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  • All about Japan
    • Explore the cities of Japan
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    • Before you travel
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  • Our excursions in Japan
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  • excursion japon japan experience mount fuji
    What is an excursion?

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    •  
    • Why rent a house with Japan Experience?
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    How to access Internet in Japan?

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    • teamLab Biovortex Kyoto
    • Become a Miyadaiku Carpenter Apprentice
    • Gion Night Walk
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  • All our activities
All Self-guided tours
All Self-guided tours
Yasaka Pagoda at night, in Gion, Kyoto old town

Yasaka Pagoda at night, in Gion, Kyoto old town

©Sean Pavone/123RF

Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo
Volcanic valley : a must-see in Hakone
Yasaka Pagoda at night, in Gion, Kyoto old town

Yasaka Pagoda at night, in Gion, Kyoto old town

©Sean Pavone/123RF

©Ahmed Zalabany

Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo

Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo

©Moiz K. Malik/Unsplash

© Rap Dela

Volcanic valley : a must-see in Hakone

Hakone Volcano Valley: a must-see if you visit the region

patryk Kośmider/123RF

@joey-huang

©Mon Jester

© Krzysztof

Capitals and Treasures of Japan

  • 13 days
  • Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa

Set out to discover Japan’s Capitals and Treasures, an exceptional itinerary designed to let you experience Japan in all its richness and diversity. 

From the fascinating bustle of Tokyo, where ultra-modern megacities rub shoulders with preserved neighborhoods from another era, to the soothing landscapes of Hakone, this journey takes you to the heart of the Japanese soul. Facing Mount Fuji, amidst hot springs and refined ryokans, each stop invites you to slow down, soak in the atmosphere, and let yourself be surprised. In Kyoto, the former imperial capital, let yourself be enchanted by the timeless beauty of its temples, gardens, and historic alleyways, before a getaway to Nara, the cradle of Japanese civilization, where free-roaming deer and millennia-old monuments share the same serenity. 

Further afield, the sacred island of Miyajima welcomes you to a timeless setting, where spirituality and nature merge into an unforgettable scene. Finally, elegant Kanazawa reveals its well-preserved treasures: legendary gardens, samurai heritage, and contemporary art, just a stone’s throw from the Sea of Japan. 

A harmonious and inspiring journey, ideal for a first visit to Japan or for rediscovering the country in a new light.

Highlights of this tour
13 Days to Fall in Love with Japan: From Kyoto’s Temples to Tokyo’s Backstreets
A night at a ryokan in the Mount Fuji region: the quintessential Japanese experience
Miyajima, Nara, Kanazawa: Japan’s hidden gems on the itinerary
A 100% all-inclusive trip: airport pickup, transportation, accommodations, portable Wi-Fi, and a travel guide included

Why choose Japan Experience ?

  • On-site assistance 7 days a week
  • Internet access included
  • Travel log with our expert advice
  • Authentic experiences guaranteed
  • What's included in this tour?

  • Gion nightwalk
  • 3* Hotels & Ryokan
  • Traditional Japanese dinner
  • 1 guided tour in Shinjuku
  • Several breakfasts
  • Pocket Wi-Fi
  • Airport Transfers
  • Hakone Free Pass
  • Japan Rail Pass 7 days
  • Public transportation card
  • Luggage transfer
  • What’s not included

  • International flights
  • Public transport card recharge
  • Personal expenses, non included meals
  • Optional Insurances
  • Your trip in detail

    From
    1 573 € per person - 13 days
    See prices

    Do you have a question about our tour?
    Contact an advisor
    Tokyo tower nuit
    Step 1 - Days 1 to 4
    Tokyo

    This 4-day itinerary explores Tokyo’s iconic neighborhoods, combining modern attractions with cultural sites: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Tsukiji, Asakusa, and the Tokyo Skytree.

    On the last day, you’re free to choose from a variety of optional activities based on your interests (museums, theme parks, themed tours, and more)!

    OMO3 Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts
    4.2

    or similar category 3* hotel

  • ≃ 172 sq ft
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Day 1 -
    Wake up in Tokyo

    Arrival at Tokyo Airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).

    Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!

    Meet and Greet at the customs exit by our airport assistant, who will provide you with all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.

    Transfer from the airport to Tokyo (unaccompanied).

    This transfer is via a shared shuttle with other guests heading to the same hotel or a hotel near yours. These shuttles depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight’s scheduled arrival, and stops may be made before reaching your hotel.

