Loading
Phone1800 960 693AustraliaMonday to Friday 8am - 9pm (AEDT)
Travel Agent Login

14-Day Highlights of Japan: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto & Osaka

  • view trip mapView Trip Map
  • downloadDownload
  • shareShare

Overview

Embark on a two-week trip that covers all the major Japan highlights! From historical to modern, from urban to rural; you can enjoy the great diversity of Japan. In each area, local guides will show you the highlights of the region and introduce the local culture.

The trip starts in Tokyo, the current capital of Japan. You will receive an introduction to Japanese culture and learn about modern Japanese life. Then, you'll visit Hakone where you can appreciate a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji.

You'll then venture out to the countryside of Takayama, which is a small rural town with its own unique culture and traditions. From Takayama, you will visit Shirakawago, which is a well-preserved old folk village by car. Then, you'll head to north to Kanazawa, a city produced by the Samurai which is home to the most beautiful Japanese garden.

You will then visit Kyoto, one of the most beautiful cities in Japan and the mecca of Japanese culture. Here, you can experience authentic Japanese things such as food, culture, temples, art, gardens, crafts and more. You'll then travel to Nara by train or car. Nara is an older city than Kyoto and it was the centre of Japanese religion and academia.

Finally, you'll head west to Osaka, the second biggest city in Japan. Osaka is famous as a paradise of street food with very open-minded and friendly local people! Geographically, Osaka is very close to Kyoto, but you will find a huge difference between them. From Osaka, you will take a day trip to Hiroshima by bullet train before heading back to Tokyo where your trip will come to an end!
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Outdoors & Nature

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Tokyo

Hide details accordion
Welcome to Tokyo

Upon your arrival at the Tokyo International Airport, you will be picked up by a personal driver or you can take Narita Express train to your hotel in the city centre. Depending on your arrival time, you will have some time to explore and get acquainted with the bustling city of Tokyo.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Gracery Ginza3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 600 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Minivan from Narita International Airport to TokyoOptional Activity: AU$ 267 per person

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chūō

Day 2

West Tokyo Private Walking Tour

Hide details accordion
West Tokyo Private Walking Tour

The west side of Tokyo has many sites where you might think "we are truly in Tokyo!". These include Takeshita Street (Harajuku), the Shibuya Crossing and the Meiji Shrine. On this Japan highlights tour, you can see all of those sites with a friendly local guide. The guide can be helpful if you want to find a good photo spot or go shopping, or give your children something enjoyable to do. Also, you can customise the tour itinerary if you have a spot that you definitely want to visit.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Gracery Ginza3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 600 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

    West Tokyo Tour with Private Local Guide

    Meiji Shrine

    Harajuku

    Omotesandó

    Shibuya Crossing

    Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chūō

    Tokyo

Day 3

East Tokyo Private Walking Tour

Hide details accordion
East Tokyo Private Walking Tour

Since Tokyo is quite a big city, you may need several days to explore. Today, you will explore East Tokyo with a local professional guide. East Tokyo is known for the traditional and unique towns such as Asakusa, Ueno Park, Tsukiji Market and Akihabara. There are a lot of spots that are worth a visit such as the Yanaka nostalgic neighbourhood, Edo Tokyo Museum, Tokyo Skytree, Hamarikyu Garden, Odaiba Tokyo-Bay, Ginza and many more.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Gracery Ginza3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 600 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tsukiji Fish Market

    East Tokyo Tour with Private Local Guide

    Ginza

    Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street

    Ueno Park

    Akihabara

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chūō

    Tokyo

Day 4

Day Trip to Hakone by Bullet Train & Private Walking Tour

Hide details accordion
Day Trip to Hakone by Bullet Train & Private Walking Tour

Today, you'll escape busy Tokyo and travel to Hakone by bullet train, which is two hours away. Hakone is part of the Hakone-Fuji-Izu National Park and here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery with a view of Mt.Fuji. You'll explore the nature of Hakone from the land, air and boat with a local guide. You will also enjoy a ride on the ropeway (cable cars) and a cruise on Lake Ashi. Your friendly knowledgeable guide will help you to make your adventure easy, safe and fun!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Gracery Ginza3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 600 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Day Trip from Tokyo to Hakone with Private Guide

    Hakone Ropeway

    Owakudani Valley

    Lake Ashinoko

    Hakone Shrine

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chūō

    Tokyo

    Ashigarashimo District

Day 5

Travel by Bullet Train to Takayama from Tokyo

Hide details accordion
Travel by Bullet Train to Takayama from Tokyo

Takayama is a mountain region and also the name of a small countryside city in that region. Unlike any other place, there is a very unique local culture with a well-maintained old town. From Tokyo, you need to go to Nagoya Station first by bullet train. Then, take a Ltd. Express "Hida" to Takayama. If you are concerned about how to take a bullet train from Tokyo or how to change a train at Nagoya Station, it is fine to arrange special escort staff at each station with an additional fee.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 347 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from Tokyo Station to Nagoya StationOptional Activity: AU$ 178 per person

