Splendours of Japan: Self-Launched Tokyo to Osaka via the Alps, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Hiroshima
13 days · Japan
Trafalgar charges £5,700
No-markup version: ~£1,055 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched 13-day version of Trafalgar's "Splendours of Japan (Hiroshima)" — same route (Tokyo → Fuji Five Lakes → Takayama → Gokayama → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Awaji Island → Kotohira → Hiroshima/Miyajima → Osaka) but using hostels, guesthouses, business hotels and one ryokan, booked via Booking.com/Hostelworld, with local transport (JR trains, highway buses, the odd discount bullet train) and self-bookable experiences via GetYourGuide, Klook and direct booking. Trafalgar sells this as a 20–32 person fully guided coach tour from US$7,225 (~£5,700) per person. Doing it yourself with a JR Pass or point-to-point tickets, independent accommodation and a handful of bookable workshops comes in at roughly a third of that. Costs are approximate backpacker/budget-traveller estimates in GBP per person, excluding international flights.
Day-by-day
Arrive Tokyo — Shinjuku base
Tokyo
Fly into Haneda or Narita and take the Keikyu Line or Narita Express / cheap limousine bus into central Tokyo (~£5–15). Check into a hostel or budget business hotel in Shinjuku, Asakusa or Taito — all are well connected and cheap. Spend the evening orienting yourself: pick up a Suica/Pasmo IC card (£10 with £8 credit, top up as you go), grab konbini dinner and wander Shinjuku's neon streets and Omoide Yokocho alley for yakitori.
🚌Airport train ~£5–15; IC card for city metro ~£1.50/ride
🛏Hostel dorm or budget business hotel, Shinjuku/Asakusa (from ~£20–30/night)
- →Arrival transfer by train (Keikyu/Narita Express)
- →Buy Suica IC card
- →Evening walk: Shinjuku & Omoide Yokocho
Asakusa, Skytree & Ginza
Tokyo
Start early at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and browse Nakamise shopping street before the crowds. Walk to Tokyo Skytree and pay for the Tembo Deck observation ticket (~£15, book on Klook for a small discount) for the city panorama. Afternoon metro ride to Ginza to window-shop and visit the free Tokyo National Museum's city galleries if time allows — or better, save the main Tokyo National Museum for tomorrow. Evening: head to Shibuya Crossing and the free Shibuya Sky street-level views, or do a self-guided Shinjuku night walk with a small-group bar-hopping tour on GetYourGuide (~£25).
🚌Metro day of rides ~£6
🛏Hostel dorm or budget business hotel, Tokyo
- →Sensoji Temple & Nakamise Street
- →Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck (~£15)
- →Ginza stroll
- →Optional Shinjuku night food tour (~£25)
Imperial Palace, Tokyo National Museum & sushi class
Tokyo
Morning walk around Imperial Palace Plaza (the two bridges) and a free stroll through the East Gardens (closed Mon/Fri — check ahead). Then Ueno for the Tokyo National Museum (~£6). In the afternoon do a bookable sushi-making class in Tsukiji or Asakusa via Klook/GetYourGuide (~£45–60 including lunch) — the same experience Trafalgar includes, self-booked. Evening: cheap izakaya dinner in Ueno or Ameyoko market.
🚌Metro ~£5
🛏Hostel dorm or budget business hotel, Tokyo
- →Imperial Palace Plaza & East Gardens (free)
- →Tokyo National Museum (~£6)
- →Sushi-making workshop with chef (~£50)
- →Ameyoko market
Fuji Five Lakes & Oshino Hakkai
Fuji Five Lakes (Yamanakako/Kawaguchiko)
Take an early highway bus from Shinjuku's Busta terminal to Kawaguchiko (~£12, 2h; book on Willer or the Fujikyu highway bus site). Base yourself in a lakeside hostel/hostel-cabin (Kawaguchiko has good dorms from ~£25). Afternoon: local bus or bike hire to Oshino Hakkai to see the eight spring-fed ponds (~£3 bus / ~£8 bike), with a Fuji view if the weather plays. Sunset at Lake Kawaguchiko's north shore. Note: climbing/visiting the Fuji 5th Station is easiest mid-July to early September by bus; off-season the 5th Station road is often closed — swap for the Fuji Five Lakes Panoramic Ropeway (~£5).
