How do I book a tour?

Simple and easy, just book directly online on our website: You choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and the number of participants. Several options are available.Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount online and confirm your booking.You receive an e-mail confirmation of your booking.You book your plane ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the times required for your tour to run smoothly).You pay the balance of your invoice up to one month before departure.For more information about our tours or your booking, don 't hesitate to contact our advisers on + 44 (0)20 3514 6932 or contact@japan-experience.com. You can also visit us in our London office.

Which payment methods are accepted?

You can pay online by credit card. In our agency, you can pay by credit card, cash (under €1.500) or cheque with proof of identity (France only).

What is Japan Experience Flex in a nutshell ?

Cancellation of your booking for any reason up to 35 days before the beginning of your stay Refund : 100% of your cancellation fee No reason or proof to provide Cancellation in 1 email Transfer made within 3 days

What is the cancellation policy for Self Guided Tours?

If you need to cancel your trip after signing the registration form, you must notify Japan Experience as soon as possible. This notification can be sent either by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt or by email. The date of sending will be considered the official cancellation date. In such cases, cancellation fees will apply, calculated as a percentage of the total cost of the trip, according to the following terms: More than 35 days before departure: 35% of the total costBetween 35 and 21 days before departure: 50% of the total costBetween 20 and 8 days before departure: 75% of the total costLess than 7 days before departure or on the day of departure: no refund will be made

All Self-guided tours

City Break Osaka

8 days
Osaka

Osaka: the vibrant energy of Kansai

Welcome to Osaka, the unmissable metropolis of Kansai, renowned for its electric atmosphere, legendary street food, and historical heritage. Dominated by the majestic Osaka Castle, the city harmoniously blends Japanese traditions with spectacular modernity.

From the hustle and bustle of Dotonbori to the panoramic views from the Umeda Sky Building, via the Kaiyukan Aquarium and the attractions of Universal Studios Japan, Osaka promises an immersive experience combining culture, entertainment, and gastronomy. Japan's gourmet capital, it is the birthplace of the famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki, which can be enjoyed in its lively neighborhoods.

Ideally located, Osaka is also the perfect starting point for exploring Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, and Kobe. A stay in Osaka means diving into the heart of a vibrant, authentic, and resolutely lively Japan.

Highlights of the product

An immersive tour in the heart of Osaka, combining tradition, modernity, and unique urban energy.

Unmissable experiences included, from legendary street food to spectacular panoramic views.

The ideal starting point for exploring Kansai, with its historic cities and cultural getaways.

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?

Airport Transfers

3* Hotels & Ryokan

Pocket Wi-Fi

Kansai Area Pass

Entrance to the Universal Studio

Gastronomic Stroll Osaka

What's not included

Personal expenses, non included meals

Public transport card recharge

Optional Insurances

From

$1,019 / pers - 8 days

Contact an advisor

Step 1 - Days 1 to 8

Osaka

Osaka immerses you in the heart of vibrant Japan: between its iconic castle, elegant neighborhoods, and spectacular panoramas. Whether you prefer the thrills of Universal Studios or exploring its temples, hot springs, and legendary streets at your own pace, the capital of Kansai reveals a unique energy, day and night.

Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda

4.3

(or similar category 3* hotel)

16-22m²

Private bathroom

Free Wifi

Day 1 -

Wake up in Osaka

Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Reception at customs exit by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.

Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to your hotel.

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers going to the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private transfer, with no stops and directly after your flight's actual arrival, please choose the "Private taxi from the airport" option.

Included

Airport Transfers

Options

Private taxi from the airport

Day 2 -

Departure for the gastronomic capital of Kansai

To start your visit to Osaka gently, explore the northern and eastern districts:

Osaka Castle, popular for its many plum and cherry trees;
The city center and Nakanoshima Island, famous for its rose garden surrounded by skyscrapers;
Utsubo Park, a refreshing oasis in the heart of the business district;
Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping;
Finish with the Umeda Sky Building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you during the day.

