Of all the beaches in Okinawa, Kabira on Ishigaki Island is arguably one of the most magical. A real paradise! — Kabira beach on the island of Ishigaki is undoubtedly one of the most magical. A real little paradise!
san Hoyano/123RF

Asakusa's pagoda and Kaminarimon - DoctorEgg
DoctorEgg

Easy access to Kyoto's most emblematic sites with the Kyoto Bus Day Pass
@Pixabay/ ogamiichiro3

The island village of Taketomi. The houses are often surmounted by shisa, the mythical animal of the archipelago. — The island village of Taketomi. The houses are often topped with shisa, the archipelago's mythical animal.
©Jordy Meow

Single Room - OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka
OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka

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JAPAN EXPERIENCE

Japanese horizons: from Tokyo to Okinawa

Duration : 13 days
Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Okinawa

This Japan tour package lets you discover Tokyo and Kyoto in just over a week, with a must-see visit to the foot of majestic Mount Fuji. In a small group, you'll explore the archipelago accompanied by a passionate French-speaking guide. It's the perfect choice for your first visit to Japan. Extend the adventure with three free days on the superb islands ofOkinawa, in Ishigaki, between heavenly beaches, colorful coral reefs and authentic local traditions. Guaranteed departure from 4 travellers.

2-week itinerary in Japan (13 days) :

Departure city/airport: Tokyo (Narita: NRT or Haneda: HND)
Tokyo (3 nights)
Hakone - Mount Fuji (1 night)
Kyoto (3 nights)
Osaka (1 night)
Okinawa Archipelago,Ishigaki Island (3 nights - on your own)
Tokyo (1 night - on your own)
Return airport : Tokyo (Narita: NRT or Haneda: HND)

Please see below for itinerary details.

Tour duration : 12 nights / 13 days(+ 1 day at the beginning if departing from Europe).

The departure and end dates shown on this page are for your stay in Japan. On departure, you must leave Europe the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.

For example

Departure from Europe: January 1
Arrival in Tokyo (date to be selected in the calendar when booking): January 2
Return flight from Tokyo airport: January 14

Why choose this trip to Japan?

Supervision by a bilingual, French-speaking guide specializing in Japanese culture
Almost complete package : guide, accommodation, transportation and meals
Small groups of 4 to 12 people up to Osaka, then free in Okinawa
Visits to the must-sees for a first trip to Japan
3* hotels and traditional ryokan accommodation, chosen by us
Variety of visits, activities, gastronomy and transport (Shinkansen, minibus, boat...)
A free day in Kyoto and the extension to Ishigaki, which can be organized by Japan Experience
40 years of expertise from Japan Experience, France's No. 1 travel agency in Japan
Telephone assistance 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

Day 1 : Sunday - Arrival in Japan

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita: NRT or Haneda: HND). Welcome to Japan!
Greeting at customs by our airport assistant in English.
Unaccompaniedtransfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).
This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other clients departing for the same hotel or one close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival, and stops can be made before your hotel.
If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, don't hesitate to take the "Private cab from the airport" option.
Check-in at La'Gent Shinjuku Kabukicho or similar 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).
You will be met by your tour leader at 7pm in front of the hotel reception. The tour presentation will take place during a welcome dinner offered by Japan Experience, scheduled for 7pm on the day of your arrival. If your flight doesn't allow you to join the group at this time, a packed lunch will be served at the hotel.
Day 2 : Monday - First steps in Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early departure for a guided tour of Tokyo:
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage
- Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of Tokyo's oldest, and its Nakamise-Dôri, a narrow alley lined with historic shops
- A timeless moment during an authentic tea ceremony
- Hamarikyu Gardens, nestled between skyscrapers and Tokyo Bay
- The chic and elegant Ginza district
Lunch provided by Japan Experience. Dinner on your own. Your tour guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat!
Daily travel by public transport and on foot (approx. 10 km in total).
Day 3 : Tuesday - Tokyo's must-sees
Breakfast at the hotel.
Continue your tour of Tokyo with your guide:
- Ueno: Tokyo's iconic park, famous for its cherry blossoms (late March, early April) and lotus pond
- Tokyo Sky Tree* with its panoramic view of the city
- Harajuku: the avant-garde district
- Meiji-Jingû: the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dôri: Japan's most famous street
- Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
- Shibuya and its famous "crossroads"
Lunch provided by Japan Experience. Dinner on your own.
Day's travel by public transport and on foot (approx. 10 km in all).
* One of the world's three tallest towers, culminating at 634m. In the event of bad weather, reduced visibility or heavy crowds, Japan Experience reserves the right to replace this visit with another observation point.
Day 4 : Wednesday - Hakone and Mount Fuji: Between volcanic site and traditional inn
Breakfast at the hotel.

