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• 12 Days in Japan: Top 4 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025

A 12-day duration is ideal for you to explore Japan's highlights at a more relaxed pace. It would allow you to visit the top cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka as well as popular nearby places, such as Hakone, Nara, or Mount Fuji. You could also explore traditional villages, such as Takayama and Kanazawa, or other close-by places that interest you.

In this article, we've handpicked four 12-day Japan itineraries to help you plan a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime-special, and stress-free journey. We would customize any itinerary based on your preferences.

• Itinerary 1: Classic Japan (Most Chosen)
• Itinerary 2: For Family with Teenagers

Itinerary 3: Classical Japan with Himeji

• Itinerary 4: Essence of Japan with Okinawa

How Much Does 12 Days in Japan Cost?

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Itinerary 1: Classic Japan (Grand Cities and Traditional Villages)

• 3 nights in Tokyo
• 1 night in Takayama
• 2 nights in Kanazawa
• 3 nights in Kyoto (side trip to Nara)
• 2 nights in Osaka

This 12-day itinerary is excellent for a first trip to Japan, with plenty of authentic experiences and activities. Not only could you explore the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, but you could also delve into the less-crowded towns of Takayama and Kanazawa to see picturesque rural views and unique farmhouses.

Start your journey in Tokyo. Wander along the wide stone path lined with tall trees at wooden Meiji Shrine in the downtown area, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Tokyo's most spiritual Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. You could also try your hand at making sushi for lunch to discover a prominent element of Japanese culinary tradition.

Then, take the efficient Shinkansen (bullet train) to explore serene Takayama, Shirakawa, and Kanazawa. These three cities have well-preserved sites and picturesque countryside views.

• Takayama: Wander around the well-preserved old town to soak up the Edo vibe, hold delicate handicrafts, such as lacquer and ceramics, and sample some representative Hida beef.
• Shirakawa: The unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which have steep thatched roofs that are named after 'praying hands'. These farmhouses are extremely charming when covered in snow and illuminated at night during January and February.
• Kanazawa: Stroll through one of the three most celebrated Japanese gardens — Kenroku-en — to admire the manicured landscapes, relax and enjoy a cup of matcha at a traditional teahouse, and experience attaching gold leaf to chopsticks.

Contiune your trip to tradition Kyoto. Immerse yourself in the Fushimi Inari Shrine to see amazing sight of thousands of orange-red torii gates. Spend a night at a Japanese ryokan for a cozy night. And feed and enjoy close interactions with the deer in nearby Nara.

Osaka is your final stop. You'll experience highlights like unique ukiyo-e printmaking, sample local snacks in the Dotonbori district, and watch an impressive Japanese sporting event — a sumo wrestling match.

Our Japan travel expert would tailor-made a private tour for you based on your preferences and requirements.

Itinerary 2: For a Family with Teenagers Including Hands-On Activities

• 2 nights in Hakone
• 3 nights in Kyoto (side trip to Uji and Nara)
• 3 nights in Osaka

This 12-day Japan itinerary is the perfect choice for families with teenagers. It satiates kids' love for anime and games, offers abundant family-friendly activities, and you won't have to change hotels frequently.

Start your trip from Tokyo. Discover some Japan-exclusive products at the most popular Pokémon Center, enjoy coffee and desserts at an anime café, and immerse yourself in interactive experiences at high-tech museums, such as TeamLab.

Next, travel to Hakone for its onsens (hot spring baths) and charming rural views. Don't miss experience at a traditional ryokan (inn) with a family room (accommodating 3–5 people). A ryokan typically has 5–15 rooms, and they easily become fully booked, so you're advised to book at least 3 months in advance to ensure a wider range of options. Our Japan travel advisors would help you to select a family-friendly ryokan based on your preferences .

Take the comfortable Shinkansen to Kyoto. You'll wear kimonos to explore the Gion district and take memorable family photos, engage in a matcha-making experience to savor the refreshing taste of tea, and feed the lovely deer in Nara.

Finish your wonderful family trip in Osaka. Here, you could try on ninja outfits to learn about ninja weapons and techniques from a ninja master. Interact with cute farm animals and participate in hands-on activities, such as cheese-making and horseback riding, at Rokkosan Farm. Alternatively, you could spend a day fully immersed in the magical world of Mario at Super Nintendo World.

Our Japan travel expert would carefully design each private tour to cater to your unique interests and requirements .

• 1 night in Hakone
• 4 nights in Kyoto (side trip to Nara)

With this 12-day itinerary, you would visit the highlights of Japan in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Indulge in the enchanting sights of shrines, experience a traditional tea ceremony or wear a kimono (or both), stay at a ryokan for a memorable night, and feed the deer in Nara.

You would visit the well-preserved castle in Himeji, which is located near Osaka. Himeji Castle is particularly enchanting during the cherry blossom season when it's adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms. The castle's white exterior walls and magnificent structure amaze many at first sight, and you would have the opportunity to explore the castle's interior.

If you have other requirements, contact us and our Japan travel expert can make it happen.

Itinerary 4: Essence of Japan with Beach Time in Okinawa

• 2 nights in Okinawa

With this 12-day itinerary, you would explore the essence of Japan in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka . You would immerse yourself in traditional shrines, enjoy delicious cuisine, visit world-class theme parks, stay at a traditional ryokan, and experience authentic activities, such as making cup noodles or creating Kyoto pottery.

Moreover, you could head to Okinawa to delve into the long history of this small island. Okinawa possesses some of the most stunning beaches in Japan and you could enjoy exciting outdoor sports, such as snorkeling, diving, and surfing, and take a leisurely walk on a sandy beach to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

Okinawa also boasts its rich and unique Ryukyu culture. Visit Ryukyu Mura to gain insights into the ancient Okinawan culture. You could see a variety of traditional Ryukyu performances, experience the traditional Okinawan musical instrument called a shamisen, taste authentic Ryukyu cuisine, and interact with the local people.

Contact us for more suggestions based on your interests.

US$350-500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a family of 3–5 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, all intercity transport within Japan, and hand-picked 4-star hotels. Thus, the total cost for 12 days in Japan is about US$4,200-6,000 per person (international flights not included).

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12 Day Japan Itinerary – The Ultimate Trip Planning Guide

Last Updated February 20, 2023 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 12 Day Japan Itinerary – The Ultimate Trip Planning Guide

The essential 12 day Japan itinerary that is j a m packed   with incredible food, culture, and fun.

Japan was high on my list of countries to visit for a long time and when I finally got to go there, it met my expectations in every way and was a dream trip come true.  Knowing everything that I went through in planning the trip, there were a lot of takeaways from my booking activities and hotels ahead of time, experience on the ground, and things I didn’t expect along the way.  That’s why I’ve put together this ultimate 12 day Japan itinerary and collected all of the “need to know before you go” tips in this travel guide.

• 12 Day Japan Itinerary Overview

When planning for Japan, I knew I wanted to try to get a good overview of the “ best of the best ” of the country.  So I knew that would have to include Tokyo and Kyoto but filling in the blanks was a challenge as there just wasn’t that much online to go on.  It was a lot harder than other countries in part due to the difference in language and lack of English based sites.  Restaurants were also a hard part to figure out as I didn’t really want to rely only on TripAdvisor’s biases.  Luckily, I reached out to a local Japanese friend for real local recommendations and she was able to provide a ton of suggestions which worked out well.

The overall trip to Japan was a huge success as we got a combination of delicious foods, culture, history, outdoors and everything that goes with the big city of Tokyo.  I will say though that it was extremely hot and sticky in August.  That certainly weighed down on us on the day to day and found ourselves much more tired than usual.

If you’ve got 10-12 days only in Japan and want to see some of the best of the best, then you’re in the right place.  Read on!

Read more about Japan

• Guide to Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo
• Tokyo Japan food guide
• Food souvenirs to buy in Japan
• Where to stay in Tokyo – a neighbourhood guide
• Best Ramen in Tokyo
• Top Japan Articles

Where to stay in Japan?

• If you’re looking for great places to stay, my recommendation is to take a look on Booking.com whether you’re staying in Tokyo , Osaka , Kyoto , or Hiroshima .  They’re probably the most versatile hotel platform now mainly because they not only have a big hotel inventory but they also have a ton of B&Bs as well.
• I have specialized neighbourhood guides for Kyoto , Hiroshima, and Tokyo .

In This Article

Japan 12 Day Itinerary

What we missed, things you need to know before going to japan, all of japan, travel advice on tokyo, travel advice on osaka, travel advice on nara, travel advice on kyoto, travel advice on hiroshima, travel advice on hakone, 12 day japan itinerary in photos.

To navigate, scroll left and right to see the full itinerary. 

If you’d rather have a version of the itinerary you can re-use, sign up to become an insider to get access to the Japan in 12 days itinerary.

At the end of the day, 12 days in Japan is just enough to explore the tip of the iceberg.  There were so many things we wanted to do but simply couldn’t fit into the itinerary.  Thinking back on the trip, if I were to isolate the top 5 things we regret not doing, it’d be the following:

• Climbing Mount Fuji – I was this close to doing it but alas the weather conditions weren’t very favourable in August.
• I wish I got to spend a little more time in Osaka itself.  We opted to switch out our day in Osaka with Nara since a friend said it would be nice out there.  Another night in Osaka also would’ve been nice to try out more food as Osaka is known to be the foodie capital of Japan.
• Kobe is another place I regret not going to.  That mouth watering, butter-like quality beef lingers as an item I still have not been able to check off.  I couldn’t include it due to the lack of days I had but if this is your priority, you should definitely try to fit it in.
• Koyasan (Mount Koya) was another option as a day trip from Osaka but seemed too ambitious as a day trip.
• Outside of Tokyo I also thought about doing Yokohama or Kamakura but ultimately I chose Hakone because I wanted a more authentic onsen experience.

As you’re planning out your trip to Japan, I can relate to how head-ache inducing it can be because there’s either too much information or some of the information you’re looking for on official sites aren’t translated to English.  It’s totally overwhelming.  Thinking about my own trip experiences, I captured a BIG LIST of things that I know will be useful for your very own 12 day itinerary to Japan.

Japan Trip Planning Essentials and Discounts

If you’re in the middle of booking your trip to Japan, here are the most important places you need to go to book:

• JR Pass – The two most reliable places we always check are JRailPass and JRPass . If you are taking long distance Shinkansen across multiple region, get the full JR Pass . If you’re focusing on one specific area, you only need a JR regional pass .
• Shinkansen – The JR Pass prices have gone up and for many of you, it’ll make more sense to book tickets individually. The secret is that when you buy your Shinkansen tickets through Klook offers special vouchers for Don Quijote and BIC when booking. Their tickets are super easy to redeem as well. Right now, use code SKS10OFF to save $10 USD off.
• Hotels/Ryokans – In Japan, the best website for accommodations, hands down is Agoda . When we’ve compared them against Booking , Agoda consistently came out cheaper.
• Tours – While Viator and GetYourGuide are our go-to’s, Klook and KKDay are much popular in Asia so it’s always worth comparing across all of them to make sure you get the best price.
• Pocket Wifi – While we do love eSIMs, having a pocket wifi is great for sharing data with a large group. The most popular is NinjaWifi which is easy to pick up at the airport. Use code AWESOME15 to save 15% (automatically applied). Alternatives are offered by JRPass and JRailPass but they aren’t as cheap. For a more global solution, consider Solis and PokeFi .
• eSIM – The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting the Japan region eSIM and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. From now to Feb 29, the 10GB package is half price as well! Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
• Car Rental – Big companies like Budget , Avis , and Enterprise operate in Japan but they’re usually the most expensive. The best companies are the local Japanese ones such as Toyota Rentacar, Nippon Rentacar, Orix Rentacar, Nissan Rentacar, and Times Car Rental. To make things easier, use Rentalcars and Klook to compare prices all in one place. Don’t forget, you need an IDP to drive in Japan so get one before you leave your home country.
• Learn Japanese – It helps to know even a bit of the language before you go. Start your learning with Rosetta Stone Japanese .
• Cash or credit – Cash is still very important to have in Japan but when you use credit cards, make sure you’re not getting charged those extra exchange rate fees. The best card right now is the Wise Multi-Currency Card which is actually a debit card where you can convert at favorable rates beforehand. This cuts out any sneaky transaction fees.
• Travel Insurance – Make sure you’re covered in case something happens. Get quotes from Insured Nomads and if you’re from Canada, get quotes from RATESDOTCA .
• Shopping – Discovering Don Quijote is a quintessential part of the Japan experience. The secret for tax-free shopping is that they have a coupon that can help you save 10% off + additional 5% off if you spend ¥10,000 or more.

Japan by Train – The JR Pass is pretty much a must if you’re going to be travelling between major cities in Japan.  Read more about Japan by Rail .

Get Your JR Pass Before You Go

If you’re looking to do any travelling around Japan, I highly recommend picking up a  JRailPass .  Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase it before your trip and ship it to your home.

