Essence of Japan with Travel Escapes by Christine

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HIGHLIGHTS

HIGHLIGHTS

HOTELS

HOTELS

SIGHTSEEING

SIGHTSEEING

MEALS

MEALS

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through Japan, blending rich heritage with modern marvels. From the lively streets of Osaka and the timeless beauty of Kyoto to the dynamic energy of Tokyo, this itinerary offers an immersive experience. Explore historic sites like Osaka Castle and Fushimi Inari Shrine, encounter friendly deer in Nara Park, and witness the breathtaking beauty of Mount Fuji — all while enjoying seamless travel on Japan’s iconic bullet train.

Price starting from $ 5799 Air inclusive ex Los Angeles per person based on double occupancy | Depart On 17 May 2027

OVERVIEW

This journey through Japan offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and modern city life. Begin your adventure in Osaka, exploring landmarks like Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Castle, along with the vibrant streets of Dotonbori. Continue to Nara to visit the iconic Todai-ji Temple and interact with friendly deer at Nara Park. Travel onward to Kyoto, where you’ll experience Japan’s rich traditions at sites such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Ride the famous Shinkansen to Tokyo and explore its dynamic mix of old and new, including Senso-ji, Tokyo Skytree, and the bustling Shibuya Crossing. A highlight of the trip is a scenic day excursion to Mount Fuji and nearby attractions like Lake Kawaguchi and Owakudani Valley. You will also enjoy unique experiences such as traveling on Japan’s world-renowned bullet train, immersing yourself in centuries-old traditions, and exploring vibrant shopping and entertainment districts like Ginza. Optional activities, including digital art experiences and theme park visits, allow you to further personalize your journey. With guided tours, comfortable transfers, and leisure time built into the itinerary, this journey offers a seamless way to discover the timeless charm, cultural richness, and modern brilliance of Japan.

Itinerary

Get ready, you’ll be departing today for Osaka, where your journey through Japan begins, showcasing its remarkable mix of timeless traditions and modern innovation.

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking assistant and transferred to your hotel in Osaka. After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and adjust to the time zone.

Overnight in Osaka

After breakfast, you will meet your private guide for a full-day exploration of Osaka. Your tour begins with a visit to the iconic Umeda Sky Building, a striking skyscraper made up of two towers connected at the top by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the city through large windows as well as from the open-air observation deck.

Next, you will head to the historic Osaka Castle. Originally constructed in 1583, the castle was designed to become the center of a unified Japan under Toyotomi rule and was once the largest castle in the country. Although it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, your guide will share its fascinating history and cultural significance.

Afterward, enjoy some free time in Dotonbori before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Osaka

Today, you will travel to the historic city of Nara to explore one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, Todaiji Temple. This renowned temple houses the Great Buddha of Nara, an enormous seated statue of Rushana-butsu, also known as the “Cosmic Buddha.”

After visiting the temple, enjoy time at Nara Deer Park, where you can interact with the park’s famously friendly and free-roaming deer.

From Nara, continue your journey to Kyoto, Japan’s former capital for over a thousand years. Here, you will visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, the head shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and foxes. The shrine is best known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that form a beautiful tunnel through the forested slopes of Mount Inari.

Overnight in Kyoto

After breakfast, meet your private guide and begin a full-day journey through Kyoto’s cultural highlights.

Your first stop is the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which served as the residence of the Imperial Family from 794 to 1868, when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. You will have the opportunity to walk through the palace grounds and admire the traditional architecture and beautifully maintained gardens.

Next, visit Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing areas known for its scenic beauty and historic charm. A highlight here is the Sagano Bamboo Forest, an iconic, highly photographed spot where walking through the tall bamboo groves offers a peaceful and unforgettable experience.

The tour continues with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This stunning Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by serene gardens and reflective ponds, it offers a truly beautiful and tranquil setting.

