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Essential Japan

Based on 10 nights 11 days

From $1,030

Itinerary

Discover Japan by train, staying in traditional ryokan, homestays, and small local hotels, with the help of local guides to navigate practical details and make the journey smoother and more authentic.

This 11-day Japan tour offers a balanced journey through Tokyo, Kanazawa, Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima.

Travelers discover Japan's contrasts, from Tokyo's modern energy to Kyoto's temples and traditional streets, with highlights including Mount Fuji views, Nara's sacred deer, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Miyajima's floating torii gate. Travel is mainly by train, with stays in central lodging.

To fine-tune the ideal tour in Japan , Explorateur combines visits to must-see landmarks with detours to our own favorite under-the-radar spots while staying in homestay or Ryokan and travelling by train from one city to another.

Each stop rewards curiosity, with its own rhythm, flavors and gems.

Day 1 TOKYO

Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, via Narita or the more centrally located Haneda Airport. Upon arrival, enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel (private car and driver available for added comfort, especially during warmer months). After check-in, begin your first exploration of the city at your own pace, discovering the dynamic neighborhoods, bright lights, and local atmosphere that make Tokyo so unique.

Accommodation
3★ hotel in central Tokyo, near the metro
MealsBreakfast

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Day 2 FIRST STEPS IN THE CAPITAL

Tokyo Start your day with a peaceful morning walk through Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a tranquil forest and traditional torii gates. Continue to Omotesando Avenue to explore Tokyo’s striking architecture and high-end boutiques. In the afternoon, visit the Nezu Museum, known for its refined collection and beautiful gardens. Then wander through Azabu Juban, a charming district offering a glimpse into local life. End your day with an evening stroll around the Imperial Palace moat before heading to nearby Ginza for a lively city atmosphere.

Accommodation
3★ hotel in central Tokyo, near the metro
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 THE GRAND LOOP

Tokyo For early risers, visit the fish market. Then go shopping in Ginza and/or Omotesando, and experience the famous Shibuya crossing, home to the statue of Hachiko and one of the busiest intersections in the world. Enjoy a day of contrasts, starting with a peaceful morning at Shinjuku Gyoen. This expansive garden blends Japanese, French, and English styles, offering seasonal beauty—from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn foliage—along with a serene greenhouse showcasing tropical plants. In the afternoon, tailor your experience to your interests. Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of Akihabara, a hub for anime, manga, and retro gaming culture. Alternatively, opt for a more relaxed pace in Daikanyama, a sophisticated area known for its boutique cafés and creative scene. Here, visit the renowned Tsutaya Books Daikanyama, a beautifully designed cultural space offering an exceptional selection of art, design, and lifestyle publications. Return to your hotel in the evening after a day that captures Tokyo’s unique blend of tranquility and modern energy.

Accommodation
3★ hotel in central Tokyo, near the metro
Meals
Breakfast

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Day 4 HAKONE – NATURE ESCAPE AT MOUNT FUJI

Exchange your Japan Rail Pass if you haven’t already. We recommend forwarding your luggage to Takayama via Takkyu-bin service (approx. 2500 JPY per bag) and traveling light to Hakone. Travel to Hakone using your Hakone Free Pass, at the foot of Mount Fuji. Enjoy the stunning scenery: Lake Ashi (with views of Mount Fuji on clear days) and the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car, funicular) included
Return to your ryokan in the afternoon for a traditional Japanese dinner around 6:30 pm, followed by a Japanese-style overnight stay.

Accommodation
3★ ryokan with onsen in Hakone (Mount Fuji area)
Meals
Breakfast + Dinner
Included
Japan Rail Pass + Hakone Free Pass

Day 5 THE ANCIENT CAPITAL

Travel to Kyoto with your JR Pass/ticket.
Discover this city with 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Suggested visits: Explore the northern temples such as Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji, and don’t miss the Sagano Bamboo Forest.
Kyoto Travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto, the former imperial capital, in approximately two hours. Far from being just an open-air museum, Kyoto is a vibrant city where rich history blends seamlessly with modern life. Upon arrival, begin your discovery in the historic district of Higashiyama. Stroll along the charming pedestrian streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, lined with traditional wooden houses, boutiques, and local eateries. Continue to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera, famous for its impressive wooden terrace overlooking the hillside and offering sweeping views of the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace, with the option of private transport for added comfort, especially during busy seasons.

Accommodation
3★ hotel in central Kyoto, near public transport
Meals
Breakfast
Included
Japan Rail Pass

Day 6 GRAND TEMPLES & ZEN WALK

Kyoto Discover Kyoto through a blend of history and local flavors. Start your day at Nijo Castle, an Edo-period landmark completed in 1603 that offers a glimpse into the life of the shogunate and Japan’s feudal past. then stroll through the Higashiyama district up to Kiyomizu Temple for panoramic views. Continue to Nishiki Market, the city’s vibrant culinary heart. Stroll through its lively arcades filled with seafood stalls, seasonal produce, and local specialties such as pickles, mochi, and taiyaki. Throughout the day, take time to experience Kyoto’s distinctive food culture, shaped by its high-quality vegetables and pure water, from refined dining experiences to simple, traditional noodle shops.

