A Taste Of Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
9 Days | 8 Nights | Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka
Tour Overview
Experience the highlights of Japan on this perfectly paced journey through three of the country’s most iconic cities. Begin in Tokyo, where cutting-edge modernity meets deep-rooted tradition, before travelling by bullet train to Kyoto, the spiritual heart of Japan and home to ancient temples and geisha districts. Finish in vibrant Osaka, renowned for its food culture, nightlife and contemporary energy.
This itinerary offers a relaxed, self-guided touring style with included guided walking tours and excellent rail connections, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting flexibility with expert touches.
Tour Highlights
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Explore Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya district on a guided walking tour
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High-speed bullet train journeys between cities
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Discover Kyoto’s atmospheric Gion geisha district
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Free time to explore temples, shrines and neighbourhoods at your own pace
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Finish in Osaka, Japan’s culinary and entertainment capital
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Superior category hotels throughout
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – UK / Ireland → Tokyo
Depart from the UK or Ireland on an overnight flight to Japan.
Overnight: Night on board
Day 2 – Arrive Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and make your own way to the hotel (private transfers available on request). The rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the city independently.
Overnight: Tokyo
Day 3 – Tokyo & Shibuya Walking Tour
Morning at leisure to explore Tokyo. Suggested sights include Meiji Shrine, Harajuku or Omotesando.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most famous districts. Highlights include Shibuya Crossing, Nonbei Yokocho, Miyashita Park, Center Gai and the iconic Hachiko Statue.
Overnight: Tokyo
Day 4 – Tokyo at Leisure
Enjoy a full day to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Optional excursions include a full-day Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi tour, offering stunning views of Japan’s most famous peak and surrounding landscapes.
Overnight: Tokyo
Day 5 – Tokyo → Kyoto
Board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto (approx. 2 hours 15 minutes). On arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring Kyoto’s historic streets, temples and traditional neighbourhoods.
Overnight: Kyoto
Day 6 – Kyoto & Gion Geisha District
Morning at leisure to explore Kyoto. Optional visits include Nijo Castle or the Samurai & Ninja Museum.
In the evening, enjoy a guided walking tour of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Wander atmospheric streets lined with traditional wooden townhouses while learning about geiko and maiko culture.
Overnight: Kyoto
Day 7 – Kyoto at Leisure
Free day to explore independently. Optional full-day Kyoto & Nara tour available, visiting the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari’s torii gates and Nara Park, home to temples and free-roaming deer.
Overnight: Kyoto
Day 8 – Kyoto → Osaka
Travel by bullet train to Osaka (approx. 15 minutes). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure discovering Osaka’s lively districts, street food scene and nightlife.
Overnight: Osaka
Day 9 – Osaka → UK / Ireland
Make your own way to the airport for your return flight home (private transfers available on request).
Depending on flight times, arrival back in the UK / Ireland may be the same day or following day.
What’s Included
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Return international flights from selected UK / Ireland airports
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Bullet train journeys: Tokyo → Kyoto and Kyoto → Osaka
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7 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels
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Guided Shibuya district walking tour in Tokyo
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Guided Gion geisha district walking tour in Kyoto
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Visits and entrance fees as per itinerary
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All air taxes and fuel surcharges
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ATOL protection
What’s Not Included
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Airport transfers (available as optional extras)
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Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
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Optional excursions and activities
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Local accommodation taxes (payable directly to hotels)
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Tips and personal expenses
Accommodation
Stay in carefully selected Superior category hotels, ideally located in:
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Tokyo
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Kyoto
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Osaka
(All accommodation is confirmed closer to departure and will be of the same or higher standard.)
Pricing
From £1,249 per person
(based on two adults sharing)
Prices are subject to availability and flight pricing at time of booking