Grand Discovery of Japan
Overview
**Please note that the tour package depart from Montreal or Toronto.**
Discover the perfect blend of tradition, natural beauty, and modern elegance on this unforgettable journey through Japan. From the dazzling energy of Tokyo to the timeless charm of Kyoto, and from the serene landscapes surrounding Mount Fuji to the historic streets of Hiroshima, each destination reveals a new facet of the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Explore vibrant cities, picturesque villages, and coastal gems, each offering its own unique story, rhythm, and unforgettable atmosphere.
Important notes:
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, it is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your confirmation email as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package..
Format
Locations
- Tokyo
- Fujikawaguchiko
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Kobe
- Hiroshima
- Japan
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Japan (if Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Shinkansen one-way ticket from Fuji to Kyoto (bullet Train)
- Round-trip boat ride ticket Hiroshima- Miyajima Island-Hiroshima
- Shared airport and sightseeing transfers
- Shared inter-city transfers
- 10 nights accommodation in Superior Accommodation (3 nights in Tokyo, 1 night in Fuji, 2 nights in Kyoto, 1 night in Osaka, 1 night in Kobe, 2 nights in Hiroshima
- Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per itinerary (drinks not included)
- More Moments activities included:
- Tokyo’s Iconic Landmarks Tour
- Full-day Adventure tour
- Kyoto walking tour
- Kyoto City tour
- Todai-ji Temple visit in Nara
- Osaka Castle visit
- Dotonbori Entertainment District visit in Osaka
- Kobe City tour
- Himeji Castle tour
- Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter tour
- Cana Boat ride in Kurashiki
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial tour, including a visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome
- Itsukushima Shrine tour
- Hotel taxes
- Gratuities
- Fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fee of the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Depart on your overnight flight to Narita International Airport.
Day 2
Welcome to Tokyo
Upon arrival at Narita International Airport, please proceed through customs and immigration, then collect your luggage. Once you exit the arrivals area, a local representative holding a sign with your name will be waiting to welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel.
Upon arrival at your hotel in Tokyo, check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Day 3
Tokyo
After breakfast, set out on the Tokyo’s Most Iconic Landmarks Tour, an exciting journey through the city’s must-see sights and cultural treasures. Accompanied by your expert tour guide, you’ll discover the perfect blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity that define Japan’s vibrant capital.
The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, join an optional activity or simply unwind at your own pace.
More Moments Activities Included
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Tokyo’s Iconic Landmarks Tour
Begin your tour at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple. From there, enjoy a leisurely stroll along Nakamise Street, a lively shopping promenade lined with stalls offering traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local snacks. Next, visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, nestled in a peaceful forested area. Conclude your day with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the vast Tokyo skyline.
($) Optional Activities
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Kimono Rental
Explore great photo opportunities along the ancient street in Japan’s beautiful national dress.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Tokyo
A day at leisure where you will be able to explore and enjoy bustling Tokyo on your own. Perhaps discover Japanese history and art at a museum or indulge in some retail therapy at Tokyo’s cutting-edge stores - the choice is yours.
Alternatively, you may join an optional day trip.
($) Optional Activities
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Full-Day Contemporary Tour
*A minimum of 10 participants is required for the tour to operate.
Begin your day at the Imperial Palace, where you’ll admire the beautifully maintained gardens and learn about the historical significance of the residence of Japan’s Emperor. Next, satisfy your culinary cravings at the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market—a paradise for food lovers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of fresh seafood or explore the local delicacies at your own expense.
Continue to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where you can immerse yourself in the energetic buzz of Tokyo’s busiest intersection and visit the beloved Hachiko Statue, a symbol of loyalty. Finally, enjoy some leisure time in the lively Shinjuku district, renowned for its vibrant entertainment, shopping, and dining scene.
Afterward, return to your hotel.
