Excellent
Japan & J-Pop Express
Mix traditional Japan with modern anime and J-pop culture on this 11-day escorted tour. Take in the ancient sites of Tokyo such as the Meiji Shrine, as well as the vibrant fashion district of Harajuku and 'electric town', Akihabara. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji, sail across Lake Ashi and stay in a ryokan in Hakone. Try zazen meditation in Kyoto and enjoy a guided tour of the Geisha district. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Park and Miyajima Island, and head to Osaka for guided sightseeing. If travelling in March, enjoy included entrance to Tokyo's AnimeJapan convention, a dream for any fan of anime and manga.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysStarts
TokyoEnds
TokyoRange
HandpickedTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour leaderGroup Size
Min 4 / Max 16Minimum age
6 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
SaturdaysHotel Rating
3 star hotelsCountries
JapanArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 3Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Days 1-3 - Tokyo sightseeing
Days 1-3 - Tokyo sightseeing
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted by a driver and taken to our hotel in Ikebukuro by shared transfer. Our tour leader will meet you there to kick off the trip with a welcome meeting and dinner.
Day 2 will be packed with a walking tour of Tokyo, including stops at Harajuku for a glimpse of the unique street styles, Shibuya for lunch in the retro yokocho alleys, and Meiji Shrine for a peaceful stroll in the woods. We also witness the bustling scramble crossing in Shibuya among other highlights.
On day 3, we explore different areas of Tokyo, starting with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh sushi before crossing the bay to Odaiba on the monorail. Along the way, you'll see the impressive Ghibli clock at Shiodome. Our tour leader will then take you to Akihabara, known as the culture hub of Tokyo. For a change of pace, you can opt to visit the Skytree for panoramic views or the innovative National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).
Accommodation: The B Ikebukuro or similar
Day 4 - Hakone, Mount Fuji & ryokan stay
Day 4 - Hakone, Mount Fuji & ryokan stay
Tokyo - Hakone. Today we leave Tokyo's glistening skyscrapers behind and journey to Hakone, a picturesque national park where Mount Fuji stands tall. Fans of anime will recognize Hakone as the setting for Tokyo-3 in the popular series Neon Genesis Evangelion, and we can visit the Evangelion gift shop during our visit.
While in Hakone, we embark on a boat ride across Lake Ashi and catch sight of Mount Fuji from the Komagatake Ropeway or cable car, which will take us up the mountainside for exploration.
For the night, experience a stay at a charming traditional ryokan inn featuring tatami mat floors, futon mattresses, and indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Hot spring bathing is a cherished part of Japanese culture, so be sure to take advantage of this relaxing experience.
Accommodation: Fuji Hakone Guest House or similar
Days 5-6 - Exploring Kyoto
Days 5-6 - Exploring Kyoto
Hakone - Kyoto. With over 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto is a treasure trove of Japanese tradition and history. On day 5, we travel to Kyoto at high speeds by bullet train. On arrival our tour leader guides you through the city's backstreets to the enchanting Gion district, where you may catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Day 6 offers the opportunity to participate in zazen meditation at Ryosoku-in Temple, followed by a personalized tour of Kyoto's hidden gems curated by our tour leader. Alternatively, you can choose to explore solo, and engage in activities like yuzen dyeing, attend a kimono show, or visit the Toei Movie Park. For manga enthusiasts, there is also a museum dedicated to Japan's renowned comic book culture.
Accommodation: Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo or similar
Day 7 - Miyajima Island
Day 7 - Miyajima Island
Kyoto - Hiroshima. Take a bullet train to Hiroshima and then a short ferry ride to Miyajima, a small island known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly deer population, and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Later in the day, we enjoy an included dinner, comprising the local specialty, okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is made with noodles and vegetables cooked on a hotplate at your table.
Accommodation: Intergate Hiroshima or similar
Day 8 - Hiroshima to Osaka
Day 8 - Hiroshima to Osaka
Hiroshima - Osaka. Today, we explore Hiroshima's solemn Peace Park and Museum, offering a poignant reflection on the events of World War Two and promoting a message of peace for the future. Additionally, you can take part in a tatedo stage-fighting workshop to master the art of wielding a samurai sword before we head to Osaka for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Osaka Nanba or similar
Days 9-11 - Osaka sightseeing, anime & Tokyo
Days 9-11 - Osaka sightseeing, anime & Tokyo
Osaka - Tokyo. Begin day 9 in Osaka, a dynamic city known for its vibrant atmosphere. Explore Dotonbori, a paradise for trying takoyaki (octopus balls), and browse the cooking tools street of Doguyasuji. You also have the option to visit Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Castle before taking the bullet train back to Tokyo. Don't miss out on sampling Osaka's famous street food!
For certain departures in March, tickets to Tokyo's AnimeJapan event are included in your tour. This convention is one of the largest in the world, showcasing top names in anime and manga.
On day 10, enjoy a full day in Tokyo. Visit the enchanting Studio Ghibli Museum to immerse yourself in Miyazaki's imaginative world. Explore Tokyo from the Skytree, shop at Shinjuku, or visit Nakano Broadway, a popular spot for Tokyo's otaku community. Your tour leader will offer suggestions for activities. in the evening we enjoy a farewell group dinner.
On day 11 it's time to say farewell to Japan, and there's an included shared shuttle bus to Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight home. Have a safe journey back!
Accommodation: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
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Hotels
Prices & Dates
All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews