From
$7,740
NZ $5,570

Simply Japan

14 days
From Tokyo to Osaka
4.5
120 traveler reviews
Simply Japan - Explore!
From
$7,740
-28%
NZ $5,570
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $881 now + easy payments of $566 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
  • Handpicked adventures loved by our team
  • TourRadar Curated
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Group
  • Fully Guided
  • Explorer
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 16
Age range 16 to 80
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji
  • Watch snow monkeys bathe in Jigokudani
  • Experience a traditional tea ceremony
  • Visit Hiroshima's poignant Peace Park
  • Stroll through Kyoto's historic temples

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Tour begins in Tokyo
  2. Day 2 Explore Tokyo - Discover temples, neighbourhoods and the spectacular Fire Ceremony
  3. Day 3 Free day in Tokyo. Optional visit Hakone National Park for views of Mount Fuji
  4. Day 4 Travel by train to Matsumoto and discover the impressive Crow Castle
  5. Day 5 Meet the snow monkeys of Jigokudani and spend the night in Zenkoji Temple lodgings
  6. Day 6 Join the monks for morning prayers and explore the samurai district of Kanazawa
  7. Day 7 Free time in Kanazawa to try sushi at the Omicho Fish Market or stroll through Kenrokuen Gardens
  8. Day 8 Tour a sake brewery in the old town of Takayama and stay in a family-run ryokan
  9. Day 9 Travel by train to Hiroshima and experience the poignant Peace Park and Peace Museum
  10. Day 10 Take the ferry to Miyajima Island, see the famous torii gate and chance to explore the island
  11. Day 11 Take the Bullet train to Kyoto and explore Nijo Castle
  12. Day 12 In Kyoto: free time to explore the Zen gardens, temples and geisha district
  13. Day 13 Continue discovering Kyoto before travelling to Osaka for a final night amongst the neon lights
  14. Day 14 Trip ends in Osaka
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Customer Photos

Operated by

Explore!

Number of tours

534

Age Range

16 to 85 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

96%

Explore is a global adventure travel company with 42 years’ experience in...

