Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo
Temples, nature, and culture!
Get ready to discover Japan! This vacation package takes you through Osaka, Kōyasan, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo on an epic 8-night adventure! Along the way, you'll ride bullet trains, sleep in Japanese temples, soak in onsen hot springs, and dine on traditional cuisine. A group leader will be on hand to ensure that you have the most authentic experiences, and to give suggestions on how to spend your free time!
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Kansai (KIX), out of Tokyo (NRT)
- Accommodation as listed below, or similar:
- 1 night in Osaka at the Ibis Styles Osaka Hotel
- 1 night in Kōyasan at the Ekoin Monastery
- 2 nights in Hiroshima at the Hotel New Hiroden
- 2 nights in Kyoto at The b Kyoto Sanjo
- 1 night in Hakone at the Hakone Pax Yoshino*
- 1 night in Tokyo at The B Ikebukuro Tokyo Hotel
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Visit to Oku-no-in Cemetery
- Hiroshima Park & Peace Memorial
- Miyajima Island Visit
- Nijo Castle & Gardens visit
- Gion Walking Tour
- Visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- Lake Ashino-ko Boat Ride
- 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Services of a professional group leader
- Transportation by van, bullet train, tram, local bus & ferry
*Please note: This is a traditional Japanese Ryokan. Featuring tatami floors (soft mats of woven straw), futon beds, Japanese-style baths, cotton kimono (casual robe worn to lounge around or to head to the bath), and elaborate meals (often served in the comfort of your own room), a ryokan is the perfect place to experience traditional customs and hospitality. Some of the traditional Japanese inns used on thsi tour only offer shared bathing facilities. This means that individual shower stalls will not be available, instead several shower stations are available in an open, same-sex bathing area.
Please note: As per the land operator’s policy, travel insurance is required in order to participate in this escorted trip. With this being said, you will not be permitted to join the group until proof of travel insurance has been verified by your tour leader. When selecting a travel insurance policy, please bear in mind that you must have medical coverage, and you must have a minimum coverage of $200,000 USD in case of repatriation and/or emergency rescue. While the policy offered to you by Great Value Vacations does meet the coverage requirement, please note that you are not required to have travel insurance from any particular provider.
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old. All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Dine on traditional Japanese cuisine and try new foods throughout your trip!
- Spend a night in a Japanese temple at Mount Koya.
-
Visit Hiroshima's Peace Park and Memorial, paying respect to the events of 1945.
-
Cruise on Lake Ashino-ko and catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji!
-
Discover vibrant Tokyo, complete with Harajuku culture and amazing shopping.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
This 8-night vacation brings you through incredible scenery and culture around Japan! Your adventure begins in Osaka. Considered to be the center of Buddhism in Japan, you'll experience first-hand what it's like to sleep in a temple and observe the monks pray! Continue on to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum, in remembrance of the events of 1945. You'll also take a ferry over to Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate! Optional hikes are also available during your free time.
From Hiroshima, continue on to Kyoto. You'll visit Nijo Castle and the geisha district of Gion on your first night, followed by the famous Fushimi Inari shrine the next morning! Spend free time in shops, restaurants, on hikes, or however you please.
Next stop is Hakone! Board a boat to take a cruise on beautiful Lake Ashino-ko and hope to catch a glimpse of majestic Mount Fuji. Tonight, you'll stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, complete with dinner and a soak in natural hot springs, or onsen!
