Japan Uncovered: A World Travellers Exclusive Tour

Explore Japan with World Travellers on Our Exclusive 2026 Hosted Tour!

Join fellow World Travellers as we embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan’s rich culture and history. Discover Kyoto’s stunning temples, marvel at the iconic Osaka Castle, and explore the breathtaking 17th-century Himeji Castle.

Experience the thrill of a bullet train ride, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, and venture into the Japanese Alps in search of playful snow monkeys. 

Enjoy a magical evening aboard a yakata boat dinner cruise—and that’s just the beginning! If Cherry Blossom season is on your bucket list, March–April is the perfect time to visit when the blooms are at their peak.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary tour - Japan is calling!

Tour Inclusions

Your Japan Uncovered Escorted Tour includes:

• All accommodation
• All meals (From Dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the last day)
• All sightseeing and entrance fees
• All transportation and transfers
• English speaking National Escorts
• Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
• Comprehensive travel guides
• Safe and secure with IATA

Please note, airfares are additional.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: Arrive in Osaka

Fly to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure, perhaps to sample this city's famous shopping and food. (D)

Day 3: Discover Nara

Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan's first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isui-en Garden. Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Himeji Castle

Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Explore Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Reflect on the city’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, hop on the ferry across to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy some free time. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Bullet Train in Kyoto

Catch a bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for a thousand years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous Zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Japanese Tea Ceremony

Enjoy one of Kyoto’s most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th Century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Travel to Kanazawa

Depart Kyoto and travel to Kanazawa. Meander through Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before viewing the excellent art collection of the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Washi Paper Making

Visit the Nomura Samurai House and Garden before departing Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper making workshop. Continue to Shirakawago, where you will explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before reaching Takayama. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Explore Takayama

Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market, wander past some of the lovely traditional houses and visit several of the excellent local museums, including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya, followed by a stroll down Kamisannomachi Street. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Travel to Nagano

Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Visit a miso house and learn about this famous Japanese seasoning. Also spend some time at a wasabi farm to learn about its cultivation before continuing to Nagano. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Snow Monkeys
Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to see the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play in their hot spring pool at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Continue to Zenkoji, one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist temples. (B,L,D)

Day 13: Mt Fuji

Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th station (weather permitting), roughly halfway up Mt Fuji, for fantastic views over the surrounding landscapes. Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Overnight accommodation will be in Mishima or the wider Fuji area. (B,L,D)

Day 14: Explore Hakone

Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. Next, soar high on the Hakone Ropeway over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, proceed to Tokyo. (B,L,D)

Day 15: Discover Tokyo

A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden, visit Meiji Shrine and walk the famous Shibuya Crossing. (B,L,D)

Day 16: More Tokyo

Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until the evening, when you will board a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise. (B,L,D)

Terms and Conditions

Fares are per person, in NZD, in share twin accommodation and are for the tour cost only. Airfares are additional. A deposit of $600 per person is due upon booking confirmation and additional $1,800 per person deposit is due by 1 March 2025. The balance of payment is due by the end of October 2025. Availability is limited so please contact World Travellers for details. Professional service fees may apply.