Itinerary
Day 1 · Fri, Apr 2
Outbound travel
1
Tokyo
Apr 3 – 8 · 6 nights
Translated from Icelandic
From
890.000 kr.per person
16 days · 13 nights · Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
Included · Finnair · Economy · 2 × 23 kg
Outbound · Fri, Apr 2
3 hrs 25 mins · AY 992 · Economy
Tell us your dates, group size, and what you're hoping to see — our Japan specialists will help you pick the perfect group departure. We usually reply within the hour.
13 hrs 20 mins · AY 061 · Economy
Arrives Sat, Apr 3
Return · Fri, Apr 16
13 hrs 5 mins · AY 068 · Economy
3 hrs 40 mins · AY 991 · Economy
Arrives Sat, Apr 17
Day 1 · Fri, Apr 2
Outbound travel
Apr 3 – 8 · 6 nights
Licensed by the Icelandic Tourist Board
Takanawa Travel ehf.
Trip To Japan
License no. 2025-039
Rúmgott hótel umlukið fallegum japönskum görðum sem býður upp á friðsælt umhverfi í hjarta Tókýó. Stutt í veitingastaði, verslanir og Shinagawa-lestarstöðina.
Hagkvæmur kostur: nútímalegt borgarhótel við Sengakuji-stöð, nálægt Shinagawa-hverfinu. Herbergin eru lítil (um 11 m²) með einu tvíbreiðu rúmi og morgunverður er innifalinn. Hentar pörum og þeim sem ferðast ein, en ekki vinum sem vilja aðskilin rúm.
Day 2 · Sat, Apr 3
Welcome to Tokyo!
Flight
Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan
We arrive at Haneda Airport, where Elísabet Hulda will welcome the group. This is also an opportunity to set up an eSIM on your phone (for internet access) and buy a PASMO transit card. Then we’ll head to the hotel in Shinagawa.
Bus
Shinagawa City, Tokyo, Japan
Once we arrive in the Shinagawa district, we’ll check in at the hotel. There, the tour leader, Elísabet Hulda, will give an introduction to the trip and answer questions. Afterwards, people can explore the neighborhood and have dinner. Elísabet Hulda will be on hand to help the group with reservations and restaurant recommendations.
Day 3 · Sun, Apr 4
Shibuya and Harajuku
Bus
1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
The day begins with a visit to the Shinto shrine Meiji Jingu. It is located in the beautiful Yoyogi public park and is a fine example of traditional Japanese architecture. From there, we continue to Harajuku. A truly beautiful and peaceful morning, combining Japanese traditions and culture.
Harajuku, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Day 4 · Mon, Apr 5
Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree
Bus
1-chōme-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Day 5 · Tue, Apr 6
The Imperial Palace, Ginza and teamLab Borderless
Bus
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
We start the day with a walk around the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Beautiful towers and traditional fortifications combined with skyscrapers on the other side of the street. For the runners in the group, it can be fun to run the entire palace loop, which is 5 km long.
Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Day 6 · Wed, Apr 7
Day trip to the coastal town of Kamakura
Bus
4-chōme-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Day 7 · Thu, Apr 8
Tsukiji Fish Market and Shinjuku
Bus
Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4-chōme−16 および６丁目一部
The day starts early with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market. There is lots going on there, and the amazing selection of seafood can be fun to browse.
4-chōme-10-6 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
Apr 9 – 11 · 3 nights
Stórt og vel búið hótel við Hachijo-útgang Kýótó-lestarstöðvarinnar, steinsnar frá Shinkansen-lestinni. Rúmgóð tveggja manna herbergi, um 26 m².
Hagkvæmur kostur: vel metið hótel skammt frá Hachijo-útgangi Kýótó-lestarstöðvarinnar. Herbergin í vesturálmunni eru með einu tvíbreiðu rúmi og morgunverður er innifalinn. Hentar pörum og þeim sem ferðast ein, en ekki vinum sem vilja aðskilin rúm.
Day 8 · Fri, Apr 9
Welcome to Kyoto!
Rail
The suitcases are sent between hotels and do not necessarily arrive the same day, so it is a good idea to bring a small bag for the first night in Kyoto.
Kyoto, Japan
We take the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, and along the way people can have a traditional Japanese lunch (obento box), available at all the major train stations.
