JAPAN HIGHLIGHTS TOUR 12 Days π΄!Explore UNESCO Wonders on an Authentic Roundtrip Through Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Osaka & Beyond and celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival (October 2025)
*πππππ π πππππ ππππππ πππππππ ππ₯°* My name is Maria and I am looking for fun and easy-going trip mates to join me on this unique trip covering the most modern and most historic parts of Japan π! You can find more about me by checking out my JMT profile: https://www.joinmytrip.com/en/t/tripleader/mariaschoenfeld After our trip to Japan, I will continue to Central Asia a for a personal project and I want to extend that time with a culturally interesting time in Japan (which will be my first time as well and I am super excited as I have heard a lot of amazing travel stories and spoke to my Japanese friends to get first-hand insights and tips for this tripπ₯°). In short: Let`s explore beautiful Japan during the beginning of the foliage season, also known as "Koyo" or "Momiji" in Japanese. The trip starts with a meet-up in Tokyo and ends in Osaka with many amazing and interesting stops in between. I have left room for you to come to Tokyo earlier and explore the city on your own, which is tourist-friendly with plenty of affordable accommodation and can be done on your own or additionally with guided tours. I am certain other trip mates will want to stay in Tokyo before our trip starts and you can go on sightseeing tours together π₯°. So let`s not "waste" our limited time in Japan and see as many other more remote places of the island nation as possible! Although this trip is fully packed with activities and cool sightseeing, we will also have one free day in order for everyone to enjoy some time on their own, relax or visit places that might be of personal interest and that my program does not cover. This trip is really for everyone: We have some very active days where we go on city walks and hikes, and other days, we spend mostly on the train marveling at the beauty of Japan during the read-foliage season, when everything slowly turns golden and crimson. My personal highlights will be the Japanese food! I have already plenty of restaurant recommendations on hand :-D! Also, I can`t wait to see the beautifully arranged traditional Zen gardens, experience the Japanse sento and onsen (public baths) culture, stroll the historic streets of Kyoto and climb up an active volcano! Of course, there will be soooo many more things and sites to explore during our 12 days in Japan and I have - as always - some cool suggestions and surprises awaiting us. So let`s embark on this journey together, would you!? *ππππ πππππ ππππ ππππ ππ πππππππ?* πVisit the most famous megacities and lesser known UNESCO World Heritage Sites πWitness the Mid-Autumn - Tsukimi - celebrations & special festive foods πWe stay in Kyoto in a "temple stay" attached to a real functioning temple πEnjoy thermal onsen and sento baths, scroll hidden streets and learn about this fantastic country on the road *ππππ π ππππππ π πππ πππ* β‘οΈ Physical rating of the trip: 2 our of 5 (mostly city walks, but some longer hikes in Fuji region and Kumamoto volcanic peninsula) β‘οΈ Group size: min. 3 max. 6 trip mates (trip confirmed once we have 3 trip mates) β‘οΈ Trip language: German & English β‘οΈ You are ok getting up early and beat the crowds β‘οΈ Please read the whole itinerary carefully before you ask any questions (a lot might be answered in the description) *πππππππππ* β Accommodation during the entire trip (two trip mates per room, no capsule hostels) β Shukubo - Temple stay in Kyoto with breakfast β Celebrate Tsukimi, the Mid-Autumn Festival β Visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Himeiji Castle, Kyoto Old Town, Nara Todaiji Temple β Entry tickets to the temples and museums as mentioned in the description β All necessary train connections between the cities β Pocket / Travel WIFI with unlimited data, if we are more than 4 people β WhatsApp-Group and group call with all trip mates few months before the trip β List of packing tips for Japan, help with flight search and visa / entry I can assist you with booking your flights, your stay in Tokyo (if required) and arrange airport transfers. More information like detailed plans, packing list, entry and visa requirements and more will be shared with the group about 1 -2 months before the tripπ.
