Click to see our KRUGER SAFARI March Break Special!
2025 Sold out but space available in 2026!
PLEASE NOTE: This tour operates immediately following our SEOUL plus tour so that it's easy for guests who want to do both tours to connect them. If you're interested in both tours, please ask Barry for details on the necessary flight arrangements.
This tour is designated as a TravelMaven Walking Tour. Over the course of a typical day, guests should be able to handle 10,000 steps, ten or more flights of stairs and lots of ups and downs on uneven terrain. The good news is: we won't be in a race, so our pace will be relaxed!
Japan occupies a unique place in many Westerners' minds. On the one hand, it seems very familiar. We've seen it in dozens of movies, and Japanese consumer products have been part of our everyday lives for decades. On the other hand, it seems exotic and foreign. On this tour, we'll reconcile these two perspectives and experience the Japan of today.
Travel in Japan has also been presumed expensive since the 1980's. We've all heard crazy stories about $800 hotel rooms and $25 hamburgers. While this may have been true at one time, things have changed so that Japan today is no more expensive than Canada. In fact, hotels are cheaper in Tokyo than Vancouver, and beer costs less in Kyoto than Toronto!
This Best of JAPAN tour is meant as an introduction to this beautiful country. It doesn't purport to be comprehensive, as a truly exhaustive tour of Japan would take many weeks. Instead, we will sample the best this country has to offer using their incredible bullet train network and just three conveniently located hotels in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto.
So, if you've always wanted to see Japan like that, we hope you will join us!
TOUR DETAILS
2025:
SOLD OUT
Departs Toronto: Mon Oct 27
Begins in Tokyo: Tue Oct 28
Ends in Tokyo: Mon Nov 10
2026:
LAND PACKAGE: C$6,980
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: C$1,940
2026 Dates & Flight Plans tbd
TYPE: Active Sightseeing (lots of walking)
HOTELS: 3 star & 4 star
GROUP: Max 12 guests
DURATION: 14 days (13 hotel nights)
DAILY AGENDA (2025)
DAY 0 (Mon Oct 27) Depart Toronto
Your journey to Japan begins! While the trans-Pacific flight is not included in this Land Package, TravelMaven recommends booking Air Canada Flight AC001 from Toronto Pearson to Haneda Airport, Tokyo. Barry will meet this flight at Haneda airport, while guests arriving at Narita Airport (much further out of the city) will need to make their own way to the hotel in Shinjuku.
DAY 1 (Tue Oct 28) Arrive in Tokyo (B)
For guests only joining the Best of JAPAN tour, Barry will meet those arriving from Toronto on Air Canada Flight AC001 at 15:50 at Haneda Airport and escort them to the hotel in Shinjuku. Meanwhile, guests continuing from the Seoul Plus Tour will arrive in Tokyo earlier in the day with Barry and have a free day to explore or unwind before the Japan adventure officially kicks off.
Japanese women in traditional kimonos
DAY 2 (Wed Oct 29) Imperial Palace; Ginza District (B,D)
The adventure begins! After breakfast, we’ll gather for a brief orientation meeting to go over the tour. Then, we’ll take a short walk to one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks—the Imperial Palace—where we’ll enjoy a guided tour. Afterward, we’ll stop for lunch before returning to the hotel for a short break. In the late afternoon, we’ll walk to Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping and entertainment district, often compared to Fifth Avenue in New York, where you’ll have time to explore its luxury boutiques, department stores, and lively streets.
DAY 3 (Thu Oct 30) Tokyo Sightseeing Tour (B)
Today, we’ll explore some of Tokyo’s top landmarks on a guided sightseeing tour. The exact itinerary will be finalized closer to the date. After the tour, guests will have a free evening to explore on their own—whether it’s trying out a local restaurant, shopping, or experiencing Tokyo’s nightlife.
Imperial Palace, Tokyo
DAY 4 (Fri Oct 31) Mount Fuji Day Trip. (B,D)
Today is a big day as we head out to see Mount Fuji, Japan’s number one tourist icon and a must-see destination. This full-day bus tour offers incredible views and multiple photo opportunities of the famous peak, a sight that has inspired art and culture for centuries. After a full day taking in this impressive volcano, we’ll return to Tokyo in the evening and have a group dinner near the hotel.
DAY 5 (Sat Nov 1) FREE DAY (optional Nikko Day Trip) (B)
Today, guests have two options: stay in Tokyo for a free day or join Barry for a full-day trip to Nikko. A free day in Tokyo is a great opportunity to visit places that match your individual interests, whether it's museums, restaurants, cultural sites, or unique neighborhoods. The Nikko day trip offers a chance to see the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its intricate carvings and historical significance. Nikko is impressive, but this is a long and tiring day.