Bus
Apr 12 – 16 · 4 nights
Vel metið hótel í Umeda-hverfinu í norðurhluta Ósaka, stutt frá Osaka- og Umeda-stöðvunum. Herbergin á 24.–29. hæð eru um 25 m² með tveimur rúmum og útsýni yfir borgina. Morgunverður er innifalinn.
Hagkvæmur kostur: hótel við Kyobashi-lestarstöðina í Ósaka með góðum tengingum við miðborgina og helstu áfangastaði. Lítil tveggja manna herbergi, um 17 m², með tveimur rúmum. Morgunverður er innifalinn.
Day 11 · Mon, Apr 12
Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari and the journey to Osaka
Bus
We check out of the hotel in Kyoto in the morning, and our suitcases are sent to the hotel in Osaka. They may not arrive the same day, so it is a good idea to bring a small bag for the first night.
1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Day 16 · Sat, Apr 17
Return travel
Once we reach Harajuku, we experience a completely different atmosphere. The neighborhood is buzzing with life—Japanese “hipsters,” fashion, street food and countless neon signs. We have lunch here.
Bus
6-chōme-5-1 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
After lunch in Harajuku, we visit the Nezu Museum in Aoyama, an art museum featuring Japanese and East Asian art. The museum has one of Tokyo’s most beautiful Japanese gardens, with ponds, teahouses and stone lanterns—a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city. Admission is included.
Bus
21 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
In the afternoon, we explore the Shibuya Crossing, Japan’s most famous intersection. Up to 500,000 people cross here each day. It can be amazing to experience the crowds on the street as well as from above. You can enjoy the view from the Shibuya Scramble Square building, next to the crossing.
2-chōme-1-1 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
At Shibuya Crossing, we also find the Hachiko statue—one of Japan’s most famous dogs, who waited for his owner to return from work at the same spot every day for many years, including for 9 years after his owner’s death. A fun photo opportunity.
Japan, 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya, 2-chōme−24−１２ スクランブルスクエア 14階・45階 46階・屋上
OPTIONAL (for an additional fee): You can go up to the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square (Shibuya Sky) for an amazing view of the city from 230 meters above ground.
Bus
We start the day with a visit to Japan’s tallest tower—indeed, the tallest tower in the world—Tokyo Skytree, which is 634 meters tall. From there, you can see the whole city from a height of 350 or 450 meters. There are many restaurants in the tower and in the Tokyo Solamachi shopping mall at its base, making it an ideal place to get lunch on your own.
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
After Skytree, we go to the old district of Asakusa, which offers traditional streets and the Buddhist temple Senso-ji. There is often fun street food and souvenirs for sale there. You can also light incense to drive away evil spirits. It’s a good opportunity to learn about Japanese religions.
1-chōme-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Right after that, it’s fun to walk along nearby Nakamise Street and see traditional shops, street food, and two-person carts pulled by young, strong Japanese boys.
Bus
Ginza is Japan's best-known shopping district. There, you can find all kinds of shops, restaurants and beautiful wide boulevards. Ginza is also known for its interesting architecture and elegant buildings. This is an ideal place to have lunch on your own.
Japan, 〒106-0041 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon, 5-chōme−9−９ Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, B1
A short distance from Ginza, we head over to teamLab Borderless, one of the most popular museums in Japan. There, modern technology blends with creativity through digital artworks that can be incredible. An especially fun experience for families and couples. The day ends in Roppongi.
Bus
Day trip to Kamakura - A historic coastal city with shrines, temples and a relaxed atmosphere, a short distance from Tokyo. Here you can see Kotoku-in - an approximately 13-meter-high bronze statue of Amida Buddha that has stood outdoors for over 750 years.
3-chōme-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
A beautiful Buddhist temple where you can see a 9m-tall wooden statue of the goddess Kannon.
2-chōme-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan
A magnificent Shinto shrine from the 11th century, connected to the history of the samurai in the area. The shogunate military government was in power in Kamakura, Japan, from the 12th to the 14th century. There is free time in Kamakura to get lunch on your own, for example on Komachi-dori, a lively shopping street not far from the shrine.
Bus
After strolling around the market, it’s a great idea to have sushi for lunch, for example at Sushizanmai, which is known for its wide selection of sushi dishes at reasonable prices. Lunch is at your own expense.
Bus
Rail
Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
In the evening, the plan is to head to Shinjuku, where the entertainment district of Kabukicho is famous for its thousands of neon signs and street food.
Japan, 〒160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukichō, 1-chōme−1−６ あかるい花園 五番街
For those who want to experience Tokyo’s bar culture, Golden Gai is a great place to go. Small 5-10-person bars are everywhere, and charming traditional lanterns light the way.