Train Schedules – If there’s one site you need to know when travelling with a JR pass is  www.hyperdia.com .  First of all, it’s English friendly so no need for complicated translations.  This is an excellent page to figure out the train schedules and since you know the Japanese railway system runs like clockwork you don’t need to worry about whether it’ll be early or late.   I used this on many occasions during the trip to figure out the most effective trains to take to get from point A to B.

• For example when going from Kyoto to Hiroshima most of the itineraries involved a transfer in Osaka which would waste time.  I played around with different departure times and eventually found a direct Shinkansen that ran from Kyoto to Osaka and then to Hiroshima.  No transfer required = less time = more sleep on the train.

ATM’s – If you have a foreign debit card like I did, you’re going to run into problems withdrawing from normal legit bank ATM’s.  For some reason these machines don’t take foreign cards.  The only machine that worked for me the entire trip was the 7-Eleven .  This one worked all the time.  So don’t worry, it’s not you when your debit card doesn’t work anywhere else.  Just go over to any 7-Eleven which won’t be hard to find and you’ll be good to go.

Baggage Delivery Service  – Look for Yamato either at the airport or anywhere in major cities to get it done.  They’re fast, simple and reliable.  You can either use this service to ship bags from the airport to a city ahead of you so you don’t have to lug it around while taking the train.  You can also do what I did which was to ship my larger suitcase to my last destination in Japan.

Most Useful Website – Aside from my own of course ;),  Japan Guide was probably the most useful site for Japan that rivalled even TripAdvisor and their forums.

Tuesdays – This one easily creeps up on you without you realizing.  There are many places including attractions and restaurants that are closed on Tuesdays so make sure to double-check.

Tsukiji Fish Market Toyosu Fish Market

• NEW IN 2019 – Toyosu Market (豊洲市場) opened October 2018 and is the new site of the Tsukiji Fish Market.  Tuna auctions occur at 5:30 and 6:30AM and can be viewed from a few places – observation windows, observation deck (reservation required).  For a full guide on how to get into the Toyosu Fish Market Lottery and the full details about what the experience is like .
• How to get to the observation deck – Advance reservation  is required to access this deck during the tuna auctions. Similar to before, there are 3 groups of 40 that are allowed in for 10 minutes at a time between 5:45AM and 6:15AM.  You must submit your application a month prior at a selected time .   It’s a lottery system which is good and bad – good that you don’t have to attempt in the morning and fail but bad in that it is possibly even more competitive because everyone will put their names in.
• Eat lots – Make sure you make it to the restaurants there.  Sushi Dai and Daiwa are the go-to places but expect to line up.  If you failed at going to the auction you might as well go straight to the restaurants.  These classics from Tsukiji Fish Market have been relocated to the new market.
• Seafood Intermediate Wholesaler’s Area – The area is off limits to visitors but they also have their own observation windows for viewing.  That said the views are quite narrow and limited.

Restaurant  Reservations – For a lot of the well-known restaurants in Tokyo it’s important to make reservations a day in advance.  We did this for the entire trip and didn’t run into any problems.

Harajuku  – One of the must-visit neighbourhoods of Tokyo.  It was a ton of fun to explore even when packed.  Filled with many boutique shops, girls in Lolita costumes, and many snacks.

• TIP:  To see Lolita girls, make sure you go on the weekend.

Hato Bus  – This is a popular tour bus company that locals use and is just as well known for visitors.  Hato Bus is a great option in Tokyo because it saves you the hassle of figuring out public transit and allows you to see way more in one day than you would on foot.  They offer high quality tours that are quite affordable as well.  For the tour that we went on, it also came with a fabulous lunch in a zen park.

• TIP:  If you’re doing the Hato Bus, just make sure you plan your itinerary around the tour so you don’t end up redoing any sights.

Looking For Great Views? – If you’re looking to go up a skyscraper with fantastic views of the city AND you want to do it for FREE , look no further than the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the one you want to go to.  Based on personal experience though, the one thing to note is that the views from the top are somewhat limited. I feel that Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree would offer better views but those have paid admission.

Best Shrine  – If there’s one shrine you want to go to in Tokyo, I would recommend Meiji Shrine.  My #2 would probably be the one in Asakusa.

Recommended Restaurant – Gonpachi is a must-do restaurant in Tokyo.  Make reservations!  It’s the restaurant that inspired the epic restaurant scene in Kill Bill.

Odaiba  – I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Odaiba to first time visitors of Tokyo but if you’re looking to do some shopping and want to hang out at as a local for shopping and entertainment arcades, you can definitely make the trip out to this man-made island.

Day trips – Tokyo is massive and so if you’re looking for a great day-trip recommendation, check out foodie destinations like Kichijoji which is well known for their street food.

Where to Stay – Here are my recommendations for top 4 picks in the city that caters to all budgets.  If you want more recommendations, make sure to take a look at the in-depth neighbourhood guide and best places to stay in Tokyo .

HOSTEL OOMORI SOUKO

If you’re looking for cheap accommodations in Tokyo (sub $100), you’re looking at hostels and ones that are going to be a little away from the core.  The host, Kato-san is extremely friendly which is why the property is so well reviewed.  It’s minutes away from Haneda airport and 16 minutes walk to the train to head into the downtown.

Booking.com

BUDGET-FRIENDLY

DAIWA ROYNET HOTEL

Brand new hotel as of February 2019, this a 3-star hotel with affordable prices because it is in the Shinjuku Ward which should not be confused with Shinjuku.  You’ll need to take the train into the city but for the cost and as a brand-new property, this can’t be beat.

TripAdvisor

HOTEL SUNROUTE HIGASHI SHINJUKU

Located near Shinjuku, this hotel is conveniently located 10 minutes walk from the Isetan department store and more importantly right by the train station.  The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable and up to standards as a mid-level hotel.

CONRAD TOKYO

This property is well deserved of Hilton’s top brand.  Located near Shimbashi and Shiodome, this is located in a financial area which means there isn’t too much around directly in its vicinity but Shimbashi certainly makes up for it.  It is also walking distance to Tsukiji.  Impressive room, executive lounge, the lobby, and impeccable service.

Hotels in Osaka – Accommodations aren’t the easiest to find in Japan but Hostel 64 Osaka was recommended by my Japanese friend and it sure was a winner.  Highly recommended for their spacious rooms, location, service, and breakfast.  It has many of the hostel qualities but out of all hostels I have ever stayed at, this has to be #1.

Foodie Paradise – Come to Osaka for the food.  There’s just so many options here and things seem more accessible here than in Tokyo.

Where to Stay – Even with only a couple of days here, you’ll need to find a good place to stay as a base of operations whether you’re doing Osaka, Nara, or any of the other outlying cities.

HOSTEL CHILL OUT

This is a killer hostel that’s conveniently located right along the Dotonbori River, is really cheap, and comfortably spacious for shared accommodations.  This one is top in my books for Osaka.

SARASA HOTEL SHIN OSAKA

A great steal of a property for those not looking to stay at a hostel where I’ve seen prices hovering around USD$60 or less.  What you need to know that this is located north of central Osaka in Yodogawa Ward district and right by Shin Osaka station.  Bonus is that they include a mobile phone with internet access.

HOTEL UNIZO OSAKA

A hotel that includes all the fixings you’d expect from a modern property.  The highlight though is the location which is just a here 5-minute walk to Umeda station and a 10-minute walk to Osaka station, respectively. There is free wifi at this hotel.

HOTEL NIKKO OSAKA

Looking to go a little fancy?  Well right up there in terms of top properties in Osaka is the Nikko Osaka which sits right above Shinsaibashi subway station which gives you access to the shopping and restaurants of the Dotonbori area.  It is also located Daimaru.  The rooms are of the highest class and many offer excellent views of the city.

Is Nara Worth It? – Without seeing much of Osaka outside of Dotonbori I can’t really say whether Nara was better than Osaka or not but it’s definitely a side trip worth doing.  The deer experience alone made it worthwhile.

Ryokans – One of the must-try things in Kyoto is to stay at a traditional ryokan.  Ryokans are a type of traditional Japanese inn that has existed since the eighth century.  For something on the budget side of things Ryokan Shimizu is perfect.  It’s clean, it has its own en-suite bathroom, and is close to transportation.  Get the ryokan experience for a fraction of the cost.

Higashiyama District  – You can easily spend a full day in the Higashiyama Area and I would highly recommend it if you have 2 days to work with.  This is the area where you’ll be able to see Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine.

Plan Wisely – Something you should note as you plan your trip is that special buildings such as temples, shrines, and castles close between 4PM-5PM.  This means that if you don’t want to run risk of being shut out of any places, it makes sense to do these sights earlier in the day.

Fushimi Inari – Now what’s unique about this cascade of red torii gates is that there’s no official closing time here so when planning your day, slot this towards the end of the day so you can still see your temples, shrines and castles and then round out the day exploring Fushimi Inari.  For the photographers out there, Fushimi Inari is absolutely stunning for photos.

Where to Stay – Kyoto has an interesting mix of accommodations that makes it one that you really have to do some research for.  As mention above, there are the traditional ryokans that most of you will undoubtedly want to try here.  I pick out the best affordable ryokans in Kyoto but what are others you should consider?  We also have an detailed Kyoto where to stay and neighbourhood guide that you should use for your trip planning.

HOTEL M’S PLUS SHIJO OMIYA

It’s crazy to find such a popular property (close to 6,000 reviews) at such cheap prices (USD$50) in Kyoto but here it is.  The surprising thing is that their rooms are just like any other high quality hotel room.  You can’t go wrong with this one.

HOTEL KEIHAN KYOTO GRANDE

Another property that should be more expensive than it is.  Hotel Keihan is directly connected to the JR Kyoto train station, is 10 minutes from Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, and 15 minutes from To-ji Temple.  All of the modern rooms also come with free wifi.

HOTEL RESOL KYOTO KAWARAMACHI SANJO

Located in the Nakagyo Ward, just north of Kyoto station, you’re only 1.6km to temples such as Shoren-in.  This is comfortable and upscale hotel that is built in the modern style but mixes in the ambiance of what it’s like to stay in a ryokan.

RYOKAN TORI

Completely authentic ryokan experience that is definitely more expensive than the budget ryokans I’ve written about but the reason for this is all the extras you get – private hot bath well prepared for you each evening, tea ceremony at the tea room, and love the homemade Kyoto style breakfast.

I’m glad we were able to fit in Hiroshima as part of this 12 day itinerary of Japan.  For more details about places to go, make sure to head to the top 5 things to do in Hiroshima .

Photography at Miyajima  – One thing that people say about photographing Miyajima and the floating torii is that you have to decide whether you want to shoot it with the tide up or down.  I didn’t have the luxury of choosing when I went so this was a non-factor for me but if you want to shoot it at high tide, go in the morning.  If you want to see it at low tide and be able to walk right up to the gate, you’ll want to be there in the late afternoon.  Of course the time of the year matters as well but the tide trend should stay the same.

Why Hiroshima? – Hiroshima is definitely something not to miss if you’re going to be in the Osaka region.  Even if you’re not a WWII history buff, the atomic bomb history is thoroughly interesting and of course Miyajima is beautiful.

Remembering – The atomic bomb monuments, museums, and park can done in half a day so if you have a full day in Hiroshima, you can easily do both the atomic bomb memorials and Miyajima island.  If you’re looking for a tour, this full day tour that combines Hiroshima with Miyajima is excellent.

Where to Stay – When in Hiroshima, you’ll need a few nights stay so here are my top picks for the city.  I have a full guide on where to stay in Hiroshima but for a few quick recommendations take a look below.

COURT HIROSHIMA

The rooms here are tiny but for the cost, you can hardly complain.  At rates around US$50, you’re walking distance from the Hiroshima tram and in between the train station and the downtown core.  Note that they only offer free wired internet.

DAIWA ROYNET HIROSHIMA

Conveniently located in  Hiroshima ‘s main commercial district, it’s  just a 1 minute walk to Chudenmae  Tram Station.  This property is affordably under US$100 and offers  free wifi which is key.  Walking to  Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park  only takes 10 minutes.

HOTEL GRANVIA HIROSHIMA

Ranked #2 in Hiroshima, this hotel is directly connected to the JR Hiroshima station which makes it uber convenient. Also, you’ll find that the rooms are larger than most hotels in Hiroshima.  Wifi is free as well.

RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL HIROSHIMA

Smack right in the middle of the Hiroshima core is this top-end hotel that can only be described as grand.  As more of a business-hotel, the rooms are extremely spacious but some have said are a bit dated.  The best part is that it is only 5 minutes away from the city’s main attractions.

Hakone Free Pass  – If you’re going to be going to Hakone and going to do the round-the-city tour like we did, this is the one to get.  5000 JPY can’t be beat.  Get an earlier start than we did and in one day you can pretty much see all the main sights and activities in Hakone.