    If you would like a private transfer, with no stops and immediately after your flight’s actual arrival, please select the “Private Taxi from the Airport” option.

    Included
  • Airport Transfers
  • Options

    Private taxi from the aiport

    Day 2 -
    First steps in the capital

    For your first day in Tokyo, we recommend visiting:

    • Harajuku, the trendy neighborhood for young people
    • Meiji Jingu, the grand imperial shrine
    • Takeshita-dori, Tokyo’s must-see street
    • Omotesando, Tokyo’s “Champs-Élysées”
    • Shibuya and its famous intersection
    Options

    Daytime Guided Tour of Tokyo

    Day 3 -
    The big loop

    For your second day of sightseeing, we suggest visiting:

    • Ginza, the upscale district
    • Tsukiji, the food market
    • Hama-rikyu, a Japanese garden nestled among the skyscrapers
    • Asakusa, the capital’s traditional district
    • The Buddhist temple Senso-ji
    • Tokyo Skytree, the observation tower

     

    Informations

    Please note that tickets for Hama-rikyu and the Tokyo Sky Tree are not included and must be purchased separately.

    Highlight(s)
    Ginza
    Senso-ji
    Tokyo Sky Tree
    Day 4 -
    Follow the guide

    Per sfruttare al meglio il vostro soggiorno a Tokyo, il nostro consiglio è di concludere il viaggio con un'ampia gamma di entusiasmanti attività opzionali:

    • Voglia di divertimento? Il Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Harry Potter, Disneyland o il parco Hello Kitty vi aspettano.
    • Preferite esperienze a tema? Scegliete tra un tour architettonico, una passeggiata in un giardino giapponese, una lezione di cucina casalinga o persino i biglietti per uno spettacolo di teatro Noh.
    • Cercate il brivido? Fate un tour panoramico in elicottero o assistete a un torneo di sumo (secondo stagionalità)!
    • Cercate un'escursione di un giorno? A soli 45 minuti di treno si trova Kamakura, un'affascinante città costiera ricca di storia.

    Concludete la giornata in bellezza con una passeggiata serale attraverso Shinjuku, uno dei quartieri più vivaci di Tokyo. Incontrate la vostra guida in prima serata per un tour a piedi unico della durata di circa un'ora e mezza, durante il quale esplorerete Kabukicho e Golden Gai, tra le altre zone.

    Included
  • 1 guided tour in Shinjuku
  • Highlight(s)
    Parco a tema
    Helicopter ride
    Kamakura

    © Susann Schuster

    © Manuel Velasquez

    Shibuya Crossing

    Shibuya Crossing

    © Timo Volz

    © Jezael Melgoza

    Omotesando Shibuya

    Omotesando Shibuya

    © Daryan Shamkhali

    Entrance - OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts

    © Hoshino Resorts

    Twin Guest Room - OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts

    © Hoshino Resorts

    Step 2 - Day 5
    Hakone

    This day takes you from Tokyo to the scenic hot-spring region of Hakone. After sending your luggage ahead to Kyoto, you’ll travel light to Hakone, where you can enjoy views of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji and the volcanic valley of Owakudani. You’ll end the day with a traditional Japanese dinner and a relaxing night in a ryokan.

    Tōnosawa Ichinoyu Honkan
    4.3

    (or similar category 3* hotel)

  • 15-20m²
  • Public onsen
  • Private bathroom in option
  • Day 5 -
    At the heart of the Japanese spirit

    In the morning, you can have your luggage sent to your hotel in Kyoto so you can travel light during your two days in Hakone, then board a train bound for Hakone. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon.

    Let yourself be enchanted by the magnificent scenery of the hot spring resort, Lake Ashi with its view of Mount Fuji, and the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car.

    Return to the ryokan in the late afternoon, as your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you around 6:30 p.m., before you spend a night in the Japanese style!

    Included
  • 1 night in a ryokan
  • Hakone Free Pass
  • Traditional Japanese dinner
  • Highlight(s)
    Owakudani
    Mount Fuji
    Lake Ashi
    Transfer included
    Tokyo
    Shinkansen
    Hakone

    © Calvin Wong

    © Kevin Charit

    ©Tōnosawa Ichinoyu Honkan

    © Tōnosawa Ichinoyu Honkan

    Step 3 - Days 6 to 8
    Kyoto

    From historical landmarks and iconic temples to traditional neighborhoods and a side trip to Nara, immerse yourself in the heart of Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Three action-packed days to savor all the charm of Kyoto before a leisurely return home.

    Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
    4.3

    (or similar category 3* hotel)

  • 18-24m²
  • Free Wifi
  • Private bathroom
  • Day 6 -
    On the way to the former capital

    Traditional Japanese breakfast at a ryokan.

    In the morning, travel to Kyoto by shinkansen.

    Start your afternoon with:

    • Kiyomizu-Dera, the Great Water Temple;
    • The historic alleys of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka;
    • Kôdai-ji, Kyoto’s temple of maple trees and bamboo.

    End your day with a stroll and enjoy the sunset.

    Meet your guide in the early evening to begin your evening stroll through Gion, the historic district of Kyoto (you’ll find more details on the exact date and meeting place in your travel guide).

     

    Information

    Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.

    Included
  • Gion nightwalk
  • Highlight(s)
    Kiyomizu-Dera
    Kodai-ji
    Gion
    Transfer included
    Hakone
    Shinkansen (2h30)
    Kyoto
    Day 7 -
    Gold and silver treasures

    For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:

    • The Zen garden at Ryoan-ji;
    • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion);
    • Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
    • The enchanting Path of Philosophy;
    • Nanzen-ji Temple.
    Highlight(s)
    Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji
    Philosopher’s path
    Ryôan-ji
    Options

    Daytime guided tour

    Day 8 -
    Between temples and deers

    For your last day in Kyoto, we recommend heading to Nara (a 50-minute trip included in your JR Pass).

    Tour of Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital in the 8th century.

    Discover:

    • The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns;
    • Tōdai-ji, its great bronze Buddha, and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate;
    • Kōfuku-ji Temple and its charming pagoda

    Return to Kyoto for sunset at Fushimi Inari-taisha, the immense shrine with Kyoto’s 10,000 torii.

    Highlight(s)
    Kasuga-taisha
    Kofuku-ji
    Fushimi Inari-taisha
    Options

    Day time guided tour of Nara

    Transfer
    Kyoto
    Train
    Nara

    © Cosmin Serb David Emrich

    © Leo Bayard

    © Luca Florio

    © Masaaki Komori

    © David Off

    © Cosmin Serban

    © Daisy Chen

    Fushimi Inari Torii

    Fushimi Inari Torii

    yoshihiro unsplash

    © The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

    © The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

    View of the Dome of the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.
    Step 4 - Days 9 & 10
    Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

    Head to Miyajima for a timeless getaway: a legendary shrine perched on the sea, spectacular views from Mount Misen, and a night in a ryokan in the heart of the island. An authentic Japanese experience, blending spirituality, nature, and the good life.

    Hotel Intergate Hiroshima
    4.4

    or similar category 3* hotel

  • ≃ 193 sq ft
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Day 9 -
    Make way for history

    In the morning, head to Hiroshima.

    Once you arrive in Hiroshima, take your time checking into your hotel. Then head out to visit the park and the Peace Memorial, the castle and its park filled with cherry trees (depending on the season), before sampling one of Hiroshima’s specialties: okonomiyaki!

    Highlight(s)
    Hiroshima Peace & Memorial Park
    Hiroshima Castle
    Options

    Guided tour

    Transfer included
    Kyoto
    Shinkansen (1h30)
    Hiroshima
    Day 10 -
    The sacred island

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    It’s time to explore the island! The Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and its grand Torii gate standing in the sea are must-see sights.

    Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and walk back down. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you!

    Don’t miss the Daisho-in Buddhist Temple, nestled among the trees at the foot of Mount Misen. The grounds are home to hundreds of Buddhist statues scattered throughout the pavilions and along the paths.

    In the late afternoon, return to your hotel in Hiroshima.

    Highlight(s)
    Itsukushima-jinja
    Mount Misen

    © Desmond Tawiah

    © Patrick Nguyen

    © Rafael Hoyos

    Torii

    @Unsplash/ Nicki Eliza Schinow

    Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima

    © Juliana Barquero, Unsplash

    Standard room, Hotel Intergate, Hiroshima

    Entrance, Hotel Intergate, Hiroshima

    Le torii moderne de la gare de Kanazawa.
    Step 5 - Days 11 to 13
    Kanazawa

    Nestled between the Japanese Alps and the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa embodies the elegance of a refined and well-preserved Japan. Legendary gardens, a samurai heritage, contemporary art, and gourmet markets come together to create a destination that is as culturally rich as it is sensorially delightful.

    OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi
    4.2

    or similar category 3* hotel

  • ≃ 23 m2
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Day 11 -
    The Samurai Castle

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Before leaving your hotel, you’ll send your luggage to your hotel in Tokyo (details in your travel itinerary; please check with the hotel front desk) so you can travel light for the final leg of your tour.

    On the way, we suggest a stop in Himeji to explore the “White Heron,” the famous castle listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Included
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Highlight(s)
    Himeji Castle
    Transfer included
    Hiroshima
    Train (4h)
    Kanazawa
    Day 12 -
    The pearl of Japan

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Set out to explore Kanazawa, nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps.

    • Kenroku-en, Kanazawa’s magnificent Japanese garden;
    • The Museum of Contemporary Art and its outdoor gallery;
    • Omicho, the fish market on the Sea of Japan;
    • The Nomura House, a former samurai residence, and its picturesque old quarter.
    Included
  • Breakfast
  • Highlight(s)
    Kenroku-en
    Museum of Contemporary Art
    Nomura Residence
    Transfer included
    Kanazawa
    Shinkansen (2h45)
    Tokyo
    Day 13 -
    Sayonara, and see you next time!

    Direct transfer to Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airport.

    If you prefer a private transfer, direct to the airport with no stops along the way, select the "Private Taxi to the Airport" option.

    Return flight to your home country, but feel free to extend your stay by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... we’d be happy to help!

    Included
  • Airport Transfers
  • Options

    Private taxi from the hotel to the airport

    Stay extension

     


     

    © Marek Piwnicki

    © Stanislav Rozhkov

    Queen size bed, OMO5 Kanazawa

    Queen size bed, OMO5 Kanazawa

    Entrance, OMO5 Kanazawa

    Entrance, OMO5 Kanazawa

    Product conditions

    Accommodation

    Read more about accommodation details.
    Accommodation
    Accomodation
    • Tourist tax: Some hotels may charge a local tax of approximately 200 yen per person per night(≈ €1.10), payable in cash at the front desk. In some 4-star hotels, this tax may be slightly higher.
    • Room size: 3★ hotels offer good comfort but rooms are compact (12–20 m², single rooms 10–16 m²). For more space, consider the 4★ upgrade (Tokyo only).
    • Double rooms: Usually twin beds (can be joined). A double bed can be requested as a supplement.
    • Single rooms: Solo travelers must pay a single supplement, mandatory for odd-number groups. Applies to all hotels except ryokans, where shared spacious rooms can host up to 5 guests.
    • Triple rooms: Allocated for groups of 3, 5 or more without a single supplement.
    • Groups (>5 people): Depending on availability, not all members may stay in the same hotel, but we’ll aim to keep you nearby.
    • Hotel names: Indicative only; equivalent alternatives may be used.
    • Ryokan stays: Guests sleep on futons on tatami mats with private toilet/sink. Shared onsen baths (not mixed) unless you select a private bath option. 4★ ryokans feature private bathrooms and raised futons or Western beds.

      Please note that in very rare cases, houses might be replaced by apartment hotels in case of unavailability.

    Accommodation options
    For more space in hotels, you can upgrade to 4★rooms.

    As for ryokans, private bath option is available. 4★ ryokans feature private bathrooms and raised futons or Western beds.

    Meals

    Find out more about the accommodation details and meals included in your tour.
    Meals
    Meals
    • Breakfast: Breakfast is included in Hakone, Hiroshima, and Kanazawa. In other cities, breakfast can be added upon arrival when you check in at your accommodation. Local cafés generally offer tastier and more affordable options. You can also add breakfast as an extra when booking the tour.
    • Stay in Hakone: Includes a traditional Japanese dinner and a Japanese-style breakfast. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions so that we can notify the ryokan. However, if the ryokan is unable to accommodate these requests, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be provided.
    Breakfast option
    Pre-book all breakfasts as an option when reserving your trip.

    Please inform us of any dietary requirements in advance so we can notify the ryokan. If the ryokan cannot accommodate these requests, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.

