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.

How long should a trip to Japan last?

For a first trip to Japan, a period of 2 weeks is optimal, with at least 3 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto and its region. Don't forget to take some time at the beginning of the trip to get used to the time difference.

What are the essentials for a first trip to Japan?

The must-see places for a first trip to Japan are: Tokyo, the megalopolis with a thousand sides to it Kyoto, the capital of sophistication and Nara, with its temples and deer Hiroshima, between memory and modern times, and its sacred island Miyajima Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous mountain The Japanese Alps: Takayama, Matsumoto, Shirakawa-go Kanazawa, both modern and traditional, on the Sea of Japan And many other unforgettable places to discover in our tours.

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

Japan Family Tour

14 days
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka

An ideal trip to share with the family, combining cultural discoveries, moments of relaxation and freedom of pace. From Tokyo and its iconic neighbourhoods to the gentle charm of Hakone and its hot springs, via the poetry of Kyoto and the energy of Osaka, each stage has been designed to appeal to young and old alike.

With a balanced itinerary, easy transport and numerous optional activities, this tour offers a complete immersion in Japan, while giving everyone the freedom to experience the adventure at their own pace.

A peaceful, fun and unforgettable experience to enjoy together.

Highlights of the product

Your ideal family trip to Japan: a thrilling two-week adventure in a safe, clean and exciting country!

Find immersive attractions suitable for children: picnics under cherry blossoms, theme parks, lively speciality shops and manga, not to mention the deer of Nara!

On an all-inclusive trip, discover majestic Mount Fuji, the cultural treasures of Kyoto and vibrant Osaka!

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

Hakone Free Pass

Kansai Area Pass

Tokyo Metro Pass

Public transportation card

Several breakfasts

Traditional Japanese dinner

Shinkansen tickets

Entrance to the Universal Studio

What's not included

Personal expenses, non included meals

Public transport card recharge

Optional Insurances

From

$2,073 per person - 2 weeks

Contact an advisor

Your trip in detail

Step 1 - Days 1 to 3

Tokyo

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

On the last day, you are free to choose from a range of optional activities to suit your interests (museums, theme parks, themed tours, etc.)!

OMO3 Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts

4.2

or similar category 3* hotel

≃ 172 sq ft

Private bathroom

Free Wifi

Day 1 -

Wake up in Japan

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

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 and guide you to your transfer.

This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers travelling 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 airport to the hotel

Day 2 -

First steps in the capital

To mark this special day, a program entirely dedicated to families has been specially designed to offer an experience that is fun, enriching, and accessible to all.

Accompanied by a professional guide, young and old alike will set off to explore the site through an interactive tour, suitable for both children and teenagers. Participatory activities, explanations tailored to each age group, and opportunities for discussion will punctuate the visit to capture the attention of the whole family.

An ideal opportunity to enjoy a cultural outing with the family, where everyone will find something to interest them.

Highlight(s)

Shinjuku

Meiji-jingu

Day 3 -

Now for some activities

For your second day of sightseeing, we suggest visiting:

Ginza, the chic district
Tsukiji, the food market
Hama-rikyu, a Japanese garden nestled between skyscrapers
Asakusa, the traditional district of the capital
The Buddhist temple Senso-ji
Tokyo Skytree, the panoramic tower

Informations

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

Highlight(s)

Ginza

Senso-ji

Tokyo Sky Tree

Options

Guided tour of Tokyo during the day

Step 2 - Day 4

Hakone

This day takes you from Tokyo to Hakone, famous for its many hot springs. After sending your luggage to Kyoto, you will travel light to Hakone, where you can enjoy views of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji and the volcanic valley of Owakudani. You can then end the day by relaxing and spending the night in a ryokan.

Tōnosawa Ichinoyu Honkan

4.3

(or similar category 3* hotel)

15-20m²

Public onsen

Private bathroom in option

Day 4 -

On the way to visit the iconic Mount Fuji

In the morning, stop by Shinjuku to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train bound for Hakone. You will arrive in the afternoon.

Let yourself be seduced by the magnificent landscapes of the spa resort, Lake Ashi with its view of Mount Fuji, and the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car.

Return to the ryôkan in the late afternoon, where your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before spending a night in Japanese style!

Included

Traditional Japanese dinner

Hakone Free Pass

Highlight(s)

Mount Fuji

Lake Ashi

Owakudani

Transfer

Tokyo

Train (about 40mins)

Hakone

Step 3 - Days 5 to 8

Kyoto

Between historical memories, iconic temples, traditional neighborhoods, and a getaway to Nara, immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan. Four intense days to savor all the poetry of Kyoto, with the option of a detour to Himeji before a gentle return home.

Gion House by Japan Experience

(or similar)

Traditional Japanese house, all equipped

Day 5 -

The former capital

Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

In the morning, travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen. Upon arrival, around midday, settle into your comfortable traditional Japan Experience house, where a House Angel will welcome you.

Start your afternoon with:

Kiyomizu-Dera, the great temple of water;
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.

Informations

Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the Gion district if you plan to visit it.