Overnight in Kyoto

After breakfast, we’ll head to the train station to board a high-speed Shinkansen to Tokyo. Feel the excitement as the bullet train whisks you across the countryside at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph)—a quintessential experience of modern Japan.

Upon arriving in Tokyo, you will be transferred to Team Labs to explore the immersive exhibits, a must-see attraction on any visit to Tokyo. Discover digital art installations made of light, sound, and various materials to delight all five senses. Enter teamLab Planets TOKYO and discover the incredible immersive art exhibition within. This full-body digital art experience allows visitors to completely immerse themselves in the artworks, with stimulation for all five senses. In this unique exhibition, each visitor’s presence impacts the artwork to finally become a part of it. The exhibition space includes several areas, totaling over 10,000 square meters. Explore the great variety of installations, with different lights, sounds, and materials to mesmerize every guest.

Later, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo

Today, enjoy a private day trip to Mount Fuji with your English-speaking driver, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Begin with a visit to the Mount Fuji 5th Station, located 2,300 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and browse local souvenirs.

Continue to Lake Kawaguchi and Oishi Park, known for their scenic beauty and seasonal flowers.

You will then explore Owakudani Valley, a volcanic area with active sulfur vents, and take a ropeway ride for stunning views. Later, enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi, where on clear days you can see Mount Fuji along with the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine. Return to Tokyo and relax.

Overnight in Tokyo

fter breakfast the following morning, meet your private guide and begin a half-day exploration of Tokyo. Start with an external view of the historic Tokyo Imperial Palace, the longstanding residence of Japan’s Imperial Family since 1868, offering insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage. Next, visit Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan and a major broadcasting tower, where you will ascend to the 350-meter observation deck for sweeping panoramic views of the city—an ideal moment to capture photos of Tokyo’s vast skyline.

Continue to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple, where you can learn about its legendary origins and experience a peaceful connection to traditional Japanese culture. Afterward, head to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world and a powerful symbol of modern Tokyo, where crowds flow in all directions as towering screens illuminate the surrounding streets. This iconic location has also appeared in films such as Lost in Translation and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. Nearby, take a moment to visit the Hachiko Statue, honoring the famously loyal dog and his touching story.

Before returning to your hotel, conclude your day in Ginza, Tokyo’s premier district for luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment, known for its elegant atmosphere and high-end boutiques.

Overnight in Tokyo

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to explore Tokyo at your own pace or you may book the following optional excursions.

Add-on: Go-Carting Experience: USD 225 Per person, including transfers and English-speaking assistant (minimum 10 travelers)
Meet your guide and set off on an exciting go-karting experience. Explore the city uniquely and stylishly as you drive through iconic areas such as Roppongi, the famous Shibuya Crossing, and the elegant streets of Omotesando, with a highlight being a pass by Tokyo Tower, offering stunning views of the skyline.

This guided experience provides a perspective of Tokyo that you simply can’t get from traditional tours. Optional costumes add a fun element to the ride, while your guide will capture high-quality photos at key spots, allowing you to fully enjoy the journey. At the end of the tour, you’ll return to the starting point, and all your photos will be shared with you via AirDrop or email,making it a memorable and hassle-free experience for couples, friends, and travellers alike.

Add-on: Disneyland or Disney Sea tickets with transfers: USD 185 per person, including transfers (minimum 6 travelers)

Add-on: Anime Experience: USD 195 per person, including transfers and English-speaking assistant (minimum 10 travelers)
The  excursion begins with a visit to the enchanting Ghibli Museum, a whimsical space dedicated to the beloved works of Studio Ghibli. The museum features a range of exhibits that reveal the studio’s animation and filmmaking process, including Hayao Miyazaki’s original work desk, personal sketches, and exclusive short films that are only shown within the museum itself. Designed with a playful, storybook-like atmosphere, the grounds evoke the magical worlds seen in Ghibli films, making it feel as though you’ve stepped directly into one.

