The Core Itinerary and Destinations
The IRCTC Japan package is designed as a comprehensive 10-day, 9-night journey that covers the country's most iconic destinations. The tour, departing from Delhi, is structured to give travellers a taste of both modern and traditional Japan. The itinerary
includes visits to seven major cities: Tokyo, Hakone, Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. This route, often called the 'Golden Route,' is perfect for first-time visitors as it connects the bustling capital of Tokyo with the cultural heart of Kyoto and the historically significant city of Hiroshima. Passengers fly from Delhi to Tokyo's Haneda Airport and return via the same route, ensuring a straightforward travel plan. The tour is designed as an escorted group trip, meaning you’ll be travelling with fellow tourists and a guide throughout.
Flights, Accommodation, and The Bullet Train
A significant portion of the package cost covers major logistical elements. The price includes return economy-class airfare, with flights operated by airlines such as All Nippon Airways (ANA). Upon arrival in Japan, travellers are put up in 4-star hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout the trip. All ground transportation, including airport transfers and sightseeing tours, is handled via air-conditioned coaches. The headline attraction, the Shinkansen or bullet train, is also part of the deal. This allows travellers to experience Japan's world-renowned high-speed rail, a must-do for any visitor, typically on the journey between major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
Daily Meals and Guided Sightseeing
One of the biggest conveniences of a package tour is that daily necessities are pre-arranged. This IRCTC package includes a comprehensive meal plan covering daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This helps travellers manage their budget effectively, as the cost of food in Japan can add up quickly. The sightseeing schedule is packed with famous landmarks. In Tokyo, for instance, the tour covers sites like the Asakusa Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, and the immersive digital art museum TeamLab Planets. The itinerary also promises visits to the iconic Mount Fuji, a cruise on Lake Ashi in Hakone, and trips to the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome. An English-speaking tour guide accompanies the group, providing context and ensuring you don't miss any key details.
Visa, Insurance, and Other Inclusions
Beyond the visible aspects of travel, the package also handles crucial backend arrangements. The cost covers the charges for obtaining a Japan tourist visa, a process that can often be complex for individual travellers. Additionally, travel insurance is included for passengers up to the age of 70, providing a layer of security for medical emergencies or travel disruptions. Entrance fees for the monuments and attractions specified in the itinerary are also part of the package, so you won’t have to worry about paying at every location. All applicable taxes are bundled into the final price, ensuring transparency.
Understanding the Costs
The price for this all-inclusive experience starts at approximately ₹3,45,999 per person for a triple-sharing room. For twin-sharing accommodation, the cost is around ₹3,49,999, and for single occupancy, it is ₹4,73,999. There are also specific prices for children travelling with families. While the initial cost may seem high compared to some online deals, it's important to consider what's included. Independent travel packages often exclude international airfare, visa fees, meals, and the cost of a full-time guide, all of which are covered here. This bundle provides a hassle-free experience where nearly every detail is managed by IRCTC.
What Is Not Covered in the Price?
While the package is largely all-inclusive, there are a few expenses that travellers will need to cover themselves. As is standard with most group tours, tips for the tour guide, driver, and hotel staff are typically not included and are considered a personal expense. Any meals or drinks consumed outside of the provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be at your own cost. Furthermore, expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls, or shopping, are not part of the package. Some tours may offer optional activities or excursions that are not on the main itinerary; these would also require an additional payment. It's always best to check the detailed itinerary for the specific list of exclusions before booking.