You can chat with Maria once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Tokyo
Day 1
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo Welcome to Tokyo, the capital and beating heart of Japan! Due to logistics, our adventure begins in this bustling metropolis. You are free to arrive few days earlier (I recommend to arrive at least a day earlier in Tokyo and acclimatize) and spend some time in Tokyo on your own exploring this never-sleeping megapolis. We meet at noon time at around 12pm in Tokyo City by the latest and immediately whisk away on the sleek Shinkansen bullet train toward Hakone, a mountainous haven known for its hot springs and views of the tallest mountain of Japan, Mt. Fuji. After a seamless transfer at Odawara Station to a local train, we'll wind through forested hills until reaching our destination. By early afternoon, we check into your ryokan β a traditional Japanese inn where tatami mats, and the promise of thermal waters (onsen) await us to chill out and get to know each other. INCLUDED β Meet & greet in Tokyo on arrival β Train Tokyo - Hakone EXCLUDED βAirport transfer
2
Hakone
Day 1-3
Day 2: Mount Fuji After a traditional Japanese breakfast in town, we set out for the Fuji "Five Lake region". The Fuji Five Lake region lies at the northern part of Mount Fuji about 1000 meters above sea level and include the lakes Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko, with lake Kawaguchiko one of the best places to view Mount Fuji from (and this is where our sightseeing will begin). The morning air is crisp with autumn's first breath as we begin our day with a shorter hike up the probably most instagramable and famous of all scenic spots in the Fuji area, the viewing platform Arakurayama Sengen Park Observatory of Chureito Pagoda (see photo). The trail winds through forests of Japanese maple just beginning to hint at their coming crimson transformation with increasingly spectacular views. Among other locations we will visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, which in old days used to be the starting point of Mount Fuji climbs. We can also make a stop at the Fujisan Museum with exhibits exploring the significance and history of Mt. Fuji. We take a lunch break at a local restaurant in the Oshino Hakkai area - Eight Seas- where you can sample regional specialties paired with locally brewed sake. Descending by early afternoon back to Hakone region, we venture by a scenic ropeway to Owakudani, a geothermal valley created by Mount Hakone's ancient eruption. The landscape here feels otherworldly - sulfurous plumes that spiral into the sky and a vast moon-like landscape! Local tradition holds that eating the valley's famous black eggs, boiled in the hot springs, adds seven years to your life (of course, we won`t miss on that). But whether you believe the legend or not, the uniquely sulfuric taste makes for a memorable snack. If we have enough time in the evening, we can take the scenic lake cruise either today evening or tomorrow morning. Back at our ryokan, we surrender once more to the healing waters of the onsen, reflecting on a day that delivered both natural wonders and cultural treasures. Tomorrow brings more of Hakone region and Kyoto, but tonight the tranquility of our place embraces. INCLUDED β 2 nights in Hakone with a hot spring bath in the house β Mount Fuji - Hakone Pass (enables to free transport in the Fuji-Harone area for the duration of our stay) β Scenic vistas on Mt. Fuji including eating black eggs and venturing into the Owakudani volcano region OPTIONAL βAdditional activities and tickets like hot springs etc. (usually ~ 10-30β¬ per person)
3
Kyoto
Day 3-6
Day 3: Hakone / Kyoto We begin our day early as we pack our bags for the morning in Hakone and our later journey to Kyoto. But before departing Hakone, one final experience awaits β the Ashinoto Lake cruise (about an hour) down to the world-famous Hakone Shrine with views on Mt. Fuji and the famous torii gate! By mid-day, we aboard the Shinkansen at Odawara Station and leave Hakone to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart and historical treasure capital. Arriving at Kyoto Station β an ultramodern steel and glass structure that stands in stark contrast to the ancient city it serves β you feel the shift in energy immediately. After dropping bags at our temple stay for the next three nights, we waste no time in beginning your exploration of Kyoto. We can grab some lunch in the bustling Nishiki Market, where we can taste the "Kyoto Kitchen." This narrow, covered shopping street stretches for five blocks, each stall more enticing than the last. With a satisfied appetite and perhaps a few culinary souvenirs tucked away, we continue the sightseeing to UNESCO World Heritage Site Nijo Castle. Inside the Palace, we will experience the famous "nightingale floors" β wooden corridors engineered to squeak when walked upon, an ancient security