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    NEW Package. Submit a booking enquiry to receive a travel plan customised to suit you.

    12 Days Best of Japan package from $5,850pp $3,899pp after member savings.

    • Travel across Japan via bullet train
    • Stay in handpicked accommodation across Japan
    • Explore Osaka Castle and vibrant Dotonbori
    • Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island
    • Walk through Kyoto's famous Fushimi Inari Shrine
    • Enjoy Tokyo's flavors on a guided food tour
    • Admire Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi on a scenic day trip

    Plus receive our insider's guide to experiencing all the natural wonders, history and attractions of Japan with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the stunning surrounds. Save up to 32% off full retail value.

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    FULL RETAIL VALUE: $5,850pp. YOU PAY FROM $3,899, SAVE UP TO $1,851pp.

    BOOKING ENQUIRY

    Trip Highlights

    Discover Japan's diverse landscapes and rich culture on this 12-day journey by train. From the vibrant streets of Osaka to the ancient temples of Kyoto, the poignant history of Hiroshima, and the natural beauty of Hakone, this itinerary blend guided experiences with free exploration.

    Cap off your adventure with Tokyo’s dynamic food scene and a day trip to the iconic Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, before returning to Sydney with unforgettable memories.

    Trip highlights: *

    • Experience seamless travel across Japan by train
    • Handpicked accommodations across Japan
    • Discover Osaka Castle and enjoy the lively Dotonbori nightlife
    • Reflect on history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and visit Miyajima Island
    • Walk through the iconic torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
    • Indulge in Tokyo's culinary delights on a guided food tour
    • Marvel at Mt. Fuji and the beauty of Lake Kawaguchi on a day trip

    * Package price varies according to season and departure city.

    Global Escapes Travel

    In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.

    Package Pricing

    World-wide Savings Guarantee

    Saving Guarantee

    Bring us a competitor quote and let us go to work for you.

    We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price and/or value by a minimum of 15%. Conditions.

    Upload Competitor Quote

    Saving Guarantee

    World-wide savings Guarantee

    We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price or value by a minimum of 15% ("price-beat") on the following conditions:

    Note: By requesting a price-beat you are under no obligation to place a booking with us or proceed with the final travel package as the case may be. A non-refundable deposit is required in the case of a tour/travel package price-beat (see below).

    Terms & Conditions

    The following terms and conditions apply to travel plans and accommodation quotes requested from and supplied by Travel Directions Pty. Ltd. trading as Global Escapes Travel, Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club (Australian Escapes) and Kiwi Escapes (the company) and are subject to change without notice. These conditions are to be read in conjunction with our standard booking conditions and conditions applicable to Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership as defined in website FAQs.

    Applies to:

    • Domestic and international travel packages.
    • Customised domestic travel plans that include flights and at least 3 nights' accommodation.
    • Customised international travel plans that include flights and at least 7 nights' accommodation.
    • International cruise packages including cruise(s), flights and at least 3 nights' pre/post-cruise accommodation.
    • Accommodation-only bookings (Australia and international) where we have access to member rates.

    The following booking types do not qualify:

    • Domestic and international cruise-only bookings.
    • Flight-only bookings.
    • Activities, car hire, cruise and tour excursions except where part of a larger package.

    1. ACCOMMODATION-ONLY

    There are two main scenarios:

    (1) You request a price-beat on a specific property. Our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions, provided we have access to member rates at the property and be able to book it through our normal supplier channels.

    If we do not have access to member rates that property we will offer an alternative that is of the same or higher standard, as per our hotel rating system and that meets the stated requirements, subject to availability, and subject to the following:

    1. Any price supplied is an estimate only and is subject to our standard booking conditions.
    2. The price beat and inclusion details will be confirmed in a travel plan.

    (2) We propose a property with member pricing: If the "you pay" price we submit is already discounted using GCash travel credits and the lowest available price at the time it was submitted, it does not qualify. Otherwise our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions.

