Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Japan Discovery 2025/26
Operated by Bunnik Tours
Tripcode: 1066
Overview
Destination:
Japan,
Start:Tokyo, Japan
Finish:Osaka, Japan
Finish:Osaka, Japan
Duration:16 days
Type:Group tour (max 20)
Travel Period
April 2025 - April 2026
Modern Japan retains much of its traditional charm, where ancient customs infuse daily life. Explore the true highlights of Japan on this fascinating adventure. Discover Tokyo, where ornate temples and glass skyscrapers reside effortlessly alongside each other. Be amazed at the beauty of Mt Fuji, experience an authentic ryokan guesthouse in Hakone, ride the bullet train to cultural Kyoto, and pay tribute in moving Hiroshima.
Standard inclusions
Sightseeing
- Visit Imperial Palace East Garden
- Stroll through the Ginza District
- Experience Shibuya Crossing
- Admire the city lights of Tokyo Bay while on a dinner cruise
- Tokyo sightseeing including Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Arcade
- Enjoy a sumo wrestling demonstration and a traditional Chanko Nabe lunch
- Visit a former farming village, reopened as a museum
- See Mt Fuji while riding the Hakone Ropeway (weather permitting)
- Spend a night in a traditional ryokan guesthouse
- Take in the sights of historic Takayama by foot
- Free time to explore Miyagawa Open Air Market
- Wander through Shirakawa-go, with its famous gasshō-zukuri thatched roofs
- Learn about the Japanese tradition of washi papermaking in Gokayama
- Sample the famous sake beverage
- Tour the Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Stroll the Philosopher's Walk
- Take part in a black ink calligraphy class
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto
- Visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- Enjoy a tofu and shichimi making lesson
- Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo forest and see the Togetsukyo Bridge
- Enjoy a Buddhist lunch at Shigetsu (Tenryuiji Temple)
- Visit the island Miyajima and see the giant Itsukushima Torii Gate (currently under maintenance)
- Tour the Hiroshima Peace Park, and visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and the very moving Peace Memorial
- Visit Himeji Castle
- Explore the Todai-ji Temple
- Feed the deer in Nara Deer Park
- Free time to explore Osaka's Dotonbori District
- Learn the way of the Samurai in Osaka, Japan's pre-modern warriors
Travel
- Return economy-class flights from Australia to Japan. Taxes included
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
- All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
- 4 bullet train journeys in Japan
- 2 Limited Express train journeys in Japan
- Tipping is not part of the Japanese culture, so tips are not expected
Accommodation
- 12 nights in 3-4 star hotels
- 1 night in a traditional ryokan guesthouse, Hakone
Properties include:
- Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo
- Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel, Hakone - Japanese Style Ryokan accommodation
- Hida Hotel Plaza, Takayama
- Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachi Jo, Kyoto
- Sheraton Grand Hotel Hiroshima, Hiroshima
- Sheraton Miyako Hotel, Osaka
Hotels listed are an indication and are subject to change without notice.
Meals
- 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
One of the best ways to experience a destination is through its cuisine, and in Japan, food holds deep cultural significance, reflecting centuries of tradition.
With this in mind, it should be noted that dietary requirements – including but not limited to vegetarianism, veganism, gluten-free/coeliac diets and some allergens – are less common and may not always be accommodated.
The restaurants and experiences visited on our Japan tours will not always be able to alter their menus to fully exclude specific allergens or to cater for strict dietary requirements, and it should also be noted that meals for those with specific dietary requirements may be simpler and less varied. Cross contamination cannot be catered for in all of our restaurants and experiences we visit, therefore it is up to the individual traveller to manage their own allergens.
While your Bunnik Tour guide will make every effort to inform you of the main ingredients in the dishes, the ultimate responsibility rests with you to ensure that you avoid any problematic ingredients.
Tour Guides
- English-speaking locally based national guide
Some things to note
- Should you not be travelling on the group tour flights shared bus transfers will be used between the hotel and the airport for the departure transfer.
- On days 6 and 11 we will be travelling by bullet train and our luggage will be transferred via coach. We will need to pack an overnight bag with two night’s worth of luggage. Unfortunately, bullet trains have very limited space for luggage.
