A relaxing Japanese Self-Guided hot springs tour. Combine relaxing, traditional Japanese onsens and the vibrant modern cities. Visit Tokyo, Atami, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka & Hakone. The tour includes the itinerary, hotels and ryokans, transportation, experiences, unlimited Wi-Fi, and goodies.
- 15 nights / 16 days
- From $4,099pp
Tour Highlights
- Explore Tokyo’s bustling districts and iconic landmarks.
- Bask in Atami’s hot springs and scenic coastline.
- Immerse in Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and ancient traditions.
- Visit shrines, temples, and gardens.
- Enjoy Japanese hospitality and bathe in traditional onsen.
- Visit UNESCO sites: Kiyomizu-dera, Nijō Castle, Fushimi Inari.
- Discover Fukuoka’s unique blend of urban and historical landmarks.
- Speed across Japan on the iconic Shinkansen.
- Delve into Osaka’s food scene and modern architecture.
- Relax at a traditional ryokan in Hakone and marvel at the views of Mount Fuji.
- Participate in a Japanese tea ceremony.
- Stay connected with unlimited Pocket Wi-Fi.
- Get all the insider tips with our Japan Journal
Brief Tour Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival To Tokyo | Tokyo |
| 2 | Meiji Jingu & Shibuya | Tokyo |
| 3 | Shinjuku Park and Neon Lights | Tokyo |
| 4 | Traditional Tokyo | Tokyo |
| 5 | Atami Onsen | Atami |
| 6 | Traditional Gion District | Kyoto |
| 7 | Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Higashiyama | Kyoto |
| 8 | Day Trip To Nara | Kyoto |
| 9 | Traditional Kyoto & Tea Ceremony | Kyoto |
| 10 | Hakata Ramen & Onsen | Fukuoka |
| 11 | Uminonakamichi Seaside Park & Yatai Stalls | Fukuoka |
| 12 | Osaka Castle & Dotonbori | Osaka |
| 13 | Shinsekai area & street food | Osaka |
| 14 | Ryokan stay with onsen in Hakone | Hakone |
| 15 | Shopping & souvenirs in Tokyo | Tokyo |
| 16 | Departure from Tokyo |
📖 Japan Journal – Sample Day
If you want to see an example of how the Self-Guided Itinerary we provide looks like, download this Sample Day PDF here: Download the sample.
🔍 Looking For Something Else?
Click here to get a tailored Self-Guided Tour that is made just for you.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival To Tokyo 東京
- Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
- Welcome to Japan! ようこそ日本へ
- Private or shared transfer to your hotel
- Your Pocket Wi-Fi will be waiting for you at the hotel reception.
- Explore the neighbourhood and try local cuisine for dinner.
Day 2: Modern Tokyo
- Start your day early at Meiji Jingu, one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Tokyo.
- Harajuku, a vibrant district famous for its fashion and youth culture.
- From Harajuku, walk down Omotesando, Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées.
- Continue your day in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s busiest and most popular shopping districts.
- Go up to the Shibuya Sky for a stunning panoramic view of the city from above (Optional).
- Explore Centre Gai for souvenirs.
- End your day in Shinjuku.
Day 3: Parks And Neon Lights
- Visit Shinjuku Gyoen park
- Shinjuku’s shopping district and explore the stores and boutiques
- Take a short walk to the Met Building, with stunning views of Tokyo
- Head to Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with small bars and restaurants.
- Visit the lively and colourful Kabukicho district, which is known for its neon lights, entertainment, and nightlife
- Evening Guided Food Tour in Shinjuku.
Day 4: Traditional Tokyo
- Start your day at Asakusa Senso-ji, one of Tokyo’s most famous and historic Buddhist temples.
- Walk along Nakamise-Dori.
- Discover the district for unique Japanese products.
- Stroll in Ueno Park.
- Continue your day in Akihabara, Tokyo’s electronic town.
- Visit some of the many anime and manga shops in the area.
Day 5: Atami
- Take a Shinkansen to Atami.
- Visit to Kinomiya Shrine.