system to detect intruders. As it gets darker, we make our way to Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district. The evening atmosphere turns magical as lanterns illuminate the traditional wooden facades. We might glimpse a geiko (Kyoto's term for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) hurrying down the streets! We can also participate in a guided evening walk through the district and learn about geisha's life from a local (~ 20β¬ per person). Day 4: Kyoto After an early breakfast and before the touristy masses, we make our way to the Kyoto`s probably most photographed place: the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Arriving early to experience the famous torii gate tunnels, each donated by a business hoping for prosperity. The densely packed torii create corridors of orange-red that frame the stone path winding up the sacred mountain. As we climb higher a panoramic view of Kyoto opens up (the way up will not be easy though, so be prepared!) By afternoon, we make our way to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan's emperors before the capital moved to Tokyo. The expansive grounds offer a peaceful retreat from the city. The simple elegance of the imperial buildings contrasts with the more "rich" shogun style we observed at Nijo Castle. I plan to have a group dinner in one of Pontocho's streets atmospheric izakayas, where we can sit at a counter watching the chef grill seasonal specialties. The narrow Pontocho alley outside glows with lantern light, and through the restaurant's windows, we can glimpse the Kamogawa River. Day 5: Kyoto / free day for activities and sightseeing Today you will have a whole day free to relax or book some extra activities that you always wanted to try and that might not be in part of this trip. It could really be anything from going on a guided day trip or trying on a kimono to exploring more historical sites or just stroll through Kyoto town and take in the historic atmosphere. I will have a program at hand and whoever wants is invited to follow "my free day" itinerary. :) INCLUDED β Scenic sightseeing cruise in Hakone β Train Hakone - Kyoto β 3 nights Temple Stay in Kyoto incl. breakfast / two or three people per room (see example photo of room) β Visit modern & historic monuments of Kyoto (some of which are UNESCO sites like the Nijo-jo Castle) β Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion district (known as Geisha district) OPTIONAL βAdditional activities and guided tours (Samurai Experience ~35β¬, Geisha guided tour ~ 20β¬ ...) βLocal bus / metro transport
4
Nara
Day 6-7
Day 6: Kyoto / Nara After breakfast we take the train to Nara, the city which is famous for its hundreds of deer roaming freely through the town. It was also Japan's first permanent capital. The deer are considered divine messengers in Shinto belief and have become the symbol of Nara. They approach visitors with practiced politeness, bowing their heads to request sembei crackers sold by vendors throughout the park. Around noon we make our way toward UNESCO Heritage Site Todai-ji Temple. Passing through its massive doors, we enter a soaring interior space dominated by the 15-meter bronze Buddha figure seated in serene meditation. We will walk the grounds and temple and climb up the lantern-lined path to Nigatsu-do Hall, perched on the hillside east of Todai-ji. From its wooden balcony, we can watch as the setting sun turns Nara in golden light. INCLUDED β 1 night in Nara with breakfast β Train Kyoto - Nara β Entry and sightseeing of Todaiji Temple (UNESCO site) incl. tame deer OPTIONAL βLocal bus / metro transport
5
Himeji
Day 7-8
Day 7: Nara / Himeji Today`s journey from Nara to Himeji takes about 90 minutes, offering views of the Japanese countryside and occasional glimpses of the Inland Sea. Upon arrival in Himeji, we surely will be struck by how the UNESCO World Heritage castle dominates the city β its white walls and soaring rooflines visible from the station. A short walk through the modern city center brings you to our accomodation and after checking in we explore the castle grounds, where the full magnificence of Himeji Castle reveals itself. Himeji Castle stands as Japan's finest surviving feudal castle. Unlike many Japanese castles rebuilt in concrete during the 20th century, Himeji remains authentic β a wooden structure that has survived wars and earthquakes. The elegant Koko-en Gardens adjacent to the castle provide a tranquil counterpoint to the military architecture, with their carefully arranged ponds, streams, and seasonal plantings. In the afternoon, we take the local bus to Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, founded in 966, and one of the largest Buddhist temple sites in Japan. It is also well-known to be the movie location of Hollywood`s the "Last Samurai" (make sure to watch the movie before this trip ;-)). As night falls, we return to view Himeji Castle illuminated in beautiful lights a one last time. INCLUDED β Train Nara - Himeiji β 1 night in Himeiji β Entry and sightseeing of Himeiji Castle and Koko-en Gardens (UNESCO site) β Entry and sightseeing of Shoshazan Engyoji Temple (excl. cable car), film location of the famous Hollywood movie "The Last Samurai" OPTIONAL βLocal bus / metro transport
