Travel Type
Tour
Duration
13 Days/12 Nights
Country
Japan
Discover the cultural and scenic wonders of Japan with this 13-day itinerary, exploring iconic cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, alongside hidden gems such as Kanazawa, Beppu, and Kumamoto. Highlights include visits to Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing, and Mt. Aso; a serene cruise on the Sumida River; the beauty of Kenrokuen Garden; Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest; and Beppu’s famous onsen experiences. Enjoy local cuisine, visit historic sites like Kumamoto Castle, and take a scenic ferry ride to Osaka, completing your immersive journey through Japan’s history, nature, and culture.
Inclusions
12-night accommodation
14 meals: 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
All sightseeing as per itinerary
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Luggage courier service as per itinerary
English-speaking tour guide as per itinerary
Public transportation during the tours
English-speaking airport assistance on arrival day
Japan Rail pass 13 days
Exclusions
International airfare and airport taxes – Meals other than mentioned – Beverage – Gratuities to guides and drivers and hotel staff, city taxe and visa fees when applicable – Baggage handling – Travel insurance – Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Additional Information
Meals
We believe that sampling local cuisine is an essential part of your travel experience. Each tour typically includes all stated meals, featuring daily breakfasts to start your day. Usually, all included meals consist of local cuisines, thoughtfully curated to showcase the region’s culinary delights. This allows you to savor authentic flavors while dining in local settings. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please communicate them to us in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
Transport
To facilitate a smooth travel experience, our tours include comprehensive transportation services. For daily excursions, we provide comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, making it easy to explore multiple destinations. We also include domestic and regional flights where stated in the itinerary, allowing for seamless connections between locations.
Touring
Our tours are led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides who are passionate about sharing their expertise and insights with you. Entrance fees to attractions are usually included unless explicitly stated otherwise. This also applies to all tour activities, allowing you to fully enjoy all the highlights of your itinerary without any unexpected costs.
Special Notes
• Rhythm : active – some days may include a lot of walking.
• This tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues.
• Overnight luggage courier services are used on our Small Group Journeys because most Japanese trains (with the notable exceptions of the Narita Airport Express servicing Tokyo’s Narita Airport, and the Haruka Express servicing Kansai Airport) do not have luggage compartments. Your day-by-day itinerary will note when your main piece of luggage is couriered to an advance destination (included in costing). Please prepare a smaller luggage bag for the nights when you will be separated from your main piece of luggage.
• The minimum number of people on this group is 4, and the maximum is 16 people.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Upon arriving in Tokyo at either Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your assistant guide at the arrival gate. From there, you’ll enjoy a comfortable bus transfer to your hotel (ticket included), followed by a short, leisurely walk—less than 10 minutes—from the bus stop to your accommodation. Settle in and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Accommodation : Tokyo for 2 nights
2
DAY 2 TOKYO
Your exploration of Tokyo begins with a 9:00 AM meeting in the hotel lobby, where your guide will give a brief introduction to the day’s activities. At 10:00 AM, you’ll visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks, and stroll through the lively Nakamise Street. Next, enjoy a scenic 35-minute cruise on the Sumida River, offering a different perspective of the city (ticket included). At 12:15 PM, you’ll take a peaceful walk through Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo-period gem (ticket included). Lunch is at your leisure, with options like the Tsukiji Outer Market or nearby restaurants (not included). In the afternoon, experience the excitement of the famous Shibuya Crossing before returning to the hotel around 5:00 PM.
Meals : Breakfast
3
DAY 3 TOKYO TO KANAZAWA
Your day begins at 9:15 AM with a meeting in the hotel lobby, where your guide will assist with transferring your main luggage to Kyoto, while you pack an overnight bag for Kanazawa (ticket included). At 10:22 AM, board the bullet train (Kagayaki 509) to Kanazawa, arriving at 12:49 PM (ticket included). After arrival, you’ll have free time to explore Omicho Market, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the market’s many fresh seafood stalls (not included). In the afternoon, visit the tranquil D.T. Suzuki Museum (ticket included) before checking in at your hotel around 5:30 PM.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kanazawa for 2 nights
4
DAY 4 KANAZAWA
Meet your guide at 9:00 AM for a day of exploring Kanazawa’s historical and cultural sites. Begin with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden at 9:30 AM, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens (ticket included). At 11:00 AM, you’ll step back in time at the Shima Old Geisha House (ticket included), followed by some free time to explore the Higashi Chaya Geisha District and enjoy lunch at your own pace. The afternoon takes you to the Samurai Residence, Kurando Terashima’s House, at 2:30 PM (ticket included), before returning to your hotel at 4:00 PM.
