Globaltravelbook, a licensed travel agency in Malta covered by the Insolvency Fund TRA/G/32.
Why visit Japan
Japan is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. From neon-lit cities and serene temples to snow-capped mountains and peaceful gardens, the country offers a captivating journey through contrasting landscapes and experiences.
Your journey will take you across Japan’s most iconic regions, giving you a taste of its culture, history, nature, and world-renowned cuisine.
The itinerary provided is a sample and can be fully customized to suit your preferences.
Main areas we will visit:
TOKYO | NIKKO | FUJI | TAKAYAMA | SHIRAKAWA | KYOTO | NARA | UJI | OSAKA | HIROSHIMA
Overview of many of our activities (more in the day-to-day itinerary)
How to Proceed:
Arrival Airport
Tokyo, Narita Airport
Departure Airport
Osaka International Airport
Requirements
Hotel: Tokyo Dome Hotel
Included: Transfer to hotel from airport.
Morning:
Start your day with breakfast before embarking on a day trip to the picturesque town of Nikko, renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and rejuvenating hot springs. Particularly breathtaking during autumn, Nikko’s vibrant foliage is a must-see.
Highlights of the Day:
Hotel: Tokyo Dome Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour and all entrances.
Start Your Day at Tsukiji Fish Market
Dive into Tokyo’s culinary heart at Tsukiji Fish Market, a paradise for seafood lovers and food enthusiasts. Wander through countless food stalls offering fresh seafood, local delicacies, and unique kitchen gadgets.
Learn the Art of Sushi Making
What’s better than learning how to make sushi in Japan? Ready to roll your very own sushi? Learn everything there is to know about this Japanese dish – from its multiple variants to the proper ways of cooking rice, slicing fish and rolling.
Visit Asakusa Senso-ji & Nakamise Street
Step into Tokyo’s historic side in Asakusa, where tradition meets modernity. Explore Senso-ji, a 7th-century Buddhist temple and one of Tokyo’s most beloved landmarks. Stroll along Nakamise Street, a 250-meter shopping lane lined with stalls offering traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets, all leading up to the temple.
Hotel: Tokyo Dome Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour, Sushi Making Class and Lunch
With so much to see and do around Tokyo, we’ve included a free day, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred activities.
You could opt to:
Hotel: Tokyo Dome Hotel
Included: Breakfast
Day trip to Mt.Fuji Area
Lake Kawaguchiko – you will arrive right at the base of Mt.Fuji at Lake Kawaguchiko, which is the most easily accessible of the Fuji five lakes. The best views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from the lake and are breathtaking during the time we will be visiting, in autumn season, due to the changing colours of leaves. Trees that were once green explode into beautiful hues of gold, red, and orange. Please note views of mount Fuji are always subject to the weather conditions on that day.
Chureito Pagoda – Another great view point that you will visit is the Chureito Pagoda, which is a five storied pagoda on the mountainside overlooking Mt.Fuji and the Fujiyoshida city. The location offers a combination of great views of the Pagoda and Mt.Fuji.
Hoto Noodles (lunch) – you will also have the opportunity to eat Hoto Noodles for lunch which is a hearty hot pot dish local to this region. It is commonly believed to have been eaten by Takeda Shingen, the regional warlord during the era of warring states, and his samurai before going into battle. The dish consists of thick wheat noodles in a miso based soup and is often served in an iron pot. While hoto noodles resemble extra thick udon noodles, they are prepared more like dumplings, and lend a heartier quality to the dish than udon would. The soup is traditionally a miso based broth with pumpkin and other seasonal vegetables added.
Oshino Hakkai – is a set of eight ponds located between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako on the site of a former sixth lake that dried out several hundred years ago. The eight ponds are fed by snow melt from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji that filters down the mountain through porous layers of lava for over 80 years, resulting in very clear spring water that is revered by the locals.
Hotel: Tokyo Dome Hotel
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour, lunch and all entrances.
On this day, you will transfer to Takayama via bullet train, trading the bustling energy of Tokyo for the charm of one of Japan’s best-preserved old towns. Takayama offers a glimpse into rural Japan, with its rich history, culture, and traditional atmosphere—perfect for those looking to experience a more tranquil side of the country.
Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel, around 3pm. After check-in, you can explore the town on your own, or relax at the hotel. The hotel features traditional Japanese designs and tatami (woven-straw) flooring throughout and boasts a rooftop open-air natural hot-spring bath.
You may also choose to visit the Funasaka Sake Brewery to sample local brews, or take a scenic walk to Shiroyama Park for a peaceful experience amidst nature.
Hotel: Takayama Ouan
Included: Breakfast & Transfers
Morning: Takayama Jinya
Start your day by visiting Takayama Jinya, a historic museum that once served as the local government office during the Edo period. Explore the traditional Japanese architecture, including tatami-mat rooms that offer a glimpse into the past.
Old Town Walk
Next, take a leisurely walk around Takayama’s preserved old town, featuring Edo-period wooden houses, sake breweries, and charming craft shops. Enjoy a local lunch, with Hida beef being a recommended specialty to try.
Afternoon: Shirakawa-go
After lunch, travel to Shirakawa-go (approx. 1-hour drive), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These unique, thatched-roof houses, some over 250 years old, were constructed without nails and reflect traditional Japanese carpentry.
The Wada House
Visit the Wada House, the largest gassho-style farmhouse in Shirakawa-go, built during the Edo period. This historic house showcases the wealth of the Wada family, the largest landowners in Ogimachi village.
Ogimachi Viewpoint
Enjoy free time to visit the Ogimachi Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the village with its distinctive thatched-roof houses. While there is an uphill walk to the viewpoint, those unable to walk can still enjoy the tranquil scenery.
