Tokyo to Okinawa beaches

  • Duration : 18 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Okinawa

This Japan tour gives you the opportunity to visit Tokyo and Kyoto, contemplate Mount Fuji, and discover Hiroshima and its sacred island, Miyajima.

Finish this trip to Japan with 5 days on the fabulous beaches of the Okinawa islands!

This trip includes transportation, guided tours, and unique accommodation: a ryokan, a Japan Experience house, and a beach resort. A trip to make whatever the season!


3 week itinerary in Japan (18 days)

  • Departure city/airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
  • Tokyo (4 nights)
  • Hakone-Mount Fuji (1 night)
  • Kyoto (3 nights including one day in Nara)
  • Miyajima island and Hiroshima (2 nights)
  • Fukuoka (Kyushu island) and surroundings (2nights)
  • Okinawa (Iriomote and Ishigaki islands) (5 nights)
  • End Return airport: Ishigaki (Ishigaki International Airport : ISG)

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 17 nights / 18 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

Indeed, the tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe on the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.

Example : 

  • Departure from Europe : January 1st
  • Arrival Sapporo (date to be selected in the tour calendar while booking) : January 2nd
  • Return flight from Ishigaki international airport : January 19th

Do you like Okinawa?

Don't hesitate to have a look at our other 3 week tour "Archipelago from North to South", which ends with several days in its paradisiacal islands


Why this trip to Japan?

  1. Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to Tokyo by shuttle bus
  2. Head to the edge of Mount Fuji for an unforgettable dinner and overnight stay in a ryokan
  3. Travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto where a guided tour of the traditional geisha quarter awaits you
  4. In Kyoto, an English-speaking travel angel will welcome you to a Japan Experience house
  5. Go to Hiroshima and the sacred island of Miyajima before arriving in Fukuoka
  6. The Okinawa archipelago will have you seduced by its natural beauty and white sandy beaches
  7. Transportation: Japan Rail Pass, Hakone Free Pass, flight to Okinawa, boat between islands
  8. Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
  9. If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
  10. Numerous guided days or other optional activities available
  11. Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, Europe's number one travel agency in Japan

 

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Wake up in Tokyo 東京

    Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).

    Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!

    Welcomed out of customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and Pocket Wi-Fi.

    Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

    This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight 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 Taxi from the Airport" option.



    Accommodation at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or a same category hotel 3* (rooms available from 3:00pm).

     

  • Day 2 : First steps in the capital

    What is there to do in Tokyo on the first day?

    We advise you to slowly start visiting Tokyo from its western districts:

    - Harajuku: the avant-garde district 

    - Meiji Jingû, the imperial shrine

    - Takeshita-Dori: the most famous street in Japan

    - Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées

    - Shibuya and its unmistakable "crossroads"

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).

  • Day 3 : The big loop

    For this second day of visiting Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".



    Start from Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then go to visit:

    - Ginza, Tokyo's chic district

    - Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market

    - Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings

    - Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by a cruise on the Sumida River

    - Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the city

    - Tokyo Sky Tree reaching a height of 643m, and its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset 

    Enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River between Hamarikyu and Asakusa.

  • Day 4 : Follow the guide

    For this fifth day, there are still many places to discover according to your taste!

    Or better still, book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Tokyo off the beaten path!

    In addition, make the most of our many optional activities:

    - Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Park are waiting for you!

    - Do you prefer a themed activity? Book a visit on an architecture tour, gardens, home cooking or Noh's theatre.

    - Chasing thrills? Let yourself be tempted by a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!

  • Day 5 : At the heart of the Japanese soul

    In the morning, we advise that you have your luggage sent to the hotel in Kyoto (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) and that you travel light for your night in Hakone.

    Go to Shinjuku station to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train to Hakone Yumoto (1.5 hour journey, details in your travel guide, all inclusive). The train will gradually leave the Japanese megalopolis behind and head deeper into the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Hakone in the late morning. Reach your Ichinoyu Shinkan ryokan or same category ryokan to drop off your small bag and explore the area.



    Be charmed by the beautiful scenery of this spa, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (on a clear day!). Not forgetting the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car. All transportation (train, bus, cable car, funicular) is included in your package.