Hot Springs for Couples – Do your research beforehand and if you’re not sure, ask your concierge if you have any questions or get them to call to get the answers.  If you’re looking for hot springs for couples, they are rare in Hakone.  The onsen we ended up choosing  was  Tenzan  and they had them available but only for 2 hour time slots.  On top of that, you can only reserve them when you get there.  There are only 3 or 4 of these type of rooms but you only get one temperature pool and that’s it.  We opted to go to the regular onsen area as we wanted to experience it to its fullest (nude and all).

The visuals really tell the story of why it was so easy to fall in love with Japan in a matter of 12 days.  Here’s a glimpse of the things I was able to capture.

Read More About Japan

• Guide to the Must-Try Food in Osaka
• Where To Stay In Hiroshima – A Guide To The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods
• Top 5 Things to Do in Hiroshima, Japan
• When Is The Best Time To Go To Kyoto?
• Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culture in Kyoto

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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12 Day Best of Japan Tour Package – The Golden Route

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Looking for the ultimate journey across Japan? Our 12 Day Best of Japan Tour Package – The Golden Route  is made for the adventurous soul, beginning in Tokyo. Amid the bustling city, find sacred calm at the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Senso-ji Temple. Continue along the Golden Route towards Mount Fuji. Admire iconic views from the 5th Station, and enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Kawaguchi. Next, explore Takayama on your own, perhaps by visiting a local onsen. Discover other local gems such as Shirakawa-go Village and the Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa. Uncover Kyoto’s hidden treasures – like the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine before meeting Nara’s friendly deer. Your magical visit to the Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima will leave you breathless. Finally, end your adventure in Osaka, where magical architecture awaits.

Is this your first time visiting Japan? Let’s make it an adventure to remember with our 12 Day Best of Japan Tour Package – The Golden Route  – perfectly tailored to your every travel need. With expert guides, explore the richness, culture, flavors, and history of Japan, from sacred sites to incredible hotels. Over 12 days, you will witness major cities like Tokyo but also experience village life in Takayama and Kanazawa. Book your Golden Route escape today!

12 Day Best of Japan Tour Package – The Golden Route Highlights

• Journey across the Japan Golden Route with experienced local guides
• Visit Tokyo’s famous sites: Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, and more
• Admire the iconic Mount Fuji from 5th Station and take a boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi
• Uncover the beauty of Kyoto’s Buddhist temples and visit Nara’s friendly deer
• See Hiroshima’s Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• In your own time, discover the village of Shirakawa-go and visit a Takayama Onsen
• Spend incredible nights in beautiful hotels across 6 of Japan’s best cities
• Discover Osaka’s 17th-century architecture and unforgettable castle

12 Day Best of Japan Tour Package – The Golden Route Itinerary

• Airport transfer is available
• Overnight Tokyo
• Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine - the most famous Shinto shrine (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
• Tour the beautiful Imperial Palace gardens and architecture
• Visit the famous Senso-ji Temple and explore the Odaiba district
• Enjoy an authentic Asakusa Uji Matcha experience and take a Symphony Cruise along Tokyo Bay (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
• Visit the Hamarikyu Gardens (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
• Visit Tokyo Tower and enjoy city views from the observation deck
• Overnight in Tokyo
• Take the day to freely explore the city, try some local restaurants, or relax in your hotel
• Visit a 300-year-old Buddhist temple and learn about ancient traditions
• Explore the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market and taste a variety of local treats
• During lunch, sample from a range of fresh seafood, like sashimi bowls and bite-sized treats
• Ride up to a secret observatory deck and view the market and city skyline from above
• Reach 5th Station to admire breathtaking views of Mount Fuji
• Free time to explore Kawaguchiko + lunch
• Take incredible photos from the Panoramic Ropeway cable car
• Finish your tour with a boat cruise on Lake Kawaguchi
• Head to Takayama: enjoy a free evening
• Overnight in Takayama
• Take the day to unwind and discover Takayama at your own pace: bathe at an onsen, visit a sake brewery, or relax at your hotel
• Head to Shirakawa-go & Kanazawa
• We suggest you explore the UNESCO traditional village
• Continue to Kanazawa, where we recommend you visit the Kenrokuen Garden, Omicho Market, or Geisha District
• Overnight in Kanazawa
• After breakfast, transfer to Kyoto by train via Thunderbird Limited Express
• Enjoy stunning views along the way, like Lake Biwa
• Arrive in Kyoto and enjoy an afternoon tour of iconic sites
• Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
• Discover the Buddhist temples of Sanjusangendo Temple and Kiyomizudera
• Overnight in Kyoto
• Explore the iconic Todaiji Temple and its towering Great Buddha statue
• Meet friendly deer in the scenic Nara Park
• Visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
• In the afternoon, catch the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka
• Overnight in Osaka
• Board the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima
• Take a ferry to Miyajima, the Shrine Island, and learn about its cultural and spiritual significance
• Marvel at the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Return to Miyajimaguchi station and head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• See the A-Bomb Dome, a commemorative symbol of peace
• Wander the entertainment district of Namba & Dotonbori
• See the Hozenji Temple – dating back to the 17th century
• Visit the vibrant and lively Kuromon Ichiba Market
• Explore the neighborhoods of Shinsekai
• Marvel at the beautiful Osaka Castle
• Walk through the famous Shinsaibashi shopping district and Nipponbashi
• Optional transfers to Kansai Airport (KIX) or Tokyo city center are available

If you have any questions about our 12 Day Best of Japan Tour Package – The Golden Route, please contact us. Our team is standing by and will be happy to help

Available dates are shown in green along with the starting price for that date based on recent searches. Click on a date to move to the next step and customize your trip such as adding airport transfers, choosing your hotel, and adding extra nights.

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Take a 12-day tour to enjoy Japan’s most popular destinations. Start with some time sightseeing Tokyo’s top attractions, whether you prefer the historical significance of Asakusa Sensoji Temple, the lively atmosphere of Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the wondrous view from the top of Tokyo Skytree, or of the above. Then continue to beauteous Hakone, famed for the natural wonders of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a landscape full of dense forests, mountains, lakes, and hot springs. One of the best views of Hakone’s loveliness is from an airborne gondola on the Hakone Ropeway, with superb views of the dense woodland surrounding the cobalt blue waters of Lake Ashi, as well as the boiling pools and hot springs of Owakudani. On clear days, it is a prime location for a view of spectacular Mount Fuji, and touring the area presents a good opportunity to see the iconic mountain up close. Travel up into the Hida Mountains of Gifu prefecture for a stop in old-fashioned Takayama – a picture-perfect traditional mountain town. Takayama’s picturesque Old Town has streets lined with old merchants’ houses and shops. The chief feature is the Takayama Jinya, a former administration building during the Edo period, and once Japan’s largest rice storehouse. Nearby are the iconic farmhouses of UNESCO Heritage Shirakawago village with their thatched roofs folded like great hands in prayer – a signature trait of the celebrated Gassho- zukuri architectural style. Next is Kanazawa, famed for Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Meticulously arranged according to the six sublimities of Chinese landscape design, Kenrokuen offers beauty and tranquility to be admired in every season, with charming ponds, trees, flowers, bridges, and teahouses. Then travel to Kyoto, former imperial capital of Japan, center of over a thousand years of culture and tradition, with hundreds of splendid temples and shrines. Take a little extra time exploring the ancient city, to really get immersed in ancient Japanese customs. Try on an old-fashioned kimono, sip fresh matcha tea with a geisha apprentice, and learn calligraphy or flower-arranging – traditional arts of refinement. Easily connect to Nara and visit Todaiji – the Great Eastern Temple, home to a massive seated Buddha and surrounded by hundreds of adorable Sika deer. Experience the history and culture of Osaka, known especially for its street food. Finally, enjoy the Hiroshima Peace Park and gorgeous Miyajima Island – home to Itsukushima Shrine’s mysterious floating gate.

25 trips through Japan

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Autumn

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju / Seoul), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4298.00

Explore two beautiful countries in Asia - Korea & Japan in one tour.

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Spring

Highlights of Korea and Japan Tour Summer

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju / Seoul), Japan (Osaka / Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

Nakasendo Trail Walking & Hiking Tour: Spring

Tokyo / Kiso-Hirasawa / Narai / Yabuhara / Kiso- Fukushima / Tsumago / Magome / Nara / Yoshino / Mt Koya / Kyoto

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4420.00 (Limit to 13 guests)

A small-group guided walking & hiking tour with four hikes of 1-4.5 hours of village-to-village walking on the Nakasendo Trail.

Nakasendo Trail Walking & Hiking Tour: Autumn

Nakasendo Trail Walking & Hiking Tour: Autumn Leaves

Highlights of Korea and Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour

Korea (Andong / Gyeongju /Seoul), Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Koka / Hikone / Hakone / Mt Fuji / Tokyo)

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4498.00

Explore Korea & Japan during the most beautiful time of the year - the cherry blossom season.

Japan Walking Tour: In the Shadow of Mountains - Autumn

Kyoto / Kurashiki / Kojima / Yunotsu Onsen / Iwami Ginzan / Tsuwano / Hagi / Miyajima Island / Tomonoura / Osaka

12 Days 11 Nights | from US $4560.00 (Limit to 13 guests)

A small-group guided cultural tour exploring two sides of western Japan - the Japan Sea Coast and the Inland Sea.

Japan Walking Tour: In the Shadow of Mountains - Spring

12 days 11 nights | from us $4660.00 (limit to 13 guests).

Japan Walking Tour: In the Shadow of Mountains - Winter

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Wakasagi Smelt Fishing

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Things Not to Miss

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Seikan Undersea Tunnel

The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

Asakusa Sensoji Temple

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavillion)

Todaiji Temple

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Miho Museum

Koka Ninja Mansion

Ise Grand Shrine

Mikimoto Pearl Island

Himeji Castle

Izumo Grand Shrine

Naoshima Island

Gunkanjima Island

Mt Takasaki Monkey Park

Matsumoto Castle

Tokyo Tower

Kiyomizu Temple

Gion Geisha District

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko

Green Tea Ceremony

Shikoku Pilgrimage Route

Takayama Festivals

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko Interaction

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Tokyo SkyTree

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Kenrokuen Garden

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Zen Meditation (Zazen)

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Ikebana Lesson (Flower Arrangement)

Kimono Experience

Taiko Lesson

Dotonbori Street Food Tour

Nakasendo Hike

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Most Beautiful Places in Japan

Otaru Snow Light Path

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Kurashiki Canal Area

Miyajima Island

Shimanami Kaido

Takeda Castle

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine

Adachi Museum of Art

Takachiho Gorge

Oirase Stream

Tottori Sand Dunes

Wisteria Tunnel at Kawachi Fuji Gardens

What our customers say

  4.9 stars based on 501 REVIEWS

It was a great tour and included everything we wanted to see during the 11 days of touring. The Tour Leader (Kim) and our Drive (Bamboo San) were outstanding.

Our tour was wonderful as was our tour guide and bus driver. Miharu was not only knowledgeable she also had a great sense of humor and made certain the group was comfortable and safe. She was amazing. The meal choices were excellent. I would definitely recommend this tour to others.

Guide was very informative and fun. Fast paced meant seeing more. Route was excellent.

Our guide, Miharu-San was outstanding! She told excellent stories, was entertaining and even comedic at times! Tour was well organized and covered a lot everyday. I believe everyone in our group was fulfilled and tired at the end of the day. All of the hotels (except in downtown Osaka...Hotel Eselreine...room was too small for three people!) were excellent. Only disappointment but due to weather was not being able to see Mt. Fuji.

It was well organized and the guides were knowledgable and informative. Some hotels were nicer than others .

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Japan 12-Day Tours and Itineraries

Discover the best 12-Day multi-day tours in Japan with Bookmundi. We offer a total of 16 Japan 12-Day tours and itineraries with 24 customer reviews.

