• Tokyo
  • Hakone
  • Atami
  • Takayama
  • Shirakawa-go
  • Kanazawa
  • Kyoto
  • Nara
  • Miyajima
  • Hiroshima
  • Osaka
  • Tokyo

  • DURATION

    10 days / 9 nights

  • TOUR TYPE
    Small-group tourMax 14 people
  • TRANSPORTATION

    Bullet Train + Limited Express + Local Train + Private Coach + Ferry

  • PRICE(Per Person)
    Please enquire us

Overview

Embark on a culinary journey across Japan in the colourful autumn

Japanese cuisine is famed around the world. From a high-end multi-course Kaiseki meal to a raucous izakaya pub beneath the rumbling train tracks, the Japanese obsession with food can be seen everywhere.

This tour puts Japanese cuisine in the spotlight as we travel the popular “Golden Route” in the beautiful autumn time to seek out the best dishes each region has to offer. And between meals we’ll show you our favourite sights and attractions. Not only will you try the food, you’ll also don an apron and learn to gain an appreciation of the unique relationship and respect Japanese people have towards food.

Share unforgettable moments (and meals) with people you will meet on this culinary journey.

  • Perfect for travellers with a keen interest in Japanese food and culture
  • Fully escorted by our local English-speaking guide
  • Small-group tour (maximum of 14 travellers)
  • Set departure date
  • All meals included
  • Quality hotels throughout
  • All local transportation included
  • Comfortable private coach
  • Luggage transfers

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Highlights


Itinerary

© Hakone Tourism
DAY 1Tokyo > Hakone > Atami

Tokyo Arrival & Hakone

  • Meals: Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Hotel Resorpia Atami (Japanese-Western Room)

Welcome to Japan!

After arriving at Haneda Airport, you’ll be greeted by the Kintetsu representative and meet the rest of your group.
Your tour begins with a trip to Hakone – a beautiful lake-side region known for hot springs that’s just an hour away from Tokyo via private coach.
Board a unique pirate-themed ship and cruise around the stunning Lake Ashi. Keep an eye out for Mt Fuji in the distance!
After a hearty lunch of soba noodles, we’ll move onto Owakudani – an atmospheric volcanic valley.
After a big day, we’ll head to Atami/Odawara via private coach for the night. Relax at the hotel and enjoy your first dinner in Japan – a traditional multi-course Kaiseki meal.


© Takayama City
DAY 2Atami > Takayama

To Takayama, a city nestled in the mountains

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Hida Hotel Plaza (Standard Twin) or similar

Luggage transfer from Atami Hotel to Kyoto Hotel. Travel light in Takayama and Kanazawa.

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to board the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Nagoya – the best way to see Japan. With such a silky smooth ride, it’s almost impossible to believe the scenery is flying by at up to 285km per hour! From Nagoya we’ll take the Limited Express “Wide View Hida” to Takayama, a city nestled in the mountains of the Hida region.
Before we start exploring, we’ll enjoy a bowl of Takayama ramen – a ramen with a lighter broth and smaller curly noodles unique to the region.
Fully charged after lunch, we explore Takayama Old Town and Takayama Jinya. Stroll down streets lined with beautifully preserved buildings of the Edo era that allow you to see Japan as it was hundreds of years ago.
For dinner, we’ll try sukiyaki. A bubbling hotpot with vegetables and Hida beef – among the finest quality beef in Japan.

© Shirakawa Village Hall- Gifu Prefecture
DAY 3Takayama > Shirakawa-go > Kanazawa

World Heritage Shirakawa-go village and interesting food scene in Kanazawa

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Miyabi (Superior Twin)

After breakfast, we’ll visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its thatched roof houses. It’s a charming area that looks straight from the pages of a children’s storybook.
We’ll leave the mountains and head via private coach to the city of Kanazawa located right on the Sea of Japan. With some of the freshest seafood in Japan, seafood lovers are in for a treat.
After a tempura lunch, we head to Omicho Market to explore the hundreds of stalls and shops showcasing the finest produce the region has to offer.
Finish the day with a delicious crab dinner – you’ll never have had fresher crab!