- Visit the Atami Castle, offering panoramic views of the town and Sagami Bay.
- Enjoy fresh seafood, at one of Atami’s seaside restaurants.
- After lunch, visit the MOA Museum of Art.
- Spend your mid-afternoon lounging at Atami Sun Beach.
- Finish your day with a traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan.
Day 6: Atami To Kyoto
- Take a Shinkansen to Kyoto
- Discover Gion district
- See the Yasaka Shrine
- Walk around Maruyama Park
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Walk through Higashiyama District
Day 7: Serene Kyoto
- Start your day at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Visit the Okochi Sanso Garden for matcha and wagashi (optional)
- Walk towards Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street and visit the temples along the way
- Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Get the public transport back to Higashiyama Ward
- Walk along Shijo-Dori for delicious food
- Explore Hanamikoji Street in the evening
Day 8: Day Trip To Nara
- Take a train from Kyoto to Nara.
- Head to Todai-ji Temple, which is one of the most famous temples in Japan and home to the Great Buddha.
- Visit Nara Park and the friendly deer that roam freely in the park.
- Visit the temples and shrines in the park, such as Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
- On your way back, make sure to stop in Uji, known for its matcha tea.
- Return to Kyoto in the evening.
Day 9: Traditional Kyoto
- Start your day with a Traditional Kimono experience.
- Followed by a Traditional Tea Ceremony.
- Get a glimpse into Japanese culture and tradition, and learn about the preparation and serving of matcha tea.
- After the tea ceremony, head to Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s kitchen.
- Next, visit Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most important landmarks.
- Head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of the most famous Shinto Shrines in Japan. Take a hike up the mountainous path through thousands of vermilion torii gates and enjoy the stunning views of the city below.
- We recommend ending your day with a Kaiseki dinner serving traditional Kyoto cuisine.
Day 10: Kyoto To Fukuoka
- Take the Shinkansen to Fukuoka.
- Visiting Ohori Park.
- Head over to Tenjin, Fukuoka’s largest shopping and entertainment area.
- Try local food like Hakata ramen and mentaiko (spicy cod roe).
- From Tenjin, make your way to Canal City Hakata.
- End your day at Fukuoka Tower, the city’s tallest seaside tower.
Day 11: Explore Fukuoka
- Start the day at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.
- Take the ferry to Shikanoshima Island and visit the Shikaumi Shrine.
- Try local Fukuoka dishes such as Motsunabe (hot pot stew) or fresh seafood.
- After lunch, head to Shiomi Park, visit the Observatory for panoramic views.
- Experience Fukuoka’s famous yatai (food stalls).
Day 12: Fukuoka To Osaka
- Visit the famous Osaka Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
- Explore the vibrant Dotonbori district and try local street food.
- Try local specialities like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (a savory pancake).
- End your day by visiting the Umeda Sky Building.
Day 13: Classic Osaka
- Visit Shitennoji Temple
- Head to the Shinsekai area, known for its retro atmosphere and delicious kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
- Don’t miss Tsutenkaku, an iconic tower in Osaka.
- Do some shopping in MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai.
- Visit the Namba area for its abundant dining and shopping.
Day 14: Osaka To Hakone
- Your ryokan has dinner and breakfast included, a private bathroom and a public onsen or private onsen based on your preference.
- Head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
- Visit the Hakone Shrine and enjoy a Lake Ashi cruise.
- After the cruise, take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley.
- Try the black eggs, boiled in the hot springs and said to extend one’s life by seven years.
- Enjoy a relaxing soak in an onsen, a natural hot spring, at your ryokan.
- Have dinner at your ryokan and savour traditional Japanese cuisine (included in your stay).
Day 14: Back To Tokyo
- Enjoy breakfast at your ryokan in Hakone (included in your stay).
- Take the train to Tokyo.
- Enjoy some leisure time in Tokyo for shopping, visiting some of the city’s many shopping districts and department stores.
- Sample some of Tokyo’s famous cuisine, such as sushi or ramen.
Day 12: Departure From Japan
The last day of your tour. Depending on your departure flight, you may have half a day to spend in Tokyo.
