- 4.9/5 533 Latest reviews
- Destination: Japan, The Philippines
- Duration: 16 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
This 16-day private trip pairs Japan’s old capitals with the Philippines’ islands. You spend eight days in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, with a day at Mount Fuji, then fly south to Cebu, Bohol and Manila.
You will walk through the red gates of Fushimi Inari, ride the Shinkansen between cities, see the Chocolate Hills and visit a tarsier sanctuary. It is a tailor-made trip with a private guide in each country, and it suits travelers who want two very different cultures and are comfortable with a transit day and some weather risk in the Philippines.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Osaka
Osaka Castle, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Dotonbori
3 - 5
Kyoto
Gion, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari, free day
6 - 8
Tokyo and Mount Fuji
Shinkansen, Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko
9 - 10
Cebu
Flight, Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño
11 - 13
Bohol
Ferry, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, Loboc River, dolphin watching
14 - 15
Manila
Flight, Intramuros, Fort Santiago
16
Manila
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Osaka
Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Rest, then take an easy evening walk through the lights of Dotonbori if you have energy.
Highlights: Airport transfer, hotel check-in, Dotonbori
- Osaka
- Day 2: Osaka Castle and Street Food
Visit Osaka Castle and its park in the morning. In the afternoon, eat your way through Kuromon Ichiba Market, trying takoyaki and fresh seafood.
Highlights: Osaka Castle, Kuromon Ichiba Market, street food
- B
- Osaka
- Day 3: Shinkansen to Kyoto and Gion
Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto, only about 15-30 minutes, and leave your luggage to be forwarded to the hotel. Spend the afternoon in Gion, the old geisha district, where lantern-lit lanes and wooden teahouses line the streets.
Highlights: Shinkansen, luggage forwarding, Gion walk
- B
- Kyoto
- Day 4: Kyoto’s Temples and Castle
Start at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, then visit Nijo Castle, where the floors squeak by design to warn of intruders. Finish at Fushimi Inari, where thousands of red gates climb the hillside. Go early to beat the crowds.
Highlights: Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari
- B
- Kyoto
- Day 5: Kyoto at Leisure
Spend the day freely, or add an optional trip to the bamboo grove at Arashiyama or the deer park in Nara. Your guide can book either one. The first two are easy to combine in a day.
Highlights: Optional Arashiyama or Nara, free time
- B
- Kyoto
- Day 6: Kyoto to Tokyo
Take the Shinkansen to Tokyo, about 2 hours 15 minutes, with luggage forwarded ahead. On a clear day, you may see Mount Fuji from the train. The afternoon is free to explore Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Highlights: Shinkansen, Fuji views, Tokyo evening
- B
- Tokyo
- Day 7: Tokyo City Tour – Tradition Meets Modernity
Begin with Meiji Shrine, a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forests. Visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, where traditional Japanese landscaping meets historic architecture. Explore Asakusa and the bustling Nakamise Street, culminating at Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Experience Tokyo’s unique blend of ancient culture and modern life.
Highlights: Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace Gardens, Nakamise Street, Senso-ji Temple, Cultural immersion
- B
- Tokyo
- Day 8: Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko
Drive about 2 hours to the Fuji area and visit Oshino Hakkai, a village of clear spring ponds. Take a cruise or the ropeway at Lake Kawaguchiko for views of the mountain. Fuji is often hidden in cloud, and the ropeway can close in wind.
Highlights: Oshino Hakkai, Lake Kawaguchiko, ropeway views
- B
- Tokyo
- Day 9: Fly to Cebu
Fly to Cebu, the historic gateway to the Philippines. Enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel, then spend the day at leisure exploring the city or relaxing at your resort. Capture your first impressions of tropical island life as you transition from urban Japan to the serene Philippines.
Highlights: Arrival transfer, Leisure day, First impressions of Cebu, Resort relaxation
- B
- Cebu
- Day 10: Cebu City
Visit Magellan’s Cross, the Basilica del Santo Niño and the Lapu-Lapu monument. Browse a local market and handicraft shop in the afternoon.
Highlights: Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño, Lapu-Lapu Monument, Local handicrafts, Culinary experiences
- B, L
- Cebu
- Day 11: Ferry to Bohol
Take the fast ferry to Bohol, about 2 hours, and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free for the beach or the pool. Ferries can be cancelled in rough seas, so we keep the plan flexible.
Highlights: Ferry crossing, beach afternoon
- B
- Bohol
- Day 12: Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers and Loboc River
See the Chocolate Hills from the viewing deck, then visit a tarsier sanctuary, where flash and touching are not allowed. Finish with a lunch cruise on the Loboc River.
Highlights: Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, Loboc River Cruise, Local cultural performance, Wildlife encounters
- B , L
- Bohol
- Day 13: Dolphin Watching
Take an early boat from Panglao toward Pamilacan Island to look for dolphins, and whales if the season is right. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, and rough seas can cancel the trip. Snorkeling stops are possible if conditions allow.
Highlights: Dolphin watching, optional snorkeling
- B , L
- Bohol
- Day 14: Fly to Manila
Fly from Tagbilaran to Manila, about 1 hour 20 minutes, and transfer to your hotel. Manila’s traffic is heavy, so we keep the afternoon light.
Highlights: Domestic flight, hotel transfer
- B
- Manila
- Day 15: Manila City Tour – Spanish Colonial Heritage
Explore the walled city of Intramuros, visiting San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, and Manila Cathedral. Ride a traditional kalesa, then visit Quiapo, Binondo (Chinatown), and the American Cemetery. End the day in modern Manila’s Makati or Bonifacio Global City for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
Highlights: Intramuros, Kalesa ride, American Cemetery, Chinatown tour, Makati city experience
- B, L
- Manila
- Day 16: Depart from Manila
After breakfast, enjoy your final morning at leisure before your private transfer to Manila airport. Reflect on your unforgettable Japan Philippines Tour, a perfect blend of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and tropical relaxation.
Highlights: Departure transfer, Last moments in Manila, Farewell memories
- B
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