- From June 2019, Miyajima's famous floating Torii Gate is undergoing renovations. During the renovation works, the Torii Gate will be covered under partially transparent scaffolding. A bridge is being built on the left side of the gate to aid the renovation works.
- If you are travelling on or around the holidays of Golden Week (29 April to 5 May) heavier traffic conditions and longer waiting times can be expected.
- Women may need a head scarf to enter some mosques and temples, and wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Also, a good tip is to pack a spare pair of socks in your daypack, as sometimes shoes need to be removed when entering and the ground can be hot.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1 - Depart Australia
Day 1 - Depart Australia
Day 2 - Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to Japan, a country that combines the ultra-modern with the ultra-traditional in such a way that it seems completely natural. We begin in Tokyo, Japan’s buzzing capital city. Formerly known as Edo, a small local fishing village, the Tokyo of today is a vibrant metropolis renowned for its advanced technology and diverse fashion sense, intermingled with the ancient traditions of Japanese culture.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive by 5.30pm for dinner at the hotel with the guide. For those arriving in the evening and unable to attend the dinner, we’ll meet you the following morning when our touring begins as we start exploring Tokyo. Please refer to the letter you received upon check in with further details on the start time and your guide’s information.
Day 3 - Tokyo
One of the world’s main economic centres, Tokyo is a city that presents a different view of itself at every turn. Starkly modern, it becomes a jewel box at night with a glittering display of neon and fluorescent lights. But you can retreat to quiet residential back streets or sculptured gardens and still find the harmony, scale and simplicity the Japanese have prized for centuries.
Our day begins with a visit to the scenic and spacious Imperial Palace East Garden, which provides a calm oasis amid the bustle of Tokyo. The garden is the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circle of defence. As none of the castle's main buildings remain today, the garden has been created in their place.
This afternoon we’ll stroll through the shopping district of Ginza and experience the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s busiest districts, and home to the famous Shibuya crossing. Approximately 3,000 people can make their way across the intersection at any one time!
This evening we board a Yakatabune, a typical Japanese-style houseboat from the Heian Era, where we’ll enjoy our highlight welcome dinner as we cruise along Tokyo Bay. Have your cameras ready, the views of the city skyline from the bay are really something!
Day 4 - Tokyo
Tokyo’s downtown Shitamachi district is home to an array of sights, culture and a wonderful mix of old and new. We’ll explore the district using the extensive subway network today, starting this morning at the impressive Asakusa Sensoji Buddhist Temple that dates back to the 7th century. Incense burns at the temple to purify and act as a strong form of spiritual offering, or as a way to carry one’s prayers to heaven. Watch as locals and tourists alike purchase bundles of incense (osenko), light them, let them burn and fan the smoke towards themselves. It is said to have healing powers!
We’ll also stroll Nakamise Street which is full of quirky shops and local snacks. Don’t miss trying some of the interesting ice cream flavours on offer.
Special Experience
Experience a sumo wrestling demonstration before savouring a traditional Chanko-Nabe (a sumo hotpot-style stew) lunch at a local restaurant.
After a fun and interactive sumo wrestling experience, we’ll spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 5 - Tokyo - Hakone
Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is less than 100 kilometres from Tokyo and one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from the big city. It is famous for its hot springs, outdoor activities, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt Fuji.
This morning we'll visit a former farming village, Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba. After being destroyed by a typhoon in 1966, the village was reconstructed and reopened forty years later as an open-air museum and traditional craft village, complete with restaurants, shops and galleries.
We'll then arrive in the mountainous town of Hakone, where we'll enjoy a cable car ride on the Hakone Ropeway and see incredible views of the iconic Mt Fuji (weather permitting). We will stop along the Hakone Ropeway and see the magnificent Owakudani Valley, created about 3,000 years ago when the Hakone Volcano last erupted.
Tonight, we’ll be staying in an authentic ryokan guesthouse, where we'll sleep on traditional Japanese-style bedding, this unique style of accommodation features tatami mats on the floor. We will also have the chance to bathe in a natural onsen (hot springs) and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner.
Day 6 - Hakone - Takayama
Located in Gifu, Takayama is a relatively small yet traditional city with an abundance of old inns, shops and sake breweries. Takayama is a city best known for its background in carpentry; it is believed Takayama craftsmen worked on the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and on many of the temples in Kyoto and Nara. Its elevated location and relative isolation allowed Takayama to remain relatively untouched by outside influences for a 300-year period.