Mount Fuji
DAY 6 (Sun Nov 2); Train to Kyoto; Gion District (B,L,D)
After a relaxed morning, we’ll board a high-speed train to Kyoto! Before departure, we’ll pick up ekiben (bento box lunches) at the station—a classic local experience, as enjoying an ekiben on the train is a beloved Japanese travel tradition. Upon arrival in Kyoto, we’ll check in to our hotel before taking the subway to the historic Gion District, famous for its traditional wooden buildings, teahouses, and geisha culture. We’ll take a stroll through its atmospheric streets before sitting down for a casual group dinner. .
DAY 7 (Mon Nov 3) Kyoto Highlights #1 (B, L)
Today, we begin our exploration of Kyoto’s highlights with a visit to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan’s emperors. From there, we’ll take a short walk to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its intricate wood carvings, beautifully painted sliding doors, and "nightingale floors"—designed to chirp underfoot as a security measure against intruders. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch before visiting Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most significant Buddhist temples, known for its impressive wooden architecture. After a full day of sightseeing, we’ll return to the hotel for a relaxed evening.
Gion District, Kyoto
DAY 8 (Tue Nov 4) Kyoto Highlights #2 (B)
Today we continue exploring Kyoto’s highlights. We’ll start by riding the Sagano Romantic Train, a vintage sightseeing railway that winds through the Hozugawa River Valley. Next, we’ll walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a towering grove of bamboo that is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights. We’ll then visit Monkey Park Iwatayama, where we can see wild Japanese macaques up close while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Our final stop is Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf. After returning to the hotel, guests have a free evening or can join Barry for a tour of Kyoto Station, a surprisingly interesting architectural landmark, followed by a casual dinner at one of its many restaurants.
DAY 9 (Wed Nov 5) Todaiji Temple in Nara (B)
After breakfast, we’ll take a train to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, known for its rich history, stunning temples, and friendly free-roaming deer. Our main stop is Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, housed inside the massive Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall)—one of the largest wooden buildings ever built. Surrounding the temple is Nara Park, where hundreds of deer roam freely, bowing to visitors in exchange for treats. Barry will return to Kyoto in the early afternoon, and guests can choose to return with him or stay longer to explore more of Nara’s historic streets, gardens, and lesser-known temples before making their way back at their own pace.
Todaiji Temple, Nara
DAY 10 (Thu Nov 6) Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine; Osaka for the evening (B)
We start the day early with a visit to the Fushimi Shrine. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and business, it is best known for its thousands of vermillion Torii gates that form a winding path up Mount Inari, creating one of the most iconic sights in Japan. Arriving early allows us to take in the shrine’s serene atmosphere before the crowds, making our hike to the summit a more peaceful experience. After returning to the hotel, guests will have a free afternoon in Kyoto. In the evening, we’ll take a short train ride to Osaka, where we’ll explore the lively Minami District, full of vibrant neon lights, bustling streets, and famous local dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. After an exciting evening, we’ll return to our hotel in Kyoto for the night.
DAY 11 (Fri Nov 7) FREE DAY in Kyoto or Osaka (B)
Today is a free day for guests to explore at their own pace. You can choose to stay in Kyoto, diving deeper into its temples, gardens, and cultural districts, or take a short train ride to Osaka, known for its vibrant energy, street food, and modern attractions. Whether you’re interested in history, shopping, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this is a great opportunity to customize your experience. Barry will be available to offer recommendations and assist with planning to help make the most of your day.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
DAY 12 (Sat Nov 8) Train to Hiroshima; Atomic Museum (B,D)
After breakfast and check-out, we’ll take a train to Hiroshima, a city with a deep history. Upon arrival, we’ll drop our bags at the hotel before visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a powerful and moving tribute to those affected by the 1945 atomic bombing. The museum provides important insight into Hiroshima’s past and its resilience. In the evening, we’ll have a group dinner, our last meal together before the trip comes to an end.
DAY 13 (Sun Nov 9) Itsukushima Jinja & Island (B,L)
We start the day early to beat the crowds at the Miyajima Ropeway, a scenic cable car that takes us up Mount Misen for stunning views over the Seto Inland Sea. Barry will take everyone to the top and to lunch, then release guests to enjoy the island at their own pace. We highly recommend visiting Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Known for its iconic “floating” Torii gate, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see. Guests can also wander the island’s charming streets, visit local shops, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning to Hiroshima at their leisure.
Atomic Remnant, Hiroshima
DAY 14 (Mon Nov 10) Depart Japan (B)
After a relaxed morning, we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of the hotel. From there, we’ll head to Hiroshima Airport to catch our afternoon flight to Tokyo Haneda Airport. Those heading home to Toronto will catch their 18:10 flight. Guests who are continuing their travels in Japan can head off to their next destination and carry on with their plans.
If anyone is interested, TravelMaven offers two tours starting shortly after Best of JAPAN. Ask Barry if you'd like to link Japan with either. One is the Best of VIETNAM, beginning in Hanoi on Thu Nov 13. The second is BORNEO SAFARI, beginning on Sun Nov 16.
Itsukushima Gate