7 Days Japan Tour
From technologically advanced Tokyo teeming with people, to the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama set in a mountain landscape, Japan is a land of fascinating contrasts.
Enjoy an authentic way of life in this short but sweet tour of modern Japan.
- Trip length:
- 7 Days
- Group size:
- Max 16
- Start:
- Tokyo
- End:
- Tokyo
- Vehicle:
- Train, Taxi, Public Bus, Cycle
- Sleep:
- Hotels, Hostels, Guesthouses

Itinerary
Day 1-2 Arrive Tokyo
The first day of your tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities. In order to allow time to relax and see some of the sights you may wish to add pre tour accommodation. On arrival please ask at the reception for information on when the pre departure meeting will be held.
New and old collide in Tokyo, Japan's capital city that never sleeps. As you discover the city you will find there is no actual centre to Tokyo but a collection of impressive districts, all full of attractions. Shinjuku is the main cosmopolitan entertainment quarter for restaurants, shopping and Japans busiest rail station. Here huge plasma screens blast out bright, neon advertisements, while side streets house strip clubs and smoky jazz bars. A quieter option is to spend time in Ueno (Koen) Park where you can visit the Tokyo Zoological Gardens, National Museums, wander among the cherry trees and the see the historical Toshogu Shrine.
Your tour leader will assist you in validating your rail pass which you will use on your tour, and then take you on a morning orientation walk via the metro to the Imperial Palace, the Emperor Meiji Shrine and the area of Harajuku, famous for its quirky youth fashion culture.
Included Activities
- Tokyo Orientation Walk
Optional Activities
- Kabuki Theatre – US$7 Experience a traditional Japanese dance / dramatic play set to music.
- Tokyo National Museum – US$3.50 Japan’s oldest and largest museum holds over 110,000 objects, art works and archaeological artifacts.
Day 3-4 Takayama
We take the Shinkansen Bullet train to Nagoya and change to a local train for the beautiful trip up through the Japanese Alps to Takayama. Here you will have the chance to test the local rice wine. 'Sake' is brewed using rice, water and white koji mold as the main ingredients.
We begin our introduction to the traditional city of Takayama with an exploratory bike ride through the town to familiarise you with the famous sites. Takayama is located in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, which has retained a traditional feel unlike many other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved Old Town. The southern half of the Old Town, especially the Sannomachi Street, is particularly pretty with many old homes, shops, coffee houses and sake breweries, some of which have been in business for centuries. After our bike ride is over you can lose yourself in the back streets or venture out of town if you're feeling adventurous.
Included Activities
- Takayama Bicycle Tour
Optional Activities
- Takayama Jinya – US$3.50. Take a tour of this historical government house that has been restored to its early design.
- Hida-No-Sato (HIDA folk village) – US$6. Wander around this village of 30 old farmhouses which illustrate the traditional architectural styles of the mountainous regions of Japan.
- Festival floats exhibition – US$7. Takayama is the home of a famous Shinto festival called Takayama Matsuri. The floats used during the festival can be found in the festival float exhibition hall Takayama Yatai Kaikan.
Day 5-6 Kyoto
We take the early morning local train to our bullet train which will deliver us to the modern, vibrant Imperial Capital of Kyoto. Kyoto was fortunate to be spared in the World War II bombings and has retained literally thousands of ancient shrines, temples and palaces, some dating back centuries.
There is an optional tour of the city by foot and local bus, including a stop at old Gion Square where some scenes from the movie 'Memoirs of a Geisha' were filmed. If you haven't read the book it's a great insight into traditional Japanese life and the effects of the war on society. It may also be possible to see a geisha dance performance or tea ceremony demonstration.
You will find that in Kyoto, the old and the new co-exist in perfect harmony. Close to the city's famous Toji temple is an impressive 57 metre high Buddhist pagoda dating back to 794AD, the year the city was established as the Imperial Capital. Right next door, the monthly Kobo-san flea market offers a bargain hunter's paradise, where you can rummage through a range of items from second hand kimonos to war memorabilia, food and sculptures.
If you are interested in Japanese cultural history, you may like to visit the Kamo Shrines, called the Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, which are both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are among the most important in Japan. Predating even the Toji temple, these shrines were traditionally visited by members of the Imperial court, who would worship Shinto gods called Kami, and ask them to protect the city and help it to prosper. The Shimogamo Shrine is surrounded by the Tadasu no Mori forest, which features trees that are up to 600 years old, while the nearby Kamigamo Shrine is known for sand cones at its entrance, which have been built and rebuilt since ancient times to help purify and protect the shrine.
