An Overview of the Journey
IRCTC has announced a comprehensive 10-day, 9-night tour package departing from Delhi, designed to give Indian travellers a hassle-free experience of Japan. Scheduled to depart on September 6, 2026, the tour covers a popular tourist circuit that includes
Tokyo, Hakone, Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. This curated itinerary aims to simplify international travel by bundling major components like flights, accommodation, and sightseeing into a single booking, making it an appealing option, especially for first-time visitors to the country. The trip promises a blend of cultural immersion, historical insight, and modern exploration, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the poignant memorials of Hiroshima.
The Price Tag: Solo vs. Shared Occupancy
The central question for many travelers is the cost. The price of the IRCTC Japan tour varies significantly based on your accommodation choice. For those opting for a triple-sharing room, the cost is ₹3,45,999 per person. If you prefer to share with just one other person, the twin-sharing package is priced slightly higher at ₹3,49,999 per person. However, for solo travelers who want their own private room, the cost is substantially more at ₹4,73,999 for single occupancy. This significant price jump, known as a single supplement, is standard in tour packages as the cost of the hotel room is borne by one person instead of two or three. There are also packages for children traveling with family.
What's Included in the Package?
The package is designed to be largely all-inclusive, covering the most significant expenses of the trip. The price includes return economy-class airfare from Delhi to Tokyo. Accommodation for the nine nights is provided in four-star hotels. Importantly, the package also covers the cost of the Japan tourist visa, daily meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all airport transfers and sightseeing in air-conditioned coaches. One of the major highlights, a ride on Japan's famous Shinkansen (bullet train), is also part of the deal. Furthermore, it includes the services of an English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees to specified monuments, and travel insurance for passengers below the age of 70.
A Glimpse of the Itinerary
The 10-day tour is packed with iconic sights. In Tokyo, travelers will visit places like the Asakusa Temple, Nakamise Dori, Ueno Park, and the immersive digital art museum TeamLab Planets. The itinerary also features a trip to the scenic Hakone region, with a visit to Mount Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting), a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, and a cruise on Lake Ashi. The cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto, is explored with visits to the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple, the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. The tour continues to Nara to see the friendly deer at Nara Park and the giant Buddha at Todai-ji Temple, before moving to Osaka to see its famous castle. A significant part of the journey is dedicated to Hiroshima, where travelers will visit the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island.
Understanding the Exclusions
While the package is comprehensive, travelers must budget for several expenses that are not included. Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, and any food ordered outside of the set menu are not covered. Tips for drivers, guides, and other representatives are also an additional cost. The package also excludes charges related to any urgent visa processing or potential increases in airfare or taxes. One key point to note is the mandatory 2% Tax Collected at Source (TCS), which is an additional payment that can be claimed back when filing income tax returns. Essentially, anything not explicitly mentioned under the package inclusions will need to be paid for separately by the traveler.