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16 Trips in Japan with 24 Reviews

• Starts Tokyo, Japan
• Ends Kyoto, Japan

Japan Family Holiday

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities Family
• Accommodation Hotel, Resort & Guest House
• Transport Train, Private Vehicle, Boat, Ferry, Rickshaw, Bullet Train & Taxi
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Brochure Price: US$ 6,110
• Special Deal (20%): - US$ 1,222
• Total Price from: US$ 4,888
• Jun 19 Only 4 seats left
• Jun 27 Only 2 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

Premium Japan

• Activities Luxury & Cultural, religious and historic sites Luxury , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Art and architecture 'data-more-tripid='35835'>+1 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Boat, Bullet Train, Bus, Ferry, Private Vehicle & Train
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 8,730
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 2,182
• Total Price from: US$ 6,548
• May 30 Only 5 seats left
• Jun 02 Only 4 seats left

Iconic Japan

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & City sightseeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , City sightseeing , Countryside and village visits & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='6190'>+2 more
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus, Bullet Train & Taxi
• Age Range 12-95 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 6,899
• Special Deal (10%): - US$ 690
• Total Price from: US$ 6,209
• May 29 Only 5 seats left
• Jun 05 Only 4 seats left

• Ends Osaka, Japan

Walk Japan - Kumano Kodo Trail

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Walking tours Trekking and Hiking , Walking tours & Active and outdoor 'data-more-tripid='36141'>+1 more
• Accommodation Guest House & Hotel
• Transport Boat, Bullet Train, Bus, Train, Minibus & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Sep 22 Only 1 seat left
• Nov 03 Only 5 seats left

• Ends Tokyo, Japan

Legend of Japan

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Explorer
• Accommodation Hostel
• Transport Private Vehicle, Bullet Train, Bus & Train
• Age Range 18-40 yrs
• Jun 02 Only 5 seats left
• Jun 19 Only 8 seats left

• Starts Osaka, Japan

Southern Japan Experience

• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Art and architecture , Countryside and village visits , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='10847'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Guest House & Home-stay
• Transport Ferry, Train, Bus, Bullet Train & Boat
• Jun 14 Only 6 seats left
• Jun 28 Only 2 seats left

Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak

• Activities Active and outdoor & Trekking and Hiking Active and outdoor , Trekking and Hiking , Bicycle tours & Kayaking and canoeing 'data-more-tripid='10849'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Guest House
• Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Ferry, Bullet Train & Taxi
• Jul 21 Only 9 seats left
• Sep 01 Only 5 seats left

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• Ends Fukuoka, Japan

Shogun Trail

• Activities Cruise & Cultural, religious and historic sites Cruise , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Train tours , City sightseeing & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='17272'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Villa & Guest House
• Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Bullet Train & Coach
• Brochure Price: US$ 5,910
• Special Deal (6%): - US$ 330
• Total Price from: US$ 5,580
• Sep 15 10+ seats left
• Sep 29 10+ seats left

Land of the Samurai - 12 days

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Museum and gallery visits Cultural, religious and historic sites , Museum and gallery visits & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='16026'>+1 more
• Transport Train, Bus, Ferry, Private Vehicle & Bullet Train
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• Jul 06 10+ seats left
• Jul 20 Only 8 seats left

Japan Family Vacation: 12 Days

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Natural landmarks sightseeing & Romantic 'data-more-tripid='40508'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Boat, Bullet Train, Bus, Private Vehicle, Rickshaw & Train
• Age Range 1-99 yrs

Delve Deep: Japan

• Transport Bullet Train, Ferry & Train
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,559
• Special Deal (5%): - US$ 178
• Total Price from: US$ 3,381
• Jun 16 Only 3 seats left
• Aug 18 10+ seats left

North Japan and Hakone

• Transport Boat, Bus, Ferry, Coach & Private Vehicle
• Jun 13 10+ seats left
• Jun 27 10+ seats left

Capitals of Japan with Mount Fuji

• Transport Boat, Bus, Ferry, Train, Bullet Train, Coach & Private Vehicle

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Japan Itinerary: 12 Days in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone

Last updated on March 8th, 2024 at 09:58 pm

Japan offers an incredible juxtaposition of modern technology alongside ancient temples and traditions. It is also one of the world’s safest countries, making it an ideal travel destination. The frenetic energy of bustling Tokyo, with more Michelin star restaurants than anywhere else on Earth, dazzles both the eyes and palate. For over 1,000 years Kyoto was the capital of Japan (from 794-1868) and still reigns as the traditional heart of the country. Kyoto features a staggering 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

If you take a two-week vacation, you will have around 12 days to explore Japan. This 12 day Japan itinerary covers a variety of significant highlights in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and the resort town of Hakone near Mt Fuji. This is an ideal itinerary for experiencing the cultural highlights of Japan, including a wellness escape!

Tokyo – 4 Days

Tokyo airports – arriving in tokyo.

Metropolitan Tokyo is the world’s largest city, with a staggering 37 million people! This is an exciting entry point for most visitors to Japan. Two airports serve Tokyo – Narita and Haneda. I flew into Narita Airport and out of Haneda Airport to the USA. Narita Airport is further from Tokyo but is served by a high-speed train.

I was curious to fly in and out of both airports and the times worked well to do that. The only downside to that is having to figure out one more thing during your journey. If you’re more the routine type, pick one of the airports to fly in and out of if you have the choice. That way, you have one less thing to worry about for your Japan itinerary.

Japan for Couples or Solo Travel

I traveled to Japan solo, en route to Australia last year. Bell had limited time to only visit her home country of Australia. Also, she previously traveled around Japan solo, in 2003, before we were together. So traveling around Japan was not as much of a priority for her compared to places she has not visited yet. But for me, traveling to Japan was really high on my travel list, and I had more time. So a solo trip worked out well for both of us. Anyways, the tips below are suitable for both couples and solo travel!

Tokyo Highlights: 12 Day Japan Itinerary

Asakusa is a traditional neighborhood famous for the Senso-Ji Temple. The Buddhist temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon and is considered the most important temple in Tokyo. The neighborhood is also wonderful for its variety of small stalls selling street food ranging from fried fish to sweet treats. It is generally considered impolite to eat while walking in Japan (partly because of how crowded it can be), but is socially acceptable in areas like Asukusa, where street food is sold. A visit to Asakusa is a must on a Japan itinerary. This is the favorite district of many that visit Tokyo.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Built in 1457, Tokyo Imperial Palace is home to Japan’s royal family. It is located in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. The large park is surrounded by massive stone walls and moats. 75 minute tours in English and Japanese are conducted on the palace grounds. You can book a tour on the Imperial Household Agency  website. Plan to book tours in advance, though same day tours are possible.

The inner grounds of the Imperial Palace are closed to the public except for January 2nd (New Year’s Greeting) and February 23rd (Emperor’s Birthday).

The Imperial Palace East Gardens are open to the public throughout the year. I did not book a tour time and enjoyed the gardens, bridges and centuries old architecture along with throngs of other visitors.

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest building in Japan. At 634 meters (2080 feet), it is also the world’s tallest tower and second tallest structure after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. There are two observation decks on Tokyo Skytree – at 350 meters and 450 meters. The tower is open from 9am-9pm 365 days a year. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan so it’s often busy. Book tickets in advance to save time!

In the above photo you can also see the golden flame atop the Asahi Group Head Office Building. Some jokingly call it the “Golden Turd.” What do you think?

Ueno Park is home to many museums and temples. It features beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in autumn. It is one of Japan’s five oldest public parks and was probably my favorite park in Tokyo for strolling and admiring the scenery. I was captivated by the vibrant foliage and people watching in Ueno Park. You can also plan a visit to Ueno Zoo  and admission is just 600 yen ($6 USD).

Along with Asakusa, Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya, Akihabara is one of the most interesting districts of Tokyo to visit. It is famous for its electronics retailers, ranging from large department stores to tiny stalls. This is also the cultural epicenter of manga, anime and video games. For the uninitiated like myself, stepping into a manga retailer is like exploring another universe.

The maid cafes in Akihabara are a unique spectacle. Maid cafes are where adorably dressed girls serve food and perform on stage in maid outfits. You can’t miss them as the girls stand out front handing out fliers. Do not expect an amazing culinary experience at a maid cafe. But it is a quintessentially kitsch Japanese tourist experience.

Plan to spend a few hours in Akihabara as it is one of the most unique districts in the world. It is likely you will stumble upon things you have never seen before.

Tokyo Tower

At 330 meters, Tokyo Tower is the second largest building in Japan. The Eiffel Tower inspired lattice tower serves as an observation deck and communications tower. Tokyo Tower offers sweeping vistas across the world’s largest city. I appreciated that there was no line to take the elevator to the 150 meter observation deck on the mid-December weekday morning I visited. There is always a line to go up the Eiffel Tower in Paris! There is a second observation deck at 250 meters, offering an even higher birds eye view.

Zojoji Temple

Across the street from Tokyo Tower is the impressive Zojoji Temple. It is the main temple of the Jōdo-shū Chinzei sect of Buddhism in the Kantō region. The temple complex houses the tombs of six Tokugawa shoguns. It is just a 5 minute walk from Tokyo Tower and a 10 minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station. The gardens are impressive to stroll, and I was surprised to see such vibrant autumn foliage the second week of December. Plan to visit Tokyo Tower and Zojoji Temple the same day. Keep backtracking to a minimum during your Japan itinerary, as Tokyo especially is a massive city.

Ginza is Tokyo’s most famous high end shopping, dining and entertainment district. The area is packed with luxury retailers, along with swanky cocktail and sushi bars. Traditional Japanese dance and drama can be watched at the famed Kabuki-za theater. Most shops in Ginza are open everyday. A particularly pleasant time to visit is weekend afternoons when central Chuo Dori closes off to cars and becomes a large pedestrian zone. 

Fun fact: 2 million passengers pass through Shinjuku Railway Station each day, making it the world’s busiest train station. Visit one of the observation decks atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Building. The 243 meter tall building has two towers, each houses a free observation deck at 202 meters. On a clear day you can see Mt Fuji, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Dome.

Shinjuku bustles with night clubs, karaoke rooms and endless shopping options. Enjoy dishes like tempura at a lively izakaya, where locals dine and catch up over beers, cocktails and sake.

Shinjuku is also home to Tokyo’s Red Light District. Unfortunately, many of the strip clubs that cater to foreigners are run by the Yakuza (Japanese mafia) and are not reputable establishments. Check google reviews before going into any of the girly clubs in Shinjuku. Do not go into any of the clubs where people try to pull you in off the street. You will get ripped off. This makes Shinjuku the most unsafe district of Tokyo – but if you stay out of the shady sex clubs and use common sense regarding personal belongings, it’s fine to walk around the district.

Want to witness the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world? Head to the Shibuya Crossing. Every time the street lights change around 2,000 people cross the street simultaneously. You will also find a wide variety of shops and good restaurants in Shibuya. If you’re short on time, pop into a ramen restaurant for a fast and delicious bowl of piping hot noodle soup. You can even hang out in a cat cafe, playing with adorable kittens while sipping a latte. Plan to spend a few hours of your Japan itinerary in this interesting district of Tokyo.

Delicious Sushi Throughout Tokyo

There are so many culinary delights in Tokyo, but be sure to enjoy the excellent sushi. There are so many great options so just check reviews to be sure. Conveyor belt sushi establishments have become popular around Tokyo. They typically don’t serve the highest quality sushi, but they’re good and very handy if you just want a quick and inexpensive bite. Check the colors of the plates carefully if you don’t want to spend too much. For example, you may think a plate is white, but it is actually a more expensive pale blue or pink plate. Very sneaky!

Even Japanese 7-Eleven’s sell tasty packaged sushi rolls and salads. The options are healthier and tastier than American 7-Eleven’s. Several days I just wanted a quick lunch to continue exploring an infinitely fascinating city, and 7-Eleven sushi rolls fit the bill.

Tokyo Hotels

Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo is an excellent choice for a luxury stay. Elegant and spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with city or bay views overlooking the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Sky Tree and Mount Fuji on clear days. Along with a 50 foot heated pool, their onsite spa, CHI, offers a range of treatments and relaxing massages. Onsite restaurants include Nadaman, serving fine Japanese cuisine and sushi and the elegant Piacere, serving gourmet Italian food. It is conveniently located right next to the JR Tokyo Station.

The Strings by Intercontinental is another great choice for a luxury stay in Tokyo. Rooms at The Strings showcase tasteful Japanese design, with large windows that offer panoramic skyline views. China Shadow Restaurant serves authentic Chinese dishes with 26th-floor views. Their elegant Dining Room serves international fusion fare. The adjacent  JR Shinagawa Train Station offers easy access to Shinkansen bullet trains to Osaka. Local trains on the Yamanote Line run directly to the Shibuya and Shinjuku areas in around 20 minutes. The Airport Limousine Bus runs directly from Narita International Airport, taking around 90-minutes.

Park Hotel Tokyo is a comfortable choice that won’t break your budget. Guests can enjoy sweeping views of the world’s largest city over a drink from the mini-bar. Shinbashi Train Station is just 1,000 feet away, conveniently connecting you to the rest of the city. The hotel offers 6 food and beverage options, including French and Japanese cuisines. A lounge, cafe and bar are also located on-site. Park Hotel Tokyo is close to Hamarikyu Gardens, Tsukiji Fish Market and the Ginza shopping area.

Japan is famous for its luxury cabin and capsule hotels, that sometimes include traditional onsens. They make for especially great value for solo travelers. Read my article on what to expect at cabin and capsule hotels in Japan , ranging from budget to mid-range.

First Cabin Shinbashi Atagoyama

First Cabin Shinbashi Atagoyama  is excellent value for a cabin stay in Tokyo. Upon arriving in Tokyo, I spent my first three nights there and found it ultra modern, comfortable and welcoming. Many amenities, like toothpaste and toothbrush packets, hair brushes, cotton swabs, soap and shampoo are provided in small bins in the bathrooms.