Optional Activities
- Ginkaku-ji Temple of the Silver Pavilion – US$4. Also known as Jishō-ji, Temple of Shining Mercy, this Buddhist temple was built in 1474, and is surrounded by a peaceful, pretty Japanese garden. • Nanzen-ji – US$3.50. A Zen Buddhist temple, one of the ‘Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto’.
- Kinkaku-ji - Golden Pavilion Temple – US$3.50. Also known as Rokuon-ji, Deer Garden Temple, this temple was originally built in 1397 to serve as a retirement home and later became a Zen Buddhist temple, but has burned and been rebuilt several times. The temple is set in a beautiful strolling garden, with a mirror lake before it.
- Ryōan-ji – Temple of the Peaceful Dragon – US$3.50. This Zen Buddhist temple is one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is famous for its karesanui dry rock garden.
- Nijō Castle – US$5. Completed in 1626, this castle was built as the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Within two rings of fortifications are the Honmaru Palace with its garden, the beautifully decorated and cunningly protected Ninomaru Palace, kitchens, guard house and several other gardens.
- Sanjūsangendō – US$5. This Zen Buddhist temple, officially known as Hall of the Lotus King, was built in 1249 and rebuilt after fire in 1266. The temple is famous for its 1000 life-size statues of the Thousand Armed Kannon which stand on both the right and left sides of the main statue of the TAK in 10 rows and 50 columns.
Day 7 Depart Kyoto
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Shorts
- Long trousers
- Hiking pants/track pants
- Shirts/T-shirts
- Warm clothes for November-February: fleece, jacket, hat and gloves, warm layers
- Waterproof jacket or Umbrella
- Walking boots
EQUIPMENT/OTHERS
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- USD cash
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Day pack for daily personal items
- Lock for all bags
- Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
- Alarm clock
- Flashlight
- Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
- Insect Repellent
- Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
- Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
- Small towel and swim wear
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
- Money belt
- Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Binoculars
- Pocketknife
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Train
- Taxi
- Public Bus
- Cycle
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotels/Hostels/Guesthouses (6 nights)
MEALS
- 6 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
OTHERS
- Tucan Travel Tour Leader
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
What should I pack?
Once you’ve confirmed your booking, we send out trip-specific pre-departure information with a general packing list as well as a list of any other special items you may need to bring.
What immunisations do I need?
Immunisations vary from country to country and we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations. In some places anti-malaria medication may also be required. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure, so allow plenty of time. It is also important that you obtain a certificate of vaccination and you must carry this with you on your trip. Please note that in some cases a certificate of vaccination is compulsory in order to obtain a visa.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
We recommend you carry personal medical items for managing common minor ailments such as colds, diarrhoea, blisters and sore throats etc. Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply. Asthma sufferers should ensure that they have an adequate supply of their routine medicine, as some major cities have high levels of smog.
How much luggage do I need to take?
As a general rule, the less luggage you bring with you, the better. You’ll probably be buying souvenirs and the like along the way, so leave some space! There will be times when you will be carrying your luggage on and off public transport, so you should consider travelling with a backpack or a soft duffel bag. Suitcases aren’t suitable for these types of holidays. Each airline has specific rules as to luggage allowances, so check directly with them or ask your travel consultant to confirm for you.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
Sometimes. This varies depending on which trip you are booking on, and we will let you know in the info pack that we send to you on confirmation of your booking.
How do I get a visa?
Please note that visas for Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The Visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your governments foreign ministry website or with your travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably be an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. *Please have extra USD on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.Please be aware that you will require two clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory that you have comprehensive travel insurance. Domestic government medical insurance and private health schemes will not cover you in most overseas countries. Your policy MUST cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation. Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel your holiday. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling. Your tour guide will need two copies of your policy - the Tour Guide and our Ground Operator will keep one copy each in the unlikely event of an emergency. The copies must show the policy number and the emergency hotline phone number.
Does the tour price included international flights?
The prices quoted on the site do not include international flights.
Where does the tour start?
Tours will always start in a specified hotel and we will let you know exactly when you need to be at that hotel. We can organise airport transfers, if you wish.
Can I book accommodation at the start and/or end of the tour?
Yes. In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll organise a quote for you.
What form of transport do we use around the Himalayas and Nepal?
As a general rule, we travel on local transport, mixing with the locals and getting involved. In some places, the best way to explore is on foot, in others we’ll jump on boats, bemos, canoes, camels, tuk-tuks, songthaews… you get the picture. The style of transport will be as varied as it is fun…. we don’t like sealing you up in a 50-seater coach. Sometimes, however, local transport is not practical – you just can’t jump on a No. 96 bus in northern Thailand – so in these instances, we hire our own vehicles.