This tour offers a dynamic blend of culture, innovation, and discovery—perfectly capturing the contemporary spirit of Tokyo.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Tokyo – Gotemba – Oshino Hakkai Village - Fuji
After breakfast and check-out, meet your tour guide for an exciting full-day adventure as you journey toward the iconic Mount Fuji. Along the way, take in scenic landscapes, cultural gems, and unforgettable moments as Japan’s most legendary peak draws closer with every mile.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Adventure Tour
Begin your day with a visit to Gotemba Peace Park, where you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of majestic Mount Fuji. Then, journey on to Oshino Hakkai, a charming village home to eight crystal-clear ponds fed by snowmelt from Mt. Fuji. Filtered through ancient lava layers, this sacred spring water is deeply revered by locals for its purity and beauty.
Next, head to the vibrant Oishi Park, where colorful seasonal flowers bloom in harmony with awe-inspiring views of Mount Fuji—a picture-perfect setting for unforgettable photos.
Your experience continues with a scenic cruise on Lake Kawaguchi, a tranquil crater lake renowned for its stunning vistas of Mt. Fuji from the water.
To complete this enriching day, unwind with a true cultural experience and savour a delicious buffet dinner at our traditional hot spring hotel.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 6
Fuji - Kyoto
After breakfast and check-out, you'll be transferred to Shin-Fuji Station, where an unforgettable experience awaits, a high-speed bullet train ride to Kyoto. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfort and efficiency of Japan’s legendary Shinkansen as you glide past stunning landscapes on your way to the cultural heart of the country.
Note: Your luggage will be transferred separately to your hotel in Kyoto.
Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, your tour guide will assist you with the transfer to your hotel for check-in and a chance to freshen up (time permitting) before this afternoon’s exciting walking tour.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as this tour involves a moderate amount of walking.
After the walking tour, you may choose to continue exploring the charms of Kyoto on your own or return to the hotel accompanied by your tour guide.
Note: If you decide to stay behind at the end of the walking tour, return transportation to the hotel will be at your own expense.
More Moments Activities Included
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Walking tour
Embark on a memorable walking tour using public transportation to reach Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, where tradition and elegance come to life. From there, continue to the charming streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, beautifully preserved historical lanes lined with traditional wooden shops, quaint tea houses, and local crafts. Stroll through these atmospheric alleys as they gently wind their way up to the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Kyoto
After breakfast, set out on an exciting city tour led by your knowledgeable guide, as you explore some of the most iconic and breathtaking landmarks this remarkable city has to offer.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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City tour
Begin your day with a visit to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a tranquil forest of towering bamboo that creates a dreamlike atmosphere. Stroll through the famed “Bamboo Alley,” one of Kyoto’s most iconic and photographed paths—perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.
Next, enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a local restaurant, savouring the flavours of Kyoto before continuing your journey to the sacred Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Famous for its thousands of vibrant vermilion Torii gates, this mystical site invites you to walk through its atmospheric tunnels and photograph the stunning contrast of nature and tradition.
Your adventure continues with a visit to the World Cultural Heritage Site, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Marvel at its two upper floors, entirely covered in delicate layers of pure gold, and admire its refined architecture, which beautifully blends the Shinden, Samurai, and Zen styles.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a traditional tea ceremony, accompanied by wagashi (Japanese sweets). Let skilled tea masters guide you through the elegant, mindful ritual of tea preparation—a perfect way to end a culturally rich day.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 8
Kyoto – Nara – Osaka
After breakfast and check-out, embark on today’s exciting journey to Osaka. Along the way, make a stop in Nara to explore some of its most iconic landmarks, including the serene Nara Park and the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, home to one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.
Your journey then continues to Osaka, where you’ll visit the historic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s rich heritage and resilience.
After this final visit, you'll be dropped off in Dotonbori, Osaka’s lively and colourful entertainment district, renowned for its vibrant street life, neon lights, and exceptional local cuisine. Enjoy some free time to wander through this bustling area at your own pace. Your return transfer from Dotonbori to your hotel is included.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Todai-ji Temple
Buddhist temple complex that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples that hoses the fascinating Great Budha Hall:
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Nara Park
One of the oldest parks in Japan, located at the foot of mount Wakakusa; named as one of the "Places of Scenic Beauty" where over 1,200 wild deer roam freely.
