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This 12-day tour not only visits the famous sights of Japan including Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mt Fuji and Tokyo, but is brimful of experiences allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture, from traditional tea ceremonies to origami.
Highlights
See the famous Japanese Macaques bathe and play
Visit Kotokuin Temple houses Japan's second tallest bronze buddha statue
Visi a historic Kyoto-fan house to try your hand at the art of Japanese fan painting
Enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi and soak up the views of famous Mount Fuji
Departs September - November 2026 & March - November 2027
*Advertised price is based on per person twin share on 9 November 2026 departure, pricing correct as of 5 June 2026, inclusive of savings and is subject to change and availability at time of booking. Offer is valid until 30 June 2026, unless sold out prior.
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka! Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3 | Discover Nara
Visit the impressive Osaka Castle. After lunch, continue to Nara and enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park to Todai-ji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Garden before returning to Osaka.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 | Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Start with a visit to Togetsukyo Bridge located in the heart of the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets. Also visit Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkaku-ji Temple. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to further explore the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 | Experience Kyoto
Begin the day with a visit to one of Kyoto's most famous sites – Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torrii gates and follow a forested hillside pathway passing numerous shrines along the way. Later, enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master, and try your hand at origami. After lunch, your immersive experience continues with a fan painting class where you will learn the technique of this highly refined and sought-after visual art.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Search for Snow Monkeys
Spend the morning travelling by bullet train to Nagoya and then journey on the limited express train to Nagano. Upon arrival, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park and walk through a picturesque, forested valley to the hot pools where you will see the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play. Also visit the 7th-century Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist temples, before continuing by road to Matsumoto.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Miso & Sake Tasting
Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle', due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. After lunch, visit a sake brewery and enjoy a tipple or two! There will be some free time this afternoon to further explore Matsumoto.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | Mount Fuji
Travel by road to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th Station to view Mt Fuji (weather permitting). Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway to enjoy the breathtaking scenery below. Continue to Mishima and stay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 | Kamakura Grand Buddah
Journey to Kamakura, a popular coastal city located south of Tokyo. Visit Kotokuin Temple, which houses Japan's second tallest bronze buddha statue, followed by a stroll through Komachi Street which is lined with pretty little shops before visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura's most important shrine. Later, continue to Tokyo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 | Discover Tokyo
Begin the day by ascending to the observation deck at the Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest tower for panoramic views over the city below. Next, head to the old district of Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere at Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, before browsing the stalls on Nakamise shopping street. After lunch, explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historical heritage. End the day with a cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and enjoy dinner from the perfect vantage point to admire the supercharged lights of the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 11-12 | Fly Tokyo to Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Meals: Breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