    If you wish to be accompanied during this day, one of our English-speaking guides can show you all the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional).



    Come back to the ryokan in the late afternoon as your traditional Japanese dinner awaits you around 18:30, before enjoying a Japanese-style night!

    Details below on the night in the ryokan.

  • Day 6 : The old capital

    Traditional Japanese breakfast with ryokan.

    Head to Hakone Yumoto Station and Odawara to board one of the fastest trains in the world: the Shinkansen!

    In 2 hours 30, reach Kyoto.

    From noon onwards, you can settle into your traditional Japan Experience house! A Travel Angel will welcome you, show you some unique details and help you to have an unforgettable stay in Kyoto. You will be able to "live the Japanese way" for a few days, with a space much bigger than a hotel room and a kitchen to prepare good Japanese food!

    You have 3 days to visit Kyoto. Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district near your accommodation:

    - Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple

    - The historical streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka

    - Kodai-ji, the maple and bamboo temple of Kyoto

    Finish off seeing the sunset in Gion.

    Meet your guide at 19:00 to start your late stroll around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.

    At the end of this 1 hour 30 walk, your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to eat out!

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

  • Day 7 : Gold and Silver Treasures

    We recommend the following itinerary for this second day's visit to Kyoto:

    - Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

    - The Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

    - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

    - The bewitching path of philosophy

    - The Nanzen-ji temple

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these symbolic sites (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).

  • Day 8 : Between temples and deer

    For that first day out of Kyoto, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, which is included in your package.

    Visit to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century.

    Discover:

    - The Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha and its thousands of lanterns

    - The Todaiji, its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate

    - Kofukuji temple and its beautiful pagoda

    Return to Kyoto and stop for sunset at Fushimi Inari, the huge 10,000 torii sanctuary in Kyoto. If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will unveil all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional, return trip from Kyoto).

  • Day 9 : Make way for history

    After checking out in your Japan Experience house, leave for Hiroshima. We advise you to make a stop in Himeji, to discover its castle, classified as a UNESCO heritage site, or to plan the day on the island of Naoshima. In this case, your travel angel can help you to send your luggage to the hotel in Hiroshima the day before.

    Arrival in Hiroshima, and check-in at your 3* hotel between the train station and the peace park. You will discover this dynamic student city which has successfully recovered from the tragic events of the middle of the last century.

    In the evening, we recommend you try okonomiyaki, Hiroshima's gastronomic speciality.

  • Day 10 : The Sacred Island

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    A short 30-minute train and boat ride to Miyajima Island, its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its large gate (ootorii) standing in the sea.

    (Please note: The ootorii is under construction until an unspecified date). Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay is waiting for you!



    In the evening, return to your hotel in Hiroshima.

  • Day 11 : The capital of Kyushu

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Continue from Hiroshima to the island of Kyushu and its capital, Fukuoka, in 1 hour by Shinkansen (included in your JRPass).

    Arrive in the centre of the vibrant city of Fukuoka and check into your hotel near the central station.

    With its 2000 years of history, the capital of Kyushu has always been the gateway to Asia (Korea and China) and Western culture (Portugal and its Jesuits, Holland). Another Japan, more Asian and further away from Tokyo, awaits you. Capital of a booming region, Fukuoka is now one of the most dynamic cities in Japan with its many high-tech companies and the hosting of a global event: the Rugby World Cup in October 2019.

    Meet your English-speaking guide for the afternoon to visit one of Fukuoka's many iconic sites:

    - Momochi district: Fukuoka Tower and other futuristic buildings - Japan in the 22nd century

    - Canal City Hakata, a huge shopping centre integrated into the city, its city park and its canals

    - Asian Art Museum, the world's first museum for modern Asian art

    - Shofoku-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Japan

    - Hakata Machiya, a district of old merchants' houses



    In the evening, visit the lively Nakasu and Tenjin districts and their yatai - hundreds of delicious and welcoming open-air restaurants at low prices. A great way to spend the evening!

