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Peregrine Travel Centre

Japan Express

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Japan Express

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Description

Home to sumo wrestling, sake, geishas, karaoke and onsens, Japan’s got a lot going for it. And on this nine-day trip to some of its most acclaimed cities, you’ll get to see the country at its best. Take in the neon nightlife of Tokyo, reflect during a visit to Hiroshima, discover thousands of years of culture and history in Kyoto and finish in the eclectic Osaka. And have you heard about the food? World-class sushi, ravishing ramen, delectable donburi – you certainly won’t be going hungry. With your local leader to point you in all the right directions and plenty of time to explore at your own pace, experience the culture and charm of the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.

Trip Name
Japan Express
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
9
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Encounter the many faces of Japan in a short amount of time on this express adventure. See ultra-modern Tokyo, ancient traditions in Kyoto and everything in between.
  • Visit the Peace Park for a sobering insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
  • Eat your way around Japan with chances to try all kinds of delicious street food, sake and snacks – think hearty bowls of ramen, world-class sashimi and char-grilled yakitori (chicken skewers).
  • Spend three nights in Kyoto, exploring this amazing ancient capital in depth – visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, famous for its thousands of crimson torii (gates) leading up Mt Inari. Plus, enjoy plenty of free time to create your own adventure.
  • Ride the renowned shinkansen bullet train and make use of public transport day passes to get to and from the activities you choose. Even getting from place to place is fun in Japan!

