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Timeless Japan 14 Days

$3,899.00

Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Amagasaki, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Matsumoto, Mt Fuji, Kamakura, Yokohama, Tokyo


 

Tour Highlights:

  • Wander through Nara Deer Park where over 1,200 tame sika deer roam freely
  • View Osaka from 40 stories (173m) at the Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory
  • Explore Himeji Castle, the largest surviving traditional castle in in Japan!
  • Travel by ferry to Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine best known for its ‘floating torii‘ on the sea
  • Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park to learn the history of Hiroshima
  • See the sights of Japan’s top landscape gardens – Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa
  • Discover the historic villages of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Explore the cafes and old saké breweries of Takayama’s Old Town, a wonderful slice of Old Japan
  • Walk through the beautiful streets of Gion, the Geisha district of Kyoto
  • Visit Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior
  • See the Instagram famous Chureito Pagoda, famed for its views of Mount Fuji
  • Witness the incredible Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple located in Kamakura
  • Scale the second-tallest structure in the world, the Tokyo Sky Tree

 

What can you expect on this tour?

We have taken the beloved Golden Route of Japan and polished it until it shines even brighter. Now with more destinations, and more attractions, this tour is the best way to experience the depth of Japan’s history and culture, and to appreciate the achievements of Japan’s technical and urban development.

 

Country Profile

Japan

Capital: Tokyo
Population: 127.3 million
Currency: Yen (JPY)
Local Time: GMT +9
Telephone Code: +81
Electricity: 100 volts at 60 Hz AC in the western region. 100 volts 50 Hz AC in the eastern region. Flat two-pin plugs.
Baggage Clearance: Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Japan. Exempt: Baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside of Japan, provided the onward flight is within 24 hours.

Map

Japan_MAP-TJ

 

Disclaimer: Map is not to scale and is for graphical purposes only.

 

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2020

2020

Departure Dates
Twin Share Per Person

All prices are in AUD
Single Supplement

Triple share unavailable
23 Mar*** 22 Jun From
$3,899 		+$1,300
30 Mar*** 14 Sep
06 Apr*** 28 Sep
13 Apr*** 12 Oct
11 May 26 Oct*
25 May 09 Nov*
08 Jun 23 Nov*
* = Autumn Leaves Season Surcharge $300 per person
*** = Cherry Blossom Season Surcharge $500 per person

 

Ready to book? Click on the button below to start your booking process.
Book Now for 2020

2021

2021

Departure Dates
Twin Share Per Person

All prices are in AUD
Single Supplement

Triple share unavailable
24 Mar*** 21 Jul From
$3,899 		+$1,300
31 Mar*** 25 Aug
07 Apr*** 15 Sep
12 May 27 Oct*
23 Jun 17 Nov*
* = Autumn Leaves Season Surcharge $300 per person
*** = Cherry Blossom Season Surcharge $500 per person

 

Ready to book? Click on the button below to start your booking process.
Book Now for 2021

 

When to travel to Japan?

Late March through to early April Late March through to early April
This period is is historically the best time to view cherry blossoms, but we cannot guarantee that they will flower on these dates as they are highly seasonal and subject to climatic conditions.
June to August June to August
This period is the best time to view fresh spring greens and enjoy the warm climate.
Late October through to early November Late October through to early November
This period is the best time to see crimson leaves in Autumn.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Australia Osaka

    Take an international flight from Australia to Osaka via a connecting city.

    Please note: Depending on the city of departure, some flights may depart one day later. Flights will be via connecting cities and may involve more than one transit.
  • Day 2: Osaka

    Arrive in Osaka. Your friendly tour representative will be waiting at the airport to greet you. You will then proceed to your hotel and check in. Enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure or you can start exploring this amazing city straight away.