    A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the applicable objective is achieved.

    2. TRAVEL & TOUR PACKAGES

    Inclusions in travel and tour packages assembled by competitor travel agents, tour companies, wholesalers, online travel promoters ("competitors") will all be different in some way. Packages will typically vary by inclusions, validity, suppliers, component type, standard, terms and conditions, travel date, etc ("package components").

    Our objective in this type of price-beat situation is to assemble a package containing similar and/or higher value package components to that which you present to us. We guarantee to offer at least 15% more total value (through added value) or a price that is 15% lower than the competitor quote ("successful price-beat") subject to the following:

    1. Any package components or prices that are exclusive to specific suppliers or competitors to which we do not have access will not be included.
    2. Alternative supplier products of a substantially similar type and standard may be included.
    3. Accommodation may be in a different but similar location.
    4. The price-beat may be based on alternative travel and departure dates.
    5. This guarantee does not apply to flight-only or cruise-only bookings. The booking type must qualify for Getaway Cash travel credits usage (refer to website FAQs).
    6. Added value may include travel services supplied by the company.
    7. Added value may be treated as a price deduction for the purposes of the price-beat.
    8. Any price supplied is an estimate only.
    9. The price beat and inclusion details will be confirmed in a travel plan.

    A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the above objective is achieved.

    3. GENERAL CONDITIONS

    The price-beat must be requested before you place a booking with any other travel agent, online booking agent or property direct in relation to the subject accommodation or package.

    A price-beat may be requested by providing clear, written evidence of the competitor quote as well as your requirements to an employee of the company who performs a reservations or travel consultant role ("company contact") as follows:

    1. Evidence regarding an accommodation-only price-beat may be supplied by phone or email stating the name of the property and room type, where you saw the price (on what website, in what publication etc.)
    2. Evidence regarding a tour or travel package must be provided to us in the form of a written quotation by the competitor travel agent, sent/forwarded via email to your company contact, or to admin@australianescapes.com.au. Enter your name as the email subject line. Alternatively, upload the quote (PDF or Word doc) via the Competitor Price Beater page. It must be a formal quotation, not an advertisement, website page or website-generated pricing.
    3. Your exact booking requirements including travel/booking date range(s), number and age of travellers and special requirements if any.
    4. The price-beat request and any subsequent travel plan and/or booking is subject to our standard booking conditions.

    A competitor quote presented under this guarantee must be genuine (not contrived) and must be a final, fixed price, backed by verifiable evidence. A competitor quote that we determine is not genuine or final is excluded. The requested date range(s) for travel/tour commencement as well as for individual package components must be realistic and flexible.

    5. TRAVEL/TOUR PACKAGE DEPOSIT GUARANTEE

    This condition applies to travel/tour packages only. We require up to $900 deposit per person (amount depending on package complexity) as a guarantee that you will proceed with the travel plan after we are successful with the price/value beat. This requirement exists because of the amount of travel consultant time required to price according to a competitor quote.

    1. The deposit amount will be deducted from the price if you proceed.
    2. The deposit amount will be refunded in the event that the proposed travel dates are not within the requested date range(s).
    3. Subject to 5.2, if you do not proceed, the deposit amount will be forfeited.

    5. MEMBERSHIP TO BE CURRENT

    Your Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership must be Gold level or above and active and paid up at the time of requesting the price beat.

    FULL RETAIL VALUE

    $5,850pp

    SAVINGS APPLIED

    -$1,851

    YOU PAY FROM*

    $3,999

    SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 32%

    Discover the Travel Club Advantage

    Australian Escapes has been saving members money on their holidays now for over 20 years and we can do the same for you. You can start today for FREE!

    • Group buying power

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    • No risk free trial, cancel anytime, invest a few dollars to save potentially $'000's.