Accommodation
3★ hotel in central Kyoto, near public transport
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 FREE DAY IN KYOTO

Kyoto Explore a more contemplative side of Kyoto, focusing on hidden temples, nature, and craftsmanship. Begin with visits to lesser-known cultural sites such as Komyoin Temple, known for its tranquil stone garden and contemporary art installations, and Ryosokuin Temple, a quiet temple that occasionally hosts remarkable art exhibitions. In the afternoon, head to Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most scenic areas. Walk through the iconic Sagano Bamboo Forest, then continue to the nearby Giō-ji Temple, a serene moss-covered temple surrounded by maple trees that glow in autumn. Conclude your day exploring Kyoto’s refined craft culture with a visit to a ceramics showroom such as Toki no Ha, known for supplying pieces to some of Japan’s top restaurants and hotels.

Accommodation
3★ hotel in central Kyoto, near public transport
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 NARA

An encounter with ancient Japan and sacred traditions A short journey from Kyoto brings you to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and a place where history and nature exist in quiet harmony. Your exploration begins in Nara Park, an expansive landscape dotted with temples and home to hundreds of freely roaming sika deer, long regarded as sacred messengers of the gods. As you stroll along its shaded paths, these gentle creatures become part of the experience, creating a uniquely serene and almost timeless atmosphere. You then continue to Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. Inside its विशाल wooden hall awaits the awe-inspiring Great Buddha (Daibutsu)—a monumental bronze figure that has stood as a symbol of spiritual power and imperial ambition since the 8th century. Following this cultural immersion, take time to enjoy lunch at leisure, discovering the subtle flavors of Nara’s regional cuisine. In the afternoon, a more contemplative mood awaits at Kasuga Taisha. Nestled within a primeval forest, this sacred shrine is famed for its thousands of lanterns, softly lining pathways that seem untouched by time. For those seeking deeper connection, an exclusive visit can be arranged to meet a local artisan in Nara’s countryside—such as a master tea whisk maker—offering a rare glimpse into a craft perfected across generations. As your day gently unfolds, enjoy moments at your own pace before returning to Kyoto, enriched by the quiet beauty and cultural depth of Nara.

Accommodation
3★ hotel in central Kyoto, near public transport
Meals
Breakfast

Day 9 KYOTO – HIROSHIMA – MIYAJIMA

Your day begins in Kyoto with a leisurely morning at your own pace—an opportunity to enjoy the city one last time, whether through a quiet stroll, a café visit, or some final discoveries.
You then depart for Hiroshima aboard the Shinkansen (bullet train), a smooth and efficient journey that carries you across western Japan in comfort. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, your exploration turns toward one of Japan’s most moving historical sites. Begin at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a space dedicated to reflection and remembrance. Within the park, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which offers a powerful and deeply human account of the events of 1945 and their lasting impact. Nearby stands the Atomic Bomb Dome, preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a poignant symbol of resilience and peace. For those wishing to balance this emotional visit with a moment of tranquility, an optional stop can be made at Shukkeien Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden offering a peaceful contrast with its miniature landscapes, ponds, and teahouses. At lunchtime, discover one of Hiroshima’s culinary highlights: okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with noodles, cabbage, and various toppings, grilled fresh before you.

In the afternoon, continue your journey toward the coast and take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, a place of spiritual beauty long considered one of Japan’s most scenic destinations.

Upon arrival, check in to your traditional ryokan, where you will experience authentic Japanese hospitality. Your room features tatami flooring and futon bedding, offering a serene and minimalist setting. As evening falls, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island, especially after day visitors have departed.

Overnight stay in Miyajima.

Accommodation
Ryokan in Miyajima
Meals
Breakfast

Day 10 Osaka Neon Lights

Continue exploring Miyajima, then travel to Osaka. Discover: Osaka Castle Shitenno-ji Temple Aquarium and Universal Studios Japan At sunset, visit Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views, then stroll through Dotonbori to enjoy its vibrant nightlife and neon lights. Enjoy a final morning on Miyajima Island, where the early hours offer a peaceful atmosphere ideal for a last stroll along the waterfront or a quiet revisit of the island’s iconic sights before departure. You then leave Miyajima and travel toward Osaka, Japan’s vibrant culinary and cultural capital, known for its dynamic energy and modern flair. Upon arrival, begin your discovery with Osaka Castle, one of the country’s most famous historical landmarks. Surrounded by expansive grounds and moats, the castle stands as a symbol of Japan’s feudal past and offers insight into the legacy of the samurai era. Continue to Shitenno-ji, one of Japan’s oldest temples, founded in the 6th century. Its serene layout and spiritual significance provide a striking contrast to the city’s modern pace. Depending on your interests, the afternoon offers different experiences. You may choose to visit the impressive Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world, showcasing marine life from across the Pacific Rim. Alternatively, immerse yourself in entertainment at Universal Studios Japan, a lively theme park featuring world-class attractions and immersive worlds. As the day transitions into evening, head to the Umeda Sky Building. From its floating garden observatory, take in sweeping panoramic views over Osaka as the city begins to glow with lights. End your day in the lively district of Dotonbori, where neon signs reflect on the canal and the atmosphere is electric. This iconic area is perfect for an evening stroll, street food tasting, or simply soaking in Osaka’s unmistakable energy.

Accommodation
3★ hotel in Osaka
Meals
Breakfast

Day 11 Departure

Transfer by train to Kansai International Airport.

Accommodation

All accommodations are carefully selected first and foremost for their location, ensuring convenient access to visits, transport, and local atmosphere.

Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms, futon bedding, refined service, and often access to an onsen. It offers a peaceful and authentic experience of Japanese hospitality.