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Ultimate Japan

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Tour Overview & Highlights

Experience Japan from every angle on this adventure packed with history, culture and natural beauty. From Tokyo’s iconic landmarks to Kyoto’s timeless temples, Hiroshima’s poignant history to Fukuoka’s vibrant streets, this tour also includes unique experiences like a nostalgic train ride, an overnight ferry, and walks through Edo-era villages. Perfect for travellers seeking a truly comprehensive journey through Japan.

Travel Dates

Depature Date Return Date Duration
Sun 10th May 2026 Wed 27th May 2026 18 Days
Thu 10th Sep 2026 Sun 27th Sep 2026 18 Days
Tue 20th Oct 2026 Fri 6th Nov 2026 18 Days

Itinerary

Day 01

Location Pin

Auckland – China Transit City (Beijing / Shanghai / etc)

Depart from Auckland, fly via a transit city in China.

Day 02

Location Pin

China – Tokyo, Japan

Arrive in Tokyo. Meet & greet, then transfer to the hotel for rest.

Hotel Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar

Day 03

Location Pin

Tokyo Highlights

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Visit Tsukiji Outer Market, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Hotel Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar

Day 04

Location Pin

Tokyo – Kamakura – Enoshima – Shizuoka

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Explore Kamakura’s Great Buddha and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, then stroll around Enoshima Island.

Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Associa Shizuoka or similar

Day 05

Location Pin

Shizuoka – Oigawa Railway – Nagoya

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Ride the nostalgic Oigawa Railway and visit a green tea plantation.

Hotel Accommodation: Hotel JAL City Nagoya or similar

Day 06

Location Pin

Nagoya – Iga – Kyoto

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Visit the Iga Ninja Museum and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Optional experiences: Maiko dinner performance (JPY 35,000), Geisha dress-up experience (JPY 30,000).

Hotel Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Day 07

Location Pin

Kyoto (Free Day)

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Optional tour: Kyoto Cultural Discovery (JPY 12,900), includes Uji matcha experience, Byodoin Temple, and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion).

Hotel Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Day 08

Location Pin

Kyoto – Himeji Castle – Fukuyama/Okayama

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Visit the iconic Himeji Castle and enjoy a Shinkansen ride.

Hotel Accommodation: Okayama International Hotel or similar

Day 09

Location Pin

Fukuyama/Okayama – Miyajima – Hiroshima

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Tour Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine, then visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

Hotel Accommodation: Hiroshima Oriental Hotel or similar

Day 10

Location Pin

Hiroshima – Kintaikyo Bridge – Fukuoka

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Visit Kintaikyo Bridge, stop by the famous Sanzoku Restaurant, then arrive in Fukuoka.

Hotel Accommodation: Hotel JAL City Hakata or similar

Day 11

Location Pin

Fukuoka Sightseeing – Overnight Ferry to Osaka

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Canal City Hakata. In the evening, take an overnight ferry to Osaka.

Hotel Accommodation: Meimon Taiyo Ferry (Second Class DLX Twin Room)

Day 12

Location Pin

Osaka

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Visit Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi, and Dotonbori.

Hotel Accommodation: Osaka KKR Hotel or similar

Day 13

Location Pin

Osaka (Free Day)

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Optional day tour: Kyoto Seaside Excursion (JPY 18,000), including Amanohashidate, Ine Bay Boat Houses, and Kayabuki Thatched Roof Village.

Hotel Accommodation: Osaka KKR Hotel or similar

Day 14

Location Pin

Osaka – Nara – Gifu

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Visit Nara Park to see the friendly deer, then head to Gifu.

Hotel Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Gifu or similar

Day 15

Location Pin

Gifu – Narai-juku & Tsumago-juku – Nagano

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Stroll through the Edo-period post towns of Narai-juku and Tsumago-juku.

Hotel Accommodation: Ikenotaira Onsen Hotel, Nagano or similar

Day 16

Location Pin

Nagano – Mt. Fuji – Yokohama

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station and enjoy a lake cruise on Lake Kawaguchi.

Hotel Accommodation: Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel or similar

Day 17

Location Pin

Yokohama – Return to New Zealand

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Transfer to Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport for your return flight to New Zealand via a transit city in China.

Day 18

Location Pin

Arrive in New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland. Tour ends.

Inclusions

  • Return international airfares from Auckland
  • 4 star hotel accommodation
  • Transportation by tour coach and second-class train
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees and meals as specified in the itinerary

Exclusions

  • Japan visa fee (if required)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation and guide services during free time
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips (suggested NZD 15 per day per person)
  • Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary

Cost

Twin Share Single
Per Person 8999 3350

*Itinerary and costs subject to change. Airline, fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Terms & Conditions

Please note that special promotional fares are non-refundable and non-cancellable for personal reasons. NZD2500.00 per person is required at the time of booking and the balance to be paid 3 months prior to departure. Passport details must be provided immediately to secure your reservation.

Please view our full Terms & Conditions here.