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Osaka Castle
One of Japan's most famous iconic landmarks where you will be able to explore the country’s rich history, while enjoying the beauty of its surroundings.
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Dotonbori Entertainment District
Bustling and iconic entertainment district renowned for its vibrant nightlife, delicious street food, neon lights, and lively atmosphere.
Meal(s): breakfast and lunch
Day 9
Osaka – Kobe
After breakfast and check-out, meet your tour guide and set off on an inspiring journey through Kobe, as you explore the city's most iconic and must-see landmarks, blending tradition, culture, and scenic beauty in one unforgettable experience.
After the city tour, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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City tour
Begin your day with a visit to the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, where you’ll step into the world of traditional Japanese sake brewing. Wander through engaging historical exhibits and life-sized displays that bring centuries of craftsmanship to life. Cap off your visit with a complimentary tasting of freshly brewed sake, a perfect blend of history and flavour.
Next, take in breathtaking panoramic views from the Kobe Port Tower Observation Deck, where the city’s sparkling harbor, skyline, and mountain backdrop stretch out before you.
Continue to Kobe Harborland, a lively waterfront destination brimming with charming shops, restaurants, and cafés. Enjoy a stroll along the scenic boardwalk or simply relax and soak in the views of the sea and cityscape that define Kobe’s unique coastal charm.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 10
Kobe – Himeji – Kurashiki – Hiroshima
After breakfast and check-out, embark on the next chapter of your adventure as you journey toward Hiroshima, famously known as “The City of Peace.”
Along the way, you will visit the charming cities of Himeji and Kurashiki, exploring their most iconic and must-see landmarks before continuing your journey to your hotel in Hiroshima.
Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Himeji Castle tour
UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japan’s most iconic and best-preserved feudal-era fortress. Admire its elegant white facade and explore the impressive wooden interiors and defensive structures.
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Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter tour
Beautifully preserved district that showcases Japan’s rich Edo-period heritage. Stroll along charming canals lined with traditional white-walled kura (storehouses), quaint wooden merchant homes, and weeping willow trees that create a picturesque, storybook setting. Explore unique artisan shops, museums, and cozy cafés that blend history with modern charm. This serene and atmospheric neighborhood offers a perfect glimpse into Japan’s past, making it a must-visit destination for culture lovers and photographers alike.
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Canal boat ride
Immerse yourself in the nostalgic charm as you wander past the timeless, white-walled merchant houses and quaint shops, each steeped in history and radiating old-world elegance.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11
Hiroshima – Miyajima Island – Hiroshima
After breakfast, embark on a full-day journey filled with rich history, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Hiroshima.
More Moments Activities Included
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Hiroshima Peace Memorial tour, including a visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome
A solemn and moving tribute to the lives lost in the atomic bombing. Wander through the tranquil gardens, reflect at the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, and explore exhibits dedicated to peace and hope for a world free of nuclear weapons.
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Itsukushima Shrine tour
UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its iconic “floating” torii gate that appears to hover gracefully over the waters during high tide. Wander through this sacred complex built on stilts above the sea, and soak in the serene atmosphere blending spiritual heritage with natural beauty. After the visit, enjoy some free time to explore Miyajima Island at your own pace, whether strolling through charming streets, sampling local delicacies, or simply taking in the breathtaking views.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 12
Hiroshima – Tokyo – Canada
After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to Hiroshima Airport to catch your flight to Haneda International Airport, where you will connect to your flight to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Minimum: 1 guests / Maximum 2 guests
Important Information
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Departure Dates:
- Frequency: March 27, 2026 – November 13, 2026
- Tour operates on Friday
- Frequency: March 27, 2026 – November 13, 2026
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Tours Exclusions
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary below
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
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- Coach: all inter-city transfers
- Train from Fuji to Kyoto
- Plane between Hiroshima and Tokyo (Haneda)
- Boat Hiroshima- Miyajima Island-Hiroshima
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- The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.
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Optional activities/excursions can be purchased with the local supplier prior to departure, and are offered, and sold exclusively by them.
For any inquiries regarding these activities/excursions, the contact link can be found in your travel documents delivered between 30 and 14 days prior to departure.