🚌Highway bus ~£12; local bus ~£3–6
🛏Lakeside hostel or guesthouse, Kawaguchiko (~£25–35)
- →Highway bus Shinjuku–Kawaguchiko
- →Oshino Hakkai springs
- →Lake Kawaguchiko sunset
- →Optional Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Into the Japanese Alps — Takayama
Takayama
Morning at the lakes, then a scenic journey into the Alps: bus to Matsumoto (~£20, 2.5h) and connect by JR limited express to Takayama (~£18, 2h) — or a direct highway bus if available in season. Arrive late afternoon, check into a budget guesthouse or hostel in Takayama's old town (from ~£25). Evening: Hida beef skewers from a street stall (~£6–10) instead of the included Hida-gyu lunch, and a walk through the lantern-lit Sanmachi Suji old streets.
🚌Bus + JR limited express ~£35–40
🛏Budget guesthouse/hostel, Takayama old town (~£25–35)
- →Scenic Japanese Alps travel
- →Takayama old town evening walk
- →Hida beef street food
Takayama morning markets, Gokayama & Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Hit the Miyagawa morning market early (~free), then take the Nohi bus to Shirakawa-go/Gokayama (~£18, 1.5h). Walk the UNESCO Gassho-zukuri thatched village of Ainokura or Suganuma (quieter and cheaper than Shirakawa-go), and pre-book a small washi paper-making workshop (~£10–15) at a local artisan's house. Continue by bus to Kanazawa (~£15, 2h). Check into a hostel or budget hotel near Kanazawa Station (~£25).
🚌Nohi buses ~£30 total
🛏Hostel or budget business hotel, Kanazawa (~£25)
- →Miyagawa morning market
- →Gokayama/Suganuma UNESCO villages
- →Washi paper-making workshop (~£12)
- →Nohi bus through the mountains
Kanazawa: Kenroku-en, Omicho Market & samurai district
Kanazawa
Full day in Kanazawa. Kenroku-en garden entry is ~£2.50 (book the free English audio guide or join a tip-based walking tour). Browse Omicho Market for kaisen-don lunch (~£10) and walk the Nagamachi samurai district including the Nomura House (~£3). Optional: book a gold-leaf craft workshop (~£8–15) or hire a kimono for a photo in the garden (~£20) — both self-bookable in town or via Klook. Evening: Higashi Chaya geisha district stroll, free.
🚌Local buses ~£4
🛏Hostel or budget business hotel, Kanazawa
- →Kenroku-en garden (~£2.50)
- →Omicho Market lunch
- →Nagamachi samurai district & Nomura House (~£3)
- →Optional gold-leaf workshop or kimono hire
Kanazawa to Kyoto — Gion & Kinkakuji
Kyoto
Take the Thunderbird limited express from Kanazawa to Kyoto (~£40, 2h15; covered by a JR Pass or use regional pass). Check into a hostel or budget machiya guesthouse in Kyoto (from ~£25 — book early, Kyoto is tight in spring/autumn). Afternoon: Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion (~£3) by bus, then walk the Gion district at dusk for a chance of spotting geiko heading to appointments — free. Evening: Pontocho alley dinner (~£10–15).
🚌JR Thunderbird ~£40; city bus day pass ~£4
🛏Hostel or budget machiya guesthouse, Kyoto (~£25–35)
- →Thunderbird limited express to Kyoto
- →Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion (~£3)
- →Gion district evening walk
- →Pontocho alley dinner
Fushimi Inari & Sanjusangendo
Kyoto
Start at 6:30am for Fushimi Inari and hike the torii gates up to the Yotsutsuji intersection and beyond before the crowds — free. Then JR Nara line to Sanjusangendo (~£3) to see the 1,001 Kannon statues (~£3.50). Lunch at Nishiki Market (~£10). For the Trafalgar "Be My Guest" kaiseki experience, substitute a bookable kaiseki or obanzai set lunch via GetYourGuide (~£25–35) or a small-group food walking tour (~£45). Evening free in Kyoto.
