Japan Intensive

From the Buddhist monks of Kōyasan to the high rollers of Tokyo, see the many faces of Japan on this condensed tour beginning in Osaka. Savour the region’s culinary delicacies and the beautiful views at Mt Fuji. You'll stay in a mountain temple and really soak up local culture in onsen hot springs. A great combination of the traditional and the contemporary, this adventure provides a taste of the rich culture of Japan.

As the largest metropolitan area in the world, Tokyo is an exciting city where a seemingly unlimited choice of shops, restaurants and museums sit in contrast with an array of temples, shrines and gardens. Sakata, Japan, is a charming coastal city renowned for its picturesque landscapes, traditional sake breweries, and historic samurai residences. Wander through the well-preserved streets of the Honjin Samurai District, sample local sake at traditional breweries, and admire panoramic views of the Sea of Japan from the scenic coastline. Nestled below Mount Fuji and home to the Miho-no-Matsubara seashore pine grove, Shimizu is a beautiful port town full of rich cultural history and inspiring natural surroundings.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2,000 flight credit per person
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Osaka with breakfast
• 8-night Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo guided tour with G Adventures, Osaka to Tokyo
• 14-night Japan Intensive: Nagasaki, Hiroshima & Osaka cruise onboard Azamara Pursuit, Tokyo return
• All onboard meals in complimentary dining venues plus select standard drinks, beers & wines, bottled water, soft drinks plus more
• Select transfers
• Port charges & fees onboard your cruise

Tour includes:

• 7 nights hand-picked hotel stays, 1 night Mountain Monastery stay
• 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners
• Transport via Bullet train, local train, subway, tram, ferry, public bus, cable car, walking
• Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
• Miyajima Island excursion
• Nijo Castle and gardens visit
• Gion walk
• Fushimi Inari shrine visit

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 18 April – 12 May 2028

Tour itinerary:

Day 1: Osaka

Arrive before 3:00 pm and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm.

Day 2: Osaka - Kōyasan

Travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine).

Day 3: Kōyasan - Hiroshima

Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Have some time to enjoy Koyasan this morning, before travelling to Hiroshima this afternoon.

Day 4: Hiroshima

This morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen.

Day 5: Hiroshima - Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour.

Day 6: Kyoto

Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time.

Day 7: Kyoto - Hakone

Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a feast on a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs.

Day 8: Hakone - Tokyo

Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping.

Day 9: Tokyo

Depart at any time.

Cruise Itinerary:

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 24-08-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.