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with restaurants and karaoke bars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not head out for an optional dinner to try some local food and experience the nightlife in this amazing city? You might like to finish the night with a drink at a traditional Japanese izakaya (casual bar) – ask your leader for their favourites.
Day 2 - Tokyo
This morning, venture out with your small group on the metro to explore the buzzing Shibuya area. Check out one of the busiest intersections in the world before heading into a depachika (underground department store food hall) for a mouth-watering array of Japanese treats. Next, visit Meiji Shrine – enter via a massive torii (gate) and notice the sights and sounds of the city fade away as you enter the tranquil forest. After, explore the Harajuku district, the home of quirky youth pop culture. In your free time this afternoon, maybe wander through the historic Asakusa area – one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo. Here you can stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, which was founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. This evening, you've got endless options for dinner – how about a steaming bowl of ramen, crispy tonkatsu (pork cutlet) or snacks and beer at (another) izakaya.
Day 3 - Hiroshima
Today, it’s time to leave Tokyo and travel by shinkansen to Hiroshima. This afternoon, you’ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum, which stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was the target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated, so the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing has made it an enduring symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims. This evening, maybe try one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood.
Day 4 - Hiroshima
Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. While here, you might like to climb (or hop on the cable car) to the top of Mt Misen for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Then, visit a local workshop and learn how to make a momiji manju (Japanese maple-leaf shaped pastry). This pastry originated from Miyajima, so it’s only fitting that you learn how to make it in its birthplace! After your sweet treat, return to Hiroshima for a free afternoon. You could stop by the five-storey Hiroshima Castle, which dates back to the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but was reconstructed in the 1950s and is now a museum. Shukkeien Garden, with its graceful teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress from sightseeing. Or, you could watch the local baseball and soccer teams in action if you’re lucky enough to be in town when there’s a match on. Ask your leader for other tips and suggestions – there’s plenty to see and do.
Day 5 - Kyoto
This morning, jump back on the shinkansen to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo ('tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in AD794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, and with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there’s a lot to explore. When you arrive, head to one of the most photogenic spots in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine – famous for its thousands of vermillion-coloured torii (gates) that straddle the paths and trails leading up Mt Inari. After, enjoy some free time to get acquainted with Kyoto by walking through its historic neighbourhoods.
Day 6 - Kyoto
Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. With its many landmarks and historical sites and an abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is also a city that lends itself to walking, and there are plenty of paths to follow – ask your leader for their recommendations. Maybe visit the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, also known as ‘The Golden Pavilion’. Or, if you’re visiting in spring, head to the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (the Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha). This evening, go on a guided walk through the Pontocho and Gion areas – the famous geiko (geisha) districts. Even today, you can observe the age-old tradition of geiko visiting members of the wealthy elite – this unfolds in small teahouses tucked away in tiny back streets. For those who are keen, you can also choose to attend the Gion Corner cultural centre, where you can watch some Japanese performing arts, like flower arranging and the Lion Dance.
Day 7 - Kyoto
Today, make the most of your last day in Kyoto. If you haven’t done so already, you may like to see Japan’s largest pagoda at Toji Temple, or you could visit the imposing and opulent Nijo Castle – former home to the Tokugawa Shoguns who had power over the country during the Edo period. You can also check out the ‘nightingale floors’ of Ninomaru Palace, which squeak to warn of intruders. From the castle, it’s a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji, perhaps Japan’s most acclaimed Zen garden, where carefully placed rocks sit in an immaculately raked sea of gravel. For some local shopping, there’s Kyoto’s Handicraft Centre – a great spot to pick up some souvenirs with a fine selection of woodblock prints, yukata (light cotton robes), jewellery and pottery. Tonight, why not head out for karaoke with your new friends, or maybe splash out on a kaiseki meal in a ryotei (small restaurants serving traditional multi-course cuisine).
Day 8 - Osaka
Hop on board the train this morning and head to Osaka – arguably Japan’s food capital. To get situated, follow your leader on an orientation walk, and then explore this eclectic city in your free time. Meet in the evening again and take a walking tour with your leader through the Dotombori district. Tonight, why not go out for dinner with your fellow travellers and celebrate the end of this fast and furious journey in Japan.
Day 9 - Osaka
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore the many neighbourhoods of Osaka, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-03-202622-03-2026AUD $ 3,695-
21-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 3,800-
25-03-202602-04-2026AUD $ 3,177-
28-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 2,907-
01-04-202609-04-2026AUD $ 3,056-
04-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 3,222-
08-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 3,222-
11-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 2,992-
15-04-202623-04-2026AUD $ 2,992-
09-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 3,570-
16-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 3,590-
23-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 3,440-
27-05-202604-06-2026AUD $ 3,440-
30-05-202607-06-2026AUD $ 3,730-
06-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 3,440-
13-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 3,070-
27-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 3,330-
04-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 3,130-
22-07-202630-07-2026AUD $ 3,070-
29-07-202606-08-2026AUD $ 3,130-
12-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 2,920-
02-09-202610-09-2026AUD $ 3,160-
26-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 3,420-
03-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 3,420-
10-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 3,250-
24-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 3,490-
07-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 3,520-
14-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 3,520-
18-11-202626-11-2026AUD $ 3,520-
28-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 3,520-
12-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 3,670-
20-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 3,385-
13-03-202721-03-2027AUD $ 3,385-
20-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 3,485-
27-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 3,780-
31-03-202708-04-2027AUD $ 3,780-
03-04-202711-04-2027AUD $ 3,890-
07-04-202715-04-2027AUD $ 3,890-
10-04-202718-04-2027AUD $ 3,890-
14-04-202722-04-2027AUD $ 3,890-
08-05-202716-05-2027AUD $ 3,890-
15-05-202723-05-2027AUD $ 3,890-
22-05-202730-05-2027AUD $ 3,890-
29-05-202706-06-2027AUD $ 3,780-
05-06-202713-06-2027AUD $ 3,780-
12-06-202720-06-2027AUD $ 3,485-
26-06-202704-07-2027AUD $ 3,485-
03-07-202711-07-2027AUD $ 3,385-
21-07-202729-07-2027AUD $ 3,385-
28-07-202705-08-2027AUD $ 3,385-
21-08-202729-08-2027AUD $ 3,385-
25-08-202702-09-2027AUD $ 3,385-
01-09-202709-09-2027AUD $ 3,385-
08-09-202716-09-2027AUD $ 3,385-
29-09-202707-10-2027AUD $ 3,670-
02-10-202710-10-2027AUD $ 3,670-
09-10-202717-10-2027AUD $ 3,780-
23-10-202731-10-2027AUD $ 3,780-
30-10-202707-11-2027AUD $ 3,780-
06-11-202714-11-2027AUD $ 3,890-
10-11-202718-11-2027AUD $ 3,890-
13-11-202721-11-2027AUD $ 3,890-
27-11-202705-12-2027AUD $ 3,890-
11-12-202719-12-2027AUD $ 3,890-

Accommodation

Multishare Pod Hostel (2 nights), Basic Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

Public Bus, Metro, Train, Bullet Train

Map

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