Including return Qantas flights, travel on a high-speed bullet train, all accommodation, delicious breakfast daily, in-depth sightseeing, English-speaking tour guides throughout and more.
Take in the historical and cultural wonders of the Land of the Rising Sun with a 15 day Discover Japan tour.
Touch down in Osaka and use this vibrant city as a launchpad for a day trip to Nara, the home of Todaiji Temple and Nara Park, with its famous herd of 1200-strong free-roaming deer (regarded as messengers of the gods by locals!). See Osaka Castle and the lights, restaurants and atmosphere of Dōtonbori upon return back to Osaka. Also get to know your travelling companions over a welcome dinner while in the area! Experience one of Japan’s most brilliant innovations with a bullet train trip to Kyoto, Japan’s former ancient capital city. Weave between temples, shrines, palaces and gardens, and be on the lookout for secretive geisha as you take in sights such as Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Togetsukyo Bridge and the other-worldly Bamboo Grove.
Get a glimpse of what life was like for samurai in the Nagamachi Buke Yashiki district of Kanazawa, and also wander the grounds of Kenroku-en Garden and tour Omicho Market while in the city. Soak up the atmosphere of an atypical small village in Shirakawa-go, tour the open-air Hida Mura Folk Village museum in Takayama, visit Zenkōji Temple in Nagano, and admire the striking sight of Matsumoto Castle. Admire the often snow-capped peak of Mt. Fuji and take in the beauty of the Fuji Five Lakes area with a trip up to Mt Fuji Fifth Station. See the area from Gotemba Peace Park and from the waters of Lake Ashi while aboard a scenic cruise. Finally, set your sights on the lights, legacy and landmarks of Tokyo. Your time in the Japanese capital is your own, and can be devoted to the discovery of whatever pursuits you like, no matter if it is visits to temples and shrines, gastronomic adventures to street food markets or fine dining restaurants, or missions to encounter experiences for which Tokyo is so well known – cat cafes, robot restaurants, and more.
Want to see more of Japan? Extend the trip to a 17 day itinerary to include time in Hiroshima and Himeji.
As seen on Webjet’s A Taste of Travel:
Day 1: Australia –
– Osaka
Make your way to the airport and board a flight to Osaka in Japan. Once your flight touches down at Kansai Airport (KIX) in Osaka, you will be met by a transfer and escorted to the hotel for check in. Please meet your tour guide or escort at the arrival lobby exit gate inside the airport.
Please note, some flights may depart one day earlier.
Day 2: Osaka – Nara – Osaka (B, D)
Your first day of touring begins with an excursion to Nara to visit the Todaiji Temple, one of the most famous temples in Japan. Here, you’ll see the 15-metre tall bronze statue of Buddha (locally known as Daibutsu). The group then takes a walk through Nara Park and gets up-close to some of the park’s famous free-roaming deer. This herd, all 1200 of them, are revered in Nara and are known to approach visitors in the hopes of being fed the deer crackers available for purchase from local vendors. Back in Osaka, the itinerary takes you to Osaka Castle, a major landmark of the city and the previous home of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The final stop of the day takes you into Dōtonbori, a hub of dining and nightlife in the city, where you sit down with the group for a welcome dinner.
Day 3: Osaka –
– Kyoto (B)
Have breakfast at the hotel and then head to the railway station to board a Shinkansen bullet train for the trip to Kyoto. This high-speed journey takes only 15 minutes! Once in Kyoto, the group sets out for Kinkakuji Temple (also called the Golden Pavilion). This UNESCO World Heritage Site temple is recognisable for two floors that are entirely covered in thin layers of pure gold – a striking sight! Afterwards, make a visit to Nishijin Textile Centre to see a traditional kimono show and learn more about this emblematic form of Japanese dress.
Day 4: Kyoto (B)
You have a free day to explore Kyoto. Those with a keen interest in taking in even more of Kyoto’s landmarks can plan to visit any of the more than 1600 Buddhist temples located across the city, or you could seek out one of the 400 Shinto shrines. There are several palaces and gardens to discover, too. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive geisha as you meander the cityscape, particularly the narrow streets of Gion.
Day 5: Kyoto – Kanazawa (B)
The first visit of today’s itinerary is to Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Next, take in the design of Togetsukyo Bridge and the serenity of the famed Bamboo Grove; both are located in Western Kyoto’s popular Arashiyama District. Afterwards, the group departs Kyoto for the city of Kanazawa and arrives in the afternoon.
