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- Destination: Japan
- Duration: 10 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Experience the Highlights of Japan on this expertly crafted 10-day private tour covering the country’s most iconic destinations, including Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Mount Fuji. Begin in Osaka, Japan’s food capital, before traveling by high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains to Hiroshima to visit the moving Itsukushima Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Continue to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, where ancient shrines, UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional markets, and historic districts reveal the elegance of Japan’s timeless traditions.
This Highlights of Japan tour concludes in Tokyo, a city where centuries-old temples blend seamlessly with modern architecture and vibrant street culture. Discover famous landmarks such as Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, and Nakamise Shopping Street, then enjoy a scenic day trip to Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic natural symbol. Designed as a private and bespoke Japan highlights itinerary, this journey offers the ideal balance of guided experiences and free time, making it perfect for first-time visitors and travelers seeking a classic, immersive introduction to Japan.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Osaka
Osaka Food Walking Tour, Free Time to Kobe and Himeji
4
Hiroshima
Itsukushima Shrine, Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Museum
5 - 6
Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market
7 - 8
Tokyo
Senso-Ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Nakamise Shopping Street
9
Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai, Arakurayama Sengen Shrine
10
Tokyo
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Osaka – Start of Your Highlights of Japan
Arrive in Osaka, Japan’s dynamic culinary capital, and begin your unforgettable Highlights of Japan tour. After a smooth private airport transfer and hotel check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. If time permits, step out to experience Osaka’s vibrant nightlife, neon-lit streets, and lively local culture. This relaxed start allows you to adjust comfortably while getting your first taste of Japan’s urban energy.
Highlights: Arrival in Osaka, private airport transfer, Dotonbori evening walk, Osaka city skyline views
- Osaka
- Day 2: Osaka Food Walking Tour – Culinary Highlights of Japan
Today is dedicated to one of the most delicious Highlights of Japan. Join a guided Osaka food walking tour through authentic local neighborhoods where Japanese street food culture thrives. Taste iconic regional specialties while learning about Osaka’s culinary traditions. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore historical landmarks, shop in modern districts, or simply soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.
Highlights: Osaka food walking tour, takoyaki and kushikatsu tasting, Shinsekai and Namba exploration, Dotonbori street food
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- Osaka
- Day 3: Osaka to Hiroshima by Shinkansen – Historic Highlights of Japan
Continue your Highlights of Japan itinerary with a thrilling ride on the world-famous Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Along the way, you may choose to explore Kobe’s sake breweries and renowned beef culture or visit the impressive UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, enjoy a relaxed evening discovering local streets or sampling Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Highlights: Shinkansen bullet train experience, optional Kobe beef and sake visit, optional Himeji Castle, arrival in Hiroshima
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- Hiroshima
- Day 4: Hiroshima & Miyajima – Cultural Highlights of Japan
This day showcases some of the most meaningful Highlights of Japan. Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its floating torii gate. Later, return to Hiroshima to explore the Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum, and Atomic Bomb Dome, offering deep insight into Japan’s history, resilience, and commitment to peace.
Highlights: Ferry to Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine floating torii gate, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome
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- Hiroshima
- Day 5: Hiroshima to Kyoto – Traditional Highlights of Japan
Journey by bullet train to Kyoto, the cultural heart of the Highlights of Japan tour. After arrival, enjoy free time to explore the city’s traditional streets, wooden townhouses, and historic districts. An evening stroll through Gion offers the chance to experience Kyoto’s timeless atmosphere, with optional cultural activities such as a tea ceremony or geisha performance available.
Highlights: Bullet train to Kyoto, Gion district stroll, traditional Kyoto streets, optional geisha experience
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- Kyoto
- Day 6: Kyoto Temples & Markets – Timeless Highlights of Japan
Discover Kyoto’s spiritual and architectural treasures, central to the Highlights of Japan experience. Walk through the famous torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, then visit Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen, for local food sampling and shopping. In the afternoon, explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflecting Japan’s feudal history and refined garden design.
Highlights: Fushimi Inari Taisha torii gates, Nishiki Market food sampling, Nijo Castle UNESCO site, Kyoto gardens
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- Kyoto
- Day 7: Kyoto to Tokyo – Modern Highlights of Japan
Travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen and experience the modern side of the Highlights of Japan. After hotel check-in, the day is free for independent exploration. Discover upscale shopping in Ginza, lively nightlife in Shinjuku, or futuristic pop culture in Akihabara, offering a striking contrast to Kyoto’s traditional charm.
Highlights: Shinkansen ride to Tokyo, Ginza shopping district, Shinjuku nightlife, Akihabara pop culture
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- Tokyo
- Day 8: Tokyo City Tour – Urban Highlights of Japan
Explore Tokyo’s most famous landmarks on a guided city tour featuring essential Highlights of Japan. Visit Meiji Shrine, a peaceful forest sanctuary, before experiencing Harajuku’s colorful street fashion. Continue to Asakusa to walk along Nakamise Shopping Street and visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple.
Highlights: Meiji Shrine visit, Harajuku fashion streets, Asakusa district, Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street
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- Tokyo
- Day 9: Mount Fuji Day Trip – Natural Highlights of Japan
Enjoy one of the most scenic days of your Highlights of Japan tour with a full-day excursion to Mount Fuji and the Lake Kawaguchiko region. Visit Oshino Hakkai’s crystal-clear spring ponds, admire panoramic views from Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, and choose between a relaxing lake cruise or a ropeway ride for breathtaking mountain vistas.
Highlights: Mount Fuji views, Oshino Hakkai village, Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, Lake Kawaguchiko cruise or ropeway
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- Tokyo
- Day 10: Departure from Tokyo – End of Your Highlights of Japan
Your unforgettable Highlights of Japan journey comes to an end. Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your private transfer takes you to the airport, leaving Japan with lasting memories of its culture, history, cuisine, and landscapes.
Highlights: Free time in Tokyo, last-minute shopping, private airport transfer, departure from Japan
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