Simply Japan
Itinerary
Day 1 – Konnichiwa! Arrival in Osaka
After a long flight, you’ll be met on arrival at Osaka airport and taken to your first hotel. Osaka is a down-to-earth, neon metropolis, rich in Samurai history. During your 2 night stay, you’ll have time to explore some of the city’s ancient temples and beautiful gardens, as well as taking in the giant skyscrapers which form Osaka’s modern landscape.
Day 2 – Osaka street food tour
Osaka is known for having some of the best street food in the country, and today we’ll arrange an evening street food tour so you can get a real taste for the city’s buzzing food scene. With a local guide, you’ll discover some of the best local dishes such as kushikatsu, takoyaki and doteyaki.
Day 3 – Culture-rich Kyoto
Today, you will make your own way to the train station to collect your Rail Pass. Then get your first taste of train travel in Japan as you journey to nearby Kyoto. When you think of Japan, you might imagine ancient temples, perfectly manicured zen gardens and time-honoured tea ceremonies. Well, that’s Kyoto in a nutshell! You’ll spend 3 nights in this picturesque city.
Day 4 – Kyoto morning bike tour
This morning, you’ll head out to meet your English-speaking guide and hop on your bike. Cycling through the back streets feels like a world (and century) away from the car-congested highways. You’ll visit the old entertainment districts with their wooden houses and make a stop at Shinto shrines with their Torri gates. You’ll finish at Kyoto station at about 1 pm, giving you the rest of the day to do as you please.
Day 5 – Free time in Kyoto
There’s so much to see and discover in Kyoto, which is why we have planned three nights here. Discover more cultural treasures in central Kyoto, stroll through the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, or walk beneath the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Torii gates are the entrance gates to shrines, usually lined up one after the other, and you’ll see them all over Japan.
If you want to enjoy delicious, healthy Japanese food and also learn how to prepare it, we can arrange a cooking class in Kyoto. Our friendly chefs will explain the ingredients, demonstrate preparation, and, of course, help you with chopsticks. At the end of the class, you’ll enjoy your home-cooked meal even more. Speak to your travel specialist for more information.
Day 6 – Temples and deer in Nara
Today, take a scenic train ride to Nara, just 45 minutes from Kyoto. Nara is a popular destination to visit for the day from Kyoto, but you’ll be staying overnight to make the most of exploring its iconic sites in a quieter setting. Start with an early visit to the famous Todaiji Temple, home to the awe-inspiring Great Buddha, before the crowds arrive. Spend time in Nara Park, where thousands of friendly deer roam freely, and visit other highlights like Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its atmospheric lanterns. For a change of pace, enjoy panoramic views from Mount Wakakusa or wander through Naramachi, one of Japan’s oldest and most charming districts. As day-trippers return to Kyoto, you’ll have the chance to enjoy Nara’s peaceful evening ambience.
Day 7 – At home among the rice fields
Now for something completely different. The next stop on your Japan trip is Gotemba, nestled at the foot of Mount Fuji, where you will be staying with a local family. At the bus station, your host family will greet you with a friendly smile and take you to their home. Each homestay here offers a unique experience, as we partner with different families in the area. Upon arrival, you’ll dive straight into the cultural experience by picking fresh ingredients from the garden and preparing dinner together. You’ll sleep in a traditional Japanese room on futon beds laid out over tatami mats. Surprisingly comfortable, these beds are rolled up during the day to maximize living space, a clever example of Japanese home design. This authentic stay offers a genuine insight into Japanese life.
Day 8 – At the foot of Fuji
Bid farewell to your host family and take the train to Hakone, the gateway to Mount Fuji. For the next couple of days, you’ll stay in Hakone, located near the foot of the mountain and beside Ashino-ko Lake. The town is understandably popular and provides multiple tourist attractions and facilities. We’ll provide a pass so that you can experience them at your own pace.
Day 9 – Free time in Hakone
Today, you’ll have time to explore Hakone and you’ll have plenty of options – ride the railway, take a boat trip on the lake, visit the impressive Hakone Shrine or some of the many museums – it’s totally up to you! There are also some great hiking trails if you feel like escaping the crowds. After a full day of exploring, you can relax in one of the town’s many onsen and grab yourself some tasty Japanese cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
Days 10 – 12 – Let’s go Tokyo!
Finally, you’ll board the train to Tokyo, one of the world’s truly great cities. Tokyo is a thrilling mix of the past and future, complete with incredible cuisine, neon-lit nightlife and unique pop culture. You’ll be here for 3 nights, so there’s plenty of time to visit the contrasting areas which make up this unique metropolis.
You’ll want to visit Shibuya Crossing, where hundreds of people move in unison at one of the world’s busiest intersections. Head to Harajuku for its quirky shops and colourful fashion. For a change of pace, explore the impressive Tokyo National Museum, home to a stunning collection of Japanese art and artefacts.
Day 13 – Departure from Japan
On your final day, your Japanese experience will come to an end as you’re transferred to the airport for your international flight home.
Accommodation
