The All-Inclusive Price Tag
IRCTC has announced a special international tour package from Mumbai for those looking to explore Japan. Titled “Japan – The Golden Route with Hiroshima,” this 8-night, 9-day tour is scheduled to depart on October 25, 2026. The cost is set at ₹3,36,200
per person on a twin-sharing basis. For those travelling alone, the single occupancy price is significantly higher at ₹4,14,770. There are also options for families, with prices for a child with an extra bed being the same as an adult, and a child without a bed costing ₹2,63,200. It is important to note that an additional 2% TCS (Tax Collected at Source) fee is applicable on top of these fares. This pricing aims to bundle most major travel expenses into a single, upfront cost.
What the Package Includes
A major appeal of a packaged tour is convenience, and IRCTC's offering is designed to be largely all-inclusive. The price covers return economy class airfare from Mumbai to Japan on Air India. It also includes the Japan tourist visa fees, taking a significant logistical step out of the traveller's hands. Accommodation is arranged in 3-star hotels throughout the trip. For meals, the package provides daily breakfast, along with Indian-style lunches and dinners, which can be a major comfort for many travellers abroad. All internal travel, including sightseeing in air-conditioned coaches and airport transfers, is part of the deal. A standout feature is the inclusion of a Shinkansen bullet train journey. Furthermore, the package covers entry tickets to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary, the services of a local guide, an IRCTC tour manager, and overseas travel insurance.
An Itinerary at a Glance
The 9-day tour is packed with some of Japan's most famous sights. The journey begins in Tokyo, exploring modern attractions like the immersive teamLab Planets digital art museum, the towering Tokyo Skytree, and the famous Shibuya Crossing, alongside traditional sites like the Senso-ji Temple. From there, the tour proceeds towards the iconic Mt. Fuji, including a visit to the 5th station (weather permitting) and experiences in the scenic Hakone region, such as a ropeway ride and a cruise on Lake Ashi. The cultural heart of Japan is explored with stops in Kyoto and Nara, visiting landmarks like the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nara Park with its famous free-roaming deer. A significant and historically poignant part of the trip is the bullet train journey to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island.
What Is Not Covered in the Price
While the package is comprehensive, travellers should budget for expenses that are not included. The most significant of these are personal expenses. This includes costs for shopping, souvenirs, laundry, and any food or drinks consumed outside of the provided meals. While breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, any additional snacks or special culinary experiences you might want to try will be on your own dime. The package also does not cover the cost of any optional tours or activities that are not explicitly listed in the fixed itinerary. Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are also typically not included in the package price and are left to the discretion of the traveller. It's always wise to carry extra local currency for these incidental costs to ensure a smooth journey.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
For a price of roughly ₹3.36 lakh plus tax, the IRCTC package offers considerable value, primarily through convenience. The cost of arranging a multi-city trip to Japan independently—factoring in return flights, a Japan Rail Pass or individual bullet train tickets, 3-star hotel stays for eight nights, visa processing, all meals, and entrance fees to numerous attractions—can quickly add up and often exceed this amount, not to mention the effort involved. The main benefit of this package is the peace of mind it offers. It is particularly well-suited for first-time visitors to Japan who may be intimidated by the language barrier and the complexity of the country's transportation networks. It is also a great option for senior citizens or families who prefer a structured, guided experience without the stress of planning every detail. The trade-off, however, is a lack of flexibility. The itinerary is packed and fixed, leaving little room for spontaneous exploration. For seasoned travellers who enjoy discovering hidden gems and setting their own pace, the structured nature of a group tour might feel restrictive. Ultimately, the package delivers a comprehensive and hassle-free overview of Japan's highlights at a competitive all-inclusive price.
