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!

This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has plenty of free time where your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in and public transport to those activities.

Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.

In some destinations, you may stay in multi-share accommodation, like a hostel or a minshuku (a Japanese-style inn). You’ll be able to experience pod hostels or the tradition of sleeping on futon mattresses on the floor, but the facilities will be shared. Travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to the single gender floor arrangement for the stay in hostels.

Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sq m). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.

1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.

2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information (supplied on request) for more details.

Price per person is based on 2 adults sharing and includes:

• 9 Day Japan Express Tour
• Transport: Public Bus, Metro, Train, Bullet Train
• Accommodation: Multishare Pod Hostel (2 nights), Basic Hotel (6 nights)

Included activities:

• Tokyo - Yoyogi Park
• Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
• Tokyo - Metro day pass
• Tokyo - Harajuku street
• Hiroshima - Peace Museum
• Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
• Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
• Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
• Hiroshima - Momiji manju making
• Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
• Kyoto - Public bus day pass
• Kyoto - Gion District walk
• Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour

Please ask us about:

• Flights- we'll find the best rates for your chosen departure airport and travel dates
• Travel Insurance

Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Prices are live and only guaranteed at time of booking. 

For more information please call us on 021 4277094 or 01 6965135, email info@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button, or submit an enquiry through the form below.