- Overview
- Trip Itinerary
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Embark on a 16-day fully escorted journey through Japan, blending ancient traditions with modern wonders. Begin in vibrant Tokyo with its temples, markets, and a sushi-making experience before enjoying a magical Tokyo Bay dinner cruise. Journey to the majestic Mount Fuji and Hakone, then continue through the Japanese Alps to Matsumoto and Takayama, known for their historic charm and autumn colours. Explore Kanazawa’s exquisite gardens and cultural heritage, then discover Kyoto’s iconic temples, geisha districts, and hands-on cultural experiences. Pay tribute at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial and visit the serene island of Miyajima before concluding in lively Osaka, where neon-lit streets, castles, and street food delights await. With comfortable accommodation, scenic bullet train rides, immersive cultural experiences, and a mix of guided tours and leisure time, this itinerary offers the ultimate introduction to Japan’s rich history, natural beauty, and captivating culture.
Hotels: Premium standard
Meals: Daily breakfast, welcome & select dinners
Transport: All local transport including Coach, Limited Express and Bullet trains
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Itineraries
Day 1
Date : November 8, 2026
Tokyo
Meet your North Travel escort at Narita Airport at 6:00 pm, for transfer to your Tokyo hotel.
Accommodation: Asakusa View Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner
Day 2
Date : November 9, 2026
Tokyo
Begin your journey in the historic district of Asakusa with a visit to the magnificent Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most colorful temple. Stroll down Nakamise-dori, a bustling street filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs, before relaxing at Sumida Park with its seasonal views of the Skytree. For lunch, take part in an interactive sushi-making class with a professional chef and enjoy your creations. The afternoon is free to explore at leisure before a magical evening aboard a Tokyo Bay dinner cruise, where you’ll glide past the illuminated skyline, Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Tower.
Accommodation: Asakusa View Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3
Date : November 10, 2026
Tokyo
Escape the city’s fast pace with a tranquil stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a park blending Japanese, French, and English landscaping styles. Continue to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for sweeping views across the city and, on clear days, Mount Fuji in the distance. Afterwards, wander through the forested grounds of Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, before ending the day with a drive past the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where thousands of pedestrians surge across simultaneously.
Accommodation: Asakusa View Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4
Date : November 11, 2026
Mount Fuji
Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes region, celebrated for its postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji. Cruise across the serene waters of Lake Ashi aboard a themed boat, then ride the Hakone Ropeway for sweeping views of the mountain and the volcanic valley below.
Accommodation: Hotel Regina Kawaguchiko or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Date : November 12, 2026
Mount Fuji & Matsumoto
Ascend to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, the highest point accessible by vehicle, for close-up views of Japan’s sacred peak. Discover the remarkable textile artistry of the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, then continue to Matsumoto to visit its striking black-walled castle, one of the country’s most complete original fortresses.
Accommodation: Alpico Plaza Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Date : November 13, 2026
Takayama
This morning, stop at a wasabi farm to learn how this distinctive Japanese ingredient is cultivated and sample unique wasabi products. Continue to a local park to admire the vibrant hues of autumn foliage before a guided walking tour through Takayama’s Sanmachi Suji Old Town, lined with traditional wooden houses, sake breweries, and artisan shops.
Accommodation: Tokyu Stay Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7
Date : November 14, 2026
Takayama
Explore the bustling morning markets along the Miyagawa River, where locals sell fresh produce, crafts, and specialty foods. Afterwards, step back in time at the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum of traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and exhibits showcasing rural life. The afternoon is yours to explore Takayama at leisure.
Accommodation: Tokyu Stay Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8
Date : November 15, 2026
Shirakawago & Kanazawa
Travel to Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its steep gassho-zukuri farmhouses, and take part in a hands-on washi paper-making workshop. Later, wander through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscaped gardens, with its teahouses, ponds, and sculpted trees. Conclude the day in Kanazawa with a visit to a preserved samurai residence and, if time allows, a Kutani pottery workshop.
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawaeki-Nishiguchi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9
Date : November 16, 2026
Kanazawa
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kanazawa. You may wish to revisit Kenrokuen Garden, explore Kanazawa Castle, or discover the city’s vibrant modern art and food scene.
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawaeki-Nishiguchi or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10
Date : November 17, 2026
Kyoto
Take the bullet train to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. Begin your exploration with visits to the glittering Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji and the serene Ryoanji Zen Garden, before wandering through Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s bustling culinary hub. Later in the day, experience a traditional tea ceremony and a fan-painting workshop, immersing yourself in Japan’s cultural traditions.
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-Shijikarasuma or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11
Date : November 18, 2026
Kyoto
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Kyoto. Stroll the atmospheric streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, and walk through the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. For a truly memorable experience, take a rickshaw ride through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-Shijikarasuma or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12
Date : November 19, 2026
Hiroshima
Board the bullet train to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where exhibits and memorials pay tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb. See the Atomic Bomb Dome, the poignant Flame of Peace, and take in sweeping views of the city from the Orizuru Tower.
Accommodation: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13
Date : November 20, 2026
Miyajima
Take a ferry to Miyajima, renowned for the “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy the charming streets, meet the island’s friendly deer, and take in stunning views from Mount Misen. In the evening, return to Hiroshima and share a dinner of the region’s specialty dish, okonomiyaki.
Accommodation: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14
Date : November 21, 2026
Himeji & Osaka
Travel by train to Himeji to admire Japan’s most beautiful feudal fortress, Himeji Castle, known as the White Heron Castle for its graceful design. Stroll through the nearby Koko-en Garden before continuing on to Osaka for the night.
Accommodation: Osaka View Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 15
Date : November 22, 2026
Osaka
Spend the day exploring Osaka’s top landmarks, beginning with panoramic city views from the Umeda Sky Building. Discover the historic Osaka Castle and gardens, visit the retro charm of Shinsekai around Tsutenkaku Tower, and learn to prepare Osaka’s famous street food during a hands-on takoyaki cooking experience. Later, explore Shitennoji Temple and its tranquil Gokuraku-Jodo Garden, before an evening immersed in the neon lights, dining, and shopping of Dotonbori.
Accommodation: Osaka View Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 16
Date : November 23, 2026
Departure
Enjoy a farewell lunch before transferring to the airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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Hotels: Premium standard
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Meals: Daily breakfast, welcome & select dinners
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Transport All local transport including Limited Express and Bullet trains.
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Guided sightseeing & experiences:
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Tokyo: Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, sushi class, Tokyo Bay dinner cruise
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Mt. Fuji & Hakone: Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Ashi cruise, Ropeway
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Alps: Matsumoto Castle, Takayama town & markets, wasabi farm
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Kanazawa & Shirakawago: Kenrokuen Garden, samurai house, washi crafting
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Kyoto: Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari, Gion, tea ceremony, rickshaw ride
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Hiroshima & Miyajima: Peace Park, Orizuru Tower, Itsukushima Shrine
- Osaka: Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky, Dotonbori, takoyaki cooking
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English-speaking local guides throughout.
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Entrance fees to all sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
- Flights are not included. Note: Add return flights from $1899 per person
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
By making a booking or enquiry with North Travel, you agree to our General Terms and Conditions. Please visit https://northtravel.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/
While it's not strictly mandatory for all bookings, North Travel highly recommends and, in many cases, requires you to have adequate travel insurance for international travel, and strongly advises it for domestic trips. It's a non-negotiable for your peace of mind and protection.
On some itineraries and tours you may be required to have comprehensive travel insurance by the travel supplier. One of our consultants can guide you on this.
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We are a 100% New Zealand Owned and Operated Travel Agency.
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