    High-Speed Rail from Nagoya Station to Takayama StationOptional Activity: AU$ 98 per person

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Chūō

    Takayama

Day 6

Takayama Full Day Private Walking Tour

Hide details accordion
Takayama Full Day Private Walking Tour

Today, you'll take a private highlight tour in Takayama, which is a well-preserved local traditional town with a unique culture. In Takayama, there are lots of enjoyable, beautiful and photogenic spots such as unique museums, old buildings from the Samurai period, lively local morning markets and nostalgic streets. In the company of a local guide is the best way to fully enjoy this kind of local city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 347 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Miyagawa Morning Market

    Takayama Town Highlights Tour with Private Local Guide

    Takayama Yatai Kaikan

    Kusakabe Folk Museum

    Takayama Jin'ya

    Sannomachi Street

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Takayama

Day 7

Shirakawago Day Trip from Takayama by Private Car

Hide details accordion
Shirakawago Day Trip from Takayama by Private Car

Shirakawago is one of the most favored destination among the UNESCO world-heritage sites in Japan. It is famous for the traditional rural housings with a steep rafter roof. You can appreciate the atmosphere in rural village. It is about one hour from Takayama by car. Also, you can reach Kanazawa in one hour by car from Shirakawago.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa4 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 174 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Day Trip to Shirakawago with Private Guide

    Shirakawa-go

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Takayama

    Ono District

    Kanazawa

Day 8

Kanazawa Full Day Private Walking Tour & Bullet Train Transfer to Kyoto

Hide details accordion
Kanazawa Full Day Private Walking Tour & Bullet Train Transfer to Kyoto

Kanazawa is an old traditional city like Kyoto, Takayama, and Nara. But the atmosphere is different from any other city due to the climate where there is often snowfall in winter, and because one of the largest Samurai families ruled for about 300 years. You can enjoy Kanazawa with the most beautiful garden in Japan, the old Samurai house, a fresh seafood market, and so on. After you explore Kanazawa with a local guide, you will take a bullet train to Kyoto from Kanazawa Station.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 520 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Omicho Market

    Kanazawa Highlight Tour with Private Local Guide

    Shijimaya Clan Samurai Home

    Kenroku-en Garden

    Higashi Chaya District

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from KANAZAWA STATION to Kyoto StationOptional Activity: AU$ 107 per person

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kanazawa

    Kyoto

Day 9

Higashiyama Kyoto Highlights Private Walking Tour

Hide details accordion
Higashiyama Kyoto Highlights Private Walking Tour

The east side of Kyoto has a city centre beside the elegant stream of the Kamo River. There are lots of historical and iconic spots in this city. In this full-day tour, you can visit one of the most authentic temples, Silver Pavilion. After that, have a peaceful walk along the Philosopher's Pathway. Then, visit the huge Zen temple, Nanzen-ji. You will visit Kiyomizu Temple and the scenic Sanneizaka slope. At the end, you will walk around Gion District (Maiko town) and learn about Geisha culture.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 520 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ginkakuji

    Higashiyama Area Kyoto Tour with Private Local Guide

    Philosopher's Path

    Nanzen-ji Temple

    Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Sanneizaka (Sannenzaka)

    Gion District

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kyoto

Day 10

West Kyoto Highlights Tour

Hide details accordion
West Kyoto Highlights Tour

In comparison to the east, the west side of Kyoto has more countryside and lush green landscapes. There are also several World Heritage Sites and popular destinations such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji Rock Garden, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Togetsu Bridge and Nijo Castle. All of these sites are worth a photo-stop, but you can add some more locations if you wish, such as Monkey park, Ninna-ji Temple or the Kamishichiken district.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 520 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    West Kyoto Highlight Tour with Private Guide

    Togetsu-kyō Bridge

    Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho

    Kinkaku-ji - The Golden Pavilion

    Nijo Castle

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kyoto

Day 11

Nara Day Trip from Kyoto & Transfer to Osaka

Hide details accordion
Nara Day Trip from Kyoto & Transfer to Osaka

You will visit the southern part of Kyoto and Nara from Kyoto with a local guide and private car. First, you will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine with thousands of red Tori gates. Then, you'll head to Nara. After arriving, you will explore Nara Park which is known as the deer park because there are lots of free-roaming deer. You'll also visit some World-Heritage sites. The most iconic one is Todai-ji Giant Buddha Hall. You will certainly be overwhelmed by the size of the buddha statue!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 520 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Fushimi Inari Taisha

