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Discovery Japan

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Tour Overview & Highlights

Uncover Japan’s rich heritage and scenic beauty on this immersive journey from Tokyo to Osaka. Visit iconic sights like Mt. Fuji, Matsumoto Castle, and Shirakawa-go, enjoy cultural traditions like tea ceremonies and gold leaf crafting, and relax in charming towns like Takayama and Kyoto. With a perfect blend of nature, history and city life, this tour is ideal for first-time travellers seeking an in-depth Japan experience.

Travel Dates

Depature Date Return Date Duration
Sun 1st Mar 2026 Sat 14th Mar 2026 14 Days
Mon 20th Apr 2026 Thu 5th Feb 2026 14 Days
Thu 10th Sep 2026 Wed 23rd Sep 2026 14 Days
Thu 15th Oct 2026 Wed 28th Oct 2026 14 Days

Itinerary

Day 01 - 02

Location Pin

Auckland – Shanghai/Beijing – Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for rest and recovery after the long journey.

Hotel Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar

Day 03

Location Pin

Discover Tokyo

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Visit Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views, explore the historic Sensoji Temple and the Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and stroll through the peaceful Hamarikyu Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a scenic dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

Hotel Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar

Day 04

Location Pin

Mt. Fuji Adventure

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Odawara. Cruise on Lake Ashi, ride the Komagatake Ropeway, and ascend to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting) for spectacular views.

Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Funinoko or similar

Day 05

Location Pin

Matsumoto Castle & Miso Culture

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Tour the iconic Matsumoto Castle and learn about traditional miso-making at a local brewery.

Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Hotel Matsushiro Nagano (with onsen) or similar

Day 06

Location Pin

Takayama Heritage

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Explore Miyagawa Morning Market, preserved Edo-period homes, the Festival Float Exhibition Hall, Kusakabe Folk Museum, and Takayama Jinya. Enjoy free time on Sanmachi Street for shopping and local snacks.

Hotel Accommodation: Takayama Green Hotel or similar

Day 07

Location Pin

Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Travel to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go to see its traditional gassho-zukuri houses. Try your hand at washi paper-making before continuing to Kanazawa for a visit to the stunning Kenrokuen Garden.

Hotel Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel or similar

Day 08

Location Pin

Kanazawa – Kyoto

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Experience gold leaf crafting, explore the preserved Higashi Chaya district, and visit the historic Shima Teahouse before heading to Kyoto.

Hotel Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Day 09

Location Pin

Kyoto Traditions

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Visit Ryoan-ji Zen garden and the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). Participate in cultural experiences like origami and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Hotel Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar

Day 10

Location Pin

Kyoto – Nara Day Trip

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of red torii gates, visit Todai-ji Temple and the friendly deer in Nara Park, and stroll through Isuien Garden.

Hotel Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Nara or similar

Day 11

Location Pin

Nara – Osaka via Mount Koya

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Discover the spiritual atmosphere of Mount Koya, including Okunoin Cemetery, Kongobu-ji Temple, and the sacred temple complex of Garan. Then continue to Osaka.

Hotel Accommodation: KKR Hotel Osaka or similar

Day 12

Location Pin

Discover Osaka

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Tour Osaka Castle, enjoy a river cruise on the Yodo River, and explore the vibrant Dotonbori entertainment district. Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or exploration.

Hotel Accommodation: KKR Hotel Osaka or similar

Day 13 - 14

Location Pin

Osaka – Beijing/Shanghai – Auckland

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Auckland. Arrive home with wonderful memories of Japan.

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 8699 2385

*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.