    Note: Standard hotel check-in time is 2-3pm. You may leave your luggage at the hotel until check-in.
  • Day 3: Osaka  Nara  Osaka  Amagasaki

    Breakfast, Dinner

    This morning we travel to Kasuga-Taisha Shrine – A UNESCO world heritage site. It is Nara’s most celebrated shrines. The interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns and stone lanterns that lead up the shrine. Next, we visit Todaiji Temple (Great Eastern Temple), with its Great Buddha Hall – the world’s largest wooden building. This impressive building houses a huge 15m tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. We then wander through Nara Park, where over 1,200 tame sika deer roam freely. Later we head to Namba and Dotonbori area in the city’s South encompasses premier shopping districts, restaurants and bars. We then move on to something more modern – the Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory, which provides an unparalleled elevated view of Osaka. The viewing platform is suspended between two 40-story towers, at 173 metres above the city streets. Tonight you will enjoy a dinner buffet at the hotel with your fellow travellers.

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  • Day 4: Amagasaki  Himeji  Kurashiki  Hiroshima

    Breakfast

    Today we travel to Himeji Castle, which is the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO-registered complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight – hence the popular name ‘Shirasagi-jō’ – White Heron Castle. In 1945 an American firebomb was dropped into the top floor of the keep, but didn’t ignite, and the castle was renovated in 1956. Himeji Castle is the most visited in Japan, and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city. Later we travel to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter located in Okayama prefecture, known for its traditional historic buildings situated along a picturesque canal.

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  • Day 5: Hiroshima  Miyajima  Hiroshima  Amagasaki

    Breakfast

    Today we travel by ferry to Miyajima – a small island in Hiroshima Bay known for its forests and ancient temples. Here we will visit Itsukushima Shrine a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its floating torii gate. We head back to Hiroshima to visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb explosion in World War II.

    Note: The floating torii gate is currently under renovation, a date for the completion of the renovation works has not yet been advised. You will still be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine.
  • Day 6: Amagasaki  Kyoto  Amagasaki

    Breakfast

    This morning, we visit Kinkakuji: Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. Next, we get a taste of Kyoto by visiting Nishiki Market located in downtown Kyoto. Try local specialties while walking down a five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Then we head to Gion also known as Geisha district. Delve into Kyoto’s rich history while admiring the beautifully preserved architecture and traditional customs. Lastly, we visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine – famous for the magical, seemingly unending path of over 5000 vibrant orange torii gates that wind through the hills making it one of the most popular shrines in Japan.

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  • Day 7: Amagasaki  Kanazawa

    Breakfast

    Our first stop today is Omicho Market located in Kanazawa. Known as Kanazawa’s Kitchen, it is a colourful and bustling fresh food market with over 200 shops and stalls. Next we visit Nomura Clan Samurai House, the historic residence of the Nomura Samurai clan. The house and grounds provide an insight into the lifestyle of the Samurai class during the 16th-19th centuries, and feature beautiful architecture, gardens, and décor such as painted screen doors. We also visit Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Developed over 200 years ago, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species.

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  • Day 8: Kanazawa  Shirakawago  Takayama  Matsumoto

    Breakfast

    Today we travel to Shirakawago Village, a World Heritage site where 114 Gassho-style houses with steeply-pitched roofs in the shape of a triangle. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. Enjoy some free time to explore the sights at Shirakawago observation deck (approx. 10 min by foot), where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic views of Shirakawago. Next, we head to Kami-Sannomachi Street also called Takayama Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868). It is well known for its charming architecture, unique cafes and old saké breweries famous for some of the best tasting saké in Japan.

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  • Day 9: Matsumoto  Mount Fuji  Tokyo

    Breakfast

    This morning we will visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior. The keep, or “tenshu”, completed around 1593, is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. Then we head to Arakurayama Sengen Park where the instagram-famous Chureito Pagoda is located. Witness the breathtaking view of Chureito Pagoda* back dropped by the iconic snow-capped Mount Fuji*.  Later we visit Oshino Hakkai. Known as the springs of Mount Fuji, it’s a small village with a scenic view of Mount Fuji*. The eight crystal clear ponds are fed by melting snow filtering down from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji, through porous layers of lava, resulting in the finest clear spring water that is revered by locals. Here you will also find many restaurants, souvenir shops and food vendors around the ponds.

