DAY 1 Tuesday 24 March 2026
Tokyo
Make your way to the group hotel and check in. As
flights land in Tokyo, either early in the morning
or in the evening, we don’t include a welcome
dinner on this day. Tokyo, with its skyscrapers,
historic temples, bustling streets and flashy
neon lights has a greater metro population of 42
million people and is the largest city in the world.
Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo
DAY 2 Wednesday 25 March 2026
Tokyo
We start the day with a tour briefing over
breakfast, and travel on Tokyo’s vast metro system
to see the sights. We first visit Tsukiji Fish Market,
the world’s largest, and tour the Meiji Shrine in
the cherry blossom filled Yoyogi Park. Wander
the nearby Harajuku neighbourhood, full of funky
teen fashionistas and cat cafes and enjoy free
time at lunch. Explore Asakusa’s Buddhist temple
before traversing the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection.
Explore the lively Dogenzaka Street, the infamous
Love Hotel Hill and enjoy a welcome dinner in
the Nonbei Yokocho area. Overnight: Shinagawa
Prince Hotel, Tokyo (B,D)
DAY 3 Thursday 26 March 2026
Oigawa Railway – Hakone
After breakfast, we’ll travel on our first Shinkansen
bullet train journey through picturesque
scenery and past the symbol of Japan, Mt Fuji,
disembarking at Kanaya. It’s here were we’ll ride
a 1920s heritage steam train, the Oigawa Railway
along a scenic river valley passing cherry blossom
trees, lush green tea fields and rural villages. Enjoy
lunch at leisure, and travel to Hakone, known for
its mountain scenery and the conical volcano of
Mt Fuji and check into your hotel. Later, enjoy a
yakiniku barbecue dinner together.
Overnight: Hakone Kowakien Hotel, Hakone (B,D)
DAY 4 Friday 27 March 2026
Hakone – Mt Fuji – Tozan Mountain Railway
This morning, we’ll see the volcanic geysers of the
Owakudani Valley and enjoy spectacular views of
Mt Fuji. Travel on the Hakone Ropeway to the peak
of Mt Kamiyama, and continue on another cable
car for a ride on the Tozan Mountain Railway. This
95-year-old train winds through a narrow, densely
wooded valley past cherry trees and over many
bridges and tunnels, stopping at small stations
along the way. Arrive at the Hakone Open Air
Museum for free time at lunch, and enjoy a boat
ride on Lake Ashi for yet more views of Fuji. Return
to your hotel for a free evening. Overnight: Hakone
Kowakien Hotel, Hakone (B)
DAY 5 Saturday 28 March 2026
Kyoto
This morning, we’ll travel on a bullet train to the imperial Kyoto which is known for its traditional teahouses, scenic gardens and atmospheric temples. Check into your hotel, and wander the historic Nishiki Market where you can purchase lunch, and tour the Golden Pavilion at the Zen Buddhist Kinkaku-ji temple. Finish by travelling on the Sagano Forest Railway, along rivers and through a ravine to a rural village where you’ll tour the Okochi Sanso Villa and Gardens. Return to Kyoto and enjoy dinner together in the geisha district of Gion. Overnight: Kyoto Tower Hotel, Kyoto (B,D)
DAY 6 Sunday 29 March 2026
Kyoto
This morning, you’ll tour the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to see a tunnel of green with sunlight filtering through the trees, and visit the famed Fushimi Inari Shrine where you will wander through some of the vermilion-coloured Torii gates. After lunch at one of Kyoto’s traditional wooden Machiya townhouses, you’ll tour the Nijo-jo Castle, which is known for its hot pink cherry blossoms during springtime, the Kyoto Railway Museum at Umekoji Railway Park and enjoy some free time in the late afternoon and evening.
