15 Days | Japan & Hiroshima Discovery | 2025
Osaka - Himeji - Hiroshima - Nara - Kyoto - Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama - Nagano - Matsumoto - Mt Fuji - Tokyo
Ride the iconic bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto
Encounter friendly local deer in Nara and be amazed at Mt Fuji
Learn more about Japan's complex history at Hiroshima
From $3,999 Typically $4,999 pp twin share
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Blend the old world with the new, and uncover the magic of Japan for yourself on this two week in-depth adventure in 2025
Visit bustling Osaka with its brightly lit streets and fantastic food culture. Take a trip to ancient Nara, a city steeped in history. Walk the streets of Kyoto and take a step back in time as you explore its old temples and shrines. Visit Takayama, a wonderfully preserved old merchant town of the Edo period, and see the famous 200-year-old farmhouses of Shirakawago. Step inside one of Japan's last remaining original castles in Matsumoto. And admire the lofty, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji and be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Put simply, this 15 day introduction to Japan tour has it all.
One of the most poignant destinations is Hiroshima, the site of the first atomic bomb attack in human history. While the city is now a bustling metropolis, it still carries the weight of its past. The Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome are sobering reminders of the devastating impact of nuclear weapons, but also serve as symbols of hope and peace.
Read our travel blog about 'How To Spend Two Weeks In Japan'
Osaka, on the other hand, is a vibrant and lively city that's known for its street food, shopping, and nightlife. The food culture in Osaka is particularly notable, with a wide variety of delicious dishes that are unique to the region. The city is also home to several famous landmarks, such as Osaka Castle. Kyoto is another must-visit destination in Japan, famous for its beautiful temples, traditional architecture, and historic streets. The city is home to many beautiful gardens and parks, such as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion.
Finally, no trip to Japan is complete without a visit to Tokyo, the capital city and one of the most exciting cities in the world. Tokyo is a bustling metropolis that blends the traditional with the modern, with towering skyscrapers and historic temples existing side-by-side. There's plenty to see and do, from visiting the iconic Tokyo Tower and the Meiji Shrine to experiencing the vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene in neighbourhoods like Shinjuku and Shibuya. Foodies will also be in heaven in Tokyo, with an endless variety of delicious street food, sushi bars and Michelin-starred restaurants. Overall, a visit to Japan is an unforgettable experience, and the combination of Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo and everything in between offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and modernity.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15
Osaka (Kansai)
Depending on where your adventure in Japan starts, our journey will commence in Osaka. Make your own way to the hotel, meet your fellow guests, and enjoy a good night's rest before the real fun starts tomorrow!
Accommodation: Izumisano Centre Hotel or similar
Osaka Himeji Hiroshima
After breakfast we make the trip to the moving city of Hiroshima. Largely destroyed when the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide for this unenviable distinction. Enroute, we stop in Himeji to visit the castle. It was registered in 1993 as one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country. Enjoy your time here before heading to Hiroshima.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: THE KNOT Hiroshima or similar
Hiroshima Osaka
Today, we begin with the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. Then visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb used in WWII. After we make our way back to Osaka.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Welina Hotel Dotombori or similar
Osaka Nara Osaka
Today we will take a day trip to Nara.
Once you arrive in Nara it is a short walk to the main attractions. We will visit Todaiji Temple and its Great Hall as it houses one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. On your return to the station, wander back through Nara Deer Park where you can see hundreds of deer roaming around. Nara's 1,200 deer have become the symbol of the city as it comes from the Shinto idea that every creature, nature or object is a messenger of god. After enjoying your morning in Nara we will head back to Osaka.
As we arrive back in Osaka city, we will make a stop at Osaka Castle. After that, we will finish off our day with a tour of one of Osaka's central food and entertainment centres Dotonbori. Enjoy wandering around trying the local foods, shopping districts and posing with one of Osaka's famous icons, Gurico! We will eat our welcome dinner here together.
Enjoy a good rest in your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Welina Hotel Dotombori or similar
Osaka
Today is a free day to explore Osaka at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Welina Hotel Dotombori or similar
Osaka Kyoto
Today we will take the Bullet Train from Osaka to the historical capital Kyoto reaching within 15 minutes. In Kyoto we visit Nijo Castle, the Kyoto former residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate and is designated a UNESCO world heritage site. After that we will head to Fushimi Inari.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Karasuma Kyoto Hotel or similar
Kyoto Kanazawa
This morning we will visit the Kinkakuji Temple otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion. Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold and detailed architecture incorporating three distinct architectural styles of Shinden, Samurai and Zen. Board the bus towards Togetsu Bridge and the Bamboo Grove, landmarks of Western Kyoto's Arashiyama District for over four hundred years. Standing amongst the Bamboo Grove is like being in another world and is nothing like any other forest you have seen before. It is mesmerizing and peaceful.