Private tours and families
Can I organise a private tour?
Of course! If there’s a minimum of two people, pick an existing itinerary and contact us and we can arrange the trip as a private tour. Or if you’re after something a bit different, if you have a minimum of four people for a trip, contact us and we can put together a tailored and personally designed itinerary for you
Booking the trip
Do I need to book online?
No. Whilst this site is designed to make booking as easy as possible, we appreciate that sometimes it’s nice to talk to a human being, so give us a call! We can do the whole booking procedure over the phone.
How do I know if the tour is available?
To see the scheduled departure dates just click the “Check Dates” button on the top right of the page. To ensure the scheduled departure is going ahead send us an email to info@worldlypeople.org and we get back to you within a couple of hours.
How far in advance do I need to book?
There is no guarantee as to when other people will book and hence when the tour will fill up. Our advice is that as soon as you know which one you want to book, don’t delay - put your name down as soon as possible, that way you won’t be disappointed.However, we can usually take bookings for most of our tours right up until the departure date if there are spaces left, so have a look at the availability, and if there’s still space we’ll gladly take your booking
When is final payment on tours due ( for deposit payments )
The final payment is due in full 56 days before the departure of your trip. If you’ve booked your trip within 56 days of the departure date, full payment is needed.
Who travels with us
How fit do I need to be?
Our holidays are fun and can be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However, some trips visit remote areas where medical facilities are very limited or non-existent, so you must be in good health. Some trips may include a trekking element, so some pre-trek preparation will be an advantage. There are some other factors to consider: bumpy roads, dust, traffic, delays and unfamiliar customs and cultures may all create additional demands. You will also have to carry your own bags so bear that in mind when deciding if you really need that other pair of shoes.
Is this trip for me?
These trips appeal to people who want the fun, freedom and flexibility of independent travel, but want to make the most of their time and prefer that someone else takes care of the hassles and organisation – queuing for tickets and looking for a hotel at night can be a real drag! These trips are also for people who want to get a deeper understanding of the region they visit - our innovative itineraries and exceptional team leaders make this happen. Or perhaps you are a single traveller and like the safety and companionship of travelling with a few others, sharing the experiences and adventures together.
The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you’re on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Please bear in mind that these trips are designed for travellers and our trips are go, go, go! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easygoing attitude. On these trips you don’t pay for unnecessary extras – that’s why the prices are so good. We include many of the must see sights, but keep plenty of free time aside so you can go on your own way and make your own discoveries. Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down. You might spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but certainly a real highlight, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible - although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing.
Is this a typical group tour?
Most travellers consider themselves independent travellers, rather than typical group travellers. This is just as well because these tours are a long way from your typical group tour - freedom and flexibility are fundamental! There are usually around 8 people on a trip (the maximum is 14), and you’ll find that the excellent tour prices offer a real alternative to backpacking. Our travellers want to explore places at a grassroots level, and have a great time while they do this.
Im a single travellers, is that OK?
Most of our travellers are ‘flying solo’ and like the thought of travelling with like-minded souls. Your tour will have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some new friends. Some of the tours offer single supplement option. You can see these prices under the “Join Tour” drop down menu.
Who will I travel with?
Every group is different, however you'll generally travel with a mix of nationalities from all over the world.
Are there any age limits?
There is no specific upper age limit on our tours; they’re more of a suggestion. The majority of travellers are in their 20s and 30s, but if you are on the ‘other side’ of 40, then that’s great too! Essential on your list of things to pack are an open mind, sense of adventure and an easy-going attitude.
In general, we do not take people under the age of 18. If you are interested in taking your family away, let us know and we’ll see if we can organise a private departure for you.
How large are the groups?
The maximum group size is 13 passengers per vehicle or tour guide, with the average being 9.
Cost and Fees
What's included in the tour price?
Please refer to the “what’s included” section on your tour page for the most up to date information.
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. It’s handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
What is a "Trip Kitty"?
The trip kitty is to be paid in cash (in the currency indicated) at the start of your trip. Give it directly to your local leader, who can then pay for items locally throughout your trip, eg. meals. Having a trip kitty also helps us to pass savings onto you.
Can I pay the local payment in local currency?
The local payment needs to be paid in the currency indicated in the itinerary and final invoice. Most tours will have this included in the tour price. Please check the included section above.
How much spending money do I need?
Not a lot! Your accommodation, transport, local leader and some meals are included. Depending on where you are, you'll generally get by on about US$25 a day, covering meals, drinks and souvenirs.