    Transports and other services

    Transports and other services
    Transports
    • Included flights: Contact us if you wish to add flights to your booking. We can arrange direct or stopover flights, premium economy or business upgrades, and departures from other cities or abroad.
    • Travel dates: The tour dates shown correspond to your stay in Japan. You’ll arrive and depart from Tokyo (Narita or Haneda). Plan to leave Europe the day before to benefit from your included airport transfer. The return flight should depart no earlier than 9 am the following day. Contact us if you need help selecting flights.
    • Self-booked flights: If you purchase your own flights, please send us your flight details at least one month before departure so we can organize your airport welcome and transfer.
    Airport tranfer
    • The shared shuttle departs 1.5–3 hours after your scheduled arrival and stops near your hotel.
    • A Japan Experience assistant will guide you to the platform, but the transfer itself is unaccompanied. For full assistance to your hotel reception, select the “Accompanied Airport Transfer” option.
    • If your flight time changes by over 45 minutes within 72 hours of departure, the shared transfer cannot be guaranteed andyou’ll need to take a taxi at your expense and seek reimbursement from the airline.
    Private taxi
    For a direct, private transfer, select the “Private Taxi from the Airport” option.
    Local transportations
    • A prepaid transit card worth 1,500 ¥ (Suica or Pasmo) for daily travel.
    • Hakone Free Pass
    • Japan Rail Pass (7 days)
    About pre-charged transport card
    These cards cover most of your travel needs. Once you have used up the ¥1,500 balance on your Suica card, or for journeys not included in the Japan Rail Pass, you can easily top up your card at vending machines in stations.
    Internet access

    Pocket Wifi

    • The device comes with a simple instruction booklet and a prepaid return envelope. It will remain active until the final day of your trip.
    • You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously (such as phones, tablets, or computers).
    • One Pocket WiFi is provided for bookings of 1 to 5 travelers. For groups of 6 or more, a second device will automatically be included at no extra cost.
    About pocket Wifi
    A Pocket WiFi device is included in your tour, providing unlimited high-speed internet access throughout Japan. You will receive it upon arrival at the airport.

    Activities

    Activities included
    Activities
    Activities
    • Airport Meet and Greet: Your airport assistant will meet you at the customs exit, holding a sign with the name of your reservation. They will hand you your travel documents and guide you to your airport transfer (unaccompanied in Tokyo).
    • Guided tour of Shinjuku: Evening tour lasting approximately 1.5 hours starting at 7:00 p.m., conducted in English under the same multilingual conditions
    • Guided tour of Gion: An evening tour lasting approximately 1.5 hours starting at 7:00 PM, conducted in English under the same multilingual conditions.
    About dinner and guided tour
    Please note that dinner is not included during the tours (except on the second day), but your guide can suggest dining options.

    Cancellation policy, terms and conditions, and accessibility

    Cancellation policy, terms and conditions, and accessibility
    Tour conditions

    Cancellation fees apply depending on when the cancellation is confirmed. Please read the following carefully, along with our travel conditions and required travel documents.

    Cancellation Policy

    If you wish to cancel your trip after signing the registration form, please notify Japan Experience as soon as possible—by registered mail (with acknowledgment of receipt) or by email. The date the notice is sent will serve as the official cancellation date.

    Cancellation fees are calculated as a percentage of the total trip cost, according to the following schedule:

    • More than 35 days before departure: 35% of the total cost
    • Between 35 and 21 days before departure: 50% of the total cost
    • Between 20 and 8 days before departure: 75% of the total cost
    • Less than 7 days before departure or on the day of departure: no refund

    Price Adjustments

    • Tour prices are subject to change depending on factors such as supply and demand, yen exchange rates, and supplier pricing.
    • No refund will be made after booking if a lower price becomes available. Similarly, no additional charges will apply in the event of a price increase after confirmation.

    Program Modifications

    • The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
    • To ensure participant safety and comfort, Japan Experience may adjust the order of visits, the choice of cities, or other program details as needed — always with the goal of maintaining a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

    Accessibility

    • This tour is not suitable for travelers with reduced mobility.
    • Pets are not allowed.
    • Children and infants are welcome.
      • A child rate (ages 3–11) includes a standard bed and seat.
      • An infant rate (ages 0–2) includes a baby crib in most accommodations, though availability cannot be guaranteed.
    • Dietary requirements: Vegetarian or vegan options in Japan are limited, particularly on group tours. While Japan Experience cannot guarantee specific meals, your guide will help you find suitable dishes when possible. The same applies to travelers with food intolerances.
    • Luggage: Extra luggage transfers incur an additional charge (approx. £25 / $31 USD per person per bag). Please inform your guide in advance.