© Kanazawa City
DAY 4Kanazawa > Kyoto

Best attractions of Kanazawa

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station (Moderate Twin)

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll board our private coach to tour the best attractions of Kanazawa.
First up are the narrow streets of the historic Higashi Chaya district – one of Japan’s few remaining geisha districts.
From there we stop at the majestic Kanazawa Castle which dates back to the 1500s. Across from the Castle are the Kenrokuen Gardens – an exquisite landscaped garden that shares a history with the Castle. Tranquil and serene, the gardens feature pine trees that are 200 years old and beautiful water features. The perfect way to end our tour of Kanazawa.
By now it’s time to eat and for our last taste of Kanazawa’s amazing seafood – a delectable sushi lunch.
In the late afternoon we’ll catch the Limited Express “Thunderbird” for Kyoto – the ancient capital of Japan.
After getting settled in the Kyoto hotel, we’ll go out for dinner to finish up the day.

 
DAY 5Kyoto

Kyoto Highlights and Tofu making experience

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station (Moderate Twin)

We begin our exploration of Kyoto with the shimmering Kinkakuji – the iconic temple covered in gold leaf.
Next, we’ll learn secrets of tofu by actually making it from scratch. Try your hand at making tofu and even get to try our efforts for lunch.
After lunch we’ll take part in a traditional tea ceremony before continuing on to Kiyomizudera Temple. Perched on a mountain, Kiyomizudera’s vast veranda offers a spectacular view of Kyoto.
From there we’ll return to Kyoto central and visit Nishiki Market. This market is crowded with all the local delights – green tea, sweets, locally-made ceramics and anything else you could imagine.
With our appetites worked up from the market, tonight’s dinner will be much welcomed – a teppanyaki feast at a local restaurant.

 
DAY 6Kyoto > Nara > Kyoto

Nara, southern Kyoto and sake tasting followed by dinner with a maiko

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station (Moderate Twin)

After breakfast, we board a private coach tour to Nara and southern Kyoto.
Nara Park is vast and home to many sights of great cultural significance. Explore the park and visit Todaiji Temple – an enormous wooden structure that houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world. Be sure to say hello to the deer that freely roam Nara Park – but be careful – they’re on the lookout for snacks!
For lunch, we’ll stop in at a local Italian restaurant for pizza and pasta.
In the afternoon we’ll visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Kyoto. This centuries-old Kyoto brewery taps into the pure underground spring water of Fushimi – perfect for making sake. Try a sample (or two!) afterwards!
We will also visit Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrine, with its iconic thousands of vermillion torii gates across the narrow pathway to the mountain.
For dinner, spend the evening at an elegant restaurant surrounded by beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens and enjoy a Kaiseki meal. And as a truly rare experience, be entertained over dinner by a maiko – a geisha apprentice – with a performance featuring games and music.

 
DAY 7Kyoto > Hiroshima

Picturesque Miyajima Island

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae (Deluxe Twin)

Luggage transfer from Kyoto Hotel to Tokyo Hotel. Travel light in Hiroshima and Osaka.

Today we head to Hiroshima on the bullet train – a city that respects its tragic past but is not defined by it.
We’ll first board a ferry for a day-trip to Miyajima – a small island just 10 minutes off the mainland. Miyajima is home to one of the most iconic scenes in Japan – the “floating” tori gate of Itsukushima shrine. Explore the island and see the Five Story Pagoda and Daishoin Temple – and make new friends with the deer that roam the island.
Miyajima is famous for delicious, juicy oysters – which feature on today’s lunch menu!
Take a moment to relax back in the hotel before we take on Hiroshima’s comfort food of choice for dinner – okonomiyaki. Most commonly described as a sizzling savoury pancake – topped with meat or local seafood – it is a must-try.