What is the best way to take money with me?
A combination of cash, an ATM card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good. Travellers cheques are a safe way to carry money, however travellers can find it difficult in some areas to exchange them.
As a general rule, American dollars are accepted throughout the world, but make sure you have small denomination bills, and that they are not ripped or marked, as this may affect your ability to change them. And remember to check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas.
Do I need to tip the local guide?
Your tour guide works hard to ensure you have a great trip, so please don’t hold back if you feel they have earned a tip for their efforts. If you would like to reward your tour guide for his or her services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour.
Whilst on tour
Can I wash my laundry?
Many of the places we stay have laundry facilities nearby, especially within cities. It is also a good idea to bring some ‘travel wash’, and a travel clothes line, to wash the necessities. This will help you cut down on packing space, and hence the amount you have to lug around with you!
Can I get on the internet whilst on tour?
Internet cafés are plentiful throughout much of the world, particularly in major cities – an internet email address and a webcam/phone account (such as skype) are good ways of staying in touch.
Will my mobile phone work?
Do you really want to take your phone with you? One of the biggest pleasures about getting away is leaving telephones and computers behind! However, if you really do want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have a reciprocal agreement with the countries you are travelling to, and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on.
Can I do a section of the tour and not the whole trip?
Unfortunately it is not possible to just do sections of the tour. Some of the longer tours are made up of smaller tours completed back-to-back, and hence might be possible to book separately. It may be possible to arrange a private charter for you from a section of the tour so please contact us.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Several of our holidays include travel by boat, ship or canoe. It is assumed by us that you can swim, unless you advise us otherwise. If you cannot swim, you must let us know, so we can let your tour leader know. However, swimming is by no means compulsory at any stage in our trips.
Can I bring gifts for people?
If you want to give something to the local people please bring something useful like pens or school books, not lollies. The other thing we insist upon is that gifts are distributed in an organised and responsible manner - either through the headmaster of a school or ask your tour leader what the most beneficial approach is. Some children, and even adults, may ask for things on the street, in villages, etc, and although giving a ‘present’ may give both of you a brief moment of joy, handing things out like this only encourages begging and is destructive in the long term.
How much free time is there?
It is an integral part of all our trips to give you enough free time to explore by yourself. Many of your most memorable experiences will occur when you branch out and do your own thing. We understand that different people have different interests, so we build in free time to make your own discoveries. The framework is in place and the details are taken care of, but on many days, you decide what you want to see and do. After all, you might be thoroughly sick and tired of temples, while another group member just can’t get enough of them. It’s your holiday, so it’s your choice.
Will there be time to explore the cities we start and finish in? Or should I arrange extra time?
With all of our tours, we strongly believe we have well balanced itineraries to enable you to explore all the places you are visiting. There is generally no need to arrive early or leave later. However, there is always more to discover and we can arrange additional accommodation, should you need it.
What standard of accommodation should I expect?
Your lodging will be basic, but clean and comfortable, locally run, and usually reflecting the character of the region. Aside from being a more interesting place to stay than a bland internationally-run hotel, this also helps to keep the cost down and by supporting local businesses you help the local economy. You might also spend a night or two in a ‘home stay’, lodge or hacienda - these could be fairly basic, but will almost certainly end up being one of the highlights, offering a chance to really immerse yourself in the local culture.
What will the food be like?
Experiencing the local flavours is definitely a highlight on our trips. Our local tour guides take you to out of the way places and experience the best and most interesting cuisine of the cultures you visit. The guides’ local knowledge will mean you can decipher menus, get useful tips on what to try, and visit all the most interesting restaurants and markets. There will always be a very strong local influence in the food, which we believe is what travel is all about.
What about if I am a vegetarian? Or if I have a special diet?
No problem at all! The only important thing is that you let us know in advance, so we can inform our local tour guides. That way, they can look out for you and make sure you are looked after in the local restaurants. It is important to realise that in some places your diet might be slightly limited, as meat can form an integral part of the local diet. If in doubt, ask our consultants for their first-hand knowledge of each individual destination.
Are there any long travelling days?
Many of the tours have several long travelling days, often on local transport, and sometimes on rough roads. The trips are packed with highlights and the pace is fast, so we can see as much as possible. Although there’s always time to chill out, enjoy a cold drink and watch the world go by if that’s what you feel like doing. The trip notes for each trip will give you a strong indication of the travelling times for each day.
What will the weather be like?
Check our weather widget on the right side of the page for up to date information on the weather conditions. Otherwise, send us an email and we will let you know how things are at the moment!
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