6
Hiroshima
Day 8-9
Day 8: Himeji / Hiroshima The Shinkansen takes us to Hiroshima this morning. Emerging from the Hiroshima station, I am sure we will be struck by the vibrant, rebuilt metropolis that gives few immediate hints of its tragic past. It is in stark contrast to cities like Kyoto or Himeji. Modern buildings and busy shopping streets speak to Hiroshima's successful rebirth. After checking into your accommodation near the Peace Memorial Park, we set out to confront history directly. The first nuclear weapon ever used in a war fell on Hiroshima about 80 years ago. On our city walk, the Bomb Dome appears first β the skeletal remains of what was once the Industrial Promotion Hall, one of the few structures left standing near the atomic blast in 1945. Crossing the river into Peace Memorial Park, we will walk paths lined with monuments, each telling a different aspect of the bombing and its aftermath. The Children's Peace Monument and the museum are especially touching, telling the stories those who lost their innocent lives and have become a symbol of peace now. If we have time in the afternoon and are eager to explore more, we can take the "Heritage River Cruise" to Miyajima that lies on a tranquil islands about 45 min. from Hiroshima and offers great further opportunities to explore Japanese heritage (e.g. Itsukushima Jinja Shrine and more). INCLUDED β 1 night in Hiroshima β Train Himeiji - Hiroshima β Entry and visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park OPTIONAL β "Heritage River Cruise" (~ 30β¬ per person return journey)
7
Kumamoto
Day 9-11
Day 9: Kumamoto After check-out from our accommodation in Hiroshima we make a beautiful journey south to the volcanic islands Kyushu, that up to this day experiences many earthquakes and active volcanic activity. Most tourists and trips do not make it that far south anymore, but I think it is a very interesting area to explore and shows a different side of Japan, which is not to be missed! Once we completed check-in and left our luggage in the rooms, we can go on to explore Kumamoto Castle and Park, which has been largely damaged in the 2016 earthquake and now has been mostly rebuilt. Up to this day, Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle (which we visited as well) and Matsumoto Castle. Those who wish to go inside the castle, can do so and view the small museum attached. Also it is possible to climb to the top of the castle for a view of Kumamoto city and the castle grounds. We will spend the afternoon in an old tea house which used to be a poetry school and try "kaseita", a traditional Kumamoto specialty, that goes perfectly along with matcha tea. Other award-winning confectioneries can also be bought there as a gift for loved once at home :). Evening is free to relax and spend at own expense. INCLUDED β 2 nights in Kumamoto β Train Hiroshima - Kumamoto β City walk in Kumamoto β Visit a 400-year old tea house incl. matcha green tea & award-winning Kumamoto sweet OPTIONAL βKumamoto Castle & museum entry (~5β¬ per person)
Day 11: Osaka Our final day in Japan ends with a train ride to Osaka (which is conveniently connected to the outside world by a big international airport). Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've made during this journey through Japan while on the scenic 4-hour train ride. In the afternoon, we check in and visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park. We will also explore Kuromon Market for local delicacies and, if time allows, shop at big shopping arcades for souvenirs. The evening is to celebrate our final group dinner in Japan with a feast of Osaka's culinary delights before it will be time to say a last "good night". Day 12: Departure from Osaka It`s our final day and time to say "farewell" to our new found travel buddies. Our amazing Japan journey comes to an end and if your flight is later that day, enjoy breakfast in the city after checking-out and explore Osaka or even extend your stay here by few more days. Sounds good? Then what are you waiting for :D! Hope to see you soon on this wonderful Japan trip! INCLUDED β Train Kumamoto - Osaka β 1 night in Osaka OPTIONAL βAirport transfer in Osaka & local city transport βMeals and beverages βOsaka Castle entry (~ 4β¬)
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel & Apartments & Bed & Breakfast
12 days trip
Tokyo, Hakone & 7 more
Transportation
Train
What's excluded?
International Flights
Taxi or local bus transfers
Personal expenses & other tours
Health and travel insurance
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