🚌Trains & buses ~£5
🛏Hostel or budget machiya guesthouse, Kyoto
- →Fushimi Inari sunrise hike
- →Sanjusangendo Hall (~£3.50)
- →Nishiki Market
- →Optional kaiseki lunch or food tour (~£30–45)
Awaji Island & the Seto Inland Sea
Awaji Island / Tokushima
Head west: JR to Kobe and the Maiko/Awaji route via the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (world's longest suspension bridge). Easiest self-launch: bus from Kobe Sannomiya to Awaji (~£8) and local bus to Yumebutai for Tadao Ando's 100 Stepped Garden and the Water Temple (~£3 entry). Cross to Tokushima by bus or ferry, and base in Tokushima city (~£25 hostel), taking a local train to Kotohira (~£5, 45 min) for the evening approach to Kotohira-gu Shrine (785 steps, free). Lightweight alternative to the ryokan: a night in a simple minshuku or even an onsen-less budget hotel, or splurge on one ryokan night (~£70–110 half board) if that's a must-do.
🚌JR Kobe + bus/ferry ~£25; local train ~£5
🛏Hostel/guesthouse in Tokushima or Kotohira (~£25; optional ryokan night ~£80)
- →Akashi Kaikyo Bridge crossing
- →Yumebutai & 100 Stepped Garden (~£3)
- →Water Temple
- →Kotohira-gu Shrine sunset climb (free)
Zentsuji, Shimanami Kaido & Hiroshima
Hiroshima
Morning: Zentsuji Temple (~£3), the 75th of Shikoku's 88 pilgrimage temples. Then the scenic Setouchi Shimanami Kaido route — the cheapest DIY version is the express bus from Imabari to Onomichi (~£12) or, if you're keen, hire a bike and ride part of the 70km cycling route across the islands (~£15/day). Continue JR to Hiroshima (~£40, 2h) and check into a hostel or budget hotel near the Peace Park (~£25). Evening: okonomiyaki at one of the Okonomi-mura stalls (~£7).
🚌Bus + JR ~£50
🛏Hostel or budget business hotel near Peace Park, Hiroshima (~£25)
- →Zentsuji Temple (~£3)
- →Shimanami Kaido scenic route (bus or bike hire)
- →Hiroshima okonomiyaki dinner
Miyajima Island & Hiroshima Peace Park
Hiroshima / Miyajima
Early ferry from Miyajimaguchi (JR San-yo line from Hiroshima ~£3, ferry ~£2) to Miyajima before the tour groups. Itsukushima Shrine entry ~£2.50 for the famous torii on the water — check tide tables (high tide for the floating effect). Walk up to Daisho-in temple (free) and grab lunch on the island (~£10 yaki oysters/momiji manju). Afternoon back in Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Museum (~£1.50) and Peace Memorial Park, plus the A-Bomb Dome — allow 2–3 hours. Evening free.
🚌JR + ferry ~£6
🛏Hostel or budget business hotel, Hiroshima
- →Ferry to Miyajima
- →Itsukushima Shrine (~£2.50)
- →Daisho-in temple
- →Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (~£1.50) & Park
Bullet train to Osaka — castle, Dotonbori & depart
Osaka
Take the JR San-yo Shinkansen Kodama or Sakura from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka (~£60, 1.5h; covered by a JR Pass if you bought one). Drop bags, visit Osaka Castle (grounds free, castle museum ~£4), then lunch and last shopping on Dotonbori Street. If you have a late flight or an extra night, a budget hotel or hostel in Namba (~£25) puts you close to the airport express. Depart from Kansai International (KIX) or stay on for more.
🚌Shinkansen ~£60; Osaka metro ~£3
🛏Optional hostel/budget hotel Namba, Osaka (~£25)
- →JR Shinkansen Hiroshima–Osaka
- →Osaka Castle (~£4)
- →Dotonbori street food & shopping
Self-launched vs. Trafalgar
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Trafalgar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£1,055 | £5,700 |
| Duration | 13 days | 13 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £4,645 per person (81%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Trafalgar-style trips? Check them out here.~£1,055
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Splendours of Japan: Self-Launched Tokyo to Osaka via the Alps, Kanazawa, Kyoto & Hiroshima cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £1,055 per person for 13 days in Japan. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Trafalgar?+
Yes — Trafalgar charges around £5,700 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £1,055 — a saving of roughly £4,645 (81%) per person.
How long is the Japan trip?+
This itinerary runs 13 days, covering 13 day-by-day stops through Japan.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, foodie, city-breaks trip through Japan, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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