Included In Your Self-Guided Tour
Accommodation
We offer a range of hotel options from 3-star to 5-star via our partners in Japan. We also have a wide range of traditional ryokans that have private, hot spring bath in the room, with access to communal onsen.
Based on your preference, we will work with you to find the best accommodation for you.
Transport (Per Person)
- Shared or Private Airport Transfers based on your preference
- Prepaid Tokyo Metro transport cards
- Kansai Thru Pass
- Osaka Pass
- Fukuoka Pass
- Hakone Free Pass
- Shinkansen tickets Tokyo – Atami
- Shinkansen tickets Atami – Kyoto
- Shinkansen tickets Kyoto – Nara
- Shinkansen tickets Kyoto – Fukuoka
- Shinkansen tickets Fukuoka – Osaka
- Shinkansen tickets Osaka – Hakone
- Shinkansen tickets Hakone – Tokyo
Experiences (Per Person)
- Traditional Kimono wearing and Tea Ceremony
- Tickets to Tokyo SkyTree
- Osaka Pass (Umeda Sky Building Observatory)
- Hakone Free Pass (Hakone Ropeway, and more)
- Tickets to EZO FUKUOKA teamLab Forest
Additional Services Included
- Unlimited Wi-Fi access with pocket Wi-Fi
- Complete Japan Journal sent before your departure
- Guides to Japan sent before departure
- Book on Japanese customs and manners
Not Included In The Price Of Your Trip
- Flights to Japan
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses including meals
- Optional experiences
- Anything not included in the “included in your tour” section
What Will You Get Before The Tour?
Your detailed itinerary, the “Japan Journal” will be sent to you one month before your trip. The itinerary contains detailed recommendations for activities, places to visit, places to eat, and interesting attractions. It also gives you useful detailed instructions on how to get around, including transportation options, schedules.
Download the Sample Day PDF here: Download the sample.
Before your tour, you will also receive a series of digital guides to help you prepare for your trip to Japan. These guides are designed to ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience while in Japan.
You will receive guides covering a range of topics, including what to pack for Japan, what to wear in Japan, and a guide on customs and manners that was created in partnership with a Japanese illustrator. These guides will help you understand Japanese customs and culture, which is important for respecting local traditions.
You will also receive a list of all the apps to download before the trip to Japan. This will include apps for navigation, translation, and local services, which will help you stay connected and make the most of your trip.
Overall, you will have everything you need to prepare for your trip to Japan, so you can relax and enjoy your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your refund policy?
If you cancel your trip 56 days or more before your departure date, you will receive a 100% refund.
If you cancel your trip between 55 and 30 days before your departure date, you will receive a 50% refund.
No refunds will be given if you cancel your trip 29 days or less before your departure date.
Please read the full Terms & Conditions.
What if I have to change my booking?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking amendment fee of £40 ($50) per change, and additional costs may apply depending on the nature of the amendment. Please note that changing hotels or tickets (transportation, experiences) may not always be possible. We will make every effort to fulfil your request.
What if I have to cancel or transfer my booking?
If you have to cancel your booking, please let us know as soon as possible. This is required in writing, and you should refer to the Terms & Conditions regarding any cancellation charges that may apply. Normally, if you cancel before the final balance is due, the deposit is 100% refundable. Once your final balance has been paid, there is a sliding scale of charges, outlined in the Terms & Conditions.
If you wish to transfer your booking to a different holiday or traveller, you should contact us before the final balance is due for your existing tour. There is a £40 ($50) fee to do so. Any changes are also subject to any additional fees charged by local suppliers. Transfers after the final balance is due are classed as a cancellation and re-booking. For cancellations or transfers, please contact Customer Support.
Can the tour be personalised?
Yes! All our Self-Guided Tours can be personalised free of charge to fit your requirements. Contact your advisor now and get started!
What currency is the tour price listed in?
All our prices are in US Dollar (USD).
We can process payments in the following currencies: USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD.
Please contact us, and we will provide you with a payment link in the currency you prefer.