The Itinerary

8-Night Japan Discovery Itinerary (Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka)

Day 1 – Fly from Europe to Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) Arrive in Tokyo, where you’ll be greeted at the customs exit by our English-speaking airport assistant. You’ll receive your travel documents and Pocket WiFi before being guided to your shared shuttle transfer to the hotel. (See Transportation section for details.) Check-in from 3 PM.

Days 2–3 – Explore Tokyo Begin your adventure in Japan’s dynamic capital, where ancient temples meet neon-lit skyscrapers. Discover the vibrant districts of Shibuya and Asakusa, marvel at the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, and stroll through Ueno Park and the Imperial Palace Gardens. Optional day trips include visits to Nikko’s shrines or Kamakura’s Great Buddha. Optional Experience: Join a Sushi-making class with local experts (available at an extra cost).

Days 4–6 – Kyoto Travel to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. Wander through Gion’s historic streets, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and visit landmarks like the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Use your Kansai Area Pass for easy travel to Nara and Himeji, home to the stunning White Heron Castle. Included Experience: Take part in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto tea house. Optional Add-ons:

• Guided excursion in Takao Village, an untouched World Heritage site.
• Guided full-day tour of Kyoto with a local expert.

Days 7–8 – Osaka Continue to Osaka, known for its lively street food scene and friendly atmosphere. Explore Dotonbori’s neon lights, Amerika-mura, Osaka Castle, and the bustling Kuromon Market. Optional Experience: Enjoy a guided food tour, tasting local favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, with two included drinks.

Day 9 – Osaka to Europe Transfer from Osaka Station to Kansai International Airport (KIX) via Limited Express train (included in your package). Fly back to Europe with unforgettable memories of Japan’s culture, cuisine, and charm.

The Experience

Discover the perfect blend of tradition and modernity on this 9-day Japan adventure through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Begin in Tokyo, where neon-lit streets, futuristic skyscrapers, and serene temples offer a captivating introduction to Japan’s vibrant capital. Continue to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, where timeless shrines, geisha districts, and tea houses bring centuries of history to life. End your journey in Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital, famous for its lively nightlife, friendly locals, and delicious street food.

With all accommodations and intercity transfers included, this itinerary provides a seamless way to experience Japan’s most iconic cities — from the cutting-edge energy of Tokyo to the tranquil elegance of Kyoto and the dynamic charm of Osaka.

The Hotels

• Tokyo Hotel – OMO3 Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts Located in the lively Akasaka district, OMO3 Akasaka offers a contemporary urban retreat with easy access to Tokyo’s major attractions such as Roppongi, Shibuya, and the Imperial Palace. The hotel blends modern comfort with minimalist Japanese design, featuring cozy, well-equipped rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a warm, welcoming ambiance perfect for leisure and business travelers alike.

• Kyoto Hotel – The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Situated in the heart of Kyoto near the Kamo River and the famous Gion district, The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto offers an elegant stay within walking distance of temples, gardens, and traditional teahouses. The hotel combines contemporary design with Kyoto’s cultural charm, offering spacious rooms with refined décor, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant serving both Western and Japanese cuisine.

• Osaka Hotel – Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda Conveniently located in Osaka’s bustling Umeda district, Hotel Intergate Osaka offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, as well as top attractions like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori. The hotel features sleek, comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and amenities including a lounge with complimentary refreshments, ensuring a relaxing stay in the heart of the city.

Groupon's Guide to Tokyo The capital of Japan and the most populated metropolitan area in the world, Tokyo provides travellers with a choice of shopping, dining and entertainment venues as well as ancient temples, gardens and museums putting on display the nation’s unique heritage.

Tourists may enjoy a panoramic view over the city from the majestic Tokyo Tower, a red and white structure modelled after the Eiffel Tower, while the Meiji Shrine offers an insight into Japanese shrine architecture. At the Imperial Palace guests may wander through the East Garden and see the remains of the 15th century Edo Castle, once home to samurai warriors, while the Tokyo National Museum, the country’s oldest and largest museum, preserves a selection of traditional Japanese art. Visitors may admire the city’s contemporary architecture with skyscrapers such as the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in the country, or the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building proudly rising above the bustling urban conglomerate.

Groupon's Guide to Kyoto

With about 2,000 temples and shrines, visitors to Kyoto don't run out of things to see. Kinkaku-ji, the famed Golden Pavilion, Zen gardens, and the torii-lined Fushimi Inari are just some of the examples. Traditional arts and crafts are kept alive by local artisans in Gion and Nishijin district. Wander around the charming streets to discover independent merchants or, alternatively, take a dip in the onsen before heading for a traditional tea ceremony. Then there is, of course, food: from the stalls of Nishiki Market and pub-like izakayas to artisanal matcha treats and kaiseki, Japanese fine dining, there's something to wow even the most demanding taste buds.

Groupon's Guide to Osaka

Taking pride in its merchant class past and a bit less conservative than Tokyo or Kyoto, Osaka attracts visitors with dazzling neons, friendly locals, and a vibrant food scene. Some of the local attractions include Osaka-jo, a 16th-century castle, Tower of the Sun, and Kayukan Aquarium. To get re-fueled, visit an izakaya or a food market and, when the sun goes down, visit Dotombori, the liveliest night spot.