Luggage transfer to Kyoto organized by Japan Experience (1 bag per person).
Bring a small bag for the night in Hakone - Mount Fuji.

Train journey to the center of Hakone - Mount Fuji (approx. 1h30).
Depart for the heights of Hakone for a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji (weather permitting).
- Visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring contemporary sculptures in an exceptional natural setting
- Lake Ashi-no-ko and its Japanese torii portico with feet in the water
- The incredible Owakudani** volcanic site
The signature Japan Experience: a day in a chauffeur-driven minibus to avoid the crowds on the site's buses and funiculars.
Check-in at your Ichinoyu Honkan ryokan or ryokan of the same category (traditional Japanese hotel). Rooms with private baths.
Meals provided (lunch and traditional Japanese dinner) by Japan Experience.

**The site may be inaccessible due to volcanic activity.
Daily travel by train, bus, cable car, boat and on foot (approx. 7 km in total).
Day 5 : Thursday - In the footsteps of the past
Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan (predominantly savory).

Departure on foot or by public transport to Odawara station, then departure for Kyoto by Shinkansen express train (3-hour journey).

Start your guided tour of Kyoto:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and its thousand porticoes
- Gion, Kyoto's historic district, with its Sannen-zaka & Ninen-zaka streets and the Gion district.
- Kodai-ji, Kyoto's maple and bamboo temple
Please note that photography is strictly prohibited in the historic Gion district.
Check-in at the Intergate Kyoto hotel or hotel of similar category.
Lunch and dinner provided by Japan Experience.

Day's travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto, by public transport and on foot (approx. 6 km).
Day 6 : Friday - Exploring the jewels of Kyoto
Breakfast at hotel.

Morning tour of Kyoto by minibus, then on foot:
- Ryoan-ji Zen Garden
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The enchanting Path of Philosophy
Japan Experience signature: matcha tea tasting while admiring the Murin-An Japanese garden .

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner at leisure - Your tour guide will be able to recommend some of Kyoto's hidden addresses!

Daily transfers by minibus and on foot (approx. 8km in total).
Day 7 : Saturday - Free day

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day: enjoy the many wonders of the ancient capital at your own pace. Your tour guide will be happy to advise you.
Only breakfast is provided by Japan Experience, at the hotel. All other meals, transportation and visits are on your own and not organized by Japan Experience.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to book any activities for this day.
We strongly advise you to explore the tea route in Uji, renowned for producing the best matcha (green tea powder) in Japan, or Osaka, a vibrant city renowned for its exceptional cuisine.
Day 8 : Sunday - Between temples and deer
Breakfast at hotel.

Train journey to Nara (50min).

Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century.
With your guide, discover :
- Kofuku-ji temple and its enchanting pagoda
- Todai-ji, with its large bronze Buddha and imposing Nan-Daimon gate
- Kasuga Taisha Shrine and its myriad lanterns
Departure for Osaka (50 min) and check-in at the Hiyori Osaka Namba hotel or equivalent.