1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
After arriving in Kyoto around midday, we visit Kinkaku-ji (“the Golden Pavilion”), one of the most beautiful places in Japan. There is also a magnificent garden that is lovely to explore.
13 Ryōanji Goryōnoshitachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan
Near the Golden Pavilion we find another temple, Ryoanji (“the Dragon Temple”), which features a beautiful Zen garden. It has a unique sense of stillness and tranquility that everyone should experience.
Bus
Day 9 · Sat, Apr 10
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Gion
Bus
Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
The day begins in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It is a beautiful and peaceful setting, perfect for a walk. We will then take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, a fun and cultural experience.
1-5 Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
A beautiful bridge in Arashiyama offering views of the river and the forested mountains. Near the bridge, we will enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch together, which is included in the trip.
Bus
625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
After lunch, we travel back to central Kyoto to explore the Gion district. There are small traditional streets mixed with Shinto shrines. Yasaka Shrine is known for the beautiful lanterns in its shrine grounds. It can be fun to enjoy a traditional Shabu-shabu dinner in the Gion district.
Bus
Day 10 · Sun, Apr 11
Free Day in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
A free day in Kyoto to explore the city on your own, shop or relax. It’s nice to stroll around Nishiki Market and the shopping streets in Kawaramachi, walk along the Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi), which is known for its cherry trees, or visit more temples and gardens. Elísabet Hulda can help you find what suits each person.
The day begins at one of Kyoto’s main temples. Kiyomizu-dera (“water temple”) is a Buddhist temple that offers an exceptionally good view of the city from a large wooden stage.
Bus
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Next, we will visit Fushimi Inari—a world-famous shrine with thousands of red torii gates that form a unique walking path up the hillside.
Bus
Day 12 · Tue, Apr 13
Osaka Castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori
Bus
1-1 Ōsakajō, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
The day begins with a visit to Osaka Castle. One of Osaka’s main landmarks and an important site in the history of Japan’s unification in the 16th century. The castle stands in a sprawling park and houses a museum about its history as well as Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most influential leaders.
2 Chome-5 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
A lively and nostalgic retro district that emerged in the early 20th century and has preserved the city’s distinctive atmosphere from the last century. Tsutenkaku Tower looms over the district, which is also known for its colorful streets and kushikatsu, deep-fried food on skewers. A perfect opportunity to sample Japanese street food.
Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Osaka’s most famous entertainment district, known for its neon lights, giant billboards and bustling crowds along the Dotonbori Canal. This is an ideal place to try more Osaka dishes such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Bus
Day 13 · Wed, Apr 14
Himeji Castle and sake tasting in Kobe
Bus08:30
68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
We set off early to arrive at Himeji Castle shortly after it opens, before long queues form at the main keep. Himeji Castle is often called Japan’s most beautiful castle. It is the country’s best-preserved medieval castle and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In spring, the castle is also one of Japan’s best-known places to see cherry blossoms, though flowering depends on the weather. We allow about two hours for the castle, including walking up the steep stairs to the main keep.
68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan
Next to the castle is Kokoen, a collection of beautiful Edo-style gardens with ponds, streams and a teahouse. After walking through the gardens, we have lunch on our own at a nearby restaurant.
Bus13:45
4-chōme-5-5 Sumiyoshi Minamimachi, Higashinada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0041, Japan
On the way back, we stop in Kobe’s Nada district, Japan’s best-known sake-brewing area. At the Hakutsuru Sake Museum, housed in an old brewery, we learn about traditional sake-making and get to sample several types of sake. Those who don’t drink alcohol can enjoy the museum and visit the shop.
Bus15:30
Day 14 · Thu, Apr 15
Free day in Osaka
Free day to explore Osaka on your own, shop or relax. Stay one additional night at the hotel in Osaka, with breakfast included. Optional activities and transportation outside the shared itinerary are at your own expense.
Day 15 · Fri, Apr 16
Checkout, free time and return flight from Osaka
Return flight from Osaka on 16 April at 22:15 via Helsinki. Arrive in Keflavík on 17 April at 07:50.
1番地 Senshūkūkōkita, Izumisano, Osaka 549-0001, Japan
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and store our luggage there. Late checkout or a day room is not included. You can spend the day shopping or exploring more of the city before we take a bus together to KIX Airport in the evening for our flight home via Helsinki.
Bus
Flight22:15