Read more

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.6
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.7
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.3
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.2
  • 4.5
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • TP
    · May 10th, 2025
    Great trip. Guide was excellent, as was the itinerary. Good variety of historic and modern cultural sites.
    Show more
    Explore! commented on this review
    Thanks so much for your lovely review, Tom! So glad to hear you have thoroughly enjoyed your trip!
    Trip date: April 2025
  • MS
    · April 21st, 2025
    We saw all the highlights of Japan and were lucky to be there when the cherry blossom was in full bloom! Our guide, Marco, successfully managed to get 14 of us around the Tokyo metro, on trams, local trains, bullet trains and ferries! He was full of interesting information about the country and its people. The accommodation was good. I particularly loved the guesthouse, where the owner prepared us an amazing banquet!
    Show more
    Explore! commented on this review
    Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It sounds like you had an incredible experience in Japan—especially getting to see the cherry blossom in full bloom! We're so glad to hear Marco looked after the group so well and made the journey smooth and... Show more
    Simply Japan customer review photo 1Simply Japan customer review photo 2Simply Japan customer review photo 3Simply Japan customer review photo 4Simply Japan customer review photo 5Simply Japan customer review photo 6
    Trip date: March 2025
  • WE
    · April 18th, 2025
    This itinerary was superb and comprehensive. I did a lot of research on Japan and tour companies and Explore! Simply Japan exceeded my expectations. The tour was small and fast paced and perfectly timed. I wouldn't have done anything different. Thank you Dean for your extensive knowledge of Japan and your willingness to answer questions with sincere attention.
    Show more
    Explore! commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your kind feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Simply Japan exceeded your expectations and that you had such a great experience with Dean. We’ll be sure to pass on your lovely comments to him. We hope to welcome you on another... Show more
    Trip date: April 2025
  • Simply Japan reviewer 4
    · April 12th, 2025
    Overall this trip was good, some confusion due to the guide never having led this tour before. She could have used a bit more coaching, her mentor was not very good in training her to lead a group of people, not her fault. Staying in a monastery was interesting but the home stay was a bust. Sleeping on the floor with a 4 inch mat is for high school kids, not retirees. The "home stay" meal was also a disappointment. Stayed at a new place that didn't include dinner so we went to a local restaurant that gave everyone a bento box dinner that included 5 wafer thin slices of beef that you could almost see through over slightly warm rice. After dinner, everyone went to the local 7-11 to buy more food - shame on Explore! Not much personal time and lots of quick walking to make trains, buses, trams. Pretty rushed.
    Show more
    Explore! commented on this review
    Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're glad to hear you found aspects of the trip enjoyable, but we’re genuinely sorry that certain elements fell short of your expectations. Your comments have been shared with our Product Team... Show more
    Trip date: March 2025
  • AW
    · April 8th, 2025
    Henrik was an awesome guide!
    Show more
    Explore! commented on this review
    Thank you for your lovely review!
    Trip date: March 2025
  • Simply Japan reviewer 6
    · June 25th, 2024
    The entire trip was very good. It was so wonderful to realize that we picked the best trip to Japan for us. We got to see all of my top places and experiences, had the best tour guide in Irene Perez with Explore!, and could not have had the best travel tour companions. My husband and I were the senior members; we were also the least experienced with world travel, and the only ones from the US. But we never felt rushed or that we held the tour back. And it would not be the same anywhere but Japan, where everyone we met wanted us to have the best experience.
    Show more
    Explore! commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your review! We are delighted that you had such an enjoyable time on your Simply Japan holiday and that your Explore Leader, Irene, provided such a wonderful experience for your group. We hope to have the chance to welcome you on... Show more
    Trip date: June 2024
  • A
    · March 6th, 2023
    Learning about the whole culture of Japan which is significant different to European culture and some of the reasons behind it. All the different types of food.
    Show more
    Trip date: February 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · March 28th, 2023
    Tokyo Snow monkeys Bullet trains Hiroshima Kyoto
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · March 31st, 2023
    Highlight for me was the snow monkeys and Hiroshima which was very moving and educational . The food was excellent and being with a guide helped with trying lots of new things .
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!
  • A
    · April 1st, 2023
    There were many highlights so hard to pick out one or two. Tokyo, Matsumoto, Bullet train, snow monkeys, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Generally houses and gardens were all great. Osaka at night.
    Show more
    Trip date: March 2023
    Review collected by Explore!

Dates & Availability

14 days
Simply Japan
From Tokyo to Osaka

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $100 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • June 2025
  • July 2025
  • August 2025
  • September 2025
  • October 2025
  • November 2025
  • December 2025
  • February 2026
  • March 2026
  • April 2026
  • May 2026
  • June 2026
  • July 2026
  • August 2026
  • September 2026
  • October 2026
  • November 2026
Select The Travel Month

Upcoming departures
  • From Sunday
    8 Jun, 2025
    To Saturday
    21 Jun, 2025
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
  • From Sunday
    15 Jun, 2025
    To Saturday
    28 Jun, 2025
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
  • From Sunday
    29 Jun, 2025
    To Saturday
    12 Jul, 2025
    This departure date is not available or sold out
    Sold out
  • 2 Other Unavailable Departures
  • -28%
    From Sunday
    6 Jul, 2025
    To Saturday
    19 Jul, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $7,740
    $5,570
  • From Sunday
    13 Jul, 2025
    To Saturday
    26 Jul, 2025
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $8,920
  • -16%
    From Sunday
    20 Jul, 2025
    To Saturday
    2 Aug, 2025
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $9,150
    $7,710
  • From Sunday
    3 Aug, 2025
    To Saturday
    16 Aug, 2025
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $8,940
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    17 Aug, 2025
    To Saturday
    30 Aug, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $8,530
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    24 Aug, 2025
    To Saturday
    6 Sep, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $8,530
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    31 Aug, 2025
    To Saturday
    13 Sep, 2025
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    Multiple Room Types
    From:
    $8,530
From
$7,740
-28%
NZ $5,570
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $881 now + easy payments of $566 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • J

    Jacob

    Asked on April 11th, 2025

    Are there limitations on the amount of luggage you can bring?

