Highlights of Japan

Highlights of Japan

9,128 Views
8 Days From

$4731

$2602

Highlights of Japan

8 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Kyoto

Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, Itsukushima, Himeji Castle, Kyoto

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

JP8

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 18

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-59

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $4731 $2602 Operator discount: -$2129 -45%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover colourful cultures, tasty cuisines, and enchanting cities as you follow your local guide on the 8-day highlights of Japan tour. Start your adventure in the bustling city of Tokyo, checking out the world-famous fish markets and neon-lit bars of Shinjuku. Marvel at the picture-perfect views of Mt Fuji on Lake Ashinoko and listen to your guide as they share hair-raising stories of Hiroshima’s historic past. Finish your adventure with us in Kyoto and explore a city brimming with temples, shrines, gardens and restaurants in your own time!



Highlights

  • This 8-day adventure gives a snapshot into the highlights of Japan from the Geishas of Kyoto to the Golden Gai Bars of Tokyo.

  • Enjoy extended two-night stays with free time in Tokyo, Takayama, and Hiroshima to embrace each city and its culture like a local!

  • Tour finishes in Kyoto with the freedom to explore the cultural and historical hub at your own pace!

  • Learn how to make Japanese pancakes in Hiroshima, taste-test sashimi and at the local fish markets or explore the neon-lit backstreets of Tokyo!

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sunroute Asakusa Hotel – 3 Star

Kon’nichiwa and welcome to the capital of Japan – Tokyo! Meet your group and tour leader for an informal welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6.30pm, before going out for an optional group dinner. With a population of above 10 million people, Tokyo offers endless choices when it comes to shopping, green spaces, entertainment, historical sites, culture, and dining!



Day 2 : Tokyo, Hakone

Location: Tokyo, Hakone

Accommodation: Ichinoyu Shinkan – Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make the best of this morning in Tokyo on your own terms, or you can join an optional ‘Kitchen Tour’ to the world-famous Tsukiji fish market to sample some of Japan’s iconic and tasty seafood and sashimi. This tour will follow a local guide through Tsukiji’s outer markets, brimming with food stalls and retail shops. With over 2,500 tons and 450 types of fish coming through the wholesale market each day, your guide will provide plenty of information about the operations and importance of this world-famous fish market and the legendary tuna auctions. Next up, visit a nearby sake shop to sample Japan’s beloved beverage of choice!



We will farewell Tokyo for the breath-taking Hakone region at noon. Grab a seat for the two-hour train journey as we head towards the mountainous town known for its hot springs (onsen) resorts and views of Mount Fuji. On arrival in Hakone, follow your guide on a walking tour and take a scenic boat tour along Lake Ashinoko while you snap some picture-perfect shots of Mount Fuji. Explore the Hakone Shrine along the shore of Lake Ashinoko and visit the Tokaido Checkpoint to learn about its significance. Alternatively, you have the option to view the unique installations at Hakone Open Air Museum. Finish up the day with an included 30-minute gondola ride on the Owakudani Cable Car for views of the active sulfuric hot springs, Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji from above!



Day 3 : Hakone, Takayama

Location: Takayama

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: WAT Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kick-start the day with a scenic mountain train ride and hop on an express/bullet train that reaches speeds of 270 kilometers per hour as we make our way to Takayama! The journey will take approximately 5 hours and includes travel by local train and Shinkansen Bullet Train. Takayama is a charming city hidden in the mountainous region of Hida and made famous for its authentic Japanese touch and preserved old towns. This afternoon hop on a local bus for the Hida Folk Village and tag along your expert local guide to get a glimpse of a beautifully preserved sample of the Japanese culture, strolling along traditional thatched-roof homes built during the Edo Period of 1603-1967! Learn about the traditional Japanese way of life, crafts, and culture of these olden times. Tonight, put your feet up at the 4-star Wat Hotel and make the most of the beautiful onsen and spas.