    Nara and Southern Kyoto Tour

    Kōfuku-ji

    Nara Deer Park

    Kasuga-Taisha Shrine

    Todai-ji Temple

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Nara to Osaka

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kyoto

    Nara

    Tenri

    Osaka

Day 12

Osaka Day Highlights Tour

Hide details accordion
Osaka Day Highlights Tour

Osaka is a cosmopolitan city near the ancient capital of Kyoto, best known for its dynamic food and drinking culture. Long before Edo (Tokyo) became the capital of Japan, Osaka was the first true capital city and it is seen as the birthplace of Japanese comedy. The people of Osaka are well-known for being cheerful and outgoing. Osaka has an interesting and distinctive character all its own. You will have an awesome time exploring with your local guide and will enjoy great food in Osaka.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 520 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Osaka Castle

    Osaka Highlight Tour with Private Local Guide

    Kuromon Market

    Shinsekai District

    Dotonbori

    Hozenji Temple

    Umeda Sky Building

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Osaka

Day 13

Day Trip to Hiroshima by Bullet Train & Private Highlight Tour

Hide details accordion
Day Trip to Hiroshima by Bullet Train & Private Highlight Tour

In Hiroshima, there are two World Heritage Sites. The first one is Miyajima (also called Itsukushima), a small island in Hiroshima bay which has forests and ancient temples with famous Great Torii Gate that sits submerged in water depending on the tide. The second site is the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is a powerful reminder of the scars of war. In this tour, we will visit both World Heritage Sites in one day!!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Ibis Osaka Umeda Hotel3 star/Optional Activity: AU$ 520 per person

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Miyajima Island

    Hiroshima and Miyajima Island Highlight Tour with Private Local Guide

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from Shin-Osaka Station to HIROSHIMA STATIONOptional Activity: AU$ 183 per person

    High-Speed Rail from HIROSHIMA STATION to Shin-Osaka StationOptional Activity: AU$ 183 per person

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Osaka

    Hatsukaichi

    Hiroshima

Day 14

Travel to Narita Airport from Osaka by Bullet Train & Departure

Hide details accordion
Travel to Narita Airport from Osaka by Bullet Train & Departure

From Shin-Osaka Station, you will take a bullet train to Tokyo Station. Then, you'll take a Narita Express to go to Narita Airport. You'll leave with wonderful memories of Japan!

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    High-Speed Rail from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo StationOptional Activity: AU$ 230 per person

    High-Speed Rail from Tokyo Station to Narita International AirportOptional Activity: AU$ 51 per person

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Osaka

Included in Price

  • 61 activities
  • Gratuities
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Ground transportation
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
pdf icon

Want to Read This Later?

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

Why Choose Designer Journeys

access

Access Exclusive Experiences

Open your eyes to a world of exclusive experiences that will make your next trip extraordinary. Designer Journeys’ local travel designers are connected to unique experiences that are out of reach for most people – so you’ll return with some amazing stories to tell.

local expertise

Extraordinary Local Expertise

Using highly experienced local travel designers means you have access to your very own local expert. You'll find experiences you never knew existed, avoid some of the common pitfalls and, most of all, feel like you have an insider guiding you every step of the way.

support

Supported Every Step of the Way

Our in-destination local travel designers are the first line of support when you are travelling. They are in your time zone and have the local expertise and knowledge to solve any issue that may arise – making you feel more confident about your trip.

custom travel designed

Travel Designed For You

Designer Journeys style of travel is all about how you want to travel – its private travel designed exactly to your needs. Our local travel designers customise every trip to suit you, whether completely bespoke or based on one or more of our 2,000+ gallery of itineraries.

Image - Designer Journeys
Image - Designer Journeys
DESIGN YOUR EXTRAORDINARY

Why Travel with Designer Journeys

Smile icon
Your Trip. Your Version of Extraordinary.

At Designer Journeys, we know that we all travel differently. That's why you decide where you travel, how you travel and your travel experiences when you design your trip with us.

Message icon
Connect and Design With an Expert.

Our trusted Local Designers use their destination insight, local knowledge and travel planning expertise to build your extraordinary trip. Our dedicated Travel Concierge team will be there every step of the way to ensure your perfect trip becomes reality.

Trust icon
Book with Confidence. We are Trusted.

Secure payment platforms, multiple accreditations, rigorous Local Designer selection process, and decades of travel expertise means you are in safe hands with Designer Journeys.

As seen on
Partners