    Tour Details
    Transport
    • Explore!OperatorWritten April 2025

      We ask that you bring one suitcase per person (due to space in the minivan), and a day pack. In regards to weight of the suitcase, that is down to the airlines allowance - usually between 20 and 23kg.

  • C

    Carla

    Asked on March 19th, 2025

    May I ask if all the transport are included?

    Transport
    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      The transportation included in the trip is: Bus, Ferry, Train. The international flights are not included.

    • C

      Carla

      TravelerWritten March 2025

      I would love to join this tour! My only question is there all transport and transfert between all activities and hotel included?

    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      All transport is included.

    • C
      2 more answers
  • L

    Linda

    Asked on March 17th, 2025

    I noticed that the tour age went to 80. I am 82 and my husband is 84. We do not use a cane or walker or any other assisted device for moving or walking. Will this be a problem on this tour?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      For this trip you should note: Lots of walking and time spent on our feet on this trip. City tours are on foot and using public transport. When changing locations we walk from our accommodation to the train station, and then within the station (often up and down flights of stairs) and then at the other end to reach the hotel.

    • L

      Linda

      TravelerWritten March 2025

      How does Japan discovery differ from this tour?

    • L
      1 more answer
  • A

    Allison

    Asked on March 10th, 2025

    They want to know the best dates to see cherry trees and if you'd take them and where.

    Tour Details
    • A

      Allison

      TravelerWritten March 2025

      Does the tour takes the group to enjoy watching the beautiful cherry trees in japan? in which places they'll see them? and is the date april 4rrd good for watching them blooming?

    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      The group does explore the Cherry blossoms when in Osaka and Kyoto visiting Osaka castle and the Nijo castle and anytime in the spring is a good time to see them.

    • 1 more answer
  • A

    Alicia

    Asked on March 3rd, 2025

    Do Explore Japan trips pair 2 single travelers of the same gender?

    Accommodation
    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      Yes, we room same genders together.

  • L

    Leslie

    Asked on March 2nd, 2025

    How many people are on the trip already and what are the ages of the people who are already booked

    Group size
    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten March 2025

      We have 14 people booked for our May 7th 2025 departure and only 2 spaces still available. Currently there are 4 solo travelers. The ages of the travelers range from 45 - 76.

  • J

    Johannes

    Asked on February 19th, 2025

    Will I receive assistance with planning activities after the tour?

    Travel Support
    • Explore!OperatorWritten February 2025

      Individual activities after the tour cannot be arranged through us; you will need to organize those yourself.

  • G

    Ginette

    Asked on February 14th, 2025

    Are group transfers provided at the end of the tour?

    Flights / Transfers
    • Explore!OperatorWritten February 2025

      Group transfers to the airport are included on the last day of the tour, but only for travelers who depart on the designated transfer day.

  • I

    Isabel

    Asked on January 17th, 2025

    What happens if I arrive late for the tour?

    Tour Details
    • Explore!OperatorWritten January 2025

      If you arrive late, you may miss the initial program, and alternative arrangements for transfers will need to be made.

  • T

    Tim

    Asked on December 7th, 2024

    Is it likely there will there be snow at all during the trip to the Onsen to see the snow monkeys? I've never seen snow in real life and would like to experience it during my trip, the onsen seems the most likely place

    Tour Details
    • T

      Tim

      TravelerWritten December 2024

      I'll be planning for around the 20th of March to begin the tour

    • Explore!OperatorWritten December 2024

      You should have a pretty good chance of seeing snow in March at the snow monkey park as it is in Nagano. As it is the beginning of Spring, the snow will slowly start to melt late March - early April.

    • 1 more answer
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Explore! with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 158032

  • Currency
    ¥
    Yen
    Japan
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Japan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 19th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 19th, 2025, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Explore!. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Explore! will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Explore!" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Videos

  • Explore Presentation
  • Explore! Japan
  • Brand video widescreen
  • Explore brand video
  • Book with confidence
  • Adventures Worth the Wait
  • Explore Cyber Sale
  • Sustainability
Explore Presentation