Price based on tours starting:

26 August 2025

Extra charges apply for:

02 September 2025(+$200pp)
16 September 2025 (+$200pp)
30 September 2025 (+$100pp)
28 October 2025 (+$600pp)* – Autumn Leaves
18 November 2025 (+$600pp)* – Autumn Leaves

Cherry Blossoms: In spring, late March to early April is historically the best time to view pink and white cherry blossoms (sakura).

Autumn Leaves: From mid-October to late November, the colourful leaves (koyo) of autumn are what cherry blossoms are to spring. Witness fall foliage turn different shades of vivid red, orange and yellow.

Note: Bloom and fall timings are not guaranteed as they are highly seasonal and subject to changing climate conditions.

Price based on departing from Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

• Melbourne ($100pp)
• Brisbane ($300pp)
• Perth ($300pp)
• Adelaide ($300pp)
• Hobart ($600pp)
• Darwin ($800pp)

What To Expect On Tour

Itinerary

Our multi-stop Japan tours are carefully designed to give a real insight into the highlights, culture and beauty of each region. Each day will be different, with a combination of travel days, sightseeing and free time to explore or take a breather as you wish.

Pace

The pace of this tour is moderate. The tour covers several prefectures of Japan and involves some early starts and some long travel days – see the itinerary for an indication of the distances travelled by the coach. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs (at your own expense).

Fitness

A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, stations and terminals. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you are required to disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.

As mentioned in the itinerary, the Jigokudani Monkey Park trail leading to the park is an unsealed forest path, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Travelers should be prepared for a 30 to 40-minute walk, which is generally reasonably easy, though it includes a staircase towards the end. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.
For those who may find the path challenging, there is a convenient option to wait at a café located at the start of the trail. This allows individuals to take a break, enjoy refreshments, and soak in the surroundings while others venture into the Monkey Park.

Accommodation

The size of hotel rooms in Japan are generally smaller than Western standards. Hotels are carefully hand-selected for room sizes of at least 18 sqm for your comfort. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin rooms. Hotels in Japan generally have very few rooms with double-bed configurations. Requests for rooms with double beds cannot be guaranteed in advance and if not available, twin beds will be provided. Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the supplier. All rooms are lead-in category or run-of-house unless otherwise specified. Due to the popular culture of smoking in Japan, non-smoking or deodourised rooms will be requested by default – please notify hotel reception if this is an issue. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary.

Transfers

Airport transfers are not included.

Meals

Breakfasts offered by the Japanese accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For meals not included, you will be taken to places with options where possible. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your tour leader whilst on tour.

Baggage

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Due to bullet train baggage restrictions, your bag will be transferred separately, and you are required to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing overnight essentials. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Optional Programs

Specially-crafted optional programs provide flexibility for you to explore further. Optional programs are expertly guided and include transportation, admissions and more. Optional programs will operate with a minimum of 10 passengers and must be booked at least 5 months before departure.

Group Size

You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This tour will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 10 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 20 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered a credit. The operation of optional programs is subject to a minimum group size. If the minimum number for optional programs is not reached, you will be refunded.

Accommodation

While you will not spend much time in the hotels, each has been carefully selected to suit the size and needs of the group. They may not be centrally located, but are typically near public transport options, and your friendly guide will provide a helpful orientation tour on arrival into many of the cities you visit. Our accommodation is generally of a quality 3-star or higher local rating. The size of hotel rooms in Japan are generally smaller than Western standards. Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation.

• Fukuoka – Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station or similar
• Kagoshima – Kirishima Kanko Hotel or similar
• Miyazaki – Hotel JAL City Miyazaki or similar
• Aso – Kamenoi Hotel Aso or similar
• Beppu – Amanek Beppu Yula-re or similar
• Overnight Ferry – Ferry Sunflower or similar
• Osaka – Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba or similar
• Takayama – TOKYU STAY Hida-Takayama Musubi-no-Yu or similar
• Kanazawa – Kanazawa Manten Hotel or similar
• Matsumoto – Onyado Nono Matsumoto Natural Hot Spring or similar
• Tokyo – Shinjuku Prince Hotel or similar

Refer to Important Info for further details.

Important Information

Exclusions

Airport transfers, meals not stated, drinks on meals, optional programs, visas (if required), travel insurance (strongly recommended), tipping, personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.

Payment

A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.

Fitness

A moderate level of fitness is required. You are required to move about unassisted, including boarding and alighting vehicles and other forms of transportation, walking up and down flights of stairs, and navigating occasional uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to carry your own bags to and from hotels, stations and terminals. This trip is not suitable for travellers requiring wheelchair, mobility scooters or facilities for disabled guests. Other walking aids may be permitted if you are able to move about unassisted at the required pace. For advice on whether this trip is suitable for you, you are required to disclose physical ailments at the time of booking.