Day 6: Kanazawa (B)
Today is devoted to the discovery of Kanazawa. The history of this castle town stretches back 300 years. First up, see Buke Yashiki, a traditional samurai house, to learn about the lives of high ranking samurai during the Edo period. Walk through the streets of Higashi Chaya, one of the Kanazawa’s prettiest districts thanks to old buildings and heritage teahouses once frequented by local geisha and guests. Take a stroll around the immaculate grounds of Kenroku-en Garden, and finish the day with a trip to Omicho Market to taste local cuisine delicacies and peruse local crafts.
Day 7: Kanazawa (B)
You have today as leisure time to continuing taking in everything Kanazawa has to offer at your own pace. Some ideas of what to do in Kanazawa include seeing Kanazawa Castle, Oyama Shrine, Seisonkaku Villa, and Ninja Dera (or Myoryu-ji), the temple fitted out with all sorts of secret doors and hidden traps.
Day 8: Kanazawa – Shirakawa Go – Takayama ((B)
The group departs Kanazawa after breakfast, making its way to Takayama. There is a stop at Shirakawa-go along the way, for a half-day tour that explores this small village and its gassho-style houses. Make a photo stop at a lookout point to take in the views across the entire town. There may also be an opportunity to try some local cuisine! Continue to Takayama for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Takayama – Nagano (B)
Take in some of the top sights in Takayama this morning. This city sits within the mountainous Gifu Prefecture and retains much of its traditional architecture and atmosphere. Venture into the Old Town to be shown some of the best examples of the well-preserved buildings and structures, and make the trip to the open-air Hida Folk Village museum. Other places of note that you’ll take in today include Takayama Jin’ya, the former local government office; Matsuri no Mori, a local museum; and the festival floats at Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan. Travel to Nagano in the afternoon.
Day 10: Nagano – Matsumoto (B)
Begin the day by seeking out Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the eponymous artist. Here, you’ll have some time to take in the works of Katsushika Hokusai, who is widely regarded as one of the pre-eminent ukiyo-e painters from the Edo period. It is then onto Zenkōji Temple, which was built more than 1400 years ago and is home to a glorious statue of Buddha. Say goodbye to Nagano as the group travels to the city of Matsumoto to see the incredible Matsumoto Castle, one of the most complete and recognisable castles in Japan. The final activity of the day is a walk from the castle to Nakamachi Street, where you can take in the line-up of preserved buildings, tiny shops, and traditional ryokans.
Day 11: Matsumoto – Mt Fuji (B,D)
Swap the manmade sights of Matsumoto for one of Japan’s most iconic natural landmarks today, as the group travels towards Mt Fuji. Stop by Oshino Hakkai to see the eight mountain snow-fed ponds and discover why this crystal-clear water is so revered by locals. Head up to Mt Fuji Fifth Station to cast your gaze across the sweeping panorama of the Fuji Five lakes area below. This is one stop where making sure your smartphone or camera has a fully charged battery! You overnight in the Mt Fuji area, and tonight there is a farewell dinner where you can say goodbye to your fellow travelling companions and swap stories of your time together.
Please note that the trip to Mt Fuji Fifth Station is weather dependant.
Day 12: Mt Fuji – Tokyo (B)
The day starts with an outing to Gotemba Peace Park, where you can take in another perspective of the imposing Mt Fuji and Hakone Checkpoint. The latter was once a key checkpoint on the highway that connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. Afterwards, hop into a boat for a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi.
Continue to Tokyo and arrive in the non-stop Japanese capital in the afternoon. This remarkable metropolis is the ultimate mix of the modern and the traditional, teeming with LED-adorned skyscrapers, ancient temples, sprawling shopping malls, and peaceful parks.
Day 13: Tokyo (B)
A free day to explore and discover Tokyo at your own pace. This city offers something for every traveller, no matter if your interest is piqued by history, gastronomy, architecture, or technology. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree, plan ahead to snag a table at the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku, watch a morning Sumo practice session, or head into the Asakusa district to visit Sensoji Temple and wander down Nakamise Street.
Day 14: Tokyo – – Australia (B)
A transfer collects you from the hotel and takes you to the airport where you board your return flights to Australia.
Day 15: Australia
Arrive back in Australia today.
