Japan & J-Pop Express - 11 days
Japan & J-Pop Express - 11 days
Japan & J-Pop Express - 11 days
11 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo
Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka
Tour operator:
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
Minimum age: 6 years, accompanied by an adult
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Mix traditional Japan with modern anime and J-pop culture on this 11-day escorted tour. Take in the ancient sites of Tokyo such as the Meiji Shrine, as well as the vibrant fashion district of Harajuku and 'electric town', Akihabara. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji, sail across Lake Ashi and stay in a ryokan in Hakone. Try zazen meditation in Kyoto and enjoy a guided tour of the Geisha district. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Park and Miyajima Island, and head to Osaka for guided sightseeing. If travelling in March, enjoy included entrance to Tokyo's AnimeJapan convention, a dream for any fan of anime and manga.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1-3: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted by a driver and taken to our hotel in Ikebukuro by shared transfer. Our tour leader will meet you there to kick off the trip with a welcome meeting and dinner.
Day 2 will be packed with a walking tour of Tokyo, including stops at Harajuku for a glimpse of the unique street styles, Shibuya for lunch in the retro yokocho alleys, and Meiji Shrine for a peaceful stroll in the woods. We also witness the bustling scramble crossing in Shibuya among other highlights.
On day 3, we explore different areas of Tokyo, starting with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh sushi before crossing the bay to Odaiba on the monorail. Along the way, you'll see the impressive Ghibli clock at Shiodome. Our tour leader will then take you to Akihabara, known as the culture hub of Tokyo. For a change of pace, you can opt to visit the Skytree for panoramic views or the innovative National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).
Accommodation: The B Ikebukuro or similar
Day 4: Hakone
Location: Hakone
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tokyo - Hakone. Today we leave Tokyo's glistening skyscrapers behind and journey to Hakone, a picturesque national park where Mount Fuji stands tall. Fans of anime will recognize Hakone as the setting for Tokyo-3 in the popular series Neon Genesis Evangelion, and we can visit the Evangelion gift shop during our visit.
While in Hakone, we embark on a boat ride across Lake Ashi and catch sight of Mount Fuji from the Komagatake Ropeway or cable car, which will take us up the mountainside for exploration.
For the night, experience a stay at a charming traditional ryokan inn featuring tatami mat floors, futon mattresses, and indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Hot spring bathing is a cherished part of Japanese culture, so be sure to take advantage of this relaxing experience.
Accommodation: Fuji Hakone Guest House or similar
Day 5-6: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hakone - Kyoto. With over 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto is a treasure trove of Japanese tradition and history. On day 5, we travel to Kyoto at high speeds by bullet train. On arrival our tour leader guides you through the city's backstreets to the enchanting Gion district, where you may catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Day 6 offers the opportunity to participate in zazen meditation at Ryosoku-in Temple, followed by a personalized tour of Kyoto's hidden gems curated by our tour leader. Alternatively, you can choose to explore solo, and engage in activities like yuzen dyeing, attend a kimono show, or visit the Toei Movie Park. For manga enthusiasts, there is also a museum dedicated to Japan's renowned comic book culture.
Accommodation: Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo or similar
Day 7: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kyoto - Hiroshima. Take a bullet train to Hiroshima and then a short ferry ride to Miyajima, a small island known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly deer population, and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Later in the day, we enjoy an included dinner, comprising the local specialty, okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is made with noodles and vegetables cooked on a hotplate at your table.
Accommodation: Intergate Hiroshima or similar
Day 8: Osaka
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hiroshima - Osaka. Today, we explore Hiroshima's solemn Peace Park and Museum, offering a poignant reflection on the events of World War Two and promoting a message of peace for the future. Additionally, you can take part in a tatedo stage-fighting workshop to master the art of wielding a samurai sword before we head to Osaka for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Osaka Nanba or similar
Day 9-11: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Osaka - Tokyo. Begin day 9 in Osaka, a dynamic city known for its vibrant atmosphere. Explore Dotonbori, a paradise for trying takoyaki (octopus balls), and browse the cooking tools street of Doguyasuji. You also have the option to visit Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Castle before taking the bullet train back to Tokyo. Don't miss out on sampling Osaka's famous street food!
For certain departures in March, tickets to Tokyo's AnimeJapan event are included in your tour. This convention is one of the largest in the world, showcasing top names in anime and manga.
On day 10, enjoy a full day in Tokyo. Visit the enchanting Studio Ghibli Museum to immerse yourself in Miyazaki's imaginative world. Explore Tokyo from the Skytree, shop at Shinjuku, or visit Nakano Broadway, a popular spot for Tokyo's otaku community. Your tour leader will offer suggestions for activities. in the evening we enjoy a farewell group dinner.
On day 11 it's time to say farewell to Japan, and there's an included shared shuttle bus to Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight home. Have a safe journey back!
Accommodation: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar
Day 7: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kyoto - Hiroshima. Take a bullet train to Hiroshima and then a short ferry ride to Miyajima, a small island known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly deer population, and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Later in the day, we enjoy an included dinner, comprising the local specialty, okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is made with noodles and vegetables cooked on a hotplate at your table.
Accommodation: Intergate Hiroshima or similar
Day 8: Osaka
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hiroshima - Osaka. Today, we explore Hiroshima's solemn Peace Park and Museum, offering a poignant reflection on the events of World War Two and promoting a message of peace for the future. Additionally, you can take part in a tatedo stage-fighting workshop to master the art of wielding a samurai sword before we head to Osaka for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Osaka Nanba or similar
Day 9-11: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Tokyo (2)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Osaka - Tokyo. Begin day 9 in Osaka, a dynamic city known for its vibrant atmosphere. Explore Dotonbori, a paradise for trying takoyaki (octopus balls), and browse the cooking tools street of Doguyasuji. You also have the option to visit Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Castle before taking the bullet train back to Tokyo. Don't miss out on sampling Osaka's famous street food!
For certain departures in March, tickets to Tokyo's AnimeJapan event are included in your tour. This convention is one of the largest in the world, showcasing top names in anime and manga.
On day 10, enjoy a full day in Tokyo. Visit the enchanting Studio Ghibli Museum to immerse yourself in Miyazaki's imaginative world. Explore Tokyo from the Skytree, shop at Shinjuku, or visit Nakano Broadway, a popular spot for Tokyo's otaku community. Your tour leader will offer suggestions for activities. in the evening we enjoy a farewell group dinner.
On day 11 it's time to say farewell to Japan, and there's an included shared shuttle bus to Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight home. Have a safe journey back!
Accommodation: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star hotels -
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
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9 nights 3-star hotel & 1 night traditional ryokan in Hakone
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Escorted by a tour leader
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Arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 11 by shared shuttle bus
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All relevant transportation and transfers including by minibus and train - Transport passes in Hakone, Kyoto and Miyajima
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Transport card with 4,500 Yen (USD $30) credit for city transport
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Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
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Cable car and boat ride across Lake Ashi in Hakone
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Evening walking tour of Kyoto’s Gion geisha district
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Zazen meditation session at Ryosoku-in Temple
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Any local transport unless covered by the included transport passes
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Any entrance fees (including temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
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Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified - you will be expected to carry your own luggage
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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