Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Tokyo
The 13-day Japan Explorer tour offers an engaging introduction to Japan’s history, culture and modern life. From the ancient temples and gardens of Kyoto and Nara to the historic port city of Nagasaki, the itinerary traces important chapters in Japan’s past while taking in the country’s best-known sights. Along the way, enjoy expert local guides, quality hotels, authentic Japanese cuisine and high-speed rail travel, with free time for independent exploration.
Important Features
- Small group size (average 15, maximum 20)
- Professional guides carefully selected by company owners
- No annoying shopping stops
- Immersive cultural activities
- Quality Japanese and Western cuisine
- Special dinners featuring maiko performance
JAPAN EXPLORER TOUR ITINERARY
Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner
Day 1/Sat: Departing for Japan
The journey begins with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.
Day 2/Sun: Arrival in Kyoto
Welcome to Kyoto!
Please make your way to the hotel on your own. Detailed up-to-date information on how to get to the hotel will be provided in the pre-trip update two weeks before departure.
Day 3/Mon: Kyoto (B/L/D)
Nicknamed the “City of Ten Thousand Shrines”, Kyoto (literally meaning “capital city”) served as Japan’s capital for more than a thousand years before the imperial court moved to Tokyo in 1868 at the beginning of the Meiji Restoration (1868–1912), a period that saw Japan emerge as a modern industrial nation. Founded in 794, Kyoto was laid out on a grid pattern modelled after Chang’an, the capital of China’s Tang Dynasty (618–907), a golden age in Chinese history when Japan was strongly influenced by Chinese culture. Today, Kyoto has a population of approximately 1.4 million and forms a major part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area.
Free morning to recover from jet lag or explore on your own.
Our first stop after lunch is Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen Buddhist temple and one of 17 locations comprising the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site.
We then proceed to the Arashiyama (Storm Mountain) area where our sightseeing takes in Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo Forest. Located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is famous for its immense natural beauty as well as its historical and cultural prominence due to the large number of well-preserved ancient Buddhist temples.
Afterwards, we return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out for a traditional kaiseki dinner accompanied by the private performance of a maiko (geisha trainee).
Day 4/Tue: Kyoto (B)
This morning’s walking tour begins at the magnificent Nijo Castle (3 subway stops from our hotel).
Construction of the castle began in 1601 under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and was completed in 1626 under the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu. The Tokugawa shogunate was headquartered in Edo, present-day Tokyo, and Nijo Castle was the shogun’s residence in Kyoto where the imperial court was located. Nijo Castle is also the site that witnessed the ending of the Tokugawa shogunate. In late 1867, the last shogun, Yoshinobu, announced in the castle his decision to return power to the emperor. This was a watershed moment that helped usher in the Meiji Restoration, which, in turn, led to Japan’s industrialization and fundamentally transformed Japanese society.
Afterwards, we travel to Yasaka Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most iconic Shinto shrines, with a history of over 1,300 years. Its vibrant vermilion buildings, lantern-lit grounds, and lively atmosphere make it a beloved landmark in every season.
We then continue to the Gion district, strolling through its historic streets and learning about Kyoto’s centuries-old geisha culture.
Free afternoon to explore on your own.
Optional Matcha experience
Visit Entoku-in, a serene temple celebrated for its graceful gardens and timeless beauty throughout the seasons. Engage in traditional practices such as sutra copying (shakyo), Buddhist image tracing (shabutsu), and quiet contemplation of the dry landscape garden (karesansui). Conclude your visit with a bowl of matcha, prepared by a tea master or whisked by your own hand, and savor the tranquil atmosphere of the garden.
This optional experience is available at US$35/CAD$50 per person subject to a minimum of 4 participants.
Day 5/Wed: Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Kyoto (B/L)
We depart for Nara at 07:45. The 45 km drive to the magnificent Todai-ji temple takes about an hour. This ancient Buddhist temple is well known for its splendid architecture and the huge bronze statue of the Buddha in its main hall. The surrounding Nara Park is also home to more than a thousand wild deer that roam freely among visitors.
Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture and a former capital of Japan (710 – 794). With a population of roughly 370,000 and an area of 280 square kilometres, the city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture. Eight temples, shrines and ruins together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest collectively form “The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afterwards, we continue on to Osaka, where we visit the historic Osaka Castle and Osaka’s legendary shopping and entertainment district known as Dotonbori. Situated at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay, Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and plays a significant role in the Japanese economy. Osaka was once known as the “nation’s kitchen” because of its function as Japan’s rice trading centre during the Edo period.
Day 6/Thu: Kyoto – Hiroshima (B)
Free morning to explore on your own.
Our recommendations include Kiyomizu-dera (Buddhist temple), Kyoto Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari Shrine (good for hiking), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion Temple), and Kyoto National Museum.
We transfer to the train station for our late-afternoon rail journey (Nozomi 39, 16:25/18:02) to Hiroshima.
Day 7/Fri: Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima (B/D)
Hiroshima, literally meaning ‘broad island’, is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and the largest city in the Chugoku region with a population of 1.2 million. Hiroshima is best known as the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon when the United States Army Air Forces dropped an atomic bomb on the city at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945, near the end of World War II. The highlight in Hiroshima, understandably but sadly, is the Peace Memorial Park which includes the Peace Memorial Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome (the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall).
After a tour of the Peace Memorial Park complex including two hours in the museum onsite, we proceed to Miyajima Island by a combination of taxi, commuter train and ferry.
Officially known as Itsukushima, Miyajima is a small island (30 square kilometres, population 1,760) in Hiroshima Bay known for its forests and ancient temples. The seaside Itsukushima Shinto Shrine on the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “floating” torii gate in front of the shrine is the main reason for most visitors to come here.
Day 8/Sat: Hiroshima – Nagasaki (B)
The rail journey to Nagasaki this morning takes 2 hours 42 minutes (09:47/12:29).
Located on the northwest coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki is the capital and largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture with a population of approximately 400,000. During the Tokugawa period (1603–1868), Nagasaki was Japan’s principal gateway for trade with China and the Netherlands. This contact with foreign merchants left a lasting mark on the city, evident in its Christian heritage and European-influenced architecture. Nagasaki was also devastated by an American atomic bomb on August 9, 1945, three days after the bombing of Hiroshima.
Afternoon sightseeing begins at Dejima, the site of the former Dutch trading post. Originally built on reclaimed land for Portuguese merchants, the small artificial island became home to Dutch traders from 1641 to 1859.
We then proceed to Oura Church, also known as the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, followed by Glover Garden, home to the historic Glover Residence built in 1863 for Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover.
Day 9/Sun: Nagasaki (B/L)
Morning sightseeing includes Nagasaki Peace Park and Chinatown.
Established in 1955 near the hypocenter of the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945, the Peace Park sits next to the Atomic Bombing Museum and the Peace Memorial Hall.
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in Japan. The area in downtown Nagasaki was originally the location of the warehouses of Chinese traders. The Chinese merchants came to Nagasaki because it was Japan’s principal port for trade with China during the Tokugawa period. Today, Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is a thriving district filled with a variety of shops and restaurants where visitors can find the best Champon and Sara Udon, two Chinese-influenced noodle dishes.
The afternoon is set aside for you to explore on your own. We recommend a walking tour of Teramachi (temple street), where 14 Buddhist temples and 2 Shinto shrines stand side by side. Two temples, Kofukuji and Sofukuji, are particularly famous. In the 16th and early 17th centuries, Nagasaki was a hub of international trade, with European and Chinese traders frequenting its ports. Chinese merchants, who formed an important part of Nagasaki’s foreign community, established Buddhist temples that served both religious and social purposes. The Tokugawa authorities generally permitted these institutions, which also helped reinforce Buddhist affiliation at a time when Christianity was being suppressed.
Day 10/Mon: Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Tokyo (B)
This morning, we travel to Fukuoka (2 hours 30 minutes) and board the mid-afternoon flight (1 hour 45 minutes) to Tokyo.
Transfer to the hotel on arrival by low-cost bus in conjunction with a short taxi ride. Detailed instructions will be provided but the transfer cost is not included.