Day 1: Australia –– Osaka
Make your way to the airport and board a flight to Osaka in Japan. Once your flight touches down at Kansai Airport (KIX) in Osaka, you will be met by a transfer and escorted to the hotel for check in. Please meet your tour guide or escort at the arrival lobby exit gate inside the airport.
Please note, some flights may depart one day earlier.
Day 2: Osaka – Himeji – Hiroshima (B)
The group travels to Hiroshima from Osaka after breakfast at the hotel. Along the way, make a stop at Himeji to see the namesake castle, which is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of archetypal Japanese castle architecture. It is made up of 83 buildings, all with advanced defensive systems that date back to the feudal period, and also happens to be one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Arrive in Hiroshima later today.
Day 3: Hiroshima – Osaka (B)
Your time in the city begins with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This sombre sight commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb drop, and chronicles the devastation of this history-changing event of World War II. You then see Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, where you’ll have the opportunity to see the seemingly-floating torii gate at high tide. The group sets out on the return journey to Osaka later on.
Day 4: Osaka – Nara – Osaka (B, D)
Make an excursion to Nara to visit the Todaiji Temple, one of the most famous temples in Japan. Here, you’ll see the 15-metre tall bronze statue of Buddha (locally known as Daibutsu). The group then takes a walk through Nara Park and gets up-close to some of the park’s famous free-roaming deer. This herd, all 1200 of them, are revered in Nara and are known to approach visitors in the hopes of being fed the deer crackers available for purchase from local vendors. Back in Osaka, the itinerary takes you to Osaka Castle, a major landmark of the city and the previous home of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The final stop of the day takes you into Dōtonbori, a hub of dining and nightlife in the city, where you sit down with the group for a welcome dinner.
Day 5: Osaka –– Kyoto (B)
Have breakfast at the hotel and then head to the railway station to board a Shinkansen bullet train for the trip to Kyoto. This high-speed journey takes only 15 minutes! Once in Kyoto, the group sets out for Kinkakuji Temple (also called the Golden Pavilion). This UNESCO World Heritage Site temple is recognisable for two floors that are entirely covered in thin layers of pure gold – a striking sight! Afterwards, make a visit to Nishijin Textile Centre to see a traditional kimono show and learn more about this emblematic form of Japanese dress.
Day 6: Kyoto (B)
You have a free day to explore Kyoto. Those with a keen interest in taking in even more of Kyoto’s landmarks can plan to visit any of the more than 1600 Buddhist temples located across the city, or you could seek out one of the 400 Shinto shrines. There are several palaces and gardens to discover, too. Keep your eyes peeled for elusive geisha as you meander the cityscape, particularly the narrow streets of Gion.
Day 7: Kyoto – Kanazawa (B)
The first visit of today’s itinerary is to Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Next, take in the design of Togetsukyo Bridge and the serenity of the famed Bamboo Grove; both are located in Western Kyoto’s popular Arashiyama District. Afterwards, the group departs Kyoto for the city of Kanazawa and arrives in the afternoon.
Day 8: Kanazawa (B)
Today is devoted to the discovery of Kanazawa. The history of this castle town stretches back 300 years. First up, see Buke Yashiki, a traditional samurai house, to learn about the lives of high ranking samurai during the Edo period. Walk through the streets of Higashi Chaya, one of the Kanazawa’s prettiest districts thanks to old buildings and heritage teahouses once frequented by local geisha and guests. Take a stroll around the immaculate grounds of Kenroku-en Garden, and finish the day with a trip to Omicho Market to taste local cuisine delicacies and peruse local crafts.
Day 9: Kanazawa (B)
You have today as leisure time to continuing taking in everything Kanazawa has to offer at your own pace. Some ideas of what to do in Kanazawa include seeing Kanazawa Castle, Oyama Shrine, Seisonkaku Villa, and Ninja Dera (or Myoryu-ji), the temple fitted out with all sorts of secret doors and hidden traps.