Day 4 : Takayama

Location: Takayama

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: WAT Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

After an included breakfast at the hotel, explore Takayama’s morning market with your tour leader as we embark on our walking tour. This traditional market was established over 600 years ago and is a great way to interact with locals and tourists alike as your browse the crafts, flowers, and fresh produce for sale. Continue strolling the town with visits to the Merchant House and Takayama Jinja Building. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the quaint town of Takayama, go on a nature walk, or hop on the optional day trip to Shirakawago with your guide at noon. If you enjoy sake, make sure to have a taste of Takayama’s prized signature drop at a local store.



Day 5 : Takayama, Hiroshima

Location: Hiroshima

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: ARK Hotel Hiroshimaeki Minami – 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel by express train and Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima (approximately 5 hours). Hiroshima is well known for the 1945 atomic bomb attack which destructed the entire city within a 2km radius. After the war, great efforts were taken to rebuild Hiroshima. The city was tastefully reconstructed in a way that still pays tribute to the suffering, with a large park built in the city centre – Peace Memorial Park. Following your guide through the park, you will visit the Peace Memorial Museum to learn of the historical war events that took place here. Then, visit the A-Bomb Dome, one of few buildings that remained standing following the attack. Explore the somber UNESCO World Heritage Site and listen carefully as your guide shares stories of Hiroshima’s unique past. This evening, you can explore Hiroshima on your own, or join an optional Cooking Class & Dinner and learn to make a signature Japanese dish, the Okonomiyaki or savoury pancake!



Day 6 : Hiroshima, Miyajima Island

Location: Itsukushima

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: ARK Hotel Hiroshimaeki Minami – 3 Star

Meals Included: Breakfast

Known as the ‘romantic shrine Island’ just 1 hour outside of Hiroshima, Miyajima Island makes for the perfect day trip and is home to some of Japan’s best views. Visit the island with your local guide and explore the famous floating Torii Gate and Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Then, hop on the nearby cable car to the top of Mt Misen and embrace the 360-degree views of the inland sea. Enjoy some photo opportunities on the mountain top before returning to Hiroshima with free time in the late afternoon to enjoy the sites of the city. Your guide will be more than happy to offer tips and suggestions on what to see and do during your final night in Hiroshima.



Day 7 : Hiroshima, Himeji Castle, Kyoto

Location: Himeji Castle, Kyoto

Accommodation: Heianbo Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel by Shinkansen bullet train for approximately 1 hour before arriving at the spectacular Hemeji Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle is 400-year-old national treasure and has never been destroyed by war, earthquake, or fire. Explore the enchanting white castle with your guide before continuing to Kyoto via Shinkansen Bullet Train (approximately 1 hour). Considered the cultural and historic heart of the country, Kyoto is brimming with temples, shrines, peaceful gardens, geisha, restaurants, and shops. This traditional city is the perfect place to get lost in! After checking into the hotel, enjoy free time to explore Kyoto at your own pace.



If you are feeling adventurous in the evening, join the group for an optional Kyoto Lanes & Lanterns walking tour to wander the backstreets of Gion, visit local spots off the beaten track, sample tasty Japanese snacks and explore the wooden walls and lanterns of Yasaka Shrine.



Day 8 : Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we saw our goodbyes! Enjoy a final breakfast together before hotel check-out at 11:00. Roam through the backstreets of Kyoto one last time before farewelling your new travel mates – until next time!



What's Included

  • Meals

    7 Breakfasts

  • Accommodation

    4 & 3 Star Hotels, Japanese-style Ryokans

  • Train

    Express/bullet train, local & mountain train

  • Transportation

    Train, local bus, luggage transfers

  • Tour Guiding

    Services of local experienced Travel Talk Tour Leader licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

    Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access (where available)

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to the sights and museums

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Optional activities

Add Ons

Local Payment: £

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, children age 18 and above are allowed

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Trustpilot
James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 24, 2024
$5207 $2864

Operator discount: -$2343

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
$5207 $2864

Operator discount: -$2343

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024
$5417 $2979

Operator discount: -$2438

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024
$5417 $2979

Operator discount: -$2438

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

May 04, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

May 11, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 23, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
$4731 $2602

Operator discount: -$2129

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025
$4927 $2710

Operator discount: -$2217

Prices last published on 18-Sep-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Similar Tours