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Classic Japan
Trafalgar | 11 Days | Tokyo to Osaka
March - April 2026 Departures
The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.
AAA Member Benefits and Special Offers:
- Member Benefits
- Up to $40 per person on-tour credit toward an optional excursion.
Call to Book
1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
- 11 Days
- 1 Country
- 6 Cities
- 10 Nights Accommodations
- 10 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 2 Dinners
- Activities Level: Dynamic
Sightseeing Highlights:
- Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka
- Visit Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Gion District and Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Nara Park and Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, and Tsuyunoten Shrine and the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka
- See the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama
Scenic Cruise along the Sumida River in Tokyo and the Okawa River in Osaka
Travel Highlights:
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Additional Information
Day 1: Konnichiwa Tokyo
Tokyo’s futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan’s modern centers and ancient capitals. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a drink with appetizers.
Day 2: Explore Vibrant Tokyo
Board a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo’s modern skyline, the traditional neighborhoods of old Edo and beautiful Hamarikyu Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner at a Sumo-themed izakaya restaurant.
Day 3: Majestic Mt. Fuji and Owakudani (Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Tokyo)
The towering slopes of snow-capped Mt. Fuji loom in the distance as you journey from Tokyo to this celebrated UNESCO-listed site. Admire spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a magnificent vantage point at 2,300 meters (weather permitting). After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll continue to Owakudani to see the volcanic activity. Consider sampling the local black eggs boiled in geysers, then head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 4: Continue to Kyoto
Leave Tokyo, traveling by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Visit Kinkakuji Temple, whose glittering golden pavilion is widely regarded as the symbol of Kyoto, before returning to the hotel for an evening of leisure.
Day 5: Discover Enchanting Kyoto
Visit one of Kyoto’s highlights—the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring and its stunning landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then spend some free time at Nishiki Market, a traditional food market known to locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry.” Return to your hotel or consider joining an optional Japanese tea ceremony experience.
Day 6: Admire Ancient Nara
This afternoon delve into the ancient history of Nara, the first permanent capital city of Japan. Here you’ll visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Take a stroll around Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming tame deer before returning to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.
Day 7: Bullet Train to Hiroshima
This morning, board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century’s devastation. Your first stop is to a local restaurant where you’ll join our Local Specialist for an Okonomiyaki making experience. Mix your ingredients to make your own savory pancake and cook it on a hot plate before enjoying your creation for lunch. This afternoon, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialties, shaping your steamed bun as a maple leaf and filling it with sweet red bean paste. You’ll have an opportunity to sample your work before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
Day 8: Experience Hiroshima
This morning, head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Take a moment to contemplate its symbolic expression of hope for world peace. Spend the afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.
Day 9: Onwards to Osaka
Today, take the high-speed bullet train to Osaka. On arrival embark on an orientation drive of the central city and your first glimpse of sights including the incredible Umeda Sky Building before checking in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 10: See the Sights of Osaka
Visit the downtown district of Shinsekai to see the Tsutenkaku Tower, then continue to the Dotonbori Street area for some time at leisure. Delve into the star-crossed love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei during your visit to the Tsuyunoten Shrine in Umeda, associated with the Edo-period play ‘The Love Suicides of Sonezaki, which tells of the tragic double suicide that took place at the shrine in 1703. To this day, visitors write their prayers for success in love on special wooden plaques called ema, many of which bear the image of Ohatsu and Tokubei. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open-air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Later join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 11: Sayonara Osaka
Your journey revealing Japan's past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-Trafalgar
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