There are separate cabin floors for males and females, so mixed couples will not sleep on the same floor. But they have a cozy lounge, open to everyone, to enjoy a meal or a drink together. It is excellent value starting at around ¥ 3,600 ($35 USD) per night. It is perfect for those that want to save money, while sleeping comfortably during their Japan itinerary.

Global Hotel Tokyo

The Global Hotel Tokyo has 74 capsule rooms that are fitted with all the necessities for a comfortable budget stay. While the capsule rooms are small in comparison to first class cabins or premium capsules, they’re cozy. Capsules feature free WiFi, and amenities like toothbrushes and toothpaste and soaps. Rooms are around ¥ 3,500 ($34 USD) a night.

Global Hotel Tokyo offers an ideal location for exploring Tokyo. It’s a 5 minute walk from the Shin-Okubo Railway Station on the Yamanote Line in Shinjuku. The Yamanote line is Tokyo’s circular line so you can easily visit places in the world’s biggest city with a stay there. It’s also a close walk to Kabukicho entertainment district and 20 minutes to Shinjuku train station, the world’s busiest train station.

Kyoto – 4 Days

Kyoto is smaller than Tokyo and Osaka, but the greater area is still home to 2.6 million people. It is the traditional heart of Japan, with a staggering 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! You need time to experience Kyoto, also because the worthwhile temples and palaces are quite spread out. If you only visit two cities in Japan, fly into Tokyo and then catch the bullet train to Kyoto. It is an absolute must on a Japan itinerary.

Kyoto Highlights

Fushimi inari-taisha shrine and the torii gates.

One of the most iconic images of Japan are the Torii gates at the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto. The important Shinto shrine is located just outside Kyoto, and can be easily reached on a short train ride. Thousands of vermilion Torii gates line a network of trails that zig zag up the mountain. Traditional teahouses and small shrines dot the trails. And the hike offers a refreshing reprieve from the congested crowds of densely packed Japanese cities. This is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

Gion, Kyoto’s traditional neighborhood

Dotted with wooden buildings, Gion is Kyoto’s most famous neighborhood. There is a great range of traditional Japanese restaurants, teahouses and bars along alleyways and side streets. This is also the best place in Japan to spot a geisha making her way to an appointment. Gion exemplifies a traditional Japanese urban neighborhood splintered from towering modern high rise buildings. I visited this district on a quiet mid-January day. During peak tourism season, it can be crowded. Gion is a significant highlight of a Japan itinerary!

Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavilion)

The Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-Ji is a unique Zen Buddhist Temple. Tucked away in the northwest quadrant of Kyoto, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must see in Kyoto. The top two floors of Kinkaku-Ji are completely covered in golf leaf. Its picturesque lakeside setting conjures images of a Japanese Shangri-La. I visited Kinkaku-Ji on a misty mid-January day and there were still quite a few other tourists. Try and avoid going during busy summer weekends!

Nijō Castle

Nijō Castle was built in 1679 and is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto. The Ninomaru Palace, ruins of the Honmaru Palace, along with supporting buildings and gardens span 275,000 square meters (68 acres). The castle consists of two concentric rings of fortifications, each made up with a wall and wide moat. While the area is vast, many of the buildings are closed to the public. Plan to a couple hours at Nijō Castle, as that will give you enough time to walk the grounds and take photos.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a Buddhist temple in Eastern Kyoto. Built to the honor the Kannon, the goddess of mercy, this is one of the most visited temples in Kyoto. It dates to 780 and its mountaintop location offers great views of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

Kyoto Hotels

The 5-star Ritz-Carlton Kyoto is located along the Kamogawa River, showcasing iconic Kyoto views. Featuring traditional Kyoto decor, elegant guest rooms are fitted with a large flat-screen TV, Blu-ray player and a Nespresso coffee maker. Mizuki restaurant offers Japanese kaiseki multi-course meals and sushi. Other on-site dining options include Italian and French. Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 3-minute subway ride from Ritz-Carlton Kyoto.

The Hyatt Regency Kyoto offers a luxury stay at a more affordable price than the Ritz-Carlton. Elegant rooms are decorated in light natural tones, and furnished with a 32-inch plasma TV, DVD player and safe. A mini-bar, nightwear and slippers are provided. Guests can pamper themselves with shiatsu massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy and other treatments at Riraku Spa. There are three onsite restaurants; The Grill, offers French grill dishes, Touzan serves Japanese cuisine and Trattoria Sette has Italian food. The Hyatt also has a bar, pastry shop and room service.

Tune Stay Kyoto is a great choice for a comfortable and well priced stay. The newly built modern hotel features an expansive library, common area and bar serving boutique Japanese spirits. Rooms have modern private bathrooms, TV, air conditioning and comfortable mattresses for a restful night’s sleep. I enjoyed my stay there!

WeBase Kyoto offers a clean budget stay in Kyoto. You can book dorm and private rooms. Continental and à la carte breakfast options are available each morning at the hostel.

Osaka – 2 Days

Greater Osaka is home to around 8.8 million people and is Japan’s 3rd largest city. For most travelers with limited time, do not attempt to see all the sites. It is best to focus on the Dontonburi district. This area runs along the Dotonbori canal from Nipponbashi Bridge to Dotonboribashi Bridge in the Namba district of Osaka’s Chuo ward.

Osaka is worth visiting, but many travelers, including myself, commonly say “I liked Osaka, but I preferred Tokyo and Kyoto.” I spent 3 days in Osaka, but wish I had spent 2 days there, and an extra day in Kyoto. So I factored that into this 12 day Japan itinerary for you!

Highlights of Osaka

Osaka castle.

Osaka Castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. This makes it one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and culturally, the most significant highlight in Osaka. Osaka Castle was built in 1583 and spans 2 square kilometers of beautiful architecture and green park space. The museum in the Main Tower documents the history and features great artifacts. If you visit one place outside the Dotonburi district of Osaka, you have to go there.

Dōtonbori (or Dōtombori), located in the Namba district of the city’s Chuo ward, is one of the highlights of a visit to Osaka, Japan. The district runs along the Dōtonbori canal from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge. This area offers a huge selection of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and markets.

You can enjoy everything from swanky Kobe beef steak to Takoyaki (octopus balls) fried fresh in a variety of street stalls along Dōtonbori canal. Check reviews carefully if you sit down for Kobe beef, as it is extremely expensive and there are some tourist traps in Dōtonbori. Takoyaki is a local specialty that originated in Osaka. It is inexpensive Japanese fast food and well worth trying.

The selection of restaurants, street stalls and market food options in Dōtonbori is overwhelming. It would take well over a year of meals to try every establishment just in this district of Osaka.

Another Osaka born favorite you have to try is Okonomiyaki. It is a savory Japanese pancake made with flour, eggs, shredded cabbage, and your choice of a wide variety of protein and condiments. The name derives from the words okonomi, meaning “how you like,” and yaki meaning “cooked.”

Osaka Hotels

Conrad Osaka offers stunning views of Osaka in their modern and luxurious rooms. Spacious guest rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and mini-bar. Featuring various spa and wellness facilities on site, the hotel also has a heated indoor pool. Four on-site dining options include European, Asian fusion and Japanese. Enjoy a tasty cocktail atop their stylish 40 Sky Bar and Lounge.

Tokyo Stay Osaka Hommachi makes for a comfortable stay, with city views, that won’t break the bank. Buffet and Asian breakfast options are available each morning. The hotel is located a short distance from attractions such as Namba Shrine, Asahi Seimei Hall, Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and Hongan-ji Temple Tsumura Betsuin.

Hotel Cargo Shinsaibashi is an excellent premium capsule hotel in Osaka, Japan. If you want a comfortable stay that doesn’t break the bank, stay there. It’s only around a 20 minute walk to the Dotonbori district, the most interesting area of Osaka  for tourists.

Luxury capsule rooms start at are around   ¥ 3,500 ($34 USD) per night. Capsule rooms include 24 inch TV’s with free on-demand channels. A public bath and open-air bath are available in addition to shared private showers on each floor. And of course, there are the famous multi-function high-tech toilets with warm seats!

Hakone (Near Mt Fuji) – 2 Days

Hakone is a vacation destination located just 55 miles (88km) southwest of Tokyo in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is known for its many ryokans, traditional Japanese inns, renowned for the ultimate zen experience. They typically offer comfortable rooms, traditional kaiseki dining, mineral baths (onsen) and world class customer service. Visitors should definitely plan to stay in a ryokan for a portion of their 12 day Japan itinerary. Read my article on What to Expect at a Ryokan in Hakone .

Hakone Highlights

On a clear day, you can see Mt Fuji from Tokyo, from certain vantage points. But you are much closer to the famous volcanic mountain in Hakone!

Catch the Hakone Ropeway cable car for epic views of Mount Fuji. The Owakudani stop offers the most dramatic views of Mount Fuji. You also get a great glimpse of volcanic activity in the area.

On a clear day you can see Mt Fuji from the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise across Lake Ashi. You also get wonderful views of the torii gates and shinto shrines that dot the lake. You can take the 25-minute sightseeing cruise one way, or roundtrip.

Onsen (Mineral Spa)

Hakone sits atop 40 hot mineral springs. So the town’s resorts feature onsen, with indoor and outdoor mineral pools. They are a great reprieve after a long international flight and navigating the huge crowds of large Japanese cities. It is also a great part of the cultural experience.

Kaseiki Dining

Kaiseki dining is high-end multi-course Japanese cuisine, similar to western haute cuisine. There is an emphasis on seasonality, freshness and excellent presentation. It typically consists of around 9 courses of small dishes, with various meats, seafood and vegetables. It is very detail-oriented and the food dazzles the eyes and palate.

You can enjoy traditional Kaiseki dining elsewhere in Japan, but it is nice to do in a resort town. Slip on the yukata (casual komono) and slippers provided in your room and head down to the dining room for a culinary feast.  The kaseiki dinner I enjoyed in Hakone was probably the best $34 USD I have ever spent on a meal.

Hakone Hotels

Hotel Musashiya  is one of the best ryokans to stay in Hakone. Their hot spring baths look right out at picturesque Lake Ashi. Every room is fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon beds. Rooms are also equipped with refrigerators, TV and an electric kettle.

Hakone Airu  is another of the best ryokans to stay in Hakone. Rooms have balconies with lovely mountain views. They also have air conditioning and satellite TV’s. Guests can choose between a western or Asian breakfast. Traditional kaiseki multi-course meals are served at dinner.

Mount View Hakone is a charming moderately priced traditional Japanese inn with onsen. Unlimited use of the onsen is included in the price. Dining is a la carte. I liked that concept because during my two-night stay, I enjoyed a lavish kaiseki dinner and breakfast the first day. Then I dined at some of the local izakayas (casual Japanese bar-restaurants) for ramen and katsu for other meals. From around ¥10 ,300 ($100 USD) a night per person in off-season, Mount View Hakone is the best value ryokan near Mount Fuji. During busy times like summer and holidays, expect to pay higher prices. I really enjoyed my two-night stay there! It was the most relaxing part of my 12 day Japan itinerary.

Emblem Flow  is a stylish hostel in Hakone. This is a great choice for backpackers looking for a ryokan experience on a budget. The hostel offers 4 and 6 bed bunk rooms, along with private rooms. The property features a hot mineral bath. Continental breakfasts are served in the mornings.

12 Day Japan Itinerary Recap

Tokyo is the world’s largest city and an exciting gateway to the nation. You need at least four days in Tokyo just to see a fraction of the highlights. Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are spread out, so you should also allow yourself four days to explore the traditional heart of the country. Some consider Osaka the culinary heart of Japan (but you will find equally fantastic food in Tokyo and Kyoto). Plan for just a couple days in Osaka to get a taste.

Enjoy a couple days in Hakone, at the foot of volcanic Mt. Fuji for a relaxing reprieve from the crowds. Hakone is dotted with traditional Japanese inns (ryokans) with spas (onsen) and Japanese haute cusine (kaseiki). Hakone also offers spectacular views of Mt Fuji!

And voila, there is a great 12 day itinerary for Japan that won’t leave you running around too frantically. If you have questions about planning a trip to Japan, leave a comment below or email me at alex(at)wanderlustmarriage.com. I can even help you save money on your trip!

Disclosure: This 12 day Japan itinerary article contains some affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you book travel directly through them. Thank you for supporting independent travel journalism! 

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Alex Kallimanis is an award winning travel journalist and travel planner who has visited 67+ different countries, including all 27 European Union countries across all continents except Antarctica. He has resided around the world, living in countries like Australia, the Netherlands and Ireland for over 7 years combined. Currently residing in the Tampa, Florida, area with his wife Bell, he still spends much of his time in Europe as a dual Greek citizen. Alex is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor of arts degree in history, and was the president of Phi Alpha Theta (Honors History Society) during his senior year there. Alex is an avid enthusiast of sports, spas, delicious food, the outdoors, craft beverages, history and culture.

