BREAKING NEWS: Visa-free travel to China available now for all New Zealanders! Click here to learn more!

Best of Japan

Home » Tour » Best of Japan

Tour Overview & Highlights

Discover the wonders of Japan on this unforgettable journey from Tokyo to Osaka. Explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and serene gardens. Cruise Lake Ashi beneath Mt. Fuji, meet snow monkeys in Nagano, and admire the historic villages of Shirakawa-go. Ride the Shinkansen to Hiroshima and soak in Kyoto’s cultural heritage with a traditional tea ceremony. This tour blends timeless beauty with modern marvels.

Travel Dates

Depature Date Return Date Duration
Fri 15th May 2026 Mon 1st Jun 2026 18 Days
Thu 15th Oct 2026 Sun 1st Nov 2026 18 Days

Itinerary

Day 01 - 02

Location Pin

Auckland – Shanghai/Beijing – Tokyo

Depart from Auckland and transit in Shanghai before arriving in Tokyo. Upon arrival, enjoy free time depending on your flight schedule.

Hotel Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 03

Location Pin

Tokyo Highlights

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Visit Meiji Shrine, the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Market, Sensoji Temple, and Akihabara Electric Town.

Hotel Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 04

Location Pin

Deeper Tokyo Exploration

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Stroll through the Asakusa district, explore Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. In the afternoon, ascend Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views.

Hotel Accommodation: Shinagawa Prince Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 05

Location Pin

Fuji Five Lakes Region

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Travel to the scenic Fuji Five Lakes area at the base of Mt. Fuji. Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ashi and ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley.

Hotel Accommodation: Tenseien Hotel Hakone or similar

Day 06

Location Pin

Mt. Fuji – Nagano

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Drive up to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting), visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, then continue to Nagano.

Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Hotel Matsushiro Nagano or similar

Day 07

Location Pin

Nagano

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Head to Yudanaka and walk to Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe wild Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. In the afternoon, visit Zenkoji Temple.

Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Hotel Matsushiro Nagano or similar

Day 08

Location Pin

Nagano – Takayama

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Visit Daio Wasabi Farm, Ishii Miso Brewery, and the iconic Matsumoto Castle. Then proceed to Takayama and enjoy a hot spring experience.

Hotel Accommodation: Takayama Green Hotel or similar

Day 09

Location Pin

Takayama Cultural Tour

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Explore Miyagawa Morning Market, Takayama Jinya, Yatai Kaikan (Festival Floats Exhibition Hall), and Kusakabe Folk Museum.

Hotel Accommodation: Takayama Green Hotel or similar

Day 10

Location Pin

Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Discover the UNESCO-listed gassho-style village of Shirakawa-go, experience traditional washi paper-making in Gokayama, and visit the Nomura Samurai House.

Hotel Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel or similar

Day 11

Location Pin

Kanazawa – Kyoto

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Stroll through the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, then continue to Kyoto to experience its timeless charm.

Hotel Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Day 12

Location Pin

Kyoto Cultural Immersion

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, and explore the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Hotel Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Day 13

Location Pin

Kyoto Temples – Hiroshima

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Tour the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and Ryoan-ji Zen garden before boarding the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima.

Hotel Accommodation: Hiroshima Prince Hotel or similar

Day 14

Location Pin

Hiroshima – Miyajima

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and tour the renowned Itsukushima Shrine.

Hotel Accommodation: Hiroshima Prince Hotel or similar

Day 15

Location Pin

Himeji Castle – Osaka

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Explore the majestic Himeji Castle and the peaceful Koko-en Garden. Continue to Osaka.

Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Osaka Namba or similar

Day 16

Location Pin

Osaka – Nara – Osaka

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Take a day trip to Nara to visit Todai-ji Temple and Isuien Garden. Return to Osaka to explore Dotonbori and Osaka Castle.

Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Osaka Namba or similar

Day 17 - 18

Location Pin

Osaka – Beijing/Shanghai – Auckland

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Depart from Osaka via Beijing or Shanghai and arrive back in New Zealand.

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 10999 3450

*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.