As mentioned in the itinerary, the Jigokudani Monkey Park trail leading to the park is an unsealed forest path, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Travelers should be prepared for a 30 to 40-minute walk, which is generally reasonably easy, though it includes a staircase towards the end. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes.
For those who may find the path challenging, there is a convenient option to wait at a café located at the start of the trail. This allows individuals to take a break, enjoy refreshments, and soak in the surroundings while others venture into the Monkey Park.

Pace

The pace of this tour is moderate. The tour covers several prefectures of Japan and involves some early starts and some long travel days – see the itinerary for an indication of the distances travelled by the coach. One to two nights at each destination is standard. Scheduled free days allow some downtime, or alternatively, you have the flexibility to explore further and book optional programs (at your own expense).

Solo Occupancy

A single supplement from $1700 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin rooms in Japan.

Triple Share

Triple share is not available.

Extra Accommodation

Pre-tour accommodation in Fukuoka with breakfast in the same tour hotel can be added for one or two persons subject to availability from $350 per room per night. Post-tour accommodation in Tokyo with breakfast in the same tour hotel can be added for one or two persons subject to availability from $390 per room per night.

Child

This tour is best enjoyed by adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 10 years of age. Children 10 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.

Price

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.

Amendment

Each amendment is subject to a non-refundable fee from $75 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.

Cancellation

Cancellation at any time is subject to a non-refundable fee from $550 per person. Additional fees and fare differences from third-party suppliers including air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers may apply.

Deviation

Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.

Passport

For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.

Visa

A visa is generally not required for Australian passport holders visiting Japan for the purpose of short-term tourism; however, this policy is subject to change without notice. Visa requirements for each origin and destination country are the responsibility of the customer to check and obtain (if required) with the local consulate or embassy. The customer is liable for all visa application costs and fees due to the failure to obtain the required travel documents.

Health

It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended.

Baggage

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Due to bullet train baggage restrictions, your bag will be transferred separately, and you are required to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing overnight essentials. Porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Transfers

Airport transfers are not included.

Meals

Breakfasts offered by the Japanese accommodation providers are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For meals not included, you will be taken to places with options where possible. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your tour leader whilst on tour.

Accommodation

The size of hotel rooms in Japan are generally smaller than Western standards. Hotels are carefully hand-selected for room sizes of at least 18 sqm for your comfort. Single rooms are typically smaller than twin rooms. Hotels in Japan generally have very few rooms with double-bed configurations. Requests for rooms with double beds cannot be guaranteed in advance and if not available, twin beds will be provided. Hotel names referenced are to be used as an indicative guide for the standard of accommodation to expect. Actual hotels may differ and will be confirmed on your final documentation. All hotel ratings are local or self-ratings provided by the supplier. All rooms are lead-in category or run-of-house unless otherwise specified. Due to the popular culture of smoking in Japan, non-smoking or deodourised rooms will be requested by default – please notify hotel reception if this is an issue. The standard check-in time is after 3pm and check-out is before 10am – actual times may vary.

Tipping

Customary tour guide tipping from JPY500 (AUD$6) per person per day is strongly recommended as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

Flights

The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The Air Team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise. Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.

Fuel

In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.

Group Size

You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This tour will proceed with a minimum group size of approximately 10 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 20 passengers. If the tour does not operate, you will be offered a credit. The operation of optional programs is subject to a minimum group size. If the minimum number for optional programs is not reached, you will be refunded.

Blooms

The timing of cherry blossoms, autumn leaves and other blooms is not guaranteed as they are highly seasonal from region to region and subject to changing climate conditions. Suggested dates are only an estimate of the best viewing periods based on historical data. Cherry blossom full blooms last over a one-week time window but the actual dates vary depending on where you are across the country. Cherry blossom festival season is one of the most incredible times to visit Japan, but it is a busy period in Japan. It is lively and crowded every year and expected to be especially busy due to unprecedented pent-up demand for post-pandemic travel to Japan.

Optional Programs

Optional programs are subject to a minimum of 10 passengers and must be booked at least 5 months before departure. If the optional programs do not operate, you will be refunded.

Itinerary

The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.

Breakaway

Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.

Documentation

Final documentation will be emailed within two weeks of departure. For packages consisting of multiple tours or countries, documentation will be emailed individually within two weeks of departure of each respective tour.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.

Force Majeure

Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.