    Travel Documents

    • A digital version of your travel booklet and related documents will be sent by email 3 weeks before departure.
    • Airport transfer tickets will be provided by your airport assistant upon arrival (if applicable).
    • Physical travel documents needed for the tour will be given by your tour guide at the hotel meeting at 7:00 PM on Day 1.
    • Booking and Payment
    • Choose your tour, departure date, and number of participants.
    • Pay a 35% deposit online to confirm your booking.
    • Receive your booking confirmation by email.
    • Book your flight (either through Japan Experience or independently, ensuring flight times fit your tour schedule).
    • Pay the remaining balance at least one month before departure. Payment in installments is available upon request.

    For questions or assistance, contact our team at +44 (0)20 3514 6932 or contact@japan-experience.com.

    You can also visit our London office or request a quote online

    Need Help?

    Request a quote and let us know any questions you may have, as well as the best time for one of our travel experts to call you back.

    Ask your questions

    Peak season note
    In very rare cases, mainly in peak season, the steps might be reversed. You will be informed of this in your travel diary should it happen. We appreciate your understanding.

    Cover your trip, Insurance

    Cover your trip, Insurance

    Upon reservation Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection: 

    Japan Experience Flex: This insurance covers expenses related to trip cancellations for specific reasons (disease, accident, passing...) 

    Japan Experience Protect: This insurance provides overall coverage for various aspect of the trip.  For instance: cancellation, flight delay or missing flight, lost luggage, travel incident and repatriation, assistance, etc... 

    Conditions

    As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

    Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

    Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

    No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html. If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

    Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

    No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html) there is no need for any test.

    I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

    Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

    Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

    Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

    Is insurance mandatory?

    No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

    What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

    The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

    What applications should I download before entering Japan?

    For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

    MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

    COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

    For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf 



     

    You would have to spend a minimum of 63 days in Japan to visit the main sights of the country in a relaxed fasion (that is the sights that are rated as 2 or 3 star in the Michelin guide). There is thus no real ideal length of trip, just as long as you can stay!



    Tokyo and Kyoto are of course the 2 cities that are not to be missed: you need to set aside a minimum of 5 nights for Tokyo and the Kanto region and then 7 nights for the Kyoto and Kansai region (including the ancient capital city of Nara). If you then add on the 2 days that you require for return transport to and from your country of origin then you would need a total trip length of 14 days.

    You can of course extend the trip to see other regions (the Japanese Alps, Kyushu, Shikoku, Hokkaido, etc.).

    Children under 6 years old can travel for free in the company of an adult with a Japan Rail Pass, however, they are not entitled to their own seat. Children from 6 to 11 can travel with a children ticket. From 12 years old the child will need to travel using an adults ticket. 

    Once you have your Japan Rail Pass, you can use it in the JR trains (except the Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen) during the period of validity.



    What is a JR train ?

    A JR train is a train operating by the JR company. It can be a shinkansen bullet train (for exemple between Tokyo and Kyoto or Tokyo and Kanazawa), a limited express train (for exemple between Toyama and Takayama), an express train, a rapid or a local train. 

    Due to the current crisis, we advise you to visit the website of the Japanese embassy in your country to find out about the procedures for entry.



    Normally, for citizens of the European Union, Switzerland and Canada, you just need a valid passport (for the duration of your stay). A visa is not necessary for a tourist stay of less than 90 days.

    We typically suggest the following times to visit Japan: 

    Spring (late February - late May): Spring”s mild temperatures are ideal for all kinds of activities. This is, of course, also the time when the sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom. 

    Summer (June - August): The heat quickly takes over from the rainy season at the end of June. Despite the heaat, you can still enjoy the many fireworks displays and open-air matsuri (traditional festivals). 

    Autumn (September - November): Temperatures are pleasant during this season and the momiji (maple leaves) glow gorgeous colors 

    Winter (December - February): Discover gorgeous winter landscapes, such as the Zen Garden of Kanazawa under the snow. January is defined by numerous festivities and the winter sports craze! 

    The most popular travel periods are: 
    - Early January: for New Year's Eve, when many businesses and activities are closed 
    - February: the plum blossom season and the 10 days around Chinese New Year are a big draw for tourists from Asia 
    - Late March - early April: cherry blossom season 
    - Late April - early May: "Golden Week" is a period of many public holidays. Many people in Japan go on vacation 
    - Mid-August: during the Obon Matsuri 
    - Late November: for momiji viewing 

    To avoid the crowds, Japan Experience recommends: 
    - February: outside the Chinese New Year period 
    - Mid-May - early June: to take advantage of mild weather and more affordable prices just before the rainy season 
    - September - early December: to enjoy mild temperatures and autumn leaves

    Do you have any other questions?
    We are here to help you
    Check the FAQ

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