    Note*: The visibility of Mount Fuji is subject to weather. In mid-March the parking lot at Chureito Pagoda will be closed off and you will need to walk up the stairs (approx. 398 steps) to see Chureito Pagoda. Alternatively you may explore Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine if you do not wish to walk up the steps.
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  • Day 10: Tokyo  Kamakura  Yokohama  Tokyo

    Breakfast

    Today we visit the incredible Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kotoku-in Temple located in Kamakura. Constructed in 1252 and once covered in gold, the bronze Great Buddha is an impressive sight. This is followed by Komachi-Dori Shopping Street, a fashionable street located in the middle of the ancient city of Kamakura. Next we head to Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a historical building erected a century ago as customs buildings for Yokohama Port. The two warehouses survived the 1923 Kanto earthquake, and remained unscathed from World War II thanks to its iron reinforcements. Building No.2 is now home to a number of shops, bars and restaurants, while building No. 1 is used for a wide range of events, exhibitions, fashion shows and concerts.

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  • Day 11: Tokyo

    Breakfast

    Enjoy a free day of leisure in Tokyo.

    You may join our guided World Heritage Nikko Day Tour ($290pp incl. lunch) or visit Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea ($130pp admission only excl. transfers).

  • Day 12: Tokyo

    Breakfast, Dinner

    This morning we visit Tokyo Sky Tree, the landmark of Tokyo. Opening in May 2012, the Skytree is a television and radio broadcast site, and contains a restaurant and two viewing platforms. At 634 metres, this is the 2nd-tallest structure in the world! Next we visit Senso-ji Temple located in Asakusa. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Later we take a stroll to Nakamise Shopping Street, a centuries-old promenade of shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs like kimonos and bottles of saké. We then visit Imperial Palace Plaza, the residence for the Japanese Imperial Family. The inner grounds of the palace are not open to the public but you can enjoy the natural scenery surrounding the palace grounds, including the Lotus Moat and Nijubashi (double Bridge). The next stop is Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Built as an island fortress in the 19th century, Odaiba will be a venue location for the 2020 Olympic Games, and is already a popular leisure and sightseeing area. Tonight you will enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers.

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  • Day 13: Tokyo  Australia

    Breakfast

    Spend today free at leisure if time permits before boarding the airport limousine bus to the airport for your flight home.

  • Day 14: Australia

    Arrive home today.

    Note: Some flights may arrive on day 13.

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Inclusions

Inclusions

  • Economy airfares, taxes & fuel surcharges from Sydney or Melbourne with a full service Chinese or other Asian carrier (e.g. Vietnam/Thai/Malaysia Airlines)
  • 11 nights 3-4 star locally rated twin share accommodation
  • Daily meals as indicated
  • Coach transportation
    • Baggage limit: 1 piece 20kg maximum per person
  • Airport/Hotel shuttle bus or airport limousine bus transfer(s)
  • Admissions to scenic attractions
  • English speaking tour guide(s) service

Exclusions

  • Prepaid tipping: $140 pp
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal expenses & anything else not mentioned in the inclusions

Interstate flights

  • Brisbane/Adelaide/Perth from $300 pp (flights may be via Sydney or Melbourne)

Optional Activities

Tailor your Japan tour experience by choosing from the optional activities below.

 

World Heritage Nikko Guided Day Tour + Lunch $290 pp

Nikko is a major centre for Buddhism and the Shinto religion. It is located in a valley and surrounded by beautiful deciduous forests and majestic waterfalls. This optional tour will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine. This area is well known for its distinctive architecture made up of a large number of wood carvings and gold leaf decorations on the buildings. This design is unique and not seen elsewhere in Japan. You will also visit Kegon Waterfall (around 100m high) which is the main natural attraction in Nikko. This is the best spot to view maple leaves during autumn.
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Note: This optional tour is subject to a minimum of 10 passengers.

Nikko
Tokyo Disneyland Day Ticket $130 pp

Tokyo Disneyland is a 115-acre (47 ha) theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. Its main gate is directly adjacent to both Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland Station. It was the first Disney park to be built outside the United States, and it opened on 15 April 1983. The park has seven themed areas: the World Bazaar; the four classic Disneylands: Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland; and two mini-lands: Critter Country and Mickey’s Toontown. Many of the games and rides in these areas mirror those in the original Disneyland as they are based on American Disney films and fantasies. Fantasyland includes Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and more based on classic Disney films and characters.
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Note: Admission ticket only. Transfers are not included.

Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo DisneySea Day Ticket $130 pp

Tokyo DisneySea is a 176-acre (71.22 ha) theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort located in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, just outside Tokyo. It opened on September 4, 2001. Tokyo DisneySea attracted an estimated 14 million visitors in 2013, making it the fourth-most-visited theme park in the world. In 2002 Tokyo DisneySea won a Thea Award from the Themed Entertainment Association for the concept, design, and construction of the theme park. Tokyo DisneySea also won the 2012-2015 Theme Park Insider Awards “Best theme park”. There are seven uniquely themed areas or “ports of call”. The entrance to the park is Mediterranean Harbour, which opens up to six additional nautically-themed ports: American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, and Mysterious Island.
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Note: Admission ticket only. Transfers are not included.

Tokyo DisneySea

Upgrade Flights

Upgrade Your Flights to a Premium Carrier

Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, All Nippon Airways, or Japan Airlines from $500 pp (subject to availability & applicable fare difference)

  • Tip: upgrade to avoid paying the interstate & early arrival/stay behind surcharge)

Note: International long haul sectors only

Upgrade Your Flights to Premium Economy Class

Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific from $2,500 pp (subject to availability)

Note: International long haul sectors only

Upgrade Your Flights to Business Class

China Southern Airlines from $3,000 pp, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways from $3,500 pp (subject to availability)

Note: International long haul sectors only

Extend Your Stay

Arrive Early in Osaka

  • Early arrival airfare surcharge: From $250 pp (subject to availability and applicable fare difference)
  • Pre-tour accommodation (incl. breakfast): $450/twin room/night (subject to availability)

Stay Behind in Tokyo

  • Stay behind airfare surcharge: From $250 pp (subject to availability and applicable fare difference)
  • Post-tour accommodation (incl. breakfast): $450/twin room/night (subject to availability)

Stopover in an intermediate city (subject to airline/flight routing)

Stopover airfare surcharge: From $250 pp per city (subject to availability and applicable fare difference)

Stopover Package in Hong Kong for 3 Nights from $489 pp

Upgrade your flights to Cathay Pacific or Qantas Airways to book this package

Once a sleepy fishing village, Hong Kong has developed into one of the premier financial powerhouses of the Far East. It is a city which boldly blends modernity with Chinese heritage and British colonial influence. A safe, well organised, fast paced shopping paradise, it also offers up some unmatched cuisine experiences.

Click here for more details »

Stopover Package in Singapore for 2 Nights from $399 pp

Upgrade your flights to Singapore Airlines or Qantas Airways to book this package

Singapore is loved as a hot destination, full of contrasts inside a small area. The food culture is diverse; Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes such as stir-fried noodles, roti chennai, and laksa are well known. You will see hundreds of different street foods in Chinatown.

Click here for more details »

Accommodation

City/Location
Hotel Name
Kansai Airport Hotel Nikko Kansai or similar
Amagasaki Hotel Vischio Amagasaki by Granvia or similar
Hiroshima Hotel New Hiroden or similar
Kanazawa Hotel Vista Kanazawa or similar
Matsumoto Hotel Buena Vista or similar (2020)
Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Eki-Mae or similar (2021)
Tokyo Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar

 

FAQs

Triple share is not available. The third person will need to pay a single supplement in addition to the twin share package price.

No discounts apply for children. Same price as adults.

Australian passport holders are exempt for a stay of up to 90 days.

 

Have a question about this tour package?
Get in touch with us and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have. We love to hear from you.
 
Contact Us

Disclaimer

Note: Flight itineraries are not available until approximately 2 weeks before departure & may involve 2 transits per leg.

All prices, itineraries, airlines, hotels and cruise ships are subject to availability and change without prior notice. Nexus Holidays reserves the right to provide substitutes of similar standard and adjust the itinerary as we see fit to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Passengers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not deviate from the set itinerary. The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land. All accommodation is based on the local ratings and that hotel rooms in Japan are smaller in sizes compare to other countries. Only twin-bedded rooms can be guaranteed. All other room types are on a request basis only and cannot be guaranteed before departure. Please check all information before booking. By booking, you accept all Booking Conditions.

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