Lunch provided by Japan Experience. Dinner on your own.
Please note that the Kofukuji pagoda is under renovation until 2031.
Day's travel by train and on foot (approx. 10km in all).
Day 9 : Monday - Day off - Off to new horizons
Breakfast, then transfer to Osaka airport for a direct domestic flight to Ishigaki Island (1 hold bag per person included - flight time: 2h50. Any additional baggage must be sent to Tokyo at your own expense).
From here, you can continue your journey in complete freedom, outside the guided tour. The visits mentioned below are suggestions for discovering the island's riches at your own pace:
- Kabira Bay, famous for its turquoise waters and coral reefs
- A glass-bottomed boat trip in Kabira Bay
- The traditional village ofIshigaki Yaima, for an immersion in local culture
Check-in at the Vessel Hotel Ishigaki or equivalent.
Only breakfast is provided by Japan Experience.
Day 10 : Tuesday - Day off

Breakfast at the hotel, then a free day in Ishigaki.
If you wish, we suggest an excursion to the nearby island of Taketomi (15 minutes by ferry). This small, unspoilt island is easy to explore by bike: narrow streets lined with traditional houses, charming cafés, local craft stores and idyllic beaches await you. Don't forget your swimsuit to enjoy the crystal-clear waters.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon by ferry to Ishigaki.
Only breakfast is provided by Japan Experience.
Day 11 : Wednesday - Free day

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy the island's heavenly beaches at your own pace.
For active travelers looking for a more sporting experience, we offer an optional day trip to Iriomote Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Supervised by a local English-speaking guide, this outing combines hiking and kayaking in an unspoilt natural environment. It is suitable for people in good physical condition. Departure is in the morning from the port of Ishigaki.
Only breakfast is provided by Japan Experience.
Day 12 : Thursday - Free day - Return to the capital

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Ishigaki airport for your domestic flight to Tokyo (approx. 2h50 - 1 hold bag per person included).
On arrival, transfer to your 3-star hotel (or equivalent) and check-in.
Depending on your arrival time, you'll have the rest of the day free to stroll the streets of Tokyo, do your last shopping or explore an emblematic district of the capital.
Only breakfast is provided by Japan Experience.
Day 13 : Friday - Sayonara and here's to your next trip!

Transfer to Tokyo airport(Narita - NRT or Haneda - HND), included in your trip.
This transfer is made in a shared shuttle, with other travelers staying in the same hotel or nearby. The shuttle will drop you off at the airport between 3h and 1h30 before your flight's departure time, with a few stops along the way if necessary.
For even greater convenience, you can opt for a private transfer, at a time of your choosing and with no intermediate stops, by selecting the "Private cab to the airport" option.
Return flight to Europe (not included).
Would you like to extend your stay in Tokyo or discover the surrounding area, such as Nikko or Kamakura? Don't hesitate to contact us: we'll be delighted to advise you.
Only breakfast is provided by Japan Experience.

Lodging
- 11 nights in 3*** hotels (local standards)
- 1 night in a ryokan in Hakone - Mount Fuji (room with private bath)
  
  The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.
Transport
- Airport transfers <> hotel
- Public transport prepayment card
- All transport (shinkansen, local train, private minibus, ferry) indicated in the above itinerary
- Luggage transport (see stage details)
- Air ticket domestic flight Osaka > Ishigaki
- Air ticket domestic flight Ishigaki > Tokyo
Tours & Meals
- Accompaniment by an English-speaking Japan specialist from Tokyo to Osaka
- Airport pick-up
- Visits (entrance fees) and activities mentioned in the program, excluding free days
- Almost full board: all meals (except free days and half of all dinners)
In Japan, breakfast is traditionally savory. In Western-style hotels, a variety of choices is generally offered. However, this is not the case in traditional ryokan or temple hotels.

Supplementary benefits
- Wifi access except on free days
- Completetravel guide sent before your departure
- Telephoneassistance 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., in English, in addition to daytime assistance from your guide between Tokyo and Osaka
Not included in the price of your trip
- Flights Europe <> Japan
- Return transfer from airport to hotel in Ishigaki
- Optional insurance
- Personal expenses (including 5 free dinners and expenses on free days)
- Drinks with meals (except water and sometimes tea)
- Anything not listed under "included in your tour"

Find out more about your trip

Price Variation Clause:

Our tour prices are subject to change upwards or downwards depending on supply, demand, fluctuations in the yen exchange rate and price adjustments by our suppliers. Please note that no refunds will be made after booking if a price difference is noted. Similarly, in the event of a price increase after booking, you will not be asked to pay any additional costs.