Your final destination is Tokyo. Spend a day here as you shop, dine, stroll, and get a better idea of the Harajuku culture! You may also wish to visit Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world! Then you'll pack up your souvenirs and fly home!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Kansai (KIX), out of Tokyo (NRT)
- Accommodation as listed below, or similar:
- 1 night in Osaka at the Ibis Styles Osaka Hotel
- 1 night in Kōyasan at the Ekoin Monastery
- 2 nights in Hiroshima at the Hotel New Hiroden
- 2 nights in Kyoto at The b Kyoto Sanjo
- 1 night in Hakone at the Hakone Pax Yoshino*
- 1 night in Tokyo at The B Ikebukuro Tokyo Hotel
- Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Visit to Oku-no-in Cemetery
- Hiroshima Park & Peace Memorial
- Miyajima Island Visit
- Nijo Castle & Gardens visit
- Gion Walking Tour
- Visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- Lake Ashino-ko Boat Ride
- 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Services of a professional group leader
- Transportation by van, bullet train, tram, local bus & ferry
*Please note: This is a traditional Japanese Ryokan. Featuring tatami floors (soft mats of woven straw), futon beds, Japanese-style baths, cotton kimono (casual robe worn to lounge around or to head to the bath), and elaborate meals (often served in the comfort of your own room), a ryokan is the perfect place to experience traditional customs and hospitality. Some of the traditional Japanese inns used on thsi tour only offer shared bathing facilities. This means that individual shower stalls will not be available, instead several shower stations are available in an open, same-sex bathing area.
Please note: As per the land operator’s policy, travel insurance is required in order to participate in this escorted trip. With this being said, you will not be permitted to join the group until proof of travel insurance has been verified by your tour leader. When selecting a travel insurance policy, please bear in mind that you must have medical coverage, and you must have a minimum coverage of $200,000 USD in case of repatriation and/or emergency rescue. While the policy offered to you by Great Value Vacations does meet the coverage requirement, please note that you are not required to have travel insurance from any particular provider.
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old. All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
-
Dine on traditional Japanese cuisine and try new foods throughout your trip!
- Spend a night in a Japanese temple at Mount Koya.
-
Visit Hiroshima's Peace Park and Memorial, paying respect to the events of 1945.
-
Cruise on Lake Ashino-ko and catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji!
-
Discover vibrant Tokyo, complete with Harajuku culture and amazing shopping.
This is an escorted tour. It’s perfect if you prefer not to do your own driving and want to see as many sights as you can during your vacation.
This 8-night vacation brings you through incredible scenery and culture around Japan! Your adventure begins in Osaka. Considered to be the center of Buddhism in Japan, you'll experience first-hand what it's like to sleep in a temple and observe the monks pray! Continue on to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum, in remembrance of the events of 1945. You'll also take a ferry over to Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate! Optional hikes are also available during your free time.
From Hiroshima, continue on to Kyoto. You'll visit Nijo Castle and the geisha district of Gion on your first night, followed by the famous Fushimi Inari shrine the next morning! Spend free time in shops, restaurants, on hikes, or however you please.
Next stop is Hakone! Board a boat to take a cruise on beautiful Lake Ashino-ko and hope to catch a glimpse of majestic Mount Fuji. Tonight, you'll stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, complete with dinner and a soak in natural hot springs, or onsen!
Your final destination is Tokyo. Spend a day here as you shop, dine, stroll, and get a better idea of the Harajuku culture! You may also wish to visit Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world! Then you'll pack up your souvenirs and fly home!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Osaka
Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel! Tonight, you'll havea welcome meeting with your group leader and fellow travelers.
Check-in - Ibis Styles Osaka
Find peace and serenity in the heart of Osaka! As soon as you walk into Ibis Styles Osaka, you'll notice contemporary decor and a friendly 24-hour reception team. Open the door to your spacious room and find crisp air conditioning, flat-screen TV, plush bedding, free WiFi, and much more!
Once you get settled, treat yourself to a decadent massage! Forget something? Check if the 24-hour convenience store has it. With modern amenities, a great location, and helpful services, this hotel is the perfect home away from home!
Day 2. Osaka - Kōyasan
Depart Osaka early and head for Kōyasan via an incredibly beautiful train ride. From the train, you'll take a funicular and then a bus to reach your destination. This afternoon, visit the Oku-no-in Cemetery, the most sacred site in Kōyasan. There are many aspects of the cemetery to be explored.