Courtesy of Hiroshima Prefecture
DAY 8Hiroshima > Osaka

Hiroshima morning and Osaka afternoon

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station (High Floor Twin)

This morning we visit the A-Bomb Dome – the epicentre of the 1945 atomic bomb blast. Surrounded by the beautiful Peace Memorial Park dotted with colourful origami cranes symbolising hope, it is incredible to see how the city of Hiroshima has prospered.
Next we farewell Hiroshima and take a bullet train to Osaka – also known as Japan’s Kitchen. Pick up a bento (lunch box) before the trip and watch the scenery glide by as you eat!
After arriving in Osaka we head to Osaka Castle. Situated in a picturesque park, Osaka Castle sits high above and provides a great view over Osaka.
For dinner, we dive into the chaotic night-life of Dotonbori and feast on kushikatsu. Kushikatsu is deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables with a dipping sauce – a true Osaka favourite. Remember, only dip once!

 
DAY 9Osaka > Tokyo

The mega-city Tokyo!

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Stay: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (Standard Twin)

After breakfast we hop on the bullet train and speed toward our final destination – the mega-city of Tokyo!
You’re in charge for lunch as we roll up our sleeves and take part in a sushi-making class. Learn under the experts’ watchful eye. Good luck!
After lunch we’ll spend the afternoon in the Asakusa district. Here you’ll see the area’s unique blend of old Japan and cutting-edge future of Japan.
Stroll down the buzzing Nakamise shopping street while sampling traditional snacks and picking up those last-minute souvenirs before arriving at Sensoji – Tokyo’s most famous temple.
Head skywards to the 634m-high Tokyo Skytree. The never-ending sprawl of Tokyo laid out beneath you is a truly memorable sight.
Tonight we celebrate a great trip with an all-you-can-eat izakaya dinner. Eat, drink and plan your next trip to Japan!

 
DAY 10Tokyo

Tokyo – See you again!

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

On our final day in Japan, we head to Tsukiji Outer Market. The former site of Tokyo’s iconic seafood market, Tsukiji remains an important source for fresh seafood and produce and is a favourite among restauranteurs.
After exploring Tsukiji Outer Market, we drive through the Olympic Games precincts before we head for a sumo demonstration while enjoying lunch. We’ll witness the intensity of sumo. Watch two former professional sumo wrestlers go to toe-to-toe in a sumo demonstration. Feel their movement and witness a close-up demonstration of sumo wrestling while sampling their favourite meal, chanko nabe….
And as the sun sets, our tour comes to an end, and we return to the hotel. If you are flying home tonight, board your private transfer back to Haneda Airport.
We hope to see you again in Japan – sayonara!

*subject to change depending on the schedule of sumo matches.


Accommodation

© Hotel Resorpia Atami
Atami

Hotel Resorpia Atami

Japanese-Western Room

Overlooking the Sagami Sea, your room offers all the comforts you need. Enjoy the public hot spring bath and wind down after the first day of the tour. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.

© Hida Hotel Plaza
Takayama

Hida Hotel Plaza

Standard Twin

Located in the center of Takayama, this hotel’s key feature is the gorgeous rooftop spa with mountain views. Free Wi-Fi available.

© Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Miyabi
Kanazawa

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Miyabi

Superior Twin

With easy access to typical tourist destinations, this hotel ensures a supremely comfortable stay. This hotel focuses on traditional culture and crafts designs. Enjoy Kaga Yuzen in the hot springs and relax after a long journey. Free Wi-Fi available.

© Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
Kyoto

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station

Moderate Twin

This stylish hotel is minutes away from Kyoto Station, making our train connections simple and easy. Relax in a beautifully appointed room with a Japanese touch. Free Wi-Fi available.

© Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae
Hiroshima

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae

Deluxe Twin

Near Hiroshima Station, this spacious hotel offers stylish, high-quality interiors and a modern ambience. Enjoy breakfast overlooking Hiroshima city and taste local produce and Hiroshima specialities. Free Wi-Fi available.

© Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station
Osaka

Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station

High Floor Twin

Conveniently located only steps from the world-famous Shin-Osaka Train Station. This hotel allows stress-free travel to famous cities and historical attractions, including Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Himeji – with access to all of Osaka’s most popular sightseeing destinations. Free Wi-Fi available.

© Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

Standard Twin

A high-rise hotel located in the heart of Shinjuku’s skyscraper district. Enjoy views of the Tokyo skyline in your elegant room that allows you to enjoy your final city in Japan stress-free. Free Wi-Fi available.

Inclusions

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • Meals: 10 x Breakfast, 10 x Lunch, 9 x Dinner
  • English-speaking guide thoughout the tour
  • Transportation: Charter motor coach*, bullet train, limited express train, local train, and ferry tickets

    *Please note: For groups with 8 travellers, we will use a private mini-bus.

  • Admission fees to museums, temples and other attractions detailed in the itinerary
  • Tofu & sushi cooking experiences, sake tasting, tea ceremony & sumo demonstration experience
  • Luggage transfer from Atami to Kyoto, and Kyoto to Tokyo

Exclusions

  • Flights
  • Transfers outside the tour itinerary
  • Hotel early check-in/late check-out fees
  • Hotel incidental charges
  • Drinks during meals (Exception: Soft drinks and alcoholic beverage are included on the Day 9 dinner)
  • Entrance fees to museums, temples and other attractions or places of personal interests not detailed in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, shopping
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa not included if required (note: Visa to enter Japan is not required for Australian citizens for trips less than 90 days)

Dates & Prices

Group Booking Discounts Available

Share the fun, save the cost.
Travel in a group and get 8% off per person on selected Japan tours!

Learn more

For 2023 departure

Start Date – End Date

5 November – 14 November

(TOUR CODE: AAA05113S)

Standard Price

A$9,650

per person
in a twin-share room

Available Offer

Availability

Booking closed

For 2024 departure

Start Date – End Date

Please enquire us

Standard Price

Please enquire us

Available Offer

Availability

Please enquire us

Group size: Min 8 people / Max 14 people

*Single supplement: A$2,270

*Please contact us for our triple-share rates.

*This tour is for travellers aged 15 years old and up.

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Important Information

  • Please kindly note that, due to COVID-19, the schedule is subject to change.
  • There will be a moderate amount of walking during the tour.
  • Travel restrictions are constantly changing. Please check the latest travel advice before you book and before you travel.

Terms & Conditions

Why book Japan tours with us?

Small groups, BIG Experiences

From sushi-making class to watching sumo wrestlers in action, a small group tour gives you access to experiences you might not otherwise see in Japan. All Kintetsu Japan tours are limited to just 20 people, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.

Japan tours by Japan experts

We know Japan! As a Japanese company, each one of our carefully curated itineraries taps into our team’s vast local knowledge and network of partners. We know where to go, where to stay and everything in between.

Great peace of mind abroad

Go beyond the major sights and immerse yourself in the unique culture – all while our expert staff show you the way! Travel abroad can be overwhelming, but with everything taken care of, the only thing you need to decide is when to go!

About Kintetsu

In Australia

Kintetsu International Express (Oceania) is an ATAS accredited travel agent in Australia, a member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents. In Australia, we specialise in arranging Corporate and Group Travel for businesses, schools, religious groups and cultural organisations. We have Travel Centres in Sydney serving our Australian customers and offices in Cairns, Gold Coast and Auckland handling Japanese inbound tours. We are also an authorised travel agent to sell Japan Rail Pass and Kintetsu Rail Pass in Australia

In Japan and Worldwide

Kintetsu International belongs to the travel arm of the Kintetsu Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate which operates a major Japanese rail system, bus & freight forwarding companies, department stores, restaurants & hotel chains. We have more than 150 offices in Japan and more than 40 overseas offices worldwide. Utilising our global network, we guide our customers to every location around the globe with quality and dependable services.