Day 10: Kanazawa – Shirakawa Go – Takayama (B)
The group departs Kanazawa after breakfast, making its way to Takayama. There is a stop at Shirakawa-go along the way, for a half-day tour that explores this small village and its gassho-style houses. Make a photo stop at a lookout point to take in the views across the entire town. There may also be opportunity to try some local cuisine! Continue to Takayama for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Takayama – Nagano (B)
Take in some of the top sights in Takayama this morning. This city sits within the mountainous Gifu Prefecture and retains much of its traditional architecture and atmosphere. Venture into the Old Town to be shown some of the best examples of the well-preserved buildings and structures, and make the trip to the open-air Hida Folk Village museum. Other places of note that you’ll take in today include Takayama Jin’ya, the former local government office; Matsuri no Mori, a local museum; and the festival floats at Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan. Travel to Nagano in the afternoon.
Day 12: Nagano – Matsumoto (B)
Begin the day by seeking out Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the eponymous artist. Here, you’ll have some time to take in the works of Katsushika Hokusai, who is widely regarded as one of the pre-eminent ukiyo-e painters from the Edo period. It is then onto Zenkōji Temple, which was built more than 1400 years ago and is home to a glorious statue of Buddha. Say goodbye to Nagano as the group travels to the city of Matsumoto to see the incredible Matsumoto Castle, one of the most complete and recognisable castles in Japan. The final activity of the day is a walk from the castle to Nakamachi Street, where you can take in the line-up of preserved buildings, tiny shops, and traditional ryokans.
Day 13: Matsumoto – Mt Fuji (B,D)
Swap the manmade sights of Matsumoto for one of Japan’s most iconic natural landmarks today, as the group travels towards Mt Fuji. Stop by Oshino Hakkai to see the eight mountain snow-fed ponds and discover why this crystal-clear water is so revered by locals. Head up to Mt Fuji Fifth Station to cast your gaze across the sweeping panorama of the Fuji Five lakes area below. This is one stop where making sure your smartphone or camera has a fully charged battery! You overnight in the Mt Fuji area, and tonight there is a farewell dinner where you can say goodbye to your fellow travelling companions and swap stories of your time together.
Please note that the trip to Mt Fuji Fifth Station is weather dependant.
Day 14: Mt Fuji – Tokyo (B)
The day starts with an outing to Gotemba Peace Park, where you can take in another perspective of the imposing Mt Fuji and Hakone Checkpoint. The latter was once a key checkpoint on the highway that connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. Afterwards, hop into a boat for a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi.
Continue to Tokyo and arrive in the non-stop Japanese capital in the afternoon. This remarkable metropolis is the ultimate mix of the modern and the traditional, teeming with LED-adorned skyscrapers, ancient temples, sprawling shopping malls, and peaceful parks.
Day 15: Tokyo (B)
A free day to explore and discover Tokyo at your own pace. This city offers something for every traveller, no matter if your interest is piqued by history, gastronomy, architecture, or technology. Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree, plan ahead to snag a table at the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku, watch a morning Sumo practice session, or head into the Asakusa district to visit Sensoji Temple and wander down Nakamise Street.
Day 16: Tokyo – – Australia (B)
A transfer collects you from the hotel and takes you to the airport where you board your return flights to Australia.
Day 17: Australia
Arrive home today.
Highlights:
How to book:
Payment Information:
Excludes: Travel insurance, Visas, Personal expenses, Anything not mentioned or “optional” in the itinerary.
Single Supplement:
Payable direct to our Travel Partner at the time of booking.
Group Size: 10 – 45 people
Children: Minimum age 2 years. Same price as adults.
Triple Share: Not available
Accommodation:
Osaka: Hotel Plaza Osaka or similar
Kyoto: Kyoto Plaza Hotel or similar
Kanazawa: Hotel Route-Inn Kanazawa Ekimae or similar
Takayama: Washington Hotel Plaza Takayama or similar
Matsumoto: Dormy Inn Matsumoto or similar
Mt Fuji: Hotel Alexander Yamanakako or similar
Tokyo: Apa Hotel Asakusa or similar
Hiroshima Extension:
Osaka: Izumisano Centre Hotel or similar
Horishoma: Hotel New Hiroden or similar
Please note: Unlike western hotels, Japanese rooms can be small in size, only offer twin bedding or have limited in-room facilities like tea & coffee or satellite TV.
Land Only: Not available
Travel Insurance: Help cover yourself for the unexpected with Webjet Travel Insurance, we highly recommend it. Click here for a quote.
Visas: Visas are not included. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they meet the visa requirements for the country they are visiting. Webjet Exclusives is unable to provide visa advice.