  • Day 12 : Between sea and volcano

    A visit to Fukuoka or a getaway to the surrounding area... there's no shortage of ideas:

    - The beaches around Fukuoka, such as Itoshima or Karatsu, accessible in 45 min from Fukuoka.

    - The old lordly town of Kumamoto and its Japanese castle (50 min. one way from Fukuoka), at the foot of the Aso volcano.

    - The onsens (open-air thermal baths) of Beppu (2 hours one way from Fukuoka) - one of the most popular spas in Asia. More than 3000 hot springs provide baths for everyone: sandy, muddy, ferruginous, clay, carbonated and more or less hot, with all the modern comforts for baths at low prices or even free.

    - The city of Nagasaki (2 hours from Fukuoka), with a long history: a port open to the world, Nagasaki welcomed Europeans, merchants and religious in the 16th century and then became the only window open to the West until 1868. From this original history, the city has kept a cosmopolitan charm, as in the European island of Dejima and its Japanese-style churches or the Chinatown district. A guaranteed change of scenery. Not to forget the Peace Park and Museum, where the poignant memory of the tragedy of the Second World War is still present.



    Most of these destinations are accessible with your Japan Rail Pass, for which this will be the last day.



    In the evening, second night in your hotel in Fukuoka.

  • Day 13 : Arrival in the tropics

    Transfer to Fukuoka International Airport (Japan's 4th largest airport, located in the heart of the city) in 5 minutes by metro from Hakata Central Station, see details below.

    Morning flight to Ishigaki International Airport (direct (2 hours 20) or 1 stopover (3 hours 20)). Arrive in Ishigaki in the middle of the day, transfer by airport bus (€4, to be paid to the driver) to the ferry terminal. Then 45 minutes by boat (included) to the rugged island of Iriomote. Arrival in the late afternoon and transfer included to your 4* Hoshino Resort or same category hotel.

    Iriomote Island, or Japan's last frontier, is 90% covered by rainforest and mangroves. In this unspoilt paradise far from Tokyo, you may see the endangered Yamaneko wild cat.

    Dinner is available at your hotel or in the surrounding area.

  • Day 14 : The Amazon in Japan

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Iriomote's major attraction is its natural landscape of lush rainforest, sun-drenched beaches and impressive dive sites. The easiest way to see this wild island is to go to the Urauchi River (near your hotel) from where a boat will take you up the river to the island's interior in 30 minutes. A 1 hour hike to a waterfall rounds off the trip, before the hike and boat trip in the opposite direction.

    Near your hotel, there are 2 exceptional beaches, one of which is suitable for snorkelling (equipment rental on the beach).

    We also offer an optional canoeing activity to discover the island.

    You will start to discover another Japan, more in the south, far from the crowded Tokyo or the temples of Kyoto!

     

     

  • Day 15 : Beach umbrellas and coconut trees

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    In the morning, enjoy the pool at your resort before returning to the main island of Ishigaki in the afternoon (45 min boat, tickets included in your package), to reach your 3* hotel in the heart of the seaside town of Ishigaki.

     

     

     

  • Day 16 : Sheltered from the waves

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    In Ishigaki you can sunbathe on the white sand, swim in its turquoise waters and dive.

    There are many activities available, to be discussed with your hotel upon arrival: diving with an English-speaking guide, snorkelling...



    Not to mention the famous cuisine and nightlife of this charming island.

     

  • Day 17 : A lovely village

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    It's your last day in Japan, so you might as well end on a high note! Discover the small island paradise of Taketomi (20 min ferry ride from the small town of Ishigaki, 5 ferries/hour, tickets included in your package).

    On Taketomi, everything can be done on foot or by bike (many bike rentals - no need to book in advance).



    Don't forget to see the "Hoshizuna" starry sand on the island's beaches, which is unique in the world!

     

  • Day 18 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Transfer back to Ishigaki International Airport (20 minute taxi or airport shuttle bus (€5, to be paid on the spot to the driver, 2 buses/hour).

    Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia, with changes in Tokyo, Fukuoka or major Asian cities like Hong Kong or Taipei.

     

    Included in your self-guided tour

  • Accommodation

    - 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to the metro.