Your tour:

The guide-accompanist is free to modify the program according to the constraints of the day.
Prices shown on this page may vary according to the Japanese ¥ exchange rate.
Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Children and babies accepted. Children aged 3 to 11 are offered a special rate. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be provided, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. A "baby" rate is available for children aged 0 to 2. This rate corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of accommodations on the chosen tour. However, we cannot guarantee a cot in every accommodation.
Pets are not accepted.
For vegetarians, vegans or people on a strict diet: there are few vegetarian or even fewer vegan restaurants in Japan. Consequently, and as this is a group tour, Japan Experience will not be able to adapt to each person's diet. The guide will, however, be able to help you choose the right dishes for you in each restaurant. This also applies to people with food intolerances.
You will receive the following travel documents:

The digital version of the travel diary and your digital travel documents will be sent to you by email 3 weeks before departure.
Airport transfer tickets will be given to you by our airport assistant on arrival, if necessary.
All other physical documents required for the trip will be given to you by your guide-accompanier when you meet at 7pm in your hotel on the first day.

For luggage transfers, any additional luggage will be at your expense (approx. €25 per person per item). It is imperative to inform your guide in advance.
The program may be adjusted according to various factors, such as weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. In order to guarantee the safety and comfort of participants, changes may be made to the tour, including readjustments in the order and/or choice of cities, visits, or any other optimization that Japan Experience deems necessary. These adjustments are made with the aim of providing you with an enjoyable experience with complete peace of mind.

Your accommodation:

Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is small, the 3*** hotels are of very high quality, but the rooms are often quite narrow (12 to 20m2) depending on the hotel.
Room for 2: Double rooms in Western hotels have 2 single beds by default (twin rooms), which can usually be placed closer together. In Tokyo, the surface area is generally between 15 and 18m2.
1-person room: Single travelers wishing to reserve a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. This supplement can be waived, on request, when sharing a twin room with another participant. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants. Please note the size of the single room, between 12 and 15m2.
Traditional accommodation: in ryokans, rooms have a private bathroom (Western or Japanese) and toilet. At the same time, access to the ryokan's collective single-sex Japanese baths ("onsen") is free, subject to on-site opening hours. These baths are often not accessible to people with clearly visible tattoo(s).
Hotel names: The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. The hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and are likely to change on the spot for hotels of similar category.

Transportation:

Flights are not included in this tour. Please contact us if you wish to include flights in your order. We can advise you on economy-class flights with stopovers or direct flights, air upgrades to eco-premium or business class, departures from the provinces or abroad.
The departure and end dates shown on this page are for your stay in Japan. You will arrive and depart Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports). On departure, you'll need to leave Europe the day before, landing at 2:30 p.m. at the latest, to be at your hotel by 7 p.m. to meet your guide. On the other hand, you can return the same day, given the favorable time difference. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts or need clarification about your choice of international flights.
If the flights have been purchased by you without Japan Experience's involvement, it is necessary to send us your flight details (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) by e-mail 1 month before your departure, to enable us to organize your welcome and airport transfer in the best possible way.
Airport transfers: The shared limousine shuttle bus departs from the airport and stops in front of or near your hotel (maximum 10-minute walk). Our airport assistant in Tokyo will take you to the platform to pick up your airport transfer. The transfer to your hotel is unassisted. If you wish to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception, choose the "Accompanied airport transfer" option. This transfer takes place in a shared shuttle or bus, with other customers departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1h30 and 3h after your flight's scheduled arrival, and stops can be made before your hotel. If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private cab from the airport" option. Please note: due to frequent changes in flight schedules, if your airline notifies you of a change in arrival time less than 72 hours before your departure, and the change exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. In this case, you will have to take a cab at your own expense, and request a refund from your airline for any undue schedule changes. The same applies to your return journey: 72 hours before your return flight, we cannot change the shuttle schedule. In the same way, you will have to take a cab booked with the hotel, at your own expense, with reimbursement from the airline being the only solution. Japan Experience accepts no responsibility for last-minute schedule changes.
If a person participating in the tour is of Japanese nationality and resident in Japan, or foreigner but with tax residence in Japan (student included), then he/she cannot benefit from the price displayed as he/she is unfortunately not eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. Please contact us for the price of the tour without the Japan Rail Pass. This person will have to buy the train tickets for the tour directly in Japan. This is not the case with the Hakone Free Pass. If this person is of Japanese nationality but not resident in Japan, then he or she can benefit from the Japan Rail Pass under certain conditions (see https://www.japan-experience.com/fr/questions-frequentes).
The public transport pre-payment card must be returned to the guide at the end of your stay, except in the case of individual post-extensions organized by Japan Experience.
After your flight arrives in Japan, you'll have to wait for a shared shuttle (medium-sized or large bus). This may arrive up to 1 to 2 hours after your landing. If you wish, you can request a private shuttle that will be coordinated with your flight times.
If your outbound flight doesn't allow you to arrive at your hotel before 6.30pm on the first day of the tour, you won't be able to enjoy the welcome dinner included in your stay. Don't worry, your guide will still come and see you to give you all the information you need for your trip.
For your return flight, a shuttle will take you to the airport. It will arrive there between 3h and 1h30 before your flight.