We’ll make our way to Takayama via the rail network starting with the bullet train and then connecting with a regional service for the final journey into Takayama Station. Upon arrival in the city, we’ll explore the narrow streets of the beautifully preserved Old Town on foot. We’ll see Takayama Jinya, a traditional Japanese building dating back to 1816, before making our way to the Sanmachi Suji District. The quaint streets of the district are lined with old-style merchant houses that date back to the Edo and Meiji periods. Today, these houses are used as sake breweries, shops and restaurants.
Day 7 - Takayama – Shirakawago – Gokayama – Takayama
One of the biggest morning markets in Japan, the Miyagawa Open Air Market is a feast for the senses. Located on the banks of the Miyagawa River, we’ll wander the many stalls, and check out the range of fresh fruit, vegetables, spices and local souvenirs on offer this morning.
Next, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Shirakawa-go, famous for its gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses characterised by their extremely steep roofs, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means ‘constructed like hands in prayer’, as the farmhouses' roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks in prayer. This architectural style, developed over many generations, was designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that fall during winter. We’ll visit one of the gassho-zukuri farmhouse in the town, where one of the town’s wealthiest families once lived.
We’ll then observe the traditional art of Japanese Washi papermaking in Gokayama. Some artists enjoy working with rice paper because of its distinct texture and slight translucent appearance. Rice paper, or Washi as it is known, is commonly used in the traditional paper-folding art of Origami, practiced since the early 1600s.
Day 8 - Takayama – Kyoto
Kyoto, one of Japan’s most beloved cities is our destination today. This ancient city was the imperial capital of Japan for 1,000 years with the Emperor residing in its elaborate palaces. Considered the country’s spiritual capital, Kyoto is graced with an abundance of temples, pavilions, gardens and museums. While there are many keen tourists looking to imbibe the serenity that Kyoto exudes, it is still possible to find a peaceful moment to personally connect with your surrounds.
All aboard Japan’s famous rail system for our journey to Kyoto. Upon arrival we’ll delve into the unique craft of sake brewing.
Special Experience
Enjoy a tasting experience at a local sake brewery in Kyoto and learn how Japan’s drink of choice is made.
Later today we’ll explore the incredible tunnel of orange Torii Gates that make up Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari shrine, dedicated to the god of rice and sake in the 8th century. Its resplendent orange Torii Gates are a sight to behold, numbering more than 10,000 as they wrap themselves around the base of the Inari Mountain.
Day 9 - Kyoto
We’ll delve further into the delightful Japanese culture today. A morning walk along Philosopher’s Path is a tranquil start to our day of exploring Kyoto. Named after Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan’s most famous philosophers who meditated along the path while walking to university every day. The path is an enchanting and peaceful place in the city.
Special Experience
Delve into the stunning art form of Japanese black ink calligraphy and try your hand at perfecting this ancient art.
Afterwards, we’ll experience a Japanese tea ceremony. In Japan it can take years to master the art of the tea ceremony, the art form of cha-no-yu. With many distinct styles, the different configurations of tatami (straw floor mats), utensils and temae (the preparation), the hanging scrolls selected with attention to the season and theme, and the chabana (floral arrangement) are all purposefully chosen to infuse meaning into the ceremony.
The remainder of our day is free to enjoy at leisure.
Day 10 - Kyoto
This morning our first stop is the stunning Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), an exemplar of traditional Japanese architecture. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf and the pavilion is set amongst beautiful gardens.
Special Experience
Partake in a hands-on tofu and shichimi (Japanese seven-spice blend) making session, followed by a delicious lunch featuring creative obanzai dishes.
After our immersive lunch experience we’ll make our way back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 11 - Kyoto – Hiroshima
Hiroshima, a symbol of the utter devastation of war continues to build its reputation today as a symbol of peace. When the first atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, the city was obliterated. This moving city is our destination today.
We start our final day in Kyoto with a visit to the Togetsukyo Bridge, or ‘Moon Crossing Bridge’, originally built in the Heian Period for nobles who enjoyed the natural surroundings. Next, we walk through the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, finding peace and tranquility as we stroll along the paths that wind through the towering bamboo stalks.