    - 1 night in a 3* ryokan in Hakone Mount Fuji, traditional half-board

    - 3 nights in a traditional Kyoto house (cleaning, bed linen/towels and tourist tax included)

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Hiroshima, close to train station

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Fukuoka, close to train station

    - 2 nights in a 4* beach resort on Iriomote Island (Okinawa)

    - 3 nights in a 3* hotel on Ishigaki Island (Okinawa)

     

  • Transport

    - Transfer airport > Tokyo

    - Prepaid public transport card

    - Hakone Free Pass 2 days

    - Japan Rail Pass 7 days

    - Domestic flight from Fukuoka -> Ishigaki

    - Ishigaki ferry <-> Iriomote and back

    - Ishigaki ferry <-> Taketomi and back

  • Experiences and meals

    - Welcome at the airport by our assistant

    - Traditional dinner and breakfast in the ryokan at Hakone

    - Discounts at many Hakone tourist sites

    - All breakfasts except in Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka

    - Welcome to Kyoto by a travel angel

    - Night time guided tour of Gion, Kyoto (1h30)

    - Guided tour of Fukuoka (half-day)

     

  • Additional services

    - Unlimited Wi-Fi access with pocket Wi-Fi

    - Complete e-travel diary 

    - The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Japanese time, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. It is valid for telephone calls and Whatsapp.

     

  • Not included in the price of your trip

    - Flights Europe <> Japan

    - Optional insurance policies

    - Personal expenses including meals (breakfast optional)

    - Public transport when your transport cards have run out (see details)

    - Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section

More about your trip

Your tour :

  • The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Children and babies accepted. From 3 to 11 years old a child rate is offered. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be offered to them, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. From 0 to 2 years old inclusive, a "baby" rate is offered. This price corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of the accommodation of the chosen circuit. However, we cannot guarantee a baby cot in each accommodation.
  • This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
  • Your travel documents will be given to you as follows:
    • Travel diary by email maximum 8 days before departure, and other electronic documents 
    • Paper documents (airport transfer ticket, transportation card, Japan Rail Pass voucher) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant.
  • Note: In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your mini travel-guide. Thanks for your kind understanding.

Your accommodation :

  • Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about £1.37/1.93$) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
  • Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is compact, 3-star luxury hotels are of very good quality but the rooms are often quite narrow (12 to 20m2/129 sq ft to 215 sq ft) depending on the hotel. Please note the size of the single room, between 10 and 16m2 (107sq ft and 172 fq ft). For more comfort, you can choose our luxury 4* accommodation upgrade option. 
  • Double room: Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together. As an option, you can select a double room instead of a twin if you prefer a double bed. This option is not available in the Japan Experience house in Kyoto, nor unfortunately in the hotels on the islands of Okinawa, most of which have twin rooms.
  • Single room: People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants. Please note that if you request more than two people in a single room, the single room supplement will be applied to all accommodation except for the ryokans (3 and 4*). In fact, as this is traditional accommodation, people with the same reservation are grouped together in spacious rooms for up to 5 people.
  • 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, a triple room will be allocated to you.
  • In the case of a group order (> 5 people), it is possible, depending on hotel availability, that not all members of the group will be accommodated in the same hotel. Nevertheless, we aim to keep you close. 
  • Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.
  • In the ryokan, guests sleep on comfortable futons placed on the tatami mat. The room has a private sink and toilet. As is customary in Japanese ryokan, the onsen bathroom is shared (not mixed) unless you take the "private bathroom in the room" option.

    OPTION only valid for Hakone ryokan : Enjoy a private Japanese bathroom (traditional or modern onsen) in your room. This option is recommended for mixed couples, families, people who are modest or have visible tattoos.