We then continue to the city of Kanazawa.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Smile Hotel Kanazawanishiguchiekimae or similar
Kanazawa
Today we will explore the castle town of Kanazawa. First up we will visit Buke Yashiki (a samurai house) and learn about how the high ranked samurais lived during the Edo period. Later we will make our way through the streets of Higashi Chaya, a district lined with quaint old buildings that were once teahouses used by the local geisha (traditionalJapanese female entertainers) and their guests. Next, we will visit Kenrokuen Garden one of Japan's three best
landscape gardens. Then we will go to Omicho Market to try the local foods and see the local crafts.
Enjoy your stay in Kanazawa.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Smile Hotel Kanazawanishiguchiekimae or similar
Kanazawa Shirakawa Go Takayama
Today we will go on a half day tour of Shirakawago to explore the small village and the gassho style houses. On this tour you will stop at the observation point so you can view the whole of Shirakawago and while you are there your English speaking tour guide will teach you about the history of this unique village.
Enjoy your day in Shirakawago! After our tour in Shirakawago we will head towards Takayama for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: WAT HOTEL& SPA HIDA TAKAYAMA or similar
Takayama Nagano
Today we will spend the day exploring Takayama city. Takayama is a city located in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture. While you are in Takayama visit the preserved Old Town, the former local government office, Takayama Jinya, an impressive museum called Matsuri no Mori.
Upon finishing your tour in Takayama board the bus to Nagano for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Higashiguchi or similar
Nagano Matsumoto
Ohayou-gozaimasu! (Good morning!) After breakfast, we will gather together and head off to Hokusai Museum to discover the great artworks of Katsuhika Hokusai (1760-1849) one of Japan's leading Edo period ukiyo-e painters. After that we will continue on to Zenkoji Temple which was founded over 1,400 years ago and houses one of the first ever Buddhist statues to be brought into Japan. Continue on to Matsumoto city where we will view one of Japan's most complete and original castles, Matsumoto Castle.
Enjoy your night in Matsumoto!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Premier Hotel Cabin Matsumoto or similar
Matsumoto Mt Fuji
Ohayou-gozaimasu! (Good morning) Today we will visit one of Mount Fuji's springs, Oshino Hakkai. Oshino Hakkai is one of the eight ponds fed by melting snow filtering down from the slopes of Mount Fuji through porous layers of lava, resulting in very clear spring water that is well-regarded by the locals. Afterwards we will visit Mount Fuji's 5th station, which is above the clouds and allows you to view its enormous summit (if the weather permits).
Stay the night in Mt Fuji area and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow tour members.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Sun Plaza Hotel Fuji Lake Yamanakako or similar
Mt Fuji Tokyo
Today we will visit Gotemba Peace Park to capture another breathtaking view of Mt Fuji. Then we will take a cruise down Lake Ashi where you will be able to see the beautiful nature around you.
Enjoy your stay in Tokyo tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodaiton: HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Omori or similar
Tokyo
Enjoy your free day in Japan's mega city, Tokyo!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodaiton: HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Omori or similar
Tokyo
Today you will check out from your hotel and make your own way to the airport for your homeward flight, or make your own way to your next destination in Japan.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 14 nights twin share hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily, plus a welcome dinner and farewell dinner with your group
- Ride the Bullet Train from Osaka to Kyoto
- 2 free days in Osaka and Tokyo for you to explore Japan you way
- Professional tour guide
- Dedicated coach transportation
- All monument entrance fees as per the itinerary
Pre & Post-Tour Accommodation
- $300 per room per night (twin share)
- $250 per room per night (single)
Important Information: Please note that cherry blossom season is the busiest time to travel to Japan, and will occur between mid-March and early April in 2025. For fewer crowds and cheaper pricing, consider travelling in Autumn (September to November) for a different type of colour palette.
Travel Insurance: We recommend Covermore travel insurance. To quote and book, please click HERE.
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Optional recommended programs or tour extensions
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenditure
- Tips and gratuities
- Transfers (available as an add-on at checkout)
Single Supplement: Travelling solo? There is a solo supplement to have your own room on this tour at $2200, and is available via checkout
Group Size: The maximum group size is 45, with an average of 20-30 guests per tour
Optional Extras: Want to add airfares, extra accommodation or even add additional tours? Get in touch with us via [email protected] so we can help build your dream trip.
Departure Dates
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