Best of Japan
Experience futuristic Tokyo; mountainous Hakone with Mt. Fuji views; historic Takayama; UNESCO site, Gokayama; Kanazawa, "Little Kyoto"; the ancient city of Kyoto & vibrant Osaka
| Style | Small Group Tour Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | August 2025 – December 2026 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture, Grand Tours, Bucket List, Rail Journeys | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Porterage at train stations is not available.Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
Check prices & book now
Get updates about this package
Set in East Asia, Japan is a country of contrasts, blending ancient traditions with innovative technology and calm scenery with bustling cities. This fascinating region will spark all your senses and leave you with memories you won't be able to make anywhere else. Home to symbolic Mt. Fuji, mouthwatering cuisine, magnificent temples and shrines, neon skylines, and a culture steeped in both tradition and modernity, you will discover the absolute best of Japan with every turn you take. Journey through coastal towns, historical cities, and mountain villages to experience all that this country has to offer. Taste your way through the region with hands-on sushi lessons, sake tastings, and enjoying the local fare. Discover Kyoto, Japan's spiritual center, home to the Golden Pavilion. Explore the rich history and discover timeless stories from every ancient temple and UNESCO site. From Tokyo's glittering skyscrapers to the peaceful bamboo forests and ornate pagodas, Japan is an adventure waiting for curious travelers.
April - September 2025 Departures: Take advantage of your already-included international airfare to experience Expo Osaka 2025! This immersive and exciting opportunity captures the essence of innovation and cultural exchange in the heart of Kansai, Japan.
 |
 |
 |
Package includes
- Flights
- Train
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (TYO), including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 10 nights in Deluxe and First-Class Superior hotel accommodations
- 1 night at a ryokan-style resort in Hakone
- 19 Meals: 11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Expo Osaka 2025 Extension includes Expo Osaka admission ticket
Optional add-ons
- Optional excursions in Tokyo
- Optional excursion in Kyoto to Hiroshima & Miyajima
- Optional independent extension Expo Osaka 2025
Why you'll love it
- Explore Tokyo's highlights, including Sensoji Temple, Nakamise-dōri Street, and Tokyo Skytree.
- Learn the art of making sushi during a hands-on lesson.
- Cruise along Lake Ashi before ascending 4,300 ft. to the ancient Mototsumiya Shrine on top of Mt. Komagatake and a chance to see Mt. Fuji.
- Admire the unique artwork and sculptures at The Hakone Open-Air Museum.
- Set out on a high-speed adventure aboard the Shinkansen Kodama, a bullet train linking Japan's major cities while reaching speeds of over 170 miles per hour.
- Explore scenic Takayama, including the Sannomachi District, the Takayama-Jina Shrine, and the Yatai Kaikan museum.
- Tour a local sake brewery and taste samples of various sakes.
- Get hands-on during a Washi paper-making demonstration and experience.
- Visit the Nomura-Ke Samurai residence, then discover Kanazawa's rich tradition of gold leaf at the Gold Leaf Experience.
- Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony alongside tea masters.
- Explore Kyoto, including the Golden Pavillion, Nijo Castle, Heian Jingu Shrine, and Nishiki Market.
- Meander through the renowned Sagano Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama, considered one of the most beautiful woodlands in the world.
- Discover the iconic Osaka Castle and surrounding gardens.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Arrive Tokyo, Japan
- 3 Tokyo
- 4 Tokyo
- Optional Excursion: Imperial Palace East Gardens & COREDO Muromachi shopping complex (AM) , $50
- Optional Excursion: Ikebana Workshop (PM) , $125
- 5 Hakone & views of Mt Fuji
- 6 Hakone & Takayama
- 7 Takayama, Gokayama & Kanazawa
- 8 Kanazawa
- 9 Kanazawa & Kyoto
- 10 Kyoto
- 11 Kyoto
- Optional Excursion: Hiroshima & Miyajima Full-day Tour , $475
- 12 Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
- 13 Depart Osaka/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart on your overnight flight to Tokyo, Japan
Day 2 Arrive Tokyo, Japan
- Arrive in Tokyo, Japan, meet our representative, and transfer to your hotel
Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar
Day 3 Tokyo
- Visit Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise-dōri Street
- Enjoy a sushi-making class followed by a sushi lunch
- Visit the Tokyo Skytree
- Stroll through the Roppongi Hills District
- Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers
Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 Tokyo
- Enjoy a full day at leisure in Tokyo, or join an optional tour
Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similarBreakfast
Day 5 Hakone & views of Mt Fuji
- Enjoy a beautiful panoramic drive from Tokyo to Hakone
- Embark on a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi
- Enjoy views of Mt. Fuji, weather conditions permitting
- Board the Komagatake Ropeway and ascend Mt. Komagatake
- Admire the artwork and sculptures at The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 Hakone & Takayama
- Travel to Nagoya aboard the Shinkansen Kodama, Japan's bullet train
- Journey to Takayama aboard the limited express Hida
- Enjoy the beautiful views of the Japanese Alps
- Stroll through the historic Sannomachi District
- Continue on foot to visit Takayama Jinya
- Enjoy a sake brewery and tasting
Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama Musubinoyu or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 7 Takayama, Gokayama & Kanazawa
- Experience a local farmers market of Takayama
- Explore the Yatai Kaikan Museum
- Take a stroll in Gokayama
- Visit a traditional Washi workshop
ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 8 Kanazawa
- Visit the Nomura-Ke, the Old Samurai House, and stroll through Kenrokuen Garden
- Discover Kanazawa's rich tradition of gold leaf at the Gold Leaf Experience
- Pay a visit to the Shima House
- Enjoy a walking tour of the Higashi Chaya District
ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa or similarBreakfast
Day 9 Kanazawa & Kyoto
- Journey to Kyoto by the Limited Express Thunderbird
- Visit the Nijo Castle
- See the Heian Jingu Shrine and Red Torii Gate
- Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 10 Kyoto
- Visit the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks
- Visit Arashiyama and stroll through the Sagano Bamboo Grove and across the Togetsu bridge
- Shop at the 16th-century Nishiki Market
- Admire the beautiful Buddhist of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similarBreakfast
Day 11 Kyoto
- Enjoy a free day in Kyoto, or join an optional Hiroshima & Miyajima excursion
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similarBreakfast
Day 12 Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
- Drive to Nara, one of Japan's earliest capitals
- Visit Todai-ji Temple and the Kasuga Shrine
- Discover the iconic Osaka Castle and surrounding gardens
- Embark on a boat ride along the Dotonbori River
- Enjoy a farewell dinner
Imperial Hotel Osaka or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 13 Depart Osaka/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport in Osaka for your flight to Tokyo
- In Tokyo, board your flight home and arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Expo Osaka 2025 Independent Post-tour Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare to experience Expo Osaka 2025! This immersive and exciting opportunity captures the essence of innovation and cultural exchange in the heart of Kansai, Japan. You'll return to the USA one day after the return dates listed.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 13 Expo Osaka, Kansai, Japan
- Experience the exciting Expo Osaka 2025
- Later, return to the hotel and enjoy dinner independently
Imperial Hotel Osaka or similarBreakfast
Day 14 Depart Osaka/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport via hotel shuttle for your flight to Tokyo
- In Tokyo, board your flight home and arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Reviews & Photos
We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Here are some moments other travelers captured on this package. Or check out our entire fan photo gallery.
No reviews yet! Check back soon to see what our travelers are saying.
Traveled with us, but haven't received an invitation to review your trip? Contact us at reviews@friendlyplanet.com.
Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at the time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Japan?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.