Japan is cultural tourism at its finest, a place that may feel known but in reality is totally different than anything found in the west. While Japan is proud and loud about the nation’s modernity, a trip around this island nation presents a more varied picture of ancient temples, lush rice fields, and traditional life ticking along under a rising sun.
You could spend years in Japan and not see it all, so we’ve made a selection of highlights for a first-time visitor in this Japan October 2025 tour. This tour was curated by our resident Japan expert, Dawn, who has lived and breathed sake and sushi while stationed there. We think this tour captures the best of Japan which, we hope, will give you a thirst to explore all of Asia.
This tour requires a minimum of 10 guests, but don’t worry, if we don’t reach that minimum we will let you know far in advance.
Day 1
OVERNIGHT: HIROSHIMA
Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! We will begin this afternoon with an orientation meeting at our hotel in Hiroshima. Following our orientation we will have our first dinner together where you can get to know your fellow travelers.
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Day 2
OVERNIGHT: HIROSHIMA
After breakfast, we will visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which is a sobering but important part of our history. Free time in the afternoon when you may wish to visit Hiroshima Castle and/or try the savory pancake okonomiyaki – a signature Hiroshima dish with its own particular twist.
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Day 3
OVERNIGHT: OKAYAMA
Bid farewell to Hiroshima and catch the first Shinkansen bullet train of the tour, travelling speeds up to 285 kilometres per hour, to Okayama. There switch to a local train towards Kojima, Japan’s center of denim production. Style your own denim pants there with buttons and a rivet of your choice. Arrive back in Okayama and check-in at your hotel in the evening.
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Day 4
OVERNIGHT: OKAYAMA
Today we travel by train and ferry to Naoshima. Naoshima is famous for its art projects. Feel free to explore the island on your own, either by rental bicycle or museum shuttle bus. Some museums require reservations in advance so, have a think about how you want to spend your time on this beautiful island.
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Day 5
OVERNIGHT: KYOTO
Hop aboard the Shinkansen again and transfer to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally ‘tranquillity and peace capital’) by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto had its golden age during the imperial court’s heyday from 794 to 1185. You can explore Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, and learn about the history of geisha culture as you explore old wooden teahouses and exclusive restaurants. It’s a great idea to return here in the evening when it really springs to life. You might spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up on their way out to events.
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Day 6
OVERNIGHT: KYOTO
Today you will visit two of Kyoto’s highlights and UNESCO World Heritage sights – the Kinkakuji Temple, better known as the Golden Pavilion, and the Nijo Castle with its famous squeaking nightingale floor. In the early afternoon, we will walk through the glass-covered Nishiki Market. It’s here that you’ll find a range of Kyoto’s regional specialties like pickled vegetables hidden beneath layers of fermented rice, ornate Kyo-wagashi (Kyoto sweets), Uji green teas, as well as souvenirs, and a renowned hand-crafted knife shop.
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Day 7
OVERNIGHT: KYOTO
Enjoy a free day to explore with your included subway and bus pass. Or head out to explore on a bike. This is one of the best ways to navigate the city; one of the most popular routes is following the delightful Kamo River from the northern outskirts of Kyoto down through the city’s heart, stopping for a bento box lunch along the way.
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Day 8
OVERNIGHT: KYOTO
Day trip to Nara this morning where the world’s largest wooden building, the Todaiji Temple, is located. Todaiji Temple houses one of Japan’s biggest Buddha statues. Stroll to the Nara park where – holy! – wild deer are roaming and onto the Kasuga Grand Shrine before returning to Kyoto in the afternoon.
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Day 9
OVERNIGHT: GERO ONSEN
After a relaxed morning, travel further east with the JR Shinkansen and an express train via Nagoya towards Gero, a hot spring resort village in the mountains. Visit the Gassho Village Open Air Museum of farmhouses with their peculiar steep roofs. We stay in a delightful ryokan tonight where you can experience traditional Japanese hospitality, sleeping on futon in tatami mat rooms and enjoy the hot springs.
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Day 10
OVERNIGHT: GERO ONSEN
Day trip to Takayama, a charming Edo-period town located in the Japanese alps, renowned for its traditional inns, sake breweries and tranquil atmosphere. On arrival, head out on a walking tour to view examples of beautiful traditional architecture as you explore the old part of town. Later, pay a visit to the Takayama Showa-kan Museum. This is not your average museum – here you’ll find a celebration of pop culture from the turbulent period of Emperor Hirohito’s six-decade reign. Then return to your onsen for dinner.
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Day 11
OVERNIGHT: TOKYO
Travel via train and Shinkansen today to Tokyo. After checking in to our hotel we will take a walking tour through some of Tokyo’s iconic locations in the Shibuya neighborhood. Afterward, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. Enter via a massive Torii (gate) and let the sights and sounds of the busy city be replaced by a tranquil forest.
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Day 12
OVERNIGHT: TOKYO
Kick things off today with a visit to Sensoji in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Nearby you will discover a great shopping street where you can find a quirky Japanese souvenir or sample some traditional snacks. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before rejoining the group for our farewell dinner.
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Day 13
Tour Ends
Our Japan October tour ends after breakfast. Your guide will be on hand to help with transfers to the airport or to wherever your adventures take you.
Sayonara to arigatogoziamasu!
Price: $6950 (Air not included) per person for a double occupancy room. Single Supplement is $1995. We welcome singles and if you do not have a travel partner, please sign up for a single spot. In the event that a roommate is found, your booking can be changed to a double before final payment is due.
What’s included: 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners, and 12 nights lodging in a clean, comfortable, and centrally located hotel. All admissions and fees for group activities. Transport within the Japan October tour and private guides, tips included.
Deposit Policy: A non-refundable deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking.
Tour begins in Hiroshima (airport code HIJ) and ends in Tokyo (airport code HND).
If you have additional questions please email us at info@adventureswithsarah.net