    The 4* ryokan (see 4* option) have comfortable futons raised on either western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathrooms and toilets of the 4* ryokans are private.
  • Traditional house in Kyoto: each house has been chosen for its location (transport, shops, temples...) and thus to facilitate your stay. Most of them are either located in the historical district of Gion or on the edge of the Path of Philosophy and the Silver Temple. All lodgings have at least one Japanese tatami room and are equipped with a minimum of 3 beds, either in a single western bed (not double) or on a futon. Do not hesitate to specify in your comments that you want to sleep in a western bed.
  • Please note that if the 4* hotel on Iriomote Island is not available, you will be accommodated in a lower category hotel for the 2 nights on Iriomote, and in an equivalent 4* beach resort for the 3 nights on Ishigaki Island

Your transport :

  • Flights are not included in this tour. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
  • The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and will leave from Ishigaki International airport (ISG). You will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 18pm at the latest to make the most of the airport services of your tour (welcome and transfer to Tokyo). The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
  • Please note that for the return flight from Fukuoka International Airport, you will need to change at Tokyo, Helsinki or one of the major Asian cities. In Tokyo and Seoul, please check that the connecting airports are the same. Fukuoka -> Tokyo and Fukuoka -> Seoul flights sometimes land at different airports (Tokyo Haneda HND or Seoul Gimpo GMP) from those from which international flights to Europe depart (Tokyo Narita NRT or Seoul Incheon ICN).
  • If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us 'Organize your welcome and airport transfer.
  • Airport Transfers: The shared limousine bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop within 1-15 minutes walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will drive you to the platform to pick up the airport transfer. The transfer to the hotel is unassisted. If you wish to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception, please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer". This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other clients leaving for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers leave 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, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option. Please note: due to the many changes in flight schedules by the airlines, if the airline notifies you of a change in arrival time less than 72 hours before your departure, and if it exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. You will then have to take a taxi at your own expense, requesting a refund from your airline for abusive schedule changes. The same applies to your return journey: 72 hours before your return flight, we cannot change the shuttle schedule. Similarly, you will have to take a taxi booked with the hotel, at your own expense, with reimbursement procedures with the airline company being the only solution. Japan Experience is not responsible for last minute schedule changes.
  • The domestic flight from Fukuoka -> Ishigaki is included in your offer, either direct or with layovers. 1 piece of checked luggage is allowed. This transfer is by public transport from the central station. 5 minutes by metro from Hakata Central Station, located near your hotel. It's a straightforward journey, with the train arriving directly at the airport. There are 2 terminals connected by a free shuttle bus.

    Cost: 260¥ (about £1.71 / 2.42$, paid with your pre-paid transport card, already loaded with the amount for the transfer). From 5:30am to 12:25am, with metros every 4 to 8 minutes.

    If you want door-to-door transport, we recommend that you contact your hotel reception to order a taxi. It will cost you approximately £12.85 / 17.83$ for a 20 minute journey.
  • Transfer from Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki City and back. Airport bus (1 line, 2 buses/hour, from 8.30am to 6pm). About £3.42, 4.75$, to be paid to the driver.