Afterwards, the journey continues to Shibuya, home to the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where waves of pedestrians move in every direction in a striking yet strangely coordinated flow. From there, we visit Cyberspace Shibuya, located in Shibuya Parco, a hub for modern pop culture and gaming. Here, you can explore the Nintendo Tokyo Store, one of the few official Nintendo stores worldwide, featuring merchandise from iconic franchises such as Mario, Zelda, Kirby, Splatoon, and Animal Crossing. You may also stop by the nearby Pokémon Center Shibuya, offering a wide range of official Pokémon merchandise, including Pikachu, Eevee, and many other favorites.

The tour then proceeds to Akihabara, widely known as the global center of anime and gaming culture. This vibrant district is packed with specialty stores such as Animate, Gamers, Kotobukiya, Super Potato, and Trader, along with major electronics retailers like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Akiba. Visitors can also explore manga shops, capsule toy machines, themed cafés, and arcade centers like Taito Station and GiGO. A stop at the nearby Kanda Myojin Shrine offers a unique cultural touch, where visitors often receive blessings for electronics and technology.

After the guided portion of the tour concludes, you are free to continue exploring and return to your hotel on your own

Overnight in Tokyo

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Narita International Airport for your return flight home.

We wish you a safe journey and hope to plan your future trips with Voyages Hub!

Note - The itinerary above may be modified without prior notice. The sequence of activities and scheduled day trips may vary due to operational factors, including weather and traffic conditions.

Accommodation

Osaka View Hotel Honmachi
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Osaka View Hotel Honmachi offers comfortable, family-friendly accommodation in the heart of Osaka, featuring well-appointed rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities such as a bath, bidet, yukata, refrigerator, work desk, TV, and soundproofing for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy convenient facilities including free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and full-day security, along with added comforts like bathrobes, spa bath options, and scenic city or garden views. Ideally located in the city centre, the hotel is just a short walk from Nanba Betsuin Temple and Hongan-ji Temple Tsumura Betsuin, with easy access to attractions such as OSTEC Exhibition Hall, Namba Shrine, and Konko Church of Tamamizu, while Itami Airport is conveniently located just 19 km away.

Urban Hotel Kyoto Shijo Premium
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Urban Hotel Kyoto Shijo Premium in Kyoto offers comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations with free Wi-Fi, modern amenities, and well-equipped rooms featuring a work desk, TV, bidet, and complimentary toiletries. Guests can unwind at the hotel’s spa and wellness centre, sauna, fitness room, or relax in the lounge, public bath, and coffee shop. A daily buffet breakfast is served, while the on-site restaurant provides a variety of options for lunch and dinner, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Conveniently located about 44 km from Itami Airport, the hotel is within easy reach of attractions such as Kyoto Shigaku Kaikan Conference Hall (9-minute walk), Kyoto International Manga Museum (1.6 km), and Nijo Castle (1.9 km), making it a popular choice for its excellent location and quality breakfast.

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi Premier
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Henn na Hotel Premier Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi offers a comfortable stay in Tokyo with family-friendly rooms featuring air conditioning, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and modern amenities such as bathrobes, a refrigerator, and TV. The hotel enhances the experience with an on-site terrace, restaurant, and bar, where guests can enjoy a variety of Indian, Japanese, and European cuisines in both family-friendly and romantic settings, along with a selection of cocktails. Conveniently located about 21 km from Tokyo Haneda Airport, the hotel is within easy walking distance of attractions like Kuramae Jinja Shrine (5 minutes), Eiken-ji Temple (300 meters), and Asakusa ROX Shopping Center (6 minutes), with excellent access to public transport and nearby shopping areas.

TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS

  • International return airfare ex- Los Angeles (Please check with us for pricing from other cities)
  • Airport taxes, (current)fuel surcharge, and baggage allowance
  • 08 Nights’ accommodation on TWN/DBL sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • 01 Lunch during Mount Fuji excursion
  • Meet and greet assistance upon arrival in Osaka
  • All airport transfers on a private basis
  • Sightseeing tours in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo
  • Excursion to Nara
  • Full-day excursion to Mount Fuji and the Hakone region
  • One-way high-speed Shinkansen journey from Kyoto to Tokyo
  • Services of professional English-speaking guides during sightseeing tours
  • All sightseeing and transfers as per the itinerary on a private basis
  • Travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and tours
  • Applicable taxes and service charges

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS

  • All other meals & other sightseeing or services
  • Gratuities for meals, tourist guides, and drivers
  • Visa fee & Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses such as alcohol and other beverages, telephone calls, and laundry
  • Any other services or Items not mentioned above are not included

Add On Service

Optional Tour

Anime Experience Tour (Minimum 10 Pax) - TokyoSpecial interest
+ $ 195 / person
Tokyo Disneyland Tour (Minimum 2 Pax) - TokyoSpecial interest
+ $ 185 / person
Carting Experience (Minimum 10 Pax) - TokyoSpecial
+ $ 225 / person

Payment Policy

Deposit:           US$ 500 per person [Non-refundable / Non-transferrable]
Booking and Deposit date: 15th June 2026
50% Non-refundable Deposit date: 30th August 2026
Full Balance:    03 February 2027

(Once the deposit is paid, the travelers can then pay any amount on any date. Travelers to ensure that the payment deadlines are met as above)

Travel Protection / Travel Insurance

We encourage everyone who books a VOYAGES HUB TOURS package, regardless of age or tour choice, to obtain a travel protection plan. While you intend to take that once-in-a-lifetime trip, illness, family emergencies, and other factors can derail your best-laid plans.

VOYAGES HUB TOURS has partnered with Generali Insurance for U.S. residents to offer a Travel Protection Plan, which includes insurance benefits and non-insurance travel assistance services. This plan includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, accident and sickness medical expenses (COVID-19 is covered the same as any other sickness), baggage and personal effects baggage delay, and travel delay coverage. It also includes non-insurance travel assistance services provided by Generali Global Assistance's 24-hour, 365-day-a-year.   Please click here for your comprehensive Insurance Quote

Cancellation Policy

  • Starting from the booking date until August 30, 2026, a cancellation will incur a $500 per person non-refundable/non-transferable deposit fee, plus any interruption insurance costs if bought.
  • From August 31, 2026, to February 3, 2027, cancellation will result in the cancellation of 50% of the tour price
  • From  February 4, 2027, to May 7, 2027, cancellation will result in the full tour price being charged as cancellation with no possibility of a refund.

Note:
A person who becomes single because of the roommate’s cancellation must pay the single supplement
All payment cut-off dates are firm, and missing deadlines without approved extensions will result in cancellations without refunds being offered. 

                                                                               PLEASE NOTE

Voyages Hub reserves the right to levy a surcharge commensurate with the fuel increase at the time of operation of this movement.

REVIEW

This Japan tour exceeded all my expectations! From the vibrant streets of Osaka to the peaceful temples of Kyoto, every day was perfectly planned. The highlight for me was seeing Mount Fuji up close—it was absolutely breathtaking. Our guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the Shinkansen ride was such a cool experience. Everything was smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Japan for the first time!

Sarah Thompson verified
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An incredible journey from start to finish. I loved how this itinerary balanced modern cities with traditional culture. Kyoto was stunning, especially the bamboo forest and golden temple, while Tokyo had so much energy and excitement. The hotels were comfortable, and the transfers were very well organized. The day trip to Mount Fuji and Hakone was definitely a standout. This tour gave me a real feel for Japan in a short time.

Michael Anderson verified
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This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Every detail was taken care of, which made it easy to just relax and enjoy. Feeding the deer in Nara was such a unique experience, and exploring Tokyo’s neighborhoods was so much fun. The mix of guided tours and free time was perfect. I especially appreciated the professionalism of the guides and the seamless transportation throughout the trip. I’d book this again in a heartbeat!

Jessica Miller verified
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