Original
Explorer
Rail
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
12 Days | Steaming onsens, serene shrines and incredible hospitality – all in the Land of Rising Sun
4.8
Excellent
289 reviews
12 days
Start
Tokyo, Japan
Finish
Kyoto, Japan
Trip Code
CJST
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
4 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, High Speed Train, Train
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Japanese Inn ( 2 nights), Home Stay (2 nights)
From £3,247(12 days)
Trip Informations
Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing in Kyoto, this 12-day trip will introduce you to iconic landmarks and the lesser-known cities through Japan’s central and western reaches. Ride the scenic ropeway in Hakone, stay with a local family in Hagi and see the floating torii gate of Miyajima Island. Wander through Takayama’s Hida Folk Village, visit the Peace Park in Hiroshima and join your local leader on an walk through the historic Gion District in Kyoto.
Why you’ll love this trip
Soar high on a ride on the Hakone ropeway, cruise across the picturesque Lake Ashi and (on a clear day), get a glimpse of the glorious Mt. Fuji.
Discover the lesser-known Hagi, an ancient samurai town and learn about the female sake brewer breaking stereotypes. Get a deeper insight into local life with your homestay hosts and feast on delicious home-cooked meals.
Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama. Visit the Hida Folk Village, wander through a 600-year-old market and take some zen time at incense making in Zenkoji temple.
Visit the Peace Park for a moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Then, get to peacefully scenic Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
Walk through the historic streets of Kyoto – Japan's cultural capital. Wander through the Gion District, pass through the red torri gate at Fushimi Inari Shrine and see the golden glow of Kinkakuji.
Is this trip right for you?
Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
On this trip, you'll get to experience the traditional minshuku (Japanese-style inn) and homestay. These are great chances for a taste of tradition and authentic local life, but you'll be sleeping on futon mattresses on the tatami floor and the facilities will be shared on the property. Read more about it in the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information. For some departures, we may swap them with hotels depending on seasonal availability. Please consult your booking agent if you need more details.
This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Ultimate Japan.
Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
Itinerary
Steaming onsens, serene shrines and incredible hospitality – all in the Land of Rising Sun
Inclusions
Meals
4 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, High Speed Train, Train
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Japanese Inn ( 2 nights), Home Stay (2 nights)
Included activities
Hakone - Cable Car/Ropeway
Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Takayama - Hida Folk Village
Takayama - Incense making in Zenkoji Temple
Takayama - Morning Market visit
Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
Hagi - Former Kubota Family Residence visit and Samurai district walking tour
Hagi - Homestay and home-cooking experience
Hagi - Countryside cycling tour
Hagi - Homestay local experiences
Hagi - Female sake brewer visit
Kyoto - Gion District Walk
Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Optional activities
Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden - JPY300
Tokyo - Sumida Hokusai Museum - JPY400
Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
Tokyo - Ueno Park - Free
Hakone - Open-Air Museum - JPY2000
Hakone - Checkpoint Museum - JPY500
Hakone - Onsen (public hot spring bath) - JPY1500
Takayama - Festival Float Museum - JPY1000
Takayama - Kusakabe Traditional House - JPY1000
Takayama - Bike hire (per day) - JPY1000
Takayama - Showa Museum - JPY1000
Takayama - Takayama Jinya Building - JPY440
Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine - JPY300
Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from - JPY1200
Kyoto - Sanjusangendo Temple - JPY600
Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
Kyoto - Tea Ceremony with Maiko/Geisha - JPY14300
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Reviews (284)
5 stars
234
4 stars
33
3 stars
11
2 stars
6
Angel
Oct 05, 2026
We had a fantastic time. The home stays were a highlight as was our guide Toshi. Highly recommended.
Bruce
Oct 04, 2026
A brilliant 12 days of experiencing Japan's culture, food and history. In a short time, we managed to squeeze in many of the highlights of Japan as well as down to earth hospitality at the homestay.
Gillian
Oct 04, 2026
If you want a good intro to Japan, I recommend this Land of Rising Sun tour. It was fabulous! Great mix of busy cities and more relaxed, traditional Japan. Japan's public transport system allowed us to travel safely and efficiently. A beautiful country, interesting and varied itinerary, fabulous bunch of fellow travellers and an informative entertaining guide - couldn't have asked for better!
Zachary
Sep 26, 2026
Took a tour through Japan with Intrepid, and learned so much and saw so many amazing things. We visited old shrines, experienced traditional Japanese baths, and ate delicious local food and so much more.
Damian
Sep 16, 2026
Nihal
Sep 15, 2026
Highly recommended tour. When a typical tourist thinks of Japan, they only think of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. While these places have a lot to offer, this trip offers the real Japan. Places where you can feel the true history and beauty of the country. The homestay is a once in a lifetime experience. This trip will make you want to come to Japan to explore more.
RHONDA
Sep 07, 2026
Japan land of the Rising Sun. What an awesome way to experience Japan for your 1st visit. Family hosting for 2 nights was brilliant in Hagi. Our tour leader was superb Hitomi.
Tracey
Sep 03, 2026
Land of the Rising Sun tour gave me an unforgettable experience of Japan. It is a well-designed itinerary balanced between big cities and nature beauty, tourist locations and quieter sites, fascinating culture and deep-meaningful history. You’ll experience all types of transportation such as bus, train, bullet train, tram, subway, cable car, ferry/boat, bicycle etc. Although there were lots of travel, the timetables for trains and buses ran smoothly; never any undue pressure to meet deadlines. I enjoyed having my luggage delivered to the next hotel for light travelling on public transport. Our tour leader Zac Bell was excellent. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, attentive, passionate, approachable and well educated on cultural differences and highlighted histories. He always kept us up to date with what was happening every day and ensured every moment memorable. The small group with a guide allowed us to relax and enjoy our own time as well as group activities. Hagi attracts me the most due to its deep cultural heritage, diverse landscape and welcoming local. The host and hostess (Miyake & Toshiko) are very hospitable & friendly providing me a comfortable stay in their ancestral house with delicious traditional Japanese cuisine every day. I also enjoyed the spectacular view and relaxing private onsen in Hakone. I highly recommend this tour & would l’d love to join Intrepid tour again.
Taylor
Aug 04, 2026
This was our first time in Japan and this itinerary really made the most of our time. It had a great balance of cities and natural beauty and we could not have enjoyed it more!
Elin
Jul 29, 2026
I had an incredible experience on Intrepid Travel’s Japan: Land of the Rising Sun tour, thanks largely to our leader, Chad. His knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine care made the trip unforgettable. The itinerary was excellent, and Chad’s local insights, professionalism, and warmth ensured everyone had an amazing, memorable experience.
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