- 7 days
- 23rd - 30th October
- Japan
Our Best Japan Group Trip. takes you through the Golden Route and promises you an awesome adventure.
Begin with Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, such as the Imperial Palace Gardens and the world-famous Senso-ji Temple. The next day, find yourself before the breathtaking Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, followed by a self-guided tour of Kanazawa’s serene village. Marvel at Kyoto’s charming streets, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Buddhist temples. Finally, Osaka’s hidden gems – like its 16th-century castle – will leave you with everlasting memories.
For first-timers in Japan, our 8 Day Best of Japan Tour Package – The Golden Route is perfect for you! Not only will you dive into the history and culture of Japan with local guides, but you’ll also stay in some of the country’s best hotels. See world-famous shrines, breathtaking nature, local village life, and so much more! Book your golden route journey today!
- Trip Length: 8 days, 7 nights
- Arrive at: Tokyo International Airport (IATA: HND)
- Depart from: Kansai International Airport Osaka (IATA: KIX)
- Accommodation Style: Classic hotels
- Group Size: 10 travellers maximum. Average: 8 travellers.
- Trip Style: Classic Japan adventure
- Who This Trip is For: Moderate travellers. There will be light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels.
Investment & Payment Options
The investment for this trip is $1,950 (Early Bird until 28th March) per person based on 2 people sharing a room.
Pay a deposit of $500 to secure your space.
Pay the balance of $1,450 before the 15th of August.
Late payments from 29th June will cost $2,150
Payment Plan
To make this trip accessible, you can spread the cost as follows:
- A $500 deposit is required by February 28, 2026.
- 5 monthly payments of $300
- All payments must be completed by 27 July 2026.
This flexible payment plan allows you to secure your spot early and pay gradually while you plan for an unforgettable Japan experience.
Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
If you cannot make this trip, you can select another 13 Weeks Travel trip.
Please note: The deadline to choose another trip if you can’t make this one is MARCH 30TH 2026.
WHAT DOES DOUBLE OCCUPANCY MEAN?
All prices listed for our group trips are per person. Double occupancy means we will pair you with another solo traveller of your choice or with a friend. Single occupancy means that you have your own room – typically there is an additional cost for a private room, which varies based on the trip.
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE THE TRIP?
We’re super flexible! Email hello@13weeksholidays.com
CAN I COME ALONE OR DO I NEED TO BRING A FRIEND?
Come solo or bring a friend – it is completely up to you! We specifically designed this group trips to connect like-minded travellers together.
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE THE SCHEDULED PAYMENTS?
We understand some months can be harder than others. You are allowed to miss two payments; you just cannot skip the first or last payment. If you need to skip a month, send us an email and let us know! The final payment deadline must complete all payments to ensure your spot on the trip.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
You can cancel your place on this trip if you have a friend that would replace you.
We start the planning and logistics of our group trips once you confirm your place. Please check your dates and confirm that you would be able to make the trip.
What if I don’t get visa?
We provide a complimentary visa guidance service and have a 100 percent approval rate.
We are confident that you will get a visa for your trip if you follow our recommendations.
October 23rd
Return 30th October
Top Highlights
Explore the Best of Japan
THE ITINERARY
Day 1, 23rd October: Welcome to Tokyo
- Arrival Morning: Meet your driver at Haneda Airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Evening (self tour): Stroll through Ueno Park, known for early cherry blossoms and vibrant evening ambiance.
- Dinner (self tour): Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at Kagurazaka Ishikawa (Michelin-starred; reservation required).
- Stay: TBC
Day 2, 24th October: Tokyo – MT. FUJI
- Morning (guided): Depart for a Mt. Fuji day trip.
- Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station
- Explore Oshino Hakkai, ponds with Mt. Fuji views.
- Stroll around Iyashi no Sato, a traditional thatched-roof village.
- Lunch (self): Sample houtou noodles (local specialty) at Hoto Fudo Kawaguchiko.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo.
- Optional Night Activity (self tour): Walk through the Meguro River, a famous cherry blossom illumination spot.
Day 3, 25th October: TOKYO CITY TOUR (HALF DAY)
Morning (guided): Tokyo City Tour with hidden gems:
Visit Imperial Palace East Gardens, a quieter cherry blossom spot.
Stroll through Asakusa Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street.
See the Tokyo Tower observatory.
Afternoon (optional, payment required): wagashi-making class (traditional Japanese sweets) at Akasaka Terakoya.
Evening (optional, payment required): Geisha interaction and tea ceremony at Chazen Tokyo in Nihonbashi
Day 4: 26th October: Tokyo TO Kyoto (BULLET TRAIN)
- Morning (driver to drop off): Board the bullet train to Kyoto
- Arrive Kyoto in 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Check-in to your hotel
- Afternoon (self guided): Visit Philosopher’s Path, a serene canal lined with cherry blossoms.
- Stop by Gion for a glimpse of traditional Kyoto life.
- Dinner suggestion: Enjoy Kyoto-style sushi at Izuju, a historic sushi restaurant.
Day 5, 27th October: KYOTO CITY TOUR
- Morning (guided): Kyoto City Tour:
- Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Temple.
- Visit Fushimi-inari Taisha shrine & Kiyomizudera Temple.
- Afternoon (optional tour, payment required): Participate in a kimono-dressing and tea ceremony at Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum with Experience.
- Evening (optional activity): Take a stroll under cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park.
Day 6, 28th October: KYOTO TO OSAKA (LOCAL TRAIN)
- Morning: Transfer to Osaka.
- Afternoon (self-guided): Explore offbeat Osaka:
- Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
- Explore Kuromon Ichiba Market for street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Evening (optional, managed by tour leader): Dinner at Ichiran Dotonbori, a unique ramen experience.
- Overnight stay at Hotel in Osaka
Day 7, 29th October: Osaka – HIDDEN GEMS & CULTURAL WORKSHOPS
- Morning (guided): Osaka City Tour with a twist:
- Osaka Castle, Dotonbori street and Japan Mint Park.
- Namba Yasaka Shrine, known for its lion-shaped stage.
- Afternoon (self-guided tour managed by tour leader): Participate in a calligraphy workshop at Osaka Craft Club.
- Evening (managed by tour leader): Explore Dotonbori for a street food tour and try takoyaki at Takoyaki Wanaka.
Day 8, 30th October: DEPARTURE FROM OSAKA
- Morning (driver to drop off): Check out of hotel and drop off at airport for people departing in the morning
- Optional add-on for people who have time and manage on their own: stop by Sakai Knife Museum for a hands-on knife-making demonstration. Self-transfer to the airport.
What's Included
- Accommodation
- All Breakfast
- Guides
- Access fees
- Admin fees
- English-speaking
- Vehicle transfers
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Not Included
- All International flights
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Passports and Visas
- Personal Travel Insurance
- All activities not included in the itinerary
- Any extra personal expenses, tips or purchases.
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP?
Why You Should Join This Trip
- Expert-Led Itinerary: Travel with seasoned guides who bring each location to life, providing insights and stories that deepen your connection to the culture.
- Memorable Highlights: From the Shibuya Crossing and Fushimi Inari Shrine to Kyoto’s serene temples, every day brings something unforgettable.
- Perfectly Balanced Experience: Enjoy both structured tours and free time to explore on your own, allowing for group camaraderie and personal discovery.
- Stress-Free Travel: All logistics are handled, including train tickets, accommodations, and seamless city transitions, so you can relax and enjoy every moment.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Japan enthusiast, this trip offers a unique and well-rounded experience that you’ll remember forever. Join us and create memories of Japan that you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
Book your spot today and get ready for a one of a kind of adventure!
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