Hotel: Takayama Ouan
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour and all entrances.
Departure from Hotel to Takayama Station: Begin your journey with a transfer from your hotel to Takayama Station, where you will board the bullet train to Kyoto (approx. 3 hours).
Kyoto Overview: Once the capital of Japan and the emperor’s residence from 794 to 1868, Kyoto survived wars and fires due to its historic value, escaping destruction during World War II. Today, the city is home to countless temples, shrines, and historically priceless structures.
Lunch at Nishiki Market: Our first stop in Kyoto is Nishiki Market, famously known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” This bustling market offers a variety of local delicacies, with narrow stalls and two-story shops specialising in fresh, locally produced foods. Explore the market’s vibrant atmosphere and enjoy lunch here, savouring Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage.
Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka: After lunch, take a short walk to the historic stone-paved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Built in the 8th century, these picturesque sloping streets are lined with traditional Japanese-style buildings, souvenir shops, and nearby landmarks like Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Shrine. It’s a popular area for sightseeing, especially en route to Kiyomizu Temple.
Kiyomizudera Temple: Visit the iconic Kiyomizudera Temple, famous for its wooden stage that extends 13 meters above the hillside, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
Evening & Hotel Check-In: After a fulfilling day exploring Kyoto’s geisha districts, check into your hotel. For dinner, join the group or enjoy free time to explore on your own. Your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel’s reception, as it will be sent in advance on Day 6, sparing you from carrying large bags during train rides.
Hotel: Rihga Gran, Kyoto
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour and all entrances.
After breakfast, embark on a guided day trip to Nara, located in the Kansai Region of Japan. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Nara is home to numerous temples, Shinto shrines, and the famous wild deer that roam freely. During the visit, you’ll explore the majestic Todaiji Temple, the sacred Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine, and the peaceful Nara Deer Park.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Uji, renowned for its world-famous matcha tea culture. Visit the iconic Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its stunning architecture and tranquil beauty.
Hotel: Rihga Gran, Kyoto
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour and all entrances.
After breakfast, you will embark on a full day of exploring the cultural wonders of Kyoto.
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion): Your first stop will be Kinkakuji, the iconic Zen Buddhist temple known as the Golden Pavilion. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Kyoto’s most significant landmarks.
Arashiyama: Next, you’ll head to the picturesque Arashiyama district, especially popular during the autumn season when the foliage is vibrant. Arashiyama is Kyoto’s second most important sightseeing area, filled with beautiful temples and shrines. The highlight is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where you’ll walk through a breathtaking bamboo valley.
Fushimi Inari: Your final stop of the day will be Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Japan’s most famous shrines, renowned for its thousands of striking vermilion torii gates that lead up the sacred Mount Inari.
After a day of sightseeing, you’ll return to our accommodation in Kyoto. Y
Hotel: Rihga Gran, Kyoto
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour and all entrances.
Start your day with a scenic day trip to Kobe, where you will transfer to Mt. Rokko. Enjoy panoramic views from the Mt. Rokko Tenran Observatory, where you can relax, take in the stunning scenery, or enjoy a short walk through the beautiful surroundings.
Next, transfer to Hiroshima via the bullet train (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes), and check into your centrally located hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the local area or relax and use the hotel’s facilities.
Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Hiroshima
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Luggage Delivery, Guided tour and all entrances.
What Happened in Hiroshima?
On August 6, 1945, the United States dropped the world’s first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, devastating 90% of the city and killing 80,000 people. Today, the city stands as a symbol of peace and resilience.
Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park
Your day trip includes a guided tour of Hiroshima’s key historical sites, including the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Peace Memorial Park. These landmarks honor the victims and serve as powerful reminders of the importance of peace.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Explore the museum, which offers moving exhibits about the events of 1945 and the lasting impact of the atomic bombing. The museum reinforces the message that we must never take peace for granted.
Miyajima Island
Next, visit Miyajima Island, home to the stunning Itsukushima Shrine. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the charming streets, where you can shop for local gifts and sample delicious street food.
Return to Osaka
After a day of reflection and exploration in Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, board the bullet train back to Osaka and check into your next hotel for the evening.
Hotel: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour and all entrances.
Dotonbori: Experience the lively heart of Osaka with vibrant streets, iconic billboards, and a variety of shops and eateries.
Kuromon Ichiba Market: Savor fresh seafood, local delicacies, and a lively atmosphere in this bustling market, known as Osaka’s “Kitchen.”
Hotel: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Included: Breakfast, Transfers, Guided tour and all entrances.
Japan is beautiful year-round, but the most popular seasons are:
Absolutely! All our private packages are fully customizable. You can adjust:
Our team will tailor everything based on your preferences and budget.
Japan has an excellent and punctual transport system:
We’ll recommend the best option for your itinerary and comfort level.
Yes, we can provide private English-speaking guides for your chosen cities or excursions.
Guides enhance your experience by explaining history, culture, and local customs.
Costs vary depending on:
We’ll prepare a personalized quotation once we know your travel preferences and dates.
For Japan there are two associated plug types, A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
Maltese and most European citizens do not need a tourist visa when travelling to Japan in 2025. Maltese passport holders can stay in Japan for a short period of time (for 90 days). However please inform us if you do not hold a Maltese passport and we will help you check regarding your visa.
The Japanese yen is the official currency in Japan. Most establishments accept payments by Visa or Debit card, however traditional establishments may prefer cash payments. Travellers may exchange to Japanese yen on our first day in Tokyo. Another option is to exchange to Japanese yen in your home country.
Yes. You’ll have access to:
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, known for its cleanliness, politeness, and efficiency.
Still, travel insurance is recommended for peace of mind.
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