Overnight: Kyoto Tower Hotel, Kyoto (B,L)
DAY 7 Monday 30 March 2026
Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima
This morning, you’ll catch a train and travel to Japan’s first capital at Nara to tour the awe-inspiring Great Buddha, explore the historically significant Todaiji temple, and meet and feed the resident deer at Nara Park. Enjoy lunch at leisure, and continue by train to the eccentric and vibrant Osaka. On arrival, tour the vibrant Shinsaibashi and Doguyasuji shopping arcades, the neon billboard filled Dōtonbori and grab a takeaway bite from the Kuromon Ichiba Food Market. Hop on a Shinkansen bullet train and travel the 80 minutes to Hiroshima. Free evening. Overnight: Hotel Granvia, Hiroshima (B)
DAY 8 Tuesday 31 March 2026
Miyajima – Hiroshima
After breakfast, you’ll take a train and a ferry to the island of Itsukushima to see the giant Miyajima Torii Gate, which appears to float in the water. Enjoy some lunch at a local restaurant, maybe trying the local Okonomiyaki savory pancake. Return to Hiroshima, and reflect at the Peace Memorial Park where you’ll see the A-Bomb Dome and learn about the horrific atomic bomb attack during WWII. Enjoy the sight of pink cherry trees, and finish by riding an iconic vintage streetcar to hear the whirr and clunkity-clunk of these old trams. Free evening. Overnight: Hotel Granvia, Hiroshima (B,L)
DAY 9 Wednesday 1 April 2026
Kanazawa
This morning, take another bullet train, this time to Kanazawa via Kyoto, arriving in the early afternoon. Enjoy gorgeous rural landscapes on board, where you can purchase lunch at your own cost. Best known for the cherry tree filled 17th century Kenroku-en Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park, plus the historic samurai and geisha districts, temples and fascinating traditional markets, Kanazawa is a great place to spend a few days. Tour some of the sights after hotel check in, and enjoy a group dinner of izakaya and fresh seafood in the old town. Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kanazawa (B,D)
DAY 10 Thursday 2 April 2026
Takayama – Shirakawa-go - Gokayama – Kanazawa
This morning, travel on a Shinkansen train to the Edo-period town of Takayama in the Japanese Alps. This tranquil town retains a traditional touch, especially in its beautifully preserved old town, and on arrival, you’ll enjoy a tour and free time for lunch where you can try the famous Hida beef. Later, head to the rural villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, which are known for their clusters of charming thatched-roof farm cottages, constructed in a distinctive architectural style. Tour the area, and return to Kanazawa for a free evening. Overnight: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kanazawa (B)
DAY 11 Friday 3 April 2026
Niigata
This morning, enjoy some time free time to relax, or explore more of Kanazawa. Why not wander the suburb of Higashi Chaya, which is full of colourful alleyways and traditional houses and enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony at one of the local tea rooms. In the late morning, travel by rail to Niigata, with a change of trains in Takasaki. Arrive in port city of Niigata the late afternoon, check into your hotel and enjoy a group dinner together trying some local favourites such as Noppe, a meat and vegetable stew, Hegi Soba noodles and the delicious Murakami Beef. Overnight: Hotel Nikko, Niigita (B, D)
DAY 12 Saturday 4 April 2026
Banetsu Steam Train – Aizu-Wakamatsu
This morning, you’ll take a ride on the SL Banetsu Monogatari steam train for a journey to Aizu-Wakamatsu. Also known as the “Joyful Train”, this locomotive was built in 1946 and is nicknamed “The Noble Lady” due to its graceful appearance and nostalgic interior decoration. Enjoy fine views of the countryside, full of green rice paddies and cherry trees, and purchase lunch on board at your own cost. Arrive at Aizu-Wakamatsu in the early afternoon, check into your hotel and visit the 14th century Tsuruga jo Castle, which is located in the town centre. Overnight: Hotel Route-Inn, Aizu-Wakamatsu (B)
DAY 13 Sunday 5 April 2026
The Aizu Mount Express train –
SL Taigu Steam Train – Nikko
After an early breakfast, you’ll travel on the scenic Aizu Mount Express train to Nikko. On arrival, enjoy a ride on the historic steam locomotive SL Taiju to appreciate the days when steam lines were the only form of train travel in the country. Travel through forested landscapes, and enjoy lunch at the hot spring resort town of Kinugawa Onsen on arrival. It’s here where you can relax in one of the outdoor baths (onsen’s) while viewing the beautiful scenery of the deep valley gorge. Later, arrive at your hotel and check in. Free evening. Overnight: Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, Nikko (B,L)
DAY 14 Monday 6 April 2026
Nikko
After breakfast, you’ll tour Nikko. The town is located along Japan’s “Romantic Road” which is full of interesting towns, hot spring resorts and stunning natural scenery. Tour the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine, and visit the Nikko Toshogu Museum of Art and have lunch. Later, visit the red-lacquered Shinkyo Bridge and the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji, before relaxing at Chuzenji Lake, which features pristine forests of towering cedars, blooming flowers and cherry blossoms during springtime. Return to Nikko in the late afternoon for some free time. Overnight: Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, Nikko (B,L)