    If you want door-to-door transport, we recommend that you contact your hotel reception to order a taxi. It will cost you approximately £17.14 / 23.84$  for a 25 minute journey.
  • Included in your tour is a pre-charged transport prepayment card of ¥ 1,500 (around £10.30 / 14.54$) (suica or Pasmo brand); a transport pass for the Tokyo Shinjuku -> Hakone route and all transport in the Hakone region (excluding taxis) and a 7-day Japan Rail Pass. These 3 cards should cover a large part of your trips during the stay. Upon expiry of the 1,500¥ Transport Prepayment Card, or if the line you are travelling on is not covered by your Japan Rail Pass, any travel will be at your own expense by recharging your pre-paid transport card (at vending machines in all stations and metro stations). 
  • The Japan Rail Pass is a personal train pass for foreign travellers who wish to visit Japan. This pass allows unlimited travel for 7 consecutive days on all Japan Railways (JR) trains throughout Japan. You will receive a voucher to be exchanged at a JR office when you are welcomed at the airport by our assistant (list of addresses provided in your travel guide). You will be asked to show your passport and fill in a form. During this exchange, you will select the start date of your pass. Once your Pass has been activated, it will be valid for 7 consecutive days from the date chosen. To prevent wasting time when you arrive at the airport, you are requested to exchange your voucher upon arrival in Tokyo City. This is because exchanging it at the airport could delay your airport shuttle. With your Japan Rail Pass in hand, just go to the station, show your pass to the ticket inspector at the entrance gates and board any JR train. Trains in Japan are almost all open seating. If you are worried about not having a seat (on a shinkansen for example), simply go to a ticket office and reserve your seat at no extra charge. The Japan Rail Pass covers all JR and Shinkansen lines in Japan. The following journeys are not covered:
    • Travel by metro and bus in the cities (payable by pre-paid transport card, included in your package)
    • Transfers from the train station to the hotels (by foot, bus, metro or taxi)
    • Travel on private train lines (other than JR)
    • Travel on Nozomi and Mizuho high-speed trains (shinkansen)
    • Trips made outside the validity period of the Japan Rail Pass
  • Japan Rail Pass: It is not necessary to possess a Japan Rail Pass which covers your entire stay. This is only cost-effective if it is used for long journeys between the different stages of your stay (especially in shinkansen) which are very expensive. In large cities like Tokyo, only about ⅓ of public transport is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and getting around is relatively cheap (Tokyo metro tickets: £1.71 / 2.42$; Kyoto daily bus card: £4.28 / 5.97$). Thus, providing you with a Japan Rail Pass for more than 7 days (14 or 21) would not be cost-effective and, on the contrary, would significantly increase the cost of your trip.
  • If a person taking part in the tour is a Japanese national and a resident of Japan, or a foreigner with tax residence in Japan (including a student), then that person is not eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. Please contact us to get the price of the tour without a Japan Rail Pass. They will have to buy the train tickets for the tour directly in Japan. The Kansai Thru Pass is also subject to the same nationality/residency requirements. This is not the case for the Hakone Free pass. If this person is a Japanese citizen but not a resident of Japan, then he/she can benefit from the Japan Rail Pass under certain conditions (see https://www.japan-experience.com/frequently-asked-questions).

Your activities :

  • Airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name of the reservation. They will give you your travel documents and take you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Kyoto (this is possible, but optional).
  • An English peaking Travel Angel who is a specialist in Japan will be there to welcome you to your traditional house in Kyoto. They will give you the keys, explain how the house and its facilities work, give you a tour of the area (tourist sites, supermarkets, bike rental...) and answer all your questions. They will be available throughout your stay in case of any problems or questions. The same for the traditional Tokyo flat.
  • The guided tour of Gion takes place in groups of 12 people maximum, from 6pm to 7:30/8:00pm. In English. More details on the meeting place in your travel journal. Dinner is not planned but your guide will be able to give you their best spots.
  • The half-day guided tour of Fukuoka takes place in the morning or the afternoon and is private. It takes place in English. Any transport on this morning is at your own expense. Lunch is not included in the activity.

Your meals :

  • Traditional Japanese dinner and Japanese breakfast (mostly savoury) are included in your Hakone tour. Do not hesitate to indicate any dietary requirements you may have, we will pass them on to the ryokan so that they can take them into account when planning the meals. If the ryokan does not take any of these dietary requirements into account, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.
  • Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving copious breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. However, if you would like to add breakfast to your offer when you make your reservation, you can select it as an option.
  • The traditional Japan Experience houses are equipped for cooking and are located close to supermarkets and markets.

Your additional services:

  • Telephone support is available every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. in English.
  • A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It allows unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport of arrival.
  • It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic: simple operation) and a prepaid envelope to return your device at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work naturally until the last day of your trip to Japan.
  • A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to a pocket wifi (phone, tablet, computer).
  • A single pocket wifi is provided for a circuit order of 1 to 5 people. For an order of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi will be added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex : 

Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect :

Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. 

 

Frequently asked questions

Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe No. 1 travel in Japan

  • The guarantee of the first tour operator specialised exclusively in Japan for 40 years
  • A wide range of products to let you Experience Japan from the inside
  • Competitive prices thanks to a single team in UK, Europe, USA and Japan, with no intermediaries
  • Assistance available in Japan throughout your trip
  • specialised team is available 7 days a week by phone or email
  • The best advice thanks to the 3,500 articles available on our website

Tokyo to Okinawa beaches

From
12 290 zł per person - 18 days

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