    Quick Guide | Travel Club Free Trial

    Not yet a member? Submit a booking enquiry and we'll automatically register you for a 90-day free trial account. No obligation to book a trip or to remain as a member. There are no scams and no catches. This is a genuine travel club and you'll quicky discover how professional we are.

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    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...

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    Inclusions

    "All you need to bring is your curiosity - Japan will take care of the rest."

    Discover Japan's diverse landscapes and rich culture on this 12-day journey by train. From the vibrant streets of Osaka to the ancient temples of Kyoto, the poignant history of Hiroshima, and the natural beauty of Hakone, this itinerary blend guided experiences with free exploration. Cap off your adventure with Tokyo’s dynamic food scene and a day trip to the iconic Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, before returning to Sydney with unforgettable memories.

    This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

    Package includes:

    • Return airfares from Australia
    • Japan Rail Pass
    • 2 nights silver standard accommodation in Osaka
    • Osaka walking tour
    • 2 nights silver standard accommodation in Kyoto
    • Kyoto guided tour
    • 2 nights silver standard accommodation in Hiroshima
    • Hiroshima walking tour
    • 2 nights silver standard accommodation in Hakone
    • 3 nights silver standard accommodation in Tokyo
    • Food tour in Tokyo
    • Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi bus tour

    All packages include:

    • Lonely Planet guide for Japan
    • No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
    • Extra nights at industry wholesale price (using GCash travel credits)
    • Google Drive folder with soft copies of all travel documents
    • Comprehensive, printed itinerary
    • Personal travel consultant to help plan and customize your holiday
    • Option for best-in-class travel insurance at member price

    Read about our new accommodation ratings standards here.

    Carefully selected accommodation:

    Hotel standards

    Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

    Fully customisable:

    This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

    Special value:

    Lonely Planet Logo

    Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

    Japan

    You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.


    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

    Your Itinerary

    Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan’s most captivating destinations by train where every ride is part of the adventure. Wander through Osaka’s lively streets, uncover Kyoto’s timeless beauty, and reflect on Hiroshima’s moving history. Soak in an onsen with Mount Fuji as your backdrop, savor hidden culinary delights, and lose yourself in Tokyo’s electric energy. With a perfect balance of guided tours and free time, this journey invites you to experience Japan’s rich tapestry of tradition, nature, and modern life.

    "Two roads diverged in a wood and I I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference" - Robert Frost

    DAY 1: WELCOME TO OSAKA (2 NIGHTS)

    Arrive in vibrant Osaka, the heart of the Kansai region. After settling into your accommodation, spend the evening exploring Dotonbori’s lively streets, where neon lights shimmer along the canal and the scent of sizzling street food fills the air. Treat your taste buds to local favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, a perfect introduction to Japan’s mouthwatering cuisine.


    Lively district of Dotonbori, heart of Osaka

    DAY 2: DISCOVER OSAKA

    Experience Osaka like a local on a guided walking tour that goes beyond the usual sights. Discover the city's rich history, dynamic food scene, and unique blend of old and new.


    See the panoramic views of Osaka from Osaka Castle

    Visit iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle, explore the bustling Kuromon Market known as "Osaka's Kitchen" and wander through the trendy streets of Amerika-mura, the heart of Osaka’s youth culture. Along the way, sample authentic street food, uncover hidden gems, and learn fascinating stories about Osaka’s past and present from a local guide.

    DAY 3: KYOTO (2 NIGHTS)

    Board a train to Kyoto and settle into your accommodation. Spend the day at leisure exploring the city’s peaceful gardens and historic streets.


    Ride Japan's high-speed bullet train

    Consider exploring Kyoto at night. Wander through late-night izakayas for yakitori or grilled seafood skewers, sip local sake at a hidden bar near Kiyamachi Street, or try the unforgettable fire ramen experience where your bowl is set ablaze right before your eyes.

    DAY 4:  KYOTO GUIDED TOUR

    Experience the beauty of Kyoto with a morning exploration of its most iconic landmarks. Walk through the mesmerizing Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vibrant red torii gates create a magical pathway. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, surrounded by towering bamboo swaying gently in the breeze.


    Torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine

    Complete your journey at the stunning Kinkakuji (Golden Temple), a symbol of elegance and serenity. This unforgettable tour showcases Kyoto's timeless charm, perfect for those seeking both beauty and culture.

    DAY 5: HIROSHIMA (2 NIGHTS)

    Travel by shinkansen to Hiroshima. After settling in to your accommodation, the day is yours to explore. In the evening, we recommend enjoying a stroll along the Motoyasu River Promenade or taking in city views from Hijiyama Park. End the night exploring the lively Hondori Street.

    DAY 6: HIROSHIMA WALKING TOUR

    Discover Hiroshima’s powerful journey from tragedy to resilience on a guided walking tour through its most significant sites. Begin at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, where your local guide shares stories of the atomic bomb’s impact and the city’s remarkable recovery.


    Famous Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima

    Walk through Peace Memorial Park, visit the symbolic Aogiri tree, and see the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome up close. Head to the Orizuru Tower observatory for sweeping views of the city, offering a striking contrast between the past and present. Enjoy lunch with your guide as you reflect on Hiroshima’s inspiring story of hope and renewal.

    DAY 7: HAKONE (2 NIGHTS)

    Board the shinkansen to Odawara Station, the gateway to Hakone. Hakone is known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and stunning Mount Fuji views, perfect for a relaxing escape in traditional ryokan inns.

    After checking into your accommodation, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore.

    DAY 8: FREE DAY IN HAKONE

    Enjoy a free day exploring Hakone’s natural beauty at your own pace. Take a peaceful walk along the Old Tokaido Road, a historic path lined with cedar trees offering scenic views.


    Hakone is known for its onsen (hot springs)

    Visit the Hakone Shrine, nestled by the shores of Lake Ashi, where you can see the famous red torii gate standing in the water. Stroll around the Hakone Sekisho checkpoint, a reconstructed Edo-era site with beautiful lake views. For a quiet retreat, head to the Gora Park's free areas or simply unwind by the lake, taking in the stunning surroundings of this tranquil mountain town.

    DAY 9: TOKYO (3 NIGHTS)

    Take the train to Tokyo and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon wandering through the vibrant streets of Shibuya and Harajuku. Experience the buzz of the famous Shibuya Crossing, explore trendy boutiques, and soak in the lively atmosphere. We recommend ending the day with a casual dinner at a local izakaya, where you can enjoy Japanese small plates and drinks.


    Busy streets of Shibuya

    DAY 10:  FOOD TOUR IN TOKYO

    Dive into Tokyo’s culinary scene on a guided food tour. Wander through hidden eateries to savour local favourites like sushi, yakitori, and tempura, each bite telling a story of Japanese tradition.


    Savoring Tokyo's cuisines

    Explore the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, where fresh seafood and local delicacies fill the air. End your journey with sweet treats in Ginza, immersing yourself in Tokyo’s rich food culture along the way.

    DAY 11: MT. FUJI & LAKE KAWAGUCHI

    Meet your guide and board your air-conditioned vehicle for the drive toward Mt. Fuji (Fuji-san). Start at Mt. Arakura, where a climb to the viewpoint reveals the iconic Chureito Pagoda with Mt. Fuji in the background.


    Japan's most iconic symbol, Mt. Fuji

    Continue to Kawaguchiko Craft Park by Lake Kawaguchi, where you can enjoy lunch at your own expense and take a peaceful lakeside stroll. Admire vibrant seasonal blooms at Oishi Park, offering picture-perfect views of Mt. Fuji. Conclude the journey at Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a traditional village with thatched-roof houses.

    DAY 12: RETURN TO SYDNEY

    Bid farewell to Japan as you fly from Tokyo back to Sydney, carrying unforgettable memories of your journey through Japan’s vibrant cities and tranquil landscapes.

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