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5 thoughts on “ Japan Itinerary: 12 Days in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone ”

Such an amazing post please visit our blog it’s very informative Gay travel guides

Thanks, glad you found my article on planning a trip to Japan useful!

It’s very helpful thanks for sharing a great post Lgbtq

Thanks for sharing sample itineraries for Japan. My 3 adult sons are planning a 12 night visit from March 25-April 8, 2024 and as a retired teacher I am the planner. However, I was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed upon watch You Tube videos and reading blogs so I appreciated your article/ advice.

Hi Connie. Thank for your comment! So happy to hear you found this post helpful! I hope your 3 sons have an amazing trip to Japan and I’m sure they will. Wonderful that you’ve been planning their trip. Let me know if any questions arise. Happy travels!

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Japan Awaits

• Okinawa Island
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• Living In Japan

Japan Discovery Tour (12 Days): Join-in Small Group

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). We require a minimum of 16 participants to proceed with this tour. If we have 15 or fewer guests, we will be unable to conduct the Standard Tour.

Day 1 – Depart for Tokyo Depart from your home country to Japan. Please select a flight in which you will arrive no later than 2:30 PM at one of the Tokyo Airports on Day 2 of the itinerary. For guests that are already in Japan, please note that accommodations are not included on Day 1.

Day 2:  Arrive in Tokyo Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel at your own leisure. You will officially meet your Tour Manager and other guests for the first time after arriving at the hotel. This evening, there will be a Welcome Dinner at 6:30 PM in which you will receive an orientation from your Tour Manager of what to expect, and you can also meet and have some drinks with fellow travelers that will be going on this same tour with you.  Overnight:   Tokyo   Meals:   Dinner

Day 3: Tokyo (Tsukiji Fish Market, Sushi Demonstration, Akihabara, Ginza) On this morning, wake up early for your first full-day tour of Tokyo. You’ll begin by walking through Tsukiji Fish Market, known for its sprawling fish market and is famous for the popular tuna auction that used to take place here. After visiting this busy area, you can see a culinary demonstration of sushi or sashimi-making by a professional Sushi Chef and enjoy the meal for lunch afterward. After lunch, visit Akihabara, famous for its electronic shops and is considered the center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture with many shops and establishments devoted to anime and manga. Explore Akihabara and Ginza district, Tokyo’s most celebrated upscale shopping, dining and amusement area. At night, meet your Tour Manager and the rest of the group at a designated izakaya, a Japanese style pub, where you will have dinner. Overnight:   Tokyo   Meals:   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Hakone (Hakone National Park, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Mt. Fuji area) On this early morning, we’ll drive south to Hakone, known for its breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. Along the way, we’ll stop and visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, a museum located near Lake Kawaguchi and showcases some of the textile artist’s kimono creations with various themes of nature and the seasons. Continue along the scenic road to the gondola which takes you on the Hakone Ropeway overlooking Owakudani Valley’s extraordinary volcanic zone. Eggs are cooked in the sulfur-rich hot pools here and are said to prolong a peron’s life by seven years. Later, take a cruise around the peaceful Lake Ashi. Spend the last part of the day enjoying the drive along Cedar Avenue, a historic site of Hakone Old Tokaido Road that linked Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo Period. We return to Tokyo, where you can enjoy sampling different foods on a local walking food tour. *Due to local conditions, the Mt. Fuji sightseeing might be altered. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager.   Overnight:   Tokyo   Meals:   Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Tokyo (Imperial Palace, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku ) We’ll start by visiting Imperial Palace and its East Garden, a scenic part of the inner palace area . After the Imperial Palace, we’ll visit Asakusa area to see Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple) with its iconic gigantic paper lantern leading towards the temple. Walk along Nakamise-dori, an old shopping street with many Edo-style crafts and souvenirs. Then, we’ll visit the famous Meiji Shrine, nestled in a forested area, dedicated to the deified spirits of the first Emperor Meiji and his Empress. Finally, we’ll head to Harajuku,  renowned for its colorful street art and fashion scene, with quirky vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops along Takeshita Street, and more traditional, upmarket boutiques lining leafy Omotesando Avenue. Enjoy free time strolling through the busy streets and alleys of Harajuku and Omotesando area at your leisure. Overnight:   Tokyo   Meals:   Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Kanazawa (Kenrokuen Garden, Myouryuji Ninja Temple ) Begin this early day by boarding the famous Shinkansen (bullet-train) that takes you to Kanazawa, known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts with Samurai residences, Geisha houses, and lavish gardens. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, celebrated for its classic landscape designs, before continuing to the Nomura Family House, where Samurai once lived. Explore the Myouryuji Temple, also known as the Ninja-dera, with its well-preserved hidden tunnels, secret rooms, traps, and labyrinth of corridors and staircases from the 1600s. Enjoy a local dinner in Kanazawa before transferring to Takayama for an overnight stay. Overnight: Takayama Meals:   Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Shirakawa-go and Takayama From Takayama, we’ll travel to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its village of thatched gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. Explore Ogimachi, the largest village and main attraction of Shirakawa-go, and the ruins of its castle that dates back to the 1300s. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Takayama, a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, and retains an especially traditional atmosphere in its old town. You’ll visit the Yatai Kaikan Hall housing intricate hand-carved floats used only for major bi-annual festivals. Enjoy dinner with the famous hida beef that is renowned in this area. Overnight:  Takayama  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Takayama, Nagoya, Kyoto (Bullet-train to Kyoto) On this morning, enjoy a walking tour of Takayama’s well-preserved Edo-period shops and houses in the Sanno-machi Historic District and the morning market along the Miya River. Across the river lies Sanmachi-Suji, a group of three main streets that are lined  with  sake breweries, cafes, and iconic architecture that creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Transfer to Nagoya before boarding the bullet-train to Kyoto. Overnight:   Kyoto   Meals:   Breakfast

Day 9: Kyoto (Kiyomizudera Temple, Tea Ceremony, Gion, Heian Shrine) At the very start of the day, e njoy a traditional Tea Ceremony, where you’ll participate in the ancient art of preparing and serving tea while learning the precise rules and etiquette of this traditional art. Next, s troll through the ancient streets of Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka with old wooden storefronts and tea houses and visit the famous Kiyomizudera Temple (Pure Water Temple), the most celebrated temple in Kyoto. H ave lunch in this area on your own before meeting your Tour Manager and transfer to Gion to walk around and learn about Kyoto’s geisha district. Afterward, visit the impressive Heian Shrine, a Shinto shrine built on the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto’s foundation (when the capital was transferred from Nara to Kyoto) and has a giant torii gate on the approach to the shrine.  Overnight:   Kyoto   Meals:   Breakfast

Day 10: Kyoto (Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, Rickshaw) On this day, discover the cultural aspects of the beautiful and traditional Kyoto, as you start by visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Stroll through the bamboo forest before taking a ride on a traditional Japanese rickshaw. Later, visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing Nijo Castle, which was the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto who had ruled over Japan for over 260 years. Spend the rest of the day and evening at your leisure. Overnight:   Kyoto   Meals:   Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Kyoto, Nara (Fushimi Inari Taisha, Imperial Nara, Great Buddha Statue, Deer Park, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Maiko Dinner) Wake up early to travel by private transfer to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in Kyoto that is famous for its thousands of torii gates (we will hike for approximately 60 – 80 minutes in total). After the short hike, transfer to the 8th century Imperial capital of Nara, known as Japan’s first permanent capital with some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples that are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Arrive at Todai-ji Temple ( Great Eastern  Temple ) , to see the great Daibutsu   (Great Buddha) bronze statue. Later, have fun at the Nara Deer Park to see and feed the 1,000 tame and wild deer with shika senbei (deer crackers). At the east of Nara Park, you will visit the Kasuga Grand Shrine which rests at the foot of Mt. Mikasa—a spiritual mountain where a god is thought to dwell, and boasts over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. This afternoon, return to Kyoto and enjoy some leisure time before the Maiko Dinner (this is also the Farewell Dinner), showcasing the most traditional dance performances of Geisha.   Overnight:   Kyoto Meals:   Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Depart Japan from Osaka Say, “Sayonara,” to the friends you made on this small group tour before transferring to Osaka for your departure flight. You also have the option to transfer to Tokyo at no additional cost. Meals:   Breakfast

Availability:

June 9th – June 20th, 2024 July 7th – July 18th, 2024 August 19th – August 30th, 2024 September 8th – September 19th, 2024 October 6th – October 17th, 2024 October 20th – October 31st, 2024 November 3rd – November 14, 2024 November 17th – November 28th, 2024 (Japan Autumn & Illuminations Discovery Tour)

Price: –     Small Group:

• Adults (Age 12 and up): Starting from ¥525,000 per person
• Child (Age 1 – 12): ¥225,000 per person (Children will stay in the same room as adults)
• 1 person only supplementary cost (for accommodations) : Additional ¥120,000 per person

–     Private Group:

• See pricing at checkout

  Included:

• English-speaking Tour Manager
• 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. We require a minimum of 16 participants to proceed with this tour. If we have 15 or fewer guests, we will be unable to conduct the Standard Tour.
• 4 nights Tokyo
• 2 nights Takayama
• 4 nights Kyoto
• 20 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners
• Transportation costs included in the itinerary. Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles, trains, or other transportation
• Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary (optional activities not included)
• One luggage forwarding per person from Tokyo to Kyoto (one large parcel with maximum dimensions of 80 cm x 40 cm x 30cm, less than 25 kg). Guests should pack small luggage (carry-on size or smaller) for overnight stay in Takayama.
• Option to transfer from Kyoto to Osaka (or Tokyo upon request) on Day 12 at no additional cost
• 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

Booking Request

Name (First, Last)

Date of Event

Number of People 1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 or more people

• Day 1: En route to Tokyo
• Day 2: Tokyo
• Day 3: Tokyo
• Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone - Tokyo
• Day 5: Tokyo
• Day 6: Tokyo - Kanazawa - Takayama
• Day 7: Takayama - Shirakawago - Takayama
• Day 8: Takayama - Nagoya - Kyoto
• Day 9: Kyoto
• Day 10: Kyoto
• Day 11: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
• Day 12: Kyoto - Osaka (or Tokyo)

Additional Information

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.

Non-Smoking

While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.

Age Requirement

There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests. 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 or other members of the group at request. Maximum of 5 people (adults and children) can have a shared room at request. Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour.

All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or PayPal. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 40 days before your activity date.

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).

We require a minimum of 16 participants to proceed with this tour. If we have 15 or fewer guests, we will be unable to conduct the Standard Tour.

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.

Cancellation Policy

Firm Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before event
• Cancellation fee of 75% if booking is cancelled 14 days or less before event
• Cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before event
• Cancellation fee of 25% if booking is cancelled 45 days or less before event

What if I’m late to meet up with Tour Manager 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 (at the guest’s expense). 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 three to six 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).

Other Experiences

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12 days, 11 nights

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 12 days and 11 nights in Japan, and arrive/depart from Tokyo 's Narita Airport .

Regular train tickets will be cheaper than a Japan Rail Pass for this itinerary; however, travelers who do not mind paying extra for the convenience and flexibility of the pass' all-you-can-ride priviledge could consider using a 14-day Japan Rail Pass. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates .

Questions? Ask in our forum .

12 Day Authentic Japan

This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.

Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period. 

✓ Included roundtrip international airfares ✓ Incredible sightseeing including breathtaking Mt Fuji, UNESCO World Heritage Sites Golden Pavilion and Atomic Bomb Dome, the floating torii gate of Miyajima Island and Tokyo’s buzzing metropolis ✓ Ten nights in central 3-star accommodation ✓ Breakfast daily ✓ Cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji ✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide ✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout ✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Day 1 Home Tokyo

Get ready! Today you are departing for Tokyo to begin your unbelieveable Japan adventure.

Day 2 Tokyo

Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow.

Arrival & Check-in information

Haneda International Airport (HND). The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Haneda International Airport (HND) to Tokyo Central is by train or by Monorail. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle bus service from around 1300Yen per person.

Narita International Airport. The best way to travel from Narita International Airport to Tokyo Central is by the Narita Airport Express. The journey to most Tokyo stations take approximately 1hr and the ticket costs 4070 Yen. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle busses from around 1300Yen per person.

Hotel Check-in. Travellers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.

Day 3 Tokyo

After breakfast this morning your English-speaking guide will meet you to begin your full-day coach tour of Japan’s ultramodern capital – Tokyo. 

Our exploration of Tokyo begins with a visit to Asakusa Sensoji temple–the oldest temple in Tokyo–famous for its huge lantern hung at the Kaminarimon gate (Thunder Gate).

We’ll drive-by the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Previously home to samurai warriors, it’s a sprawling complex with beautiful 17th-century parks in the heart of the city. 