DAY 15 Tuesday 7 April 2026
Tokyo
This morning, you’ll travel by train back to Tokyo, arriving in the late morning. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy lunch while watching some Sumo wrestling, see the otaku geek culture, maid cafes, anime, and electronics in Akihabara, view the Tokyo Sky Tree and the Asahi Beer Hall, as well as the cherry trees along the Tokyo River. Finish by touring the neon lights, colourful billboards and the giant statue of Godzilla at Shinjuku and enjoy a farewell dinner. Afterwards, have a few optional drinks at Golden Gai, a collection of tiny, atmospheric bars crammed into cosy, lantern-lit alleyways. Return to your hotel. Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo (B,L,D)
DAY 16 Wednesday 8 April 2026
Tokyo / Depart
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight home. (B).
| The price per person twin-share | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $12,990 | $15,970 |
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 005 817 0781 (Travelrite International) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs: The tours costs are based on transport, accommodation costs and entrance costs at 18 February 2025. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to costings will be made within 60 days of departure.
Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $900 per passenger is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 60 days before departure. A 1.5% administration charge will be added to payment by Visa, Mastercard and America Express.
Cancellation: Cancellations within 60 days prior to departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Cancellations outside of 60 days prior to departure will result in the loss of the deposit paid per person. Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Changes To The Tour Itinerary:
Travelrite International reserves
the right to make changes to the tour itinerary to it in with operational
requirements. Any changes to the itinerary will be replaced with similar
arrangements with an equal or greater value.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The tour has been costed on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost if the minimum number is not achieved.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements which do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Baggage: All passengers qualify for 1 piece free baggage allowance.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. is the tour organiser. Travelrite International acts only as agents in making of arrangements with carriers, hoteliers and others for the tour. As a result, we cannot accept liability for any act or omission whatsoever, whether negligent or otherwise of those carriers, hoteliers or other persons providing services in connection with the tour over whom we have no direct or exclusive control. We do not accept responsibility for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change of schedule or any other events which are beyond our direct control, such as, but not limited to, war, flood, fire, civil disturbance, acts of God, acts of government, or any other authorities, terrorism, accidents to or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action. The passage contract in use by the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the transportation companies or firms and the purchasers of these tours and the passengers. Baggage is at own risk throughout the tour. The contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International
to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite
International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts
between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation
and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International
may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may
as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you,
any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is
necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you
or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in
which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite
International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite
International advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including
in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 9836 2522
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 40 years. It has a fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) office at Balwyn. As such it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association –ATIA.
“Being part of an organised tour was a new and enjoyable experience for us. We could relax because the Tour Manager had everything organised.”
“The Tairei Gorge out of Dunedin was our favourite – it had great scenery, bridges and tunnels!”
