Guided Tours + Attractions
See Japan Highlights
Expert Tour Guides
Culture + Cuisine
Sleep In A Temple
Bullet Train Rides
Visit Iconic Cities
Free Time To Explore
Experience the magic of Japan on this 10-day guided adventure from Tokyo to Osaka! Led by knowledgeable guides with all accommodation and transport sorted, you can have a seamless experience as you traverse the diverse nation of Japan.
Start in Tokyo, where you can absorb the vibrant energy of this modern, dynamic city. Visit charming mountain villages like Hakone, Arashiyama, and Takayama and explore the ancient temples of Kyoto. Embrace Japanese traditions with tea ceremonies, sushi-making classes, and martial arts lessons. It’s the perfect introduction to the cuisine, culture, and history of Japan!
Day 1 - 3 |
Tokyo WondersArrive in the magnetic city of Tokyo for an action-packed 3 days. Your first night includes a welcome dinner and an uncrowded, nighttime tour of Senso-ji Temple. Day 2 kicks off with a Japan Orientation Briefing, followed by visits to the city’s unique districts such as Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, and Akihabara. On Day 3, join a private sushi-making class and then visit more Tokyo highlights such as the bustling Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing and the famous Omoide Yokocho Alley. Embrace Tokyo’s electric nightlife, historic shrines, and enticing modernity! StayTwin Bunks at Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar) |
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Day 4 |
Hakone and Mount Fuji ViewingDepart Tokyo and take the luxury “Romance Car” train to Hakone. This charming mountain town offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic peak. Enjoy a leisurely day of strolling around Hakone, snapping photos and sampling the delicious local food. In the evening, settle into your cosy guesthouse and have a traditional Japanese Family Nabe dinner before finishing the day with some fun games. StayTwin/Triple tatami mats at Gora Gaku Guesthouse (or similar) |
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Day 5 |
Historic TakayamaToday begins with a train ride on the shinkansen, also known as the bullet train. Zip out of Hakone on the world’s fastest train and travel to the gorgeous town of Takayama. This historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of traditional architecture and culture. Sample locally-made sake at a Takayaka brewery before spending a magical night sleeping on authentic tatami mats in a temple! StayMulti-share Rooms at Zenkoji Temple (or similar) |
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Day 6 |
Takayama to KyotoSpend the morning soaking in the culture of Takayama. Enjoy a final stroll around the old town or check out the morning market on the banks of the Miyagawa River. Then hop on another bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. On your first evening in Kyoto, join a guided walk around Kyoto’s Gion district where you can admire the temples, traditional teahouses, and stunning Geisha. StayPod-style per person at Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar) |
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Day 7 - 8 |
Explore Kyoto CultureOn day 7, rise before dawn to beat the crowds at the famous red gates of the Fushimi-Inari Shrine. Then marvel at the gorgeous Kiyomizu-dera Temple and later join a traditional Tea Ceremony, where you can even rent kimonos to really look the part. The next day includes more lovely temples such as the Golden Pavilion and Daitoku-ji, followed by a fascinating Kendo class in an authentic dojo. Your Bushido instructor is a descendant of a Japanese Samurai and will teach you the methods behind the revered martial art. StayPod-style per person at Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar) |
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Day 9 - 10 |
Osaka and DepartureDay 9 begins with a train to the peaceful mountain town of Arashiyama, where you can explore the bamboo forest, climb Monkey Mountain, and relax on a traditional Japanese boat ride through the valleys. Then head to Osaka and indulge in the city’s cuisine and entertainment. Sample incredible food in Osaka’s famous Dotonbori area and finish the night with karaoke! On Day 10, say goodbye to your new friends and embark on your onward travels. StayTwin Share at Hotel WBF Namba Motomachi (or similar) |
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Please read our terms, conditions and cancellation policies before booking your East Coast itinerary package.
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for all One Life Adventures tours. You must book this on your own before the tour departs.
The accommodation varies from twin or triple hotel rooms, to multi-share accommodation in a temple, to boutique hostels and more. If you’re a solo traveller, you’ll be paired with someone of the same gender.
Your 10-day tour includes 4 breakfasts, 1 Lunch, and 3 dinners. Other meals are at your own expense.
Strict dietary requirements may be difficult to accommodate in some areas of Japan. Lots of local dishes have animal-based broths and ingredients that are not vegetarian/vegan friendly, and many meals contain either meat, fish, or egg.
If you do have dietary requirements, try downloading the app “Happy Cow” and asking your tour guide for advice throughout the tour. You may also bring some snacks/supplements with you if necessary, but please note that Japanese customs can be very strict with medication so ensure you double-check everything you bring.
Try to pack as light as possible! We are moving around every few days, so the lighter your bags, the better. A backpack or small suitcase is ideal, and try to keep it under 15kg.
The luggage limit on the Shinkansen (bullet train) is very strict. Bags over 160cm (height x width x length) need an advance reservation and bags over 251cm cannot be accommodated even with a reservation.
You can fly into Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND).
There is no airport pickup, but you will get a welcome pack with detailed instructions for getting to the Tokyo hostel from both airport options.
The tour ends in Osaka on Day 10. If you are flying out of Osaka at the end of the tour, try to book your flights for after 9am to allow for airport travel time. If you are returning to Tokyo and flying out from there, try to book your flight for after 5pm. It takes around 5 hours to travel from Osaka to the airport in Tokyo, so leave plenty of time before your flight!
$600 AUD is a safe amount of money to bring for the entire 10-day tour. There will be lots of opportunities to withdraw more cash throughout the trip if needed.
This tour requires a moderate level of fitness as there is a lot of walking involved. There will be some days where you will walk more than 8-10km. Please bring comfortable walking shoes!