Day 11/Tue: Tokyo (B/L)
Tokyo, literally meaning “eastern capital” and officially named Tokyo Metropolis, is one of the most populous mega-cities in the world with a population of 14 million. Formerly known as Edo, the city has been the de facto seat of the Japanese government since 1603 when shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu chose the city for his headquarters. The shogun (general) was a hereditary commander ceremoniously appointed by the emperor but held real power over the country during the shogunate period between 1192 and 1867. Edo was renamed Tokyo after Emperor Meiji moved his seat from Kyoto in 1868 when the last shogun was forced to return power to the imperial court. The city covers an area of 2,187 square kilometres following the merger in 1943 of the city of Tokyo and Tokyo Prefecture.
Our full-day sightseeing begins at the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace. A stroll across the plaza accompanied by commentary on the imperial family and the history of Tokyo gets the tour off to a good start.
We then proceed to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, whose origins date back to 628.
After lunch, we drive through the ritzy Ginza shopping district on the way to Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852 -1912) and his wife.
We end the day with a visit to the observation deck atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. Designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building opened in 1991 and is one of Shinjuku’s best-known landmarks. On a clear day, visitors can see the peak of Mount Fuji, located approximately 95 km to the west.
Day 12/Wed: Tokyo (B)
Free day to explore on your own.
Our recommendations include Ginza and Akihabara shopping districts, the top-rated Tokyo National Museum and the adjacent National Museum of Western Art located at Ueno Park.
Day 13/Thu: Return Home (B)
The tour ends this morning. Transfer to Narita or Haneda airport on your own. Detailed information on Airport Limousine Bus and airport express train service will be provided in the final update.
Hotel List
| City | Nights | Hotel | Category |
| Kyoto | 4 | Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto | Premium /4 stars |
| Hiroshima | 2 | Hotel Granvia Hiroshima | Premium /4 stars |
| Nagasaki | 2 | ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki | Premium /4 stars |
| Tokyo | 3 | Tokyo Dome Hotel | Premium /4 stars |
Dates and Prices
| Depart (Sat) | Return (Thu) | Land Only* CA$/US$ | Single Supplement CA$/US$ |
| 2026 | |||
| 07-Nov | 19-Nov | $6,980/$5,095 | $2,275/$1,660 |
| 2027 | |||
| 13-Mar | 25-Mar | $6,980/$5,095 | $2,275/$1,660 |
| 20-Mar | 01-Apr | $7,200/$5,150 | $2,370/$1,695 |
| 03-Apr | 15-Apr | $7,200/$5,150 | $2,370/$1,695 |
| 10-Apr | 22-Apr | $7,200/$5,150 | $2,370/$1,695 |
| 17-Apr | 29-Apr | $7,200/$5,150 | $2,370/$1,695 |
| 08-May | 20-May | $6,980/$5,095 | $2,275/$1,660 |
| 15-May | 27-May | $6,980/$5,095 | $2,275/$1,660 |
| 22-May | 03-Jun | $6,900/$4,970 | $2,275/$1,660 |
| 29-May | 10-Jun | $6,800/$4,900 | $2,170/$1,550 |
* Land Only price does not include international airfare. Contact us for a fare quote.
Tour price includes:
| Tour price does NOT include:
See Terms & Conditions for more information. |
Japan Explorer Tour — Q&A
Do I need a passport to go to Japan?
Yes. Your passport must remain valid for the duration of your stay in Japan. Although Japan does not generally require six months of remaining validity, we recommend having at least six months of validity beyond your tour’s end date and at least one blank page in your passport.
Do I need visa to visit Japan?
If you are a tourist from Canada, the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, you do not need a visa to enter Japan as long as your stay is within 90 days.
What vaccinations are required?
None. However, vaccination against hepatitis A is strongly recommended.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Your deposit will be kept as credit if you cancel for any reason. The transferrable credit has no expiration date. Therefore, it may be unnecessary to spend $30 to $50 on cancellation insurance just to protect the deposit.
However, purchase of trip cancellation & emergency medical insurance is strongly advised when your balance is due. If you don’t have proper coverage, the loss can be devastating in case of cancellation before or after commencement of the booked trip or in case of a serious medical emergency during the trip. Please ask us for premium quotes when your balance due date is near.
