trip overview

Japan Traditions in Motion blends Tokyo’s energy, Kyoto’s heritage, and serene onsen stays with bullet train journeys and private guided experiences

It’s stylish. It’s meaningful. It’s unforgettable.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8

Tokyo

Day 1

Welcome to Japan

Kon’nichiwa, and welcome to the beginning of Japan Traditions in Motion.

Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, your English-speaking representative will greet you and guide you to your shared airport shuttle or assist with a seamless private transfer to your hotel, ensuring an effortless start to your journey.

Once checked in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace — perhaps take a gentle stroll through a nearby park, follow the scent of sizzling yakitori down side streets, or savour your first steaming bowl of ramen.

1 night in Tokyo – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Asakusa Kannon Temple

Day 2

Tokyo’s Icons & Hidden Corners

Awake to breakfast before stepping into the city’s rhythm with your expert English-speaking guide. Today, you’ll explore Tokyo as the locals do, navigating the city’s efficient public transport system.

Begin with sweeping city views from the Bunkyo Civic Centre, then travel back in time at the Edo Fukagawa Museum with its life-sized Edo-period streetscapes. In Asakusa, wander towards Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, before browsing the traditional stalls along Nakamise-dori.

Conclude in the sophisticated Ginza district, where modern architecture, boutique shopping, and gourmet delights meet. Return to your hotel with a richer sense of Tokyo’s unique contrasts.

Breakfast included

Day 3

Journey to Ogoto Onsen

After breakfast, pack a small overnight bag — your main luggage will be couriered to Kyoto — and board the iconic Shinkansen bullet train. From Kyoto, a short local train carries you to the peaceful shores of Lake Biwa and the hot spring town of Ogoto Onsen.

Check into your traditional ryokan, where tatami mats, shoji screens, and private thermal baths set the tone for pure relaxation. For the full experience, soak before dinner, before bed, and again in the morning. This evening, delight in a seasonal kaiseki feast, beautifully presented and bursting with flavour.

Breakfast and Dinner are included

Kyoto Detailed

Day 4

Kyoto’s Golden Highlights

After a final soak and a leisurely breakfast, make your way to Kyoto using your IC card. Meet your local guide for a half-day tour of the city’s treasures.

Visit the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), its gold leaf exterior reflected in a mirror-still pond, then find tranquillity at Ryoan-ji Temple’s Zen rock garden. End your tour in the atmospheric Gion district, where lantern-lit streets and ochaya tea houses preserve the elegance of the geisha tradition.

Return to your hotel to find your main luggage awaiting you.

Breakfast included
3 nights in Kyoto – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Day 5

Nara & Fushimi (Optional for Comfort)

Comfort guests may enjoy the day at leisure, exploring Kyoto independently.

Deluxe and Indulgence guests will join a guided journey to Nara and Fushimi. In Nara, marvel at the Great Buddha inside Todai-ji Temple, then stroll through Nara Park, where friendly deer wander freely. Continue to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, where thousands of lanterns line the paths, before visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha to walk through its endless tunnels of bright vermilion torii gates.

Breakfast included

Kyoto Gardens

Day 6

Kyoto Your Way

With breakfast complete, the day is yours to explore Kyoto and beyond at your own pace. You might visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for panoramic city views, wander through the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or take a short train to Uji, famed for its matcha and the graceful Byodo-in Temple.

Your IC card makes independent travel easy, whether you choose cultural immersion or moments of quiet reflection.

Breakfast included

Day 7

Return to Tokyo

After breakfast, bid farewell to Kyoto as you board the Shinkansen back to Tokyo — a journey of around 2.5 hours, offering glimpses of both rural charm and urban sprawl.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Shop for last-minute treasures, seek out one final cultural site, or simply relax in a quiet café before your final night in Japan.

Breakfast included
1 night in Tokyo – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Day 8

Farewell to Japan

Sayōnara, Japan — and what an adventure it has been! Depending on your flight time, you may have a little leisure this morning before your shared shuttle collects you.

Whether you depart from Narita or Haneda, today marks the close of Japan Traditions in Motion. As the city fades beyond the window, reflect on the moments that defined your journey — the golden stillness of Kyoto’s temples, the warmth of onsen baths, the rush of the Shinkansen, and the sparkle of neon-lit nights.

Though your travels here end today, the spirit of Japan will stay with you — in stories, in flavours, and in memories to treasure for years to come.

Most flights arrive in Australia the following morning, depending on your airline.

