Japan Discovery Tour (12 Days)
Active
12d
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On this Japan Discovery Tour (12 days) Join-in small group experience, visit the most iconic locations in Japan that is the ideal trip for first-time travelers with an English-speaking tour guide. Stay in 3 – 4 Star overnight accommodations and travel in style with Shinkansen (bullet-train) with combination of private bus or vehicle*. This tour is for a small group of 16 to 26 people (for a private experience for your group only, visit the Japan Discovery Private Tour page). If we have 15 or fewer guests, we will be unable to conduct the Standard Tour.
Available options
12 Days Private Group
Private Tour + Private Vehicle: Stay in 3 – 4 Star overnight accommodations and travel with Shinkansen (bullet-train) with combination of private vehicle
12 Days: Join-in Group
Public Transportation: Stay in 3 – 4 Star overnight accommodations and travel with Shinkansen (bullet-train) with combination of private vehicle
12 Days Private Group
Public Transportation: Stay in 3 – 4 Star overnight accommodations and travel with Shinkansen (bullet-train) and others Public Transportation
What's included
The tour with private mini bus within some cities still operate with a smaller group of 16 people
10 nights accommodations: 3 – 4* overnight stay at traditional and modern hotels or inns
Guests pack small luggage (carry-on size or smaller) for overnight stay in Kaga Onsen and Takayama.
one large parcel with maximum dimensions of 80 cm x 40 cm x 30cm, less than 25 kg
Lunch
Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary (optional activities not included)
Dinner
One luggage forwarding per person from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Breakfast
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles, trains, or other transportation.
If there are 15 people or less, we will be unable to conduct the Standard Tour.
Option to transfer from Kyoto to Osaka (or Tokyo upon request) on Day 12 at no additional cost.
For small groups, private tours or in some cases, there may be multiple tour guides.
English-speaking Tour Guides
Small groups of maximum 26 travelers guaranteed.
Transportation costs included in the itinerary
What's not included
Other fees not included in the tour
Optional activities at the guests’ leisure
Drinks other than water for meals or additional food during meals provided
Transfers to and from the airport
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For children (Age 12 and below), the children must stay in the same room as adults.
For guests age 13 and up, guests may stay in a separate room, or may share a room with parents at request
Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour.
It is each traveler’s responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required.
Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the tour guide if you need to meet the group in the next location.
All guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover.
The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.
What if I’m late to meet up with Tour Guide during the tour? - We ask that all guests arrive at the location at least 10 minutes before the designated meet-up time. Since this is a group tour, we may not be able to wait for you if you are late. The tour will begin without the late guests and you can meet the rest of the group at the next location. Guests are provided with the tour guides’ phone number before the tour and you can call the Tour Guide if you need to meet the group in the next location.
How fit do I need to be for this tour? - This active tour covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect to walk about two to four hours on some touring days. Although the pace is moderate, you may encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes on this tour and there are some areas in the open air and with no shade. There may also be changes in set drop-off and pick-up locations due to driving conditions and regulations, which may require additional walking between the different locations.
Is this an ideal tour for first-time visitors to Japan? - Yes, this tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Japan. While this introductory Discovery Tour will visit many of the most iconic locations in Japan, there are also other places you’ll visit that are not the main landmarks. This will provide you with a better idea of what life in Japan is like for locals, as well as visit to some of the main attractions that Japan has to offer.
What is the difference between this tour and the Japan Autumn & Winter Illuminations Discovery Tour in late November to early December? - The Japan Autumn & Winter Illuminations Discovery Tour is an extension of the Japan Discover Tour. The tour will cover the same cities as the Japan Discovery Tour, but will include Kobe City and other scenic spots for Autumn Foliage and Winter Illuminations throughout the route (the time at some attractions in the Japan Discovery Tour will be shortened to accommodate additional attractions on this tour).
Small groups of maximum 26 travelers guaranteed. The tour with private mini bus within some cities will still operate with a smaller group of 16 people. If there are 15 people or less, we will be unable to conduct the Standard Tour. For small groups or private tours (available at request), or in some cases larger groups, there may be multiple tour guides based on availability and scheduling.
Booking Confirmation based on number of guests: The tour will be confirmed within 30 days of the start date of the tour.
A minimum number of 16 guests in total is required to operate this tour with private bus for local transfers within some cities (transportation from major cities will always be with bullet train). The Tour Manager will be the same throughout the tour with 16 or more guests (with some exceptions in peak seasons).
Trip Preparation: It is each traveler’s responsibility to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control and/or the World Health Organization for their recommendations.
Strict Cancellation Policy:
We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 75% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before event
We will charge a cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 45 days or less before event
How far in advance should I book?
Preparing a customized tour requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. For Custom Tour bookings that are requested with less than 7 days before the travel date, we may not be able to arrange your custom tour in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip?
Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be very challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and your answers from the Custom Tour form, we will begin putting together your Itinerary Sheet and will start arranging your tour guide, buying tickets, making reservations at venues for your tour, etc.
If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary Sheet, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable.
Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today.
Availability:
June 8th – June 19th, 2025
Jun 15th – Jun 26th, 2025
July 6th – July 17th, 2025
Aug 17th – Aug 28th, 2025
Sept 7th – Sept 18th, 2025
Oct 19th – Oct 30th, 2025
Nov 9th – Nov 20th, 2025 (Japan Autumn & Illuminations Discovery Tour)
About Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.
Top Attractions
Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free (small fee for some areas)
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
Free
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.
Cultural
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)
Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.
Architecture
2-3 hours
¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)
Odaiba
Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.
Entertainment
Half day to full day
Varies by attraction
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sushi
Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.
Dinner
Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegan and vegetarian options available.
Tempura
Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.
Okonomiyaki
Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the nearby mountains
Parasailing at Odaiba
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Traditional tea ceremonies
Kimono rentals and photo shoots
Boat tours on the Sumida River
Beach activities at Odaiba
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.
10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F)
50°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Getting there
By air
- Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
- Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center
By train
Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station
By bus
Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Shibuya
Shinjuku
Asakusa
Ginza
Akihabara
Day trips
Nikko
120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day
Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Kamakura
50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day
Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Hakone
90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight
Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.
Festivals
Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years)
Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years)
Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July
Pro tips
- Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
- Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
- Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