For Visa assistance, please visit Webjet’s Travel Visa Service page
$100 spending money offer valid for any Webjet Exclusives tour or resort booking made at www.exclusives.webjet.com.au. Eligible bookings will receive a unique account application link from Webjet Exclusives via email within 72 hours of making a booking. Any HSBC Everyday Global Account applications not made via this link or if the booking is cancelled, the offer will not be fulfilled/paid. One (1) offer will be paid per booking. The offer is a 100 AUD deposit into the newly opened HSBC Everyday Global Accounts and the activated Visa Debit card. The offer may take up to 6 weeks to be fulfilled/paid. Webjet Exclusives reserves the right to withdraw this promotion at any time. The email address entered at the time of booking will be used as the primary contact. Webjet Exclusives’ standard booking terms and conditions apply. For more information go to www.hsbc.com.au/accounts/offers/everyday-global/webjet/
2020:
5 March – Sold Out
12 March
19 March*^
26 March – Sold Out
31 March*^
2 April*^ – Sold Out
7 April*^
5 April*^
9 April*^ – Sold Out
14 April*^ – Sold Out
16 April*^ – Sold Out
14 May
21 May – Sold Out
4 June
11 June
25 June*
20 August
3 September
15 October
29 October*#
5 November*#
12 November*#
19 November
*A $ 500 Peak Season Surcharge per person applies
Hiroshima Extension 2020:
3 March – Sold Out
10 March
17 March*^
24 March*^ – Sold Out
29 March*^
31 March*^
3 April*^
5 April*^
7 April*^ – Sold Out
12 April*^ – Sold Out
14 April*^ – Sold Out
12 May
19 May – Sold Out
2 June
9 June
18 August
1 September
8 September
13 October
27 October*#
3 November*#
10 November*#
17 November
Please note: Some flights may depart 1 day earlier.
* A $550 Peak Season Surcharge per person applies
^Cherry Blossom season for 2020 is forecast for late March and April. Please note: Cherry Blossom is subject to climate conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
# Koyo/Maple Season Dates – Best time to view Koyo season. Please note: Koyo season is seasonal and subject to climate conditions. These are historically the best times to view change in colours, but we can’t guarantee autumn foliage.
Availability on Departure Dates listed in Fine Print is subject to change. True availability is shown on the availability calendar after clicking on the BOOK NOW button
Bookings not accepted when within 45 days of departure
Airline:
Flights:
Schedule Changes:
Flight Variations:
If you wish to modify the promotional airfare included in your Webjet Exclusives package, the following Flight Variations can be requested:
A $250 per person “breakaway” charge will apply per person plus any applicable fare and tax difference.
In order to obtain a quote for your requested variations, you must purchase your vouchers first and submit your request via the online booking form. On this form will be a section highlighted “Flight Quote Request”. You must complete the mandatory information in this section to be provided with an accurate quote.
PLEASE NOTE: No flight requests/quotes/upgrades will be actioned until your final payment has been made. After this you will be contacted in relation to your request. Payment of the breakaway fee and any applicable fare and tax difference must be paid at time of quotation in order to confirm your flights.
Flights are booked in departure date order and we endeavour to send you this information 30 days before departure, if not sooner.
Once flights have been confirmed and ticketed, any voluntary changes made thereafter will incur a change fee plus any fare and tax difference.
Stay behind surcharge:
If you wish to extend your trip, a $250 per person breakaway charge will apply (subject to availability and applicable fare difference). Your stay behind request must be submitted when completing your booking form. Only the return date can be altered.
Extending your trip:
If you wish to alter or extend your trip, please purchase your voucher first and submit a request on your booking form. Webjet Exclusives will then provide quotations for any alterations or extensions. Should you wish to proceed any additional charges will be collected.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well organised and chaperoned tour.
Bernita G
Very happy with the tour. We saw and did so much and yet had free time to explore by ourselves or newly made friends. Our guide Maxim was Amazing! He was so knowledgeable about Japan, it's history, it's geography, it's people. Combined with an unflappable nature, great sense of humour and boundless patience he made our trip really memorable. Hotels were fantastic and bus drivers were skilled and accommodating. Only negative was the late check in time on arrival in Japan-exhausting !!
Lesley S
A fabulous trip. Value for money.
Sandra H
We were very pleased with webjet and unable to fault them.
Alan Hilton
A wonderful trip, great value, great guide and driver and a good mix of busy days and free days.
Julie Laidler