Tonight, you'll enjoy an overnight in a traditional Japanese temple on the mountain. Dine on a traditional Japanese vegetarian meal and witness the routines of monks. You'll also have the opportunity to wake up early to observe them praying.
Train from Osaka to Kōyasan
Day 3. Kōyasan - Hiroshima
Observe the monks this morning before traveling to Hiroshima this afternoon. Hop on the bus to the funicular, then take the famed bullet train to get to Hiroshima! Upon arrival, you'll walk through the Peace Park and Memorial, paying respect to those lost as a result of the atomic bomb in 1945.
Train from Kōyasan - Hiroshima
Check-in - Hotel New Hiroden
Hotel New Hiroden is located just a few minutes walk from Hiroshima Station. Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, television, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries. There are a few onsite restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel also features meeting and banquet rooms, parking, and 24-hour front desk service.
Day 4. Hiroshima
Take a ferry ride today to Miyajima! This sacred island is home to the famous floating Torii Gate. You'll be able to explore Miyajima at your own pace, with the option to hike, shop, or stroll to take in the beautiful setting.
Ferry from Hiroshima - Miyajima
Ferry from Miyajima - Hiroshima
Day 5. Hiroshima - Kyoto
Another bullet train ride awaits! Today, you'll be traveling from Hiroshima to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, visit Nijo Castle and Gardens! This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to 1603.
Tonight, you'll walk through Gion, the most famous geisha district in the city! You'll have the opportunity to visit shops, restaurants, and teahouses as your group leader guides the way.
Check-in - The b Kyoto Sanjo
Day 6. Kyoto
Visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine today! Walk under the torii gates, shop, stroll along the riverbank, and experience more of Kyoto's beautiful temples in your free time. Find a delicious-looking restaurant for a traditional Japanese meal tonight!
Day 7. Kyoto - Hakone
Today, a bullet train and bus ride bring you to Hakone! You'll board a boat and cruise around Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully capture the incredible views of Mount Fuji!
Tonight, you'll stay in a traditional ryokan! Dine on a traditional Japanese meal and soak in the onsite onsen to end another perfect day in Japan.
A Tip For Your Trip: Accommodation tonight is a traditional Japanese Ryokan. Featuring tatami floors (soft mats of woven straw), futon beds, Japanese-style baths, cotton kimono (casual robe worn to lounge around or to head to the bath), and elaborate meals (often served in the comfort of your own room), a ryokan is the perfect place to experience traditional customs and hospitality.
Train from Kyoto - Odawara
Bus from Odawara - Hakone
Check-in - Hakone Pax Yoshino
Hakone Pax Yoshino is located just a 12 minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station, providing access to Hakone and surrounding areas. Guest rooms are in traditional Japanese style, featuring tatami mats, a bath, and free WiFi. The hotel serves breakfast and a fresh banquet dinner. The hotel features a private hot spring, with massage and spa services available. Be sure to reserve a time to use the private hot spring at check-in!
Day 8. Hakone - Tokyo
This morning, a bullet train brings you from Hakone to Tokyo! Spend a free day in this bustling city. You may wish to visit Harajuku for shopping and souvenirs or Ginza for more high-end retail. You could also stroll the grounds of the Imperial Palace East Garden, or simply walk through different neighborhoods and streets as you wish. Be sure you fit one last delicious Japanese meal dinner into your day!
Train from Hakone - Tokyo
Check-in - The B Ikebukuro Tokyo Hotel
The B Ikebukuro Tokyo Hotel is located just a short walk away from Ikebukuro Station. Guest rooms are furnished with free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, television, slippers, and more. There is an Italian restaurant onsite serving a breakfast buffet and other Italian specialties. There is a coffee station and a laundry facility available for guests to use. With Ikebukuro Station so close, the rest of Tokyo is easily accessible!
Day 9. Depart Japan
Make your way to the airport in time for your flight home!