Included

Hakone Free Pass

Highlight(s)

Kiyomizu-Dera

Kôdai-ji

Gion

Included transfer

Hakone

Train (about 2h30)

Kyoto

Day 6 -

Gold and silver treasures

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

The Zen garden at Ryôan-ji;
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion);
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
The enchanting Philosopher's Walk;
Nanzen-ji Temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on your visit to these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Highlight(s)

Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji

Philosopher's path

Ryôan-ji

Options

Guided tour during the day

Day 7 -

Between tradition and modernitiy

Continue your tour of Kyoto by heading west:

Nishiki, Kyoto's food market
Nijo Castle, the former residence of the shogun
Arashiyama, with its bamboo forest and monkey mountain

It's your last full day in Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities:

Want to enjoy nature? Discover our bike rides along the Kamo River or our hikes in the Takao Gorge
If you're more interested in Japanese arts, you'll love our tea ceremony, our meditation activities or our tours of secret gardens
If you want to discover the Japanese countryside, treat yourself to an excursion to Ohara

Highlight(s)

Nishiki market

Nijô castle

Arashiyama

Options

Optional activities

Day 8 -

Castle and samuraïs

For your last day in Kyoto, we recommend an exciting trip that combines historical wonders with 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 façade has earned it the nickname 'White Heron Castle'.

In the evening come back to Kyoto.

Included

Kansai Area Pass

Highlight(s)

Himeji castle

Transfer

Kyoto

Shinkansen (about 2h15)

Himeji

Step 4 - Day 9

Nara

Why not spend the day in Nara visiting Nara Park, Tōdai-ji Temple, and Naramachi’s historic streets before coming back to your hotel in Kyoto ?

Miroku Nara by The Share Hotels

4.1

or similar category 3* hotel

18-24m²

Private bathroom

Free Wifi

Day 9 -

Between temples and deers

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

Discover:

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

Included

Kansai Area Pass

Highlight(s)

Kasuga-taisha

Todai-ji

Kofuku-ji

Options

Guided tour of Nara

Transfer

Kyoto

Train (about 40mins)

Nara

Step 5 - Days 10 to 12

Osaka

Osaka immerses you in the heart of vibrant Japan, with its iconic castle, elegant neighbourhoods and spectacular views. Whether you prefer the thrills of Universal Studios or exploring its temples, hot springs and legendary streets at your leisure, the capital of Kansai exudes a unique energy, day and night.

Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda

4.3

(or similar category 3* hotel)

16-22m²

Private bathroom

Free Wifi

Day 10 -

Departure for the capital of Kansai

Head to Osaka, just 25 minutes away, and drop off your belongings at your hotel.

We recommend starting your visit to Osaka gently, in the northern and eastern districts:

Osaka Castle, popular for its many plum and cherry trees;
The city centre 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.

Included

Kansai Area Pass

Highlight(s)

Medieval Osaka castle

Utsubo park

Umeda Sky Building

Options

Guided tour during the day

Included transfer

Kyoto

Train (about 20mins)

Osaka

Day 11 -

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 favourite films, and enjoy exhilarating shows and attractions.

Included

Entrance to the Universal Studio

Highlight(s)

Universal Studio

Day 12 -

The capital of gastronomy

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

Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium by volume
Tennoji district and its Shitenno-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan
Spa World, Japan's largest hot spring (onsen)
Shinseikai, 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 specialities!

Highlight(s)

Aquarium Osaka Kayûkan

Dotonbori

Step 6 - Days 13 & 14

Tokyo

Back in Tokyo by Shinkansen, enjoy one last leisurely moment to savour the city, finalise your souvenirs and pack your bags. A direct transfer to the airport brings this trip to a peaceful close... unless the desire to prolong your adventure in Japan is already too strong.

OMO3 Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts

4.2

or similar category 3* hotel

≃ 172 sq ft

Private bathroom

Free Wifi

people standing in front of the store during the day

Day 13 -

Back to Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, relax and enjoy the return trip to Tokyo on the shinkansen. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and make the most of these last few days to finish your shopping and start packing your bags!

Spend your afternoon travelling back in time:

Yanaka, old Tokyo
Ueno, the site of the last samurai resistance, and its park filled with cherry trees
Akihabara, the electronics and manga district
Odaiba, the island of futuristic entertainment in Tokyo Bay

Highlight(s)

Ueno Park

Akihabara

Odaiba

Included transfer

Osaka

Shinkansen (about 2h30)

Tokyo

Day 14 -

Sayonara and see you next time !

Direct transfer to Narita or Haneda International Airport (included but unaccompanied).

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

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.

The must-see places for a first trip to Japan are:

Tokyo, the megalopolis with a thousand sides to it
Kyoto, the capital of sophistication and Nara, with its temples and deer
Hiroshima, between memory and modern times, and its sacred island Miyajima
Mount Fuji, Japan's most famous mountain
The Japanese Alps: Takayama, Matsumoto, Shirakawa-go
Kanazawa, both modern and traditional, on the Sea of Japan

And many other unforgettable places to discover in our tours.

Most Japan Experience tours begin in Tokyo. This is because it is the gateway to both modern and traditional Japan. Tokyo allows a traveller to enter Japan step by step, whilst getting used to the time difference. Tokyo also has Japan's top two airports in terms of traffic.

A few of our tours end in the Kansai region (Kyoto or Osaka). The return flight then goes from from Kansai International Airport (KIX), the 3rd largest airport in Japan, offering many possibilities for return flights to Europe without any real extra cost compared to a return flight from Tokyo. On these tours, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover the whole tour, allowing you to reduce the total price of the tour. And this without losing any transport possibilities as the Japan Rail Pass is of little use in Kansai.

However, tours are available from Tokyo and sometimes other cities in Japan.

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.