Later we’ll tour the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tenryu-ji Temple, ranked as the top of Kyoto's five great Zen temples, before enjoying a typical Buddhist lunch.
This afternoon, we travel to Hiroshima by bullet train.
Day 12 - Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima
The island of Miyajima lies just off the coast from Hiroshima and is renowned for its solitude, magnificent views and the Shrine of Itsukushima, built on wooden piers over the water. The shrine’s Torii is out at the head of a bay and is one of the most photographed places in Japan. The giant Torii Gate seems to float on top of the water at high tide, its orange hue contrasting vibrantly with the blue of the surrounding water. We’ll take the ferry to the island this morning and have some time to ourselves to enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site.
This afternoon we’ll visit some of Hiroshima’s important sites, including the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the very moving Peace Memorial Museum, commemorating the dropping of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima.
Day 13 - Hiroshima – Himeji – Osaka
A kaleidoscope of vibrant colour, traditions and culture, Osaka is Japan’s second largest city. Formerly known as Naniwa, the city was Japan’s first recorded capital city.
Our day begins with a bullet train ride to Himeji Castle. As Japan’s largest and most-visited castle, it is regarded as the finest surviving example of Japanese castle architecture. UNESCO World Heritage-listed Himejijo, in its current form, dates back to 1617 and has remained intact despite extensive bombing during World War II and a great earthquake in 1995. We’ll enjoy time at the castle and in the nearby beautiful Kokoen Gardens, a short walk from the castle’s main gate.
This afternoon we’ll make our way to Osaka and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Day 14 - Osaka – Nara – Osaka
Nara, in the heart of Japan's Kii Peninsula, is a city rich in history and culture, having served as Japan's capital during the Nara period before Kyoto. We’ll begin our exploration of Nara with a visit to the ancient Buddhist temple of Todai-ji, also known as the Great Eastern Temple. Established in the 8th century, Todai-ji is home to the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana known as Daibutsu and is housed in the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which itself is one of the largest wooden structures in the world!
Surrounding Todai-ji is the serene Nara Deer Park where friendly sika deer roam freely. We’ll have the chance to explore the picturesque park and even purchase deer crackers to feed the deer. Considered sacred messengers of the gods, these deer are a symbol of the city and have a protected status.
Heading back to Osaka we’ll have some free time for lunch and a spot of shopping in the vibrant Dotonbori district.
Special Experience
Dive into the world of pre-modern Japan with a fun, interactive session on the way of the Samurai. Unleash your inner warrior as you learn their legendary skills.
Many Samurai lived by the concepts of loyalty to one’s master, self-discipline and ethical behaviour. They were also adept with the bow and sword. We’ll learn about the art and try out the movements ourselves, definitely resulting in a few laughs!
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a Japanese-style group farewell dinner.
Day 15 - Depart Osaka
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Day 16 - Arrive Australia
Day 16 - Arrive Australia
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Bunnik Tours
With over 25 years experience and a multitude of industry awards, Bunnik Tours' overarching aim remains simple: to provide a better way for travellers to see the world. We do this by creating a series of unique holiday experiences: - Small group tours of no more than 20 passengers, specifically designed to capture the essence of the places we visit. Tours that provide the perfect balance between organised sightseeing and free time for independent discovery. Holidays that visit the famous attractions but also wander off the usual tourist trail. Complete and stress-free tour packages with accommodation, guides, tipping, and meals included (and much more!). Independent travel packages are a flexible way to visit one or more destinations. They can also be added onto our small group tours for a unique experience! A strong belief in responsible travel and sustainable tourism. We have always been a family of travellers at heart, exploring the world around us with equal parts wonder, good humour and curiosity. As a family business we understand that our family's name and reputation is at stake every time we sell a holiday. We take your trust very seriously and look forward to the day when we can help you explore the world. Dennis Bunnik is the chair of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and we are actively involved in helping to improve the overall professionalism of the travel industry. Discover our passion for this incredible planet and its inhabitants, and experience your tour the ‘Bunnik Way’! - Dennis, Marion & Sacha Bunnik
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$12,295
$11,681
*
Member price from
$11,681*
per person
15 nights
Check departuresCan't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Call 1800 850 888Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
You might also like
© 2025 Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) All rights reserved.