Price Variation Clause:

At the time of purchase, Japan Experience offers 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex :

Pre-departure cancellation insurance subject to conditions.

Japan Experience Protect :

Pre-departure cancellation insurance subject to conditions and on-site assistance subject to conditions.

You can subscribe to our Zero Carbon Project when you make your reservation.

Your contribution will help offset your CO2 emissions while supporting ecological initiatives. For more information, visit our dedicated page.

Frequently asked questions

Whether you want to discover new things or discover yourself, stay in a fully organised tour or take a leisurely one: at Japan Experience, you will find a tour to suit your needs!

Discover our 3 tour formulas now: guided, self-guided or personalised tour:

Guided tours: Travelling with a specialist

Would you like to travel with a small group of 8 to 12 people, accompanied by a private English-speaking guide?

Classic destinations or off the beaten path, Japan Experience offers many guided tours, for all kinds of budget. Offering several departure dates throughout the year, these tours start at €2,890 per person.

Self-guided tours: Independent travel

These tours, with pre-planned itineraries, include accommodation, flights, transport, 24-hour assistance and optional guided activities. From €540 per person, plan your days as you wish, following the recommendations in your travel diary.

Tailor-made tours: Travel according to your desires

Design the trip you've always dreamed of! Our specialist advisors are available by email, telephone or directly in one of our agencies to answer all your questions and help you design your own customised tour.

It's very simple and easy, just book directly online through our website:

(1) Choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and indicate the number of participants. Several options are available to you.

(2) Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount* online and confirm your reservation.

(3) You will then receive an e-mail confirming the conditions of your registration.

(4) Book your flight ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the necessary schedules for your tour)

(5) One month before departure, settle the balance of your booking.

For more information on the tours or to make a reservation, please contact our advisors on +33 (0)1 42 61 60 83 or at contact@japan-experience.com, or come and visit us at our agency in Paris.

* travel insurance and options included

Few Japanese speak English, even in the tourism sector. With the exception of hotel staff in the major tourist cities, few Japanese are fluent in English. However, this does not prevent them from doing everything to help tourists in need.

One or more guided activities are included in all Japan Experience tours. This will allow you to get a closer look at Japan's thousand-year-old culture. Feel free to add one or more optional guided days.

Guided tours are led by bilingual Japanese guides, for total immersion without effort!

The commitments of Japan Experience, France's No. 1 Japan travel company

The guarantee of the 1st tour operator specialized exclusively in Japan for 40 years
A selection of products to help you experience Japan from the inside out
Competitive prices thanks to a single team in France and Japan
Assistance available in Japan throughout your trip
A specialized team available 7 days a week by phone or email
The best advice thanks to our 3,500 articles available on our website