Breakfast included

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Trip Highlights

Tokyo

Bunkyo Civic Center Observatory

Edo Fukagawa Museum

Asakusa District

Senso-ji Temple

Nakamisedori Boulevard

Included in This Journey

  • 3 Nights in Tokyo
  • Overnight in Ogoto Onsen Ryokan
  • 3 Nights in Kyoto
  • Daily Breakfast and 1 Dinner
  • Airport meeting assistant on arrival
  • Shared airport shuttle from the airport to the hotel on arrival day
  • English-speaking guide on Day 2 & Day 4
  • Small group city tour (max 10) in Tokyo & Kyoto
  • Shinkansen (2nd class reserved seat) Tokyo – Kyoto (day 4), Kyoto – Tokyo (day 7)
  • Rechargeable IC card with 5,000 yen credit for local transport, such as train, metro and public bus
  • Admission to included sights mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Shared airport shuttle from the hotel to the airport on departure day
  • Luggage delivery from Tokyo to Kyoto and back to Tokyo (1 piece per person) arriving the next day.
  • All administrations

Choose your standard

*We try to include these hotel examples where available. If a selected hotel is unavailable for your requested dates, we will provide you with an alternative option that has been reviewed and rated similarly to the original property.

Need to Know Before You Go

  • A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
  • As of August 2025, the exchange rate is 1 AUD = 95.91 JPY.
  • Australian passport holders can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days; passports should have 6 months’ validity beyond the trip.
  • Hotel rooms in Japan are smaller than Western standards; double beds are typically 140 x 200 cm.
  • Luggage space on trains is limited; this trip includes separate luggage transport between Tokyo and Kyoto.
  • Moderate fitness is recommended — sightseeing often involves walking and stairs.
  • Weather is most pleasant in Japan between March–May and September–November, ideal for this itinerary.
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all guests.
  • Tips and gratuities are not included; in Japan, they are generally not expected but can be given for exceptional service.
  • Cancellations 55+ days before arrival incur a $200pp fee; 15 days or less is 100% non-refundable.
  • International flights are not included in the package price.
LEARN MORE ABOUT Japan

What Our Travellers Say

Your Questions Answered

This isn’t a cookie-cutter coach trip. It’s a carefully crafted private journey blending Japan’s vibrant modern cities, serene temple towns, and restful onsen retreats. You’ll travel by bullet train, stay in handpicked hotels and ryokan, and have expert guides reveal the cultural depth behind every sight — all while enjoying seamless logistics from start to finish.

Most travellers arrive at Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda International Airport and depart from the same. Both are well-connected to major international airlines including Japan Airlines, ANA, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. If you’d like help arranging flights to match this itinerary, we can provide tailored recommendations.

Absolutely. Japan Traditions in Motion is designed for those new to Japan as well as seasoned travellers. The itinerary flows from the energy of Tokyo to the tranquillity of Kyoto, with an overnight in an authentic onsen town to balance the pace. You’ll have private guidance in key cities and the freedom to explore at your own speed.

Yes — and many of our guests do. Solo travellers enjoy the same inclusions as couples or families: private guides, safe transfers, premium accommodation, and full support from our local team. A solo supplement applies, but the experience of sipping tea in Kyoto’s Gion or watching Tokyo come alive at night — all at your own pace — is worth it.

Japan is one of the safest destinations in the world, known for its low crime rates and welcoming hospitality. With Click and Trip, you’re never navigating alone — your private guides, reliable transfers, and our Australian support team ensure every step of your journey is smooth and secure.

Both options feature centrally located, carefully vetted properties. Comfort offers stylish, well-appointed hotels; Deluxe adds premium amenities, more spacious rooms, and enhanced service. Your ryokan night in Ogoto Onsen is always a highlight, complete with private thermal bath regardless of category.

This itinerary balances guided experiences with personal time. You’ll have free afternoons in Tokyo and Kyoto to follow your own interests — from exploring quiet gardens and neighbourhood cafes to discovering hidden boutiques. We can also suggest optional experiences to fill any unplanned hours.

No — we keep flights flexible so you can use frequent flyer points, choose your preferred airline, or arrive from another destination. We’re happy to assist in finding the best routes and fares to suit your travel plans.

It’s perfect for couples seeking a cultural yet comfortable adventure, families who want flexibility without sacrificing insight, and solo travellers looking for independence with expert support. If you want to experience Japan’s temples, tea houses, and high-speed trains while staying in comfort, this journey is for you.

Absolutely. Every Japan Traditions in Motion journey with Click and Trip begins with a conversation — not a checkout cart. To start, click the “Tailor This Trip” button at the top of the page. This takes you to our Contact Us page, where you can reach out in the way that suits you best.

Call our Brisbane-based travel team on 1300 833 149, email contact@clickandtrip.com.au, start a live chat, or fill out our short enquiry form. We’ll walk you through your options — from hotel categories to extra cultural experiences — and refine your itinerary until it’s exactly how you imagine it.

We believe every unforgettable journey starts with a human touch. This one’s no exception.

Start Your Japan Adventure Today!

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Japan Traditions in Motion
Japan
from AU$2,999
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