End the day with a gourmet walk in Osaka included in your tour.

Included

Gastronomic Stroll Osaka

Highlight(s)

Medieval Osaka Castle

Utsubo Park

Umeda Sky Building

Options

Guided tour

Day 3 -

Between temples and deer

For this day, we recommend visiting Nara, Japan's first permanent capital in the 8th century.

Discover:

The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns;
Tôdai-ji, its great bronze Buddha, and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate;
Kôfuku-ji temple and its charming pagoda

If you would like to be accompanied during this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).

Highlight(s)

Kasuga-taisha

Todai-ji

Kofuku-ji

Options

Nara guided tour

Transfer

Osaka

Train

Nara

Day 4 -

On the path of the Samurai

We recommend following up with a captivating trip that combines historical wonders and lively nightlife.

Immerse yourself in history by visiting Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the best-preserved castle in Japan, its elegant white facade has earned it the nickname "White Heron Castle."

After your historical exploration, take a high-speed train to the heart of Kobe. This city offers a striking contrast to the historical serenity of Himeji:

Explore the bustling city center with its modern architecture and lively shopping districts.
Then, step back in time and stroll through Nankin-machi, Japan's largest Chinatown.

Return to Osaka in the evening.

Highlight(s)

Himeji castle

Transfer

Osaka

Train

Himeji

Day 5 -

Japan, a journey into the heart of nature

If you have more time and want to explore the region further, consider these additional destinations:

A day trip to Mount Koya, which has over 100 temples nestled in a peaceful forest (1.5 hours by train).
A refreshing hike to Minoh Falls, a waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation (30 minutes by train).
Explore Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, and enjoy swimming, boating, or cycling (1 hour by train).

Return to Osaka in the evening.

Highlight(s)

Mount Koya

Biwa lake

Day 6 -

Universal Studios Japan

Spend a day at Universal Studios Japan!

Get ready for a day of thrills and adventure, included in your tour! Immerse yourself in the exciting attractions and captivating worlds of Universal Studios Japan, conveniently located near central Osaka.

Explore immersive themed areas based on your favorite movies, and enjoy exciting shows and attractions.

Included

Entrance to the Universal Studio

Day 7 -

The capital of gastronomy

For your last day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary:

Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium by volume
The Tennoji district and its Shitenno-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan
Spa World, Japan's largest hot spring (onsen)
Shinsekai, with its retro charm
DenDen machi, the techie village
Finish with Dotonbori, the liveliest district

For lunch, we recommend takoyaki and okonomiyaki, the city's specialties!

Highlight(s)

Aquarium Osaka Kaiyûkan

Dotonbori

Day 8 -

Sayonara and see you next time!

Direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choosing, directly to the airport and without any 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 for a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... we will be happy to help!

Included

Airport Transfers

Options

Private taxi from the hotel to the airport

Stay extension

Product conditions

Accommodation

Meals

Find out more about the accommodation details and meals included in your tour.

Transports and other services

Activities

Activities included

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

Choose between our 2 offers to insure a safe trip

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

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, ranked in the top 10 by the Global Peace Index.

Therefore travelling alone is safe. Women and girls can travel alone without fear of being harassed or solicited in public places. The same goes for children, who can be seen going to school alone in the metro from the age of 7. This can give you an idea of the country's level of safety. Last but not least, Japan is a haven for children: the safety, the amusement parks, the friendly attitude of the population.

Simple and easy, just book directly online on our website:

You choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and the number of participants. Several options are available.
Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount online and confirm your booking.
You receive an e-mail confirmation of your booking.
You book your plane ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the times required for your tour to run smoothly).
You pay the balance of your invoice up to one month before departure.

For more information about our tours or your booking, don 't hesitate to contact our advisers on + 44 (0)20 3514 6932 or contact@japan-experience.com.
You can also visit us in our London office.