Next, we'll venture into the vibrant neighbourhood of Shibuya, allowing you some time to explore at your leisure and discover a delightful local eatery for lunch (at your own expense). Nearby, we will visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Surrounded by green trees it’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time exploring before retiring to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 4 Tokyo

Today is a full free day in Tokyo. There is no end to the spectacular sightseeing and activities available to you, as Tokyo truly has something for everyone. Take as much time as you like to relax at your leisure, explore the city, shop for souvenirs and eat the delectable cuisine. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.

Today, learn the Shodo - the way of writing. Experience the traditional Japanese calligraphy - from the preparation of the ink, to the writing with a brush. Start time approx: 10:30am Finish time approx: 12:00pm

Escorted by your tour leader, take a short Shinkansen ride to Atami (including transfers to and from the station). Atami is a famous resort town surrounded by mountains and the sea. You'll enjoy a walking tour around one of the main streets along with sweet and craft shops and you will enjoy a seafood lunch at a local restaurant (included in the cost).

Start time approx: 9:00am Finish time approx: 4:00pm

Day 5 Tokyo Hakone

After breakfast today we depart Tokyo and travel to Hakone. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone offers tranquillity among stunning natural scenery. 

Upon arrival at Hakone, enjoy a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake, followed by taking a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani. You’ll have spectacular views, and on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance.

Day 6 Hakone Takayama

Our journey continues to Takayama, a charming Edo period town located in the Japanese alps. Upon arrival in Takayama, take a walk with your leader who will point out examples of beautiful traditional architecture as you explore the old part of town. During the walk, you will visit a local sake brewery and try different kinds of sake. You also learn how the town’s isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene. The area is particularly famous for Hida beef, which comes from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed that has been raised in the Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Stop off on your tour to sample delicious Hida beef sushi or skewers (own expense).

Day 7 Takayama Kyoto

Before leaving Takayama this morning we'll visit the Hida Folk Village, also known as Hida no Sato, which serves as an open-air museum that showcases over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region. Creating a charming village-like ambiance, the museum encompasses various structures including a former village leader's residence, logging huts, storage buildings, and numerous gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The term "gassho-zukuri" translates to "hands folded in prayer," aptly describing the steep thatched roofs resembling hands joined in prayer. These distinctive farmhouses were transported from nearby Shirakawago, a location renowned for its gassho-zukuri houses, which contributed to the region's recognition as a World Heritage site.

Then, we travel to Kyoto where the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 8 Kyoto

We’ll see the sights of ancient Kyoto this morning, starting with Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you’re feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views. 

We’ll continue onto some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden.

This afternoon, you have free time to explore the city on your own.

Also called Chado, "the way of tea" is the traditional and ceremonial preparation and presentation of Matcha. You will be shown how to prepare the tea and be able to experience preparing it as well. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.

Start time approx: 3:00pm Finish time approx: 4:00pm

Today, experience Ikebana - the Japanese art of flower arrangement that dates back to the 7th century. The tradition believes that by arranging the flowers you give a new life to the flowers - Ike (live) Hana (flower). Head to a master's classroom where you will be able to try hands-on the art of flower arrangement in Japan

Start time approx: 4:00pm Finish time approx: 5:00pm

Tonight, enjoy your experience of an Izakaya - a typical Japanese casual pub where Japanese go for a drink after work. You will be picked up from your guide at your hotel and will head to a local Izakaya to try the life style of a local while enjoying different type of alcoholic beverages and tradtional Japanese pub food. Start time approx: 6:00pm Finish time approx: 8:00pm

Day 9 Kyoto Hiroshima Miyajima Island Hiroshima

After breakfast this morning, we spend the day travelling to Hiroshima.

Upon arrival in Hiroshima, visit Miyajima, an island known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, there's a 'floating' torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. 

Later, check in your hotel and relax in the evening. You might want to try a local famous dish okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat or seafood.

Day 10 Hiroshima Osaka

This morning we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum. A shell of a building that was one of very few left standing after the United States bombed Hiroshima in 1945. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we'll never forget the tragic events that took place here.

Afterwards, we continue our Japan adventure to Osaka. Upon arrival, you have free time to explore Osaka.

Day 11 Osaka

Today we enjoy a coach tour with our guide, beginning by driving by the spectacular Osaka Castle, before making our way to Nara. Our first stop will be to the impressive Todaji Temple, which holds a world record as the largest wooden building in the world, and houses one of Japan’s largest buddha statues. You’ll then have some time to stroll Nara Park amongst the wild roaming holy deers, where you’ll then have some time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense).

We’ll also enjoy a walking tour of the Dōtonbori area. One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dōtonbori canal and is a hugely popular destination for shopping, street food, bars and entertainment. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.

Celebrate the end of your Japan adventure with a casual meal at Izakaya, followed by a visit to a karaoke bar for that quintessential Japanese experience! Start time approx: 6:00pm Finish time approx: 9:00pm

Day 12 Osaka Home

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan. 

Departure and check out: There are several ways to travel from your hotel to either Osaka International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX), from shuttle buses to trains and taxis. Transport to the airports can cost between 250 Yen to 21,000 Yen depending on the form of transport you choose. Your Tour Leader will be able to assist you arrange the most convenient way to the airport on the last day of the trip.

Travellers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out is from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. 

What's Included

• Incredible sightseeing including breathtaking Mt Fuji, UNESCO World Heritage Sites Golden Pavilion and Atomic Bomb Dome, the floating torii gate of Miyajima Island and Tokyo’s buzzing metropolis
• Ten nights in central 3-star accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• Cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji
• Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
• Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
• In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

Sightseeing Highlights

• Tokyo - Enjoy the buzz and energy of one of the world’s great cities
• Tokyo – Drive-by the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan
• Tokyo – Visit Asakusa Sensoji temple–the oldest temple in Tokyo–famous for its huge lantern hung at the Kaminarimon gate (Thunder Gate)
• Hakone – Cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji
• Hakone – Ride a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani
• Kyoto – See this ancient capital’s most famous temples and shrines including the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari
• Hiroshima – Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Genbaku Dome to understand the tragedies of Japan’s past
• Miyajima – See the famous floating torii gate
• Takayama – Experience the rustic charm of this quaint city with a walk through its beautifully-preserved old town and a visit to Hida Folk Village
• Takayama - Visit a local sake brewery and try different kinds of sake
• Osaka – Visit the expansive grounds of Osaka Castle, a grand monument of feudal Japan
• Osaka – Stroll through lively, colourful Dōtonbori and Shinsaibashi

Payment Terms

This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.

Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.

Flight Information

This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.

If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section

Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking. Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

• Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
• Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please request this at the time of purchase. To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchases to make your request. 
• Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
• Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
• Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Inspiring Vacations change fee of $250 per person.
• Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Inspiring Vacations name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
• If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
• Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are outside of our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler's expense.
• After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
• Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
• If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
• You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
• In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Inspiring Vacations will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline's policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.

Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:

Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.

Flight requests, amendments or preferences

We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements. To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.

We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:

• Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
• Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
• Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
• Meal Requests - You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
• Seat Requests - If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.

We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:

• Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
• One way flights
• Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary. 
• Around the world tickets  - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
• Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
• Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.  

If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.

FAQs For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs   section. 

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

Important Information

Fitness Requirements While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:

3 - Moderate:   A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.

You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Accommodation The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.

Twin Share Bedding Configuration At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays.

Single Supplement Single supplement is $1,462.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price. Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this deal that you will receive a single room, which is smaller in size than a twin/double room. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a double/twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.

Triple Share Not available

Travel Insurance Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while travelling.

Visa & Passport information It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.

Visas may be required.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Group Size 20-40 people

Trip Style - Group Tour Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.

Children Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.

Tour Length The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.

Cherry Blossoms Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.

Optional Tours

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

• Calligraphy Class (Day 4) - $114 per person
• Half Day Atami Tour by Shinkansen (Day 4) - $188 per person
• Green Tea Ceremony (Day 8) - $101 per person
• Flower Arranging in Kyoto (Day 8) - $105 per person
• Izakaya Night tour in Kyoto (Day 8) - $195 per person
• Izakaya and Karaoke Experience (Day 11) - $210 per person

** Please note: These tours operate at similar times, which means you may only choose one option on this day.

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, Optional tours are unable to be purchased whilst on tour, therefore we suggest you book before you go to avoid disappointment. We appreciate your understanding.

Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is not included in the price. You will be required to make your own way to the starting point of the optional tour, as well as back to your hotel. Your tour guide can provide you with the direction and guidance needed to make your own way.

• Airport transfers
• Visas (if applicable)
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses

What Climate to Expect

Click HERE for more information on weather in Japan

Experiences

Five of the Best: Tokyo parks to see cherry blossoms

Customers on Tour: Nicole and Charlie on Inspiring Japan

Customers on Tour: Unforgettable Japan

Customers on Tour: Rebecca and Leanne on Inspiring Japan

Spotlight: Oita

Know Before You Go: Japan

How to spend a free afternoon in Kyoto

Staff On Tour: Japan

Customers On Tour: Unforgettable Japan

Best places to see Mount Fuji

Snapshot: Hiroshima

Snapshot: Nagano

Snapshot: Osaka

Snapshot: Himeji Castle

Five of the Best: Japanese castles

Snapshot: Kushiro

Snapshot: Okinawa Islands

Snapshot: Kanda Matsuri

Snapshot: Scenic Central Honshu

Snapshot: Nara

Snapshot: Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go

Snapshot: Fushimi Inari

Snapshot: Mount Koya

Five of the best: japanese desserts.

Snapshot: Kyoto

Five of the Best: Tokyo’s top sights

Snapshot: Miyajima Island

Snapshot: Tokyo

Snapshot: Nagasaki

Latest insights.

Everything you need to know about: Hanami

19 Mar 2024

The act of viewing flowers in bloom is a sacred Japanese past time that dates back centuries   What is hanami? The term hanami is a combination of two words: hana meaning flowers and mi meaning viewing. While it sounds like a vague expression, the term has become synonymous with the annual flowering of cherry blossom t...

Guide to cherry blossom season in Japan

From March to April every year, millions head to Japan to see their famed cherry trees shower the landscape in pink and white petals   The annual blooming of sakura (cherry blossom) trees in Japan is a sacred occurrence that has been celebrated for over 1,000 years. While its origins are somewhat disputed, with some so...

Blooming beauties: a seasonal guide to Japan’s flowers

From cherry blossoms to sunflowers and hydrangeas, Japan is a country in bloom   The change of the seasons and the floral displays they bring are celebrated across Japan. From the keenly anticipated cherry and plum blossoms to the cheery sunflower, flowers hold a special place in Japanese society. There is even an anci...

15 places to see Japan's autumn leaves

17 Aug 2023

Where to experience the prettiest landscapes in Japan during the autumn foliage season Japan might be all about cherry blossom season, but once September hits, summer is farewelled and the focus shifts towards welcoming autumn and koyo zensen or tracking the progress of the leaves turning red. Much like the pink bloomi...

Fall in love with Japan in autumn

24 Feb 2023

From September to December every year, Japan's temples and ancient shrines are transformed by seas of crimson foliage After months of steamy weather, an epic transformation begins across Japan. Trees change seemingly overnight from green to red, orange and yellow, turning the landscape into an artist's palette of autum...

When is the best time to visit Japan

30 Jun 2021

Japan is one of East Asia's most beloved countries, with a cherished ancient culture and exquisite sights. But, when is the best time to go?     Japan is an island country full of contrasts. From ultra-sleek modern cities, to soaring alps, traditional villages and ancient shrines. And with four distinct seasons that e...

Things to love about a Japanese winter

A country that charms in any season, you’ll find winter delights aplenty in this wonderland Japan really is a country for all seasons. Tourists have already cottoned onto the renowned beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring and the rich foliage of autumn, but winter brings a crisp, festive prettiness. Think snow-c...

Everything you need to know about: Sapporo Snow Festival

Deep into Japanese snow season, the northern city of Sapporo hosts the country’s largest winter festival Japan has long been considered a leading winter destination, thanks to its powdery slopes and heavy snowfall. From February 4-11, 2024, the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) turns the capital of Hokkaido into a f...

A first timer's guide to Japan

From sights to scenery and five-star fare, Japan is the ultimate Asian all-rounder   Japan is undoubtedly one of the hottest destinations in the world right now, and for good reason. This geographically blessed country is spectacular year-round, easy to navigate and packed with ancient sights. In between attractions, d...

Japanese etiquette tips every visitor should know

Japan is a country with buckets of charm and ancient history, but its customs can be tricky to navigate There’s a lot to love about Japan. Its quirky streets, delicious cuisine and centuries-old castles attract millions of visitors each year, but while its culture intrigues, it also confuses. Manners and strict etiquet...

101 Things to do in Japan

From the delicious to the quirky, Japan is bursting with fun things to do   If you're all templed-out or just have some time to kill while visiting Japan, here, 101 ideas to keep you busy.   1. Queue up for sushi at Daiwa Sushi in the Toyosu Market (Tokyo) Recently located to a new, larger location, the sprawling fish...

