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Tuesday
14 Apr 2026
14 Apr 26
Osaka
Wednesday
22 Apr 2026
22 Apr 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,599
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
15 Apr 2026
15 Apr 26
Osaka
Thursday
23 Apr 2026
23 Apr 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,599
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Thursday
16 Apr 2026
16 Apr 26
Osaka
Friday
24 Apr 2026
24 Apr 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,279
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
17 Apr 2026
17 Apr 26
Osaka
Saturday
25 Apr 2026
25 Apr 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,279
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
18 Apr 2026
18 Apr 26
Osaka
Sunday
26 Apr 2026
26 Apr 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,279
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
20 Apr 2026
20 Apr 26
Osaka
Tuesday
28 Apr 2026
28 Apr 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,279
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Tuesday
21 Apr 2026
21 Apr 26
Osaka
Wednesday
29 Apr 2026
29 Apr 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,279
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
22 Apr 2026
22 Apr 26
Osaka
Thursday
30 Apr 2026
30 Apr 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,279
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Thursday
23 Apr 2026
23 Apr 26
Osaka
Friday
01 May 2026
01 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,279
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
24 Apr 2026
24 Apr 26
Osaka
Saturday
02 May 2026
02 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,279
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
25 Apr 2026
25 Apr 26
Osaka
Sunday
03 May 2026
03 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,279
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
27 Apr 2026
27 Apr 26
Osaka
Tuesday
05 May 2026
05 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $4,279
US$3,209
Save $1,070
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday
28 Apr 2026
28 Apr 26
Osaka
Wednesday
06 May 2026
06 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $4,279
US$3,209
Save $1,070
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday
29 Apr 2026
29 Apr 26
Osaka
Thursday
07 May 2026
07 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $4,279
US$3,209
Save $1,070
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Thursday
30 Apr 2026
30 Apr 26
Osaka
Friday
08 May 2026
08 May 26
Tokyo
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $4,279
US$3,209
Save $1,070
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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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