Meals : Breakfast
5
DAY 5 KANAZAWA TO KYOTO
At 9:15 AM, meet your guide to begin your journey from Kanazawa to Kyoto. Depart Kanazawa at 9:54 AM via the bullet train (Tsurugi 15) to Tsuruga, followed by a transfer to the Limited Express (Thunder Bird 16), arriving in Kyoto at 11:39 AM (ticket included). Once in Kyoto, drop off your bags at the hotel if needed and head to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine at 1:00 PM. Here, you’ll have time to explore the surrounding Sando street, known for its quaint shops and food stalls, before checking into your hotel at 4:00 PM.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kyoto for 2 nights
6
DAY 6 KYOTO
Start your day at 9:00 AM with a visit to the magnificent Kiyomizu Temple at 10:00 AM (ticket included), followed by free time to wander the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where you can stop for lunch at one of the many traditional tea houses (not included). At 2:00 PM, take a peaceful stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before heading to the historic Gion District. Here, you’ll visit Kenninji Temple (ticket included) at 3:30 PM, before returning to your hotel by 5:00 PM.
Meals : Breakfast
7
DAY 7 KYOTO TO FUKUOKA
Meet your guide at 8:30 AM and walk to Kyoto Station for your bullet train journey to Hakata, Fukuoka. Your luggage will be transferred to Beppu, so pack an overnight bag for Fukuoka. At 9:25 AM, board the Nozomi bullet train, arriving in Hakata at 12:09 PM (ticket included). After lunch at Hakata Station (not included), visit the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum at 1:45 PM (ticket included) and explore the nearby Kushida Shrine. Check in to your hotel at 4:30 PM, then head out at 6:00 PM to visit the lively Yatai food stalls, where you can sample local specialties with your guide’s help (meal not included).
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Fukuoka for 1 night
8
DAY 8 FUKUOKA TO KUMAMOTO
Start the day at 8:30 AM with a bullet train ride (Sakura 543) to Kumamoto, arriving at 10:06 AM (ticket included). From the station, transfer to Mt. Aso, where you’ll take in breathtaking views at the Mt. Aso View Point around noon (ticket included). Afterward, transfer back to Kumamoto for a visit to the majestic Kumamoto Castle at 3:00 PM (ticket included), before returning to your hotel for a restful evening.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kumamoto for 1 night
9
DAY 9 KUMAMOTO TO BEPPU
At 9:00 AM, depart with your guide to Takachiho Gorge, where you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch at your own pace (not included). Afterward, visit the Amano Iwato Shrine and, if time allows, the nearby Amano Yasukawara Cave. In the afternoon, transfer to Beppu, arriving at your hotel around 6:30 PM for check-in.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Beppu for 2 nights
10
DAY 10 BEPPU’S THERMAL WONDERS
Meet your guide at 9:00 AM to explore Beppu’s famous hot springs and thermal activities. Start with a ride on the Mt. Tsurumi Ropeway for stunning panoramic views at 10:00 AM (ticket included). At 1:00 PM, participate in an Onsen steam cooking class and enjoy a unique lunch prepared using natural geothermal steam (ticket included). In the afternoon, visit the Jigoku Onsen Museum (ticket included) and the mesmerizing Umijigoku (Sea Blue Hell) hot spring (ticket included), before returning to your hotel to relax in the onsen. Dinner is available at a nearby restaurant (not included).
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
11
DAY 11 BEPPU TO OSAKA VIA FERRY SUNFLOWER
Enjoy a free day in Beppu to explore at your leisure. You can experience more onsen, take a trip to Yufuin, or join hands-on activities at Space Beppu. Your main luggage will be transferred to Osaka, arriving the next day. In the evening, meet your guide at 4:45 PM to transfer to the port by local bus and board the Ferry SunFlower at 6:45 PM (ticket included). Dinner is available on board (not included).
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Osaka for 2 nights
12
DAY 12 OSAKA
Arrive at Osaka Port at 6:35 AM and transfer to your hotel. After dropping off your luggage, enjoy a short break or grab a coffee before starting the day. At 9:00 AM, visit Osaka Castle and its beautiful garden (ticket included). At noon, explore the Umeda Sky Building Observatory (ticket included) for stunning views of the city. After some relaxation at your hotel in the afternoon, head to Dotonbori at 5:00 PM for a farewell dinner at a traditional izakaya (ticket included).
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
13
DAY 13 DEPARTURE FROM OSAKA
On your final day, make your way to the station or airport for your departure, filled with memories of your unforgettable journey through Japan.
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Well-located 3* hotels. Names will be confirmed on travel documents three weeks before departure.
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from, | Land Package | |
| Departures 2025-2026 on specific Sundays | Double | Single |
Low season May 25 – June 6, 2025 | 9265 | +1245 |
Shoulder season November 2 – 14, 2025 | 10049 | +1245 |
High season March 29 – April 10, 2026 | 10365 | +1245 |
A non-refundable deposit of $1500 CAD is required upon confirmation.
Minimum of 4 and maximum of 16 passengers.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Japan’s timeless splendours – Detailed itinerary
Japan’s timeless splendours – Detailed itinerary