Tokyo in five ways, over five days

Discover five faces of Japan’s sprawling capital over as many days with a jaunt through these diverse areas Day 1 – Shinjuku and Harajuku Dive headlong into two of Tokyo’s most colourful neighbourhoods. Begin in youthful Harajuku, where edgy boutiques line Omotesando Avenue and Cat Street and all things cute reign on T...

Everything you need to know about: bullet trains in Japan

Get familiar with the Japanese love of innovation through its impressive network of bullet trains A needle-nosed train speeds past the base of beloved Mount Fuji. It’s an image as synonymous with Japan as a geisha shuffling through the streets of Kyoto or a steaming bowl of ramen—and for good reason. The East Asian nat...

The four seasons: when should I travel to Japan?

Japan can be visited year-round, with each season showcasing its own special charm While its eclectic capital Tokyo exudes modernity and is one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, there are many prefectures throughout Japan that resemble their traditional forms with wooden minka architecture and t...

Eat like the Japanese: five must try regional dishes

Japanese food is treasured across the globe, but there’s much more to it than teriyaki chicken With such a vast array of flavours, dishes and regional specialties, it’s no surprise that Japan’s capital Tokyo, has been awarded the most Michelin Stars in the world, defeating culinary superpower Paris for 11 consecutive y...

Five books to read before your trip to Japan

From modern classics to guides and memoirs, the many facets of Japan are best explored through literature These days, it seems like everything you need to know about a place can be found with a quick Google search. But sometimes, the best way to find out about the history or culture of a country is to turn to a good ol...

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Japan Discovery: Hokkaido's Summer Charm (4-6 Pax, Small Group)

• Partially Guided

• Introduction
• Day 1 Sapporo Arrival Experience
• Day 2 Discovering Sapporo's Charm and Crafting Chocolate (B/-/-)
• Day 3 Furano's Floral Fields and Crafty Cabins (B/-/-)
• Day 4 A Colorful Journey to Asahidake Onsen (B/-/-)
• Day 5 Asahikawa's Wildlife and Ramen Riches (B/-/-)
• Day 6 Immersing in Daisetsuzan's Majestic Wilderness (B/-/-)
• Day 7 Akanko Onsen Bound - Nature's Marvels and Serene Baths (B/-/-)
• Day 8 A Day Amongst Nature's Finest in Eastern Hokkaido (B/-/-)
• Day 9 Shimukappu Bound - Club Med's All-Inclusive Delight (B/D)
• Day 10 Summer Fun and Serenity at Club Med (B/L/D)
• Day 11 Tomamu - Sapporo Bound (B/-/-)
• Day 12 Sapporo to New Chitose Airport: Time to Say Goodbye (B/-/-)

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services
• Optional Extras

Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Odynovo 4.9
• florence · 17th May 2024 Overall is actually 4.5 stars. The biggest disappointment was having to navigate our own luggage from hotel to hotel.... Show more Review collected by Odynovo
• Anil · 15th April 2024 We took the Japan Essentials: From Tokyo to Osaka (Customized Private) tour with Odynovo during the first week of... Show more
• Kaprice · 9th April 2024 I had some issues with Soukou, Washington hotel. The customer service was not very satisfactory and then I had some... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• Friday 12 Jul, 2024 Tuesday 23 Jul, 2024 English Sharing a twin room €3,767 Confirm Dates
• Friday 19 Jul, 2024 Tuesday 30 Jul, 2024 English Sharing a twin room €3,767 Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency ¥ Yen Japan

As a traveller from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 3rd July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 3rd July 2024, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with Odynovo. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 45 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Odynovo will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Odynovo" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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2024 PGA Championship tee times: Sunday pairings for Round 4 at Valhalla

A new PGA champion will be crowned on Sunday at Valhalla.

Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The 2024 PGA Championship comes to an end on Sunday, May 19, with the final round at Valhalla Golf Club . You can see the complete Sunday tee times for the final round of the PGA Championship at the bottom of this post.

PGA Round 4 tee times

UPDATE: Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa both birdied the 18th hole on Saturday to tie for the lead at 15 under heading into Sunday’s final round of the PGA Championship.

They will tee off in the final pairing on Sunday at 2:35 p.m. ET. Sahith Theegala and Shane Lowry will occupy the penultimate pairing, beginning their rounds at 2:25 p.m. ET. You can browse the full 2024 PGA Championship Sunday tee times below.

——————–

We already know that Xander Schauffele , Collin Morikawa , Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler will be among the star attractions contending for the Wanamaker trophy on Sunday at Valhalla. But we don’t yet know exactly when they’ll start their rounds.

Provided there is good weather, competitors will play in two-man pairings on Sunday, with all pairings starting off the 1st tee. The players at the bottom of the leaderboard will tee off first, with the leaders teeing off in the final pairing. For that reason, we won’t know the exact times until Round 3 is over Saturday night. But we can look to the past to get an approximation of what the Sunday tee times will be.

At the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill, Sunday’s final round got underway at 7:50 a.m. ET . Brooks Koepka and Viktor Hovland set out in the final pairing at 2:30 p.m. ET. We can expect Sunday tee times for this year to be similar.

You can watch Sunday’s final round of the 2024 PGA Championship on TV via ESPN and CBS, with coverage beginning on ESPN at 10 a.m. ET and continuing on CBS at 1 p.m. ET. Or you can watch streaming coverage all day Sunday via ESPN+ , including exclusive early action, featured group coverage and much more starting at 8 a.m. ET.

2024 PGA Championship tee times for Sunday: Round 4 (ET)

7:45 a.m. – Jeremy Wells, Alejandro Tosti 7:55 a.m. – Sebastian Söderberg, Brendon Todd 8:05 a.m. – Rasmus Højgaard, Jordan Smith 8:15 a.m. – S.H. Kim, Dustin Johnson 8:25 a.m. – Andrew Putnam, Ryan Fox 8:35 a.m. – Talor Gooch, Stephan Jaeger 8:45 a.m. – Adam Hadwin, Erik van Rooyen 8:55 a.m. – Gary Woodland, Grayson Murray 9:05 a.m. – Patrick Cantlay, Luke Donald 9:15 a.m. – Tommy Fleetwood, Jesper Svensson 9:25 a.m. – Joaquin Niemann, Rickie Fowler 9:35 a.m. – Patrick Reed, Cameron Young 9:45 a.m. – Braden Shattuck, Byeong Hun An 10:05 a.m. – Brooks Koepka, Nicolai Højgaard 10:15 a.m. – Adam Svensson, Thorbjørn Olesen 10:25 a.m. – Alexander Björk, Lucas Glover 10:35 a.m. – Tyrrell Hatton, Corey Conners 10:45 a.m. – Brian Harman, Martin Kaymer 10:55 a.m. – Brice Garnett, Min Woo Lee 11:05 a.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Will Zalatoris 11:15 a.m. – Ben Kohles, Cameron Smith 11:25 a.m. – Doug Ghim, Alex Noren 11:35 a.m. – Jason Day, Zac Blair 11:45 a.m. – Maverick McNealy, Billy Horschel 12:05 p.m. – Max Homa, Tom Hoge 12:15 p.m. – Scottie Scheffler, Mark Hubbard 12:25 p.m. – Aaron Rai, Matt Wallace 12:35 p.m. – Hideki Matsuyama, Ryo Hisatsune 12:45 p.m. – Rory McIlroy, Tom Kim 12:55 p.m. – Jordan Spieth, Russell Henley 1:05 p.m. – Keegan Bradley, Taylor Moore 1:15 p.m. – Thomas Detry, Lucas Herbert 1:25 p.m. – Harris English, Austin Eckroat 1:35 p.m. – Justin Thomas, Tony Finau 1:55 p.m. – Dean Burmester, Lee Hodges 2:05 p.m. – Justin Rose, Robert MacIntyre 2:15 p.m. – Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland 2:25 p.m. – Sahith Theegala, Shane Lowry 2:35 p.m. – Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa

Latest In News

Pga championship purse: here's how much the winner gets at valhalla, scottie scheffler's pga slide ended streak you can't comprehend, why scottie scheffler brought in chaplain as temporary caddie at pga championship, after major letdown, tiger woods confronts one tough truth, kevin cunningham.

As managing producer for GOLF.com, Cunningham edits, writes and publishes stories on GOLF.com, and manages the brand’s e-newsletters, which reach more than 1.4 million subscribers each month. A former two-time intern, he also helps keep GOLF.com humming outside the news-breaking stories and service content provided by our reporters and writers, and works with the tech team in the development of new products and innovative ways to deliver an engaging site to our audience.

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Japan visitors exceed 3 mln for 2nd straight month, tourism agency says

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2024 NFL Christmas schedule: Chiefs-Steelers, Ravens-Texans highlight holiday doubleheader, where to watch

Everything you need to know about this year's christmas day schedule on netflix.

Two years after debuting its first Christmas Day tripleheader, the NFL is returning for Dec. 25 action as part of the 2024 schedule, announcing Wednesday two different holiday matchups that'll air on a new platform.

As teased earlier Wednesday, Netflix will exclusively  stream both of the NFL's 2024 Christmas games as part of a new three-year deal with the league. The global streaming service will also air at least one Christmas game in both 2025 and 2026 thanks to the agreement.

Below is a look at this year's Christmas matchups, which will fall in Week 17 of the regular season:

Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 25 | Time: 1 p.m. ET Location: Acrisure Stadium (Pittsburgh) |  Stream: Netflix

The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will visit a potentially snowy Pennsylvania for their first matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2021 playoffs, when Ben Roethlisberger was still under center for Steel City. This marks the Chiefs' second straight Christmas appearance, after 2023's rivalry game against the Las Vegas Raiders . It's uncertain just which signal-caller they'll be facing this time, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields set to compete for starting duties in Pittsburgh. Either way, this figures to be must-see TV, with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin looking to secure yet another non-losing season.

Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 25 | Time: 4:30 p.m. ET Location: NRG Stadium (Houston) |  Stream: Netflix

A rematch of 2023's divisional round AFC showdown, in which Baltimore routed Houston to advance to the conference title game, this one could once again pit two top Super Bowl contenders against each other. The Ravens boast the reigning NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson , with longtime Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry now by his side in the backfield. The Texans, meanwhile, have Stefon Diggs headlining an upgraded receiving corps for 2023 rookie standout C.J. Stroud , as well as a defense that added several key veterans. It's very possible this one could go down as a preview of another postseason showdown.

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Assassin's Creed Shadows releases November 15th

Assassin's Creed Shadows

Coming November 15 on Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation®5, Ubisoft+, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple Silicon via the Mac App Store, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store and the Epic Games Store.

Play 3 days early by pre-ordering any Premium Edition.

A new creed rises

Live the intertwined stories of Naoe, an adept shinobi Assassin from Iga Province, and Yasuke, the powerful African samurai of historical legend. Against the backdrop of the turbulent late Sengoku period, this remarkable duo will discover their common destiny as they usher in a new era for Japan.

Explore feudal Japan

Discover the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and pastoral landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.

Become a shinobi assassin

As the quick-witted and agile Naoe, use noise, light, and shadows to evade detection as enemies respond to their changing surroundings. Distract guards using kunai, shuriken, and smoke bombs, infiltrate enemy bases with your grappling hook and parkour skills, and assassinate your targets with the hidden blade.

Become a legendary samurai

As the charismatic samurai Yasuke, strike your foes with brutal precision and power. Use his combat-oriented skills to attack, block, parry, and defeat your enemies. Master the vast arsenal of weapons at your disposal – featuring katana, kanabo, bows, naginata, and more – to free Japan from its oppressors.

Information is your weapon

Travel the world, explore, and scout your surroundings to gather vital intel. Build your network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to unveil new areas and hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit several allies with highly specialized skills and abilities to help accomplish your missions.

Play it your way

You decide whether to play as a shinobi or samurai. Master complementary playstyles of two fully realized protagonists, approach quests with whichever character you prefer, as each possesses their own respective progression, stats, skills, and gear.

Trained as a shinobi assassin from Iga Province, Naoe sets out to travel through Japan on a quest for revenge to fulfil an impossible promise.

After completing his training to become a skilled samurai, Yasuke finds a new purpose confronting the demons of his past.

Pre-order now to get a bonus quest

Pre-order now any edition to receive the bonus quest, Thrown to the Dogs, available Day 1. Help a loyal dog avenge his late master.

Discover the Gold & Ultimate Editions!

Explore new lands and unravel new mysteries with the Season Pass, available in both the Gold and Ultimate Editions. Get even more with the Ultimate Edition, which includes additional digital content. Play 3 days early by pre-ordering the Gold or the Ultimate Editions!

Discover Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collector’s Edition

Get the most premium offer for Assassin’s Creed Shadows with the Collector’s Edition, now available for pre-order in limited quantities. Play 3 days early, get an Ultimate Edition copy of the game with all the digital bonus content included, and enjoy unique physical items including a dual character statue.

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