Japan Small Group

Description
JEWEL OF THE EAST - There’s not much that can prepare you for Japan. Yes, it’s Asian but it’s not like any other Asian country you may have visited before. On this island country, ancient civilisation lives alongside modernity in perfect harmony. And it’s this blend of tradition and futurism that makes Japan so unique. Get lost in a maze of skyscrapers, speed by in bullet trains and be dazzled by the streets of neon. All this while taking in the freshest sushi and sashimi you’ve ever tasted and trying not to get squashed by a Sumo wrestler.
From$4,599
Starts in Tokyo
Ends in Kyoto
Duration (days) 13
Group size 16
Print tour details
Japan Small Group
Overview
Map
Itinerary
Dates & Prices

Overview

We start off in the exhilarating city of Tokyo where you’ll experience its fascinating neighbourhoods and districts, full of life and flavour. You can choose to visit a sumo match or one of Tokyo’s unique maid cafes. We then head to the cultural gem of Kanazawa. We stop off at the hot springs of Gero before reaching our final destination, the magical Kyoto. Here we’ll visit Hiroshima Peace Park as well as the peaceful temples and gardens of this garden city.
HOTEL:
MEALS:
Basic Itinerary

Map

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive Tokyo
You’re here in Tokyo! Get settled in to the hotel before embarking on the trip of a lifetime.
Day 2Tokyo
Get your bearings by touring a few of Tokyo’s neighbourhoods. First up is Harajuku and Omotesando, before getting to see Meiji Jingu Shrine up close. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon before a walking tour in Kabukicho and the drinking alleys of Golden Gai.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3Tokyo
Utilise all your senses today by experiencing the sights and smells of the Tsukiji fish market. Need some fresh air? We’ve got you covered with some time in the Hamarikyu garden and a boat ride along the Sumida River. A disembarkation, do not miss the opportunity for a selfie with the Tokyo Skytree in the background. Continue on to the majestic Sensoji Buddhist Temple. Pick up some souvenirs and rice crackers along Nakamise shopping street. Time permitting, stop by the famous kitchenware street, Kappabashi. This evening, take in the beautiful night views of Tokyo from the observation deck of the Tokyo metropolitan government building.
Breakfast
Day 4Tokyo
Take your pick! Today choose between some uniquely Japanese experiences: visiting a Sumo stadium, a maid cafe, or shopping in Ginza. Take the afternoon and evening off to relax and unwind in your free time.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5Kanazawa
Get ready to experience the rich and traditional culture found in Kanazawa. After arriving by train you’ll get to enjoy lunch at the Omicho fresh food market. Then, explore the Higashi Chaya District where you’ll find geishas and traditional tea houses.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6Kanazawa
Spend time at the Kenroku-en garden, considered one of the three most beautiful gardens of Japan. Next, explore the narrow alleys of Nagamichi Samurai area and stop by the Nomura Clan Samurai residence. Then choose from a number of interesting museums, a Ninja Temple or the Teramachi shopping area as your afternoon activity.
Breakfast
Day 7Takayama
Desperate to try some Sake? We’ve got you covered. After arriving in the mountainous town of Takayama spend the morning exploring the quaint old town. Then it’s on to the local brewery and a visit Takayama Jinya.
Breakfast
Day 8Takayama
Fasten your seatbelts for the drive out to the UNESCO World Heritage region of Shirakawa-go. You’ll see some traditional farmhouses, some of which are over 250 years old!
Breakfast
Day 9Gero
Let the rhythm of the railway carry you to Gero where you’ll spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hot spring.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10Kyoto
After a day in the hot springs, we head to the beautiful garden city of Kyoto where our first stop will be the impressive Kiyomizudera Temple. Here you can take in some grand views over the city. As night falls we take a walk around the city sampling some delicious local food.
Breakfast
Day 11Kyoto
Today is dedicated to learning about the impact of the atom bomb as we catch a train to Hiroshima. After visiting the Peace Memorial Park we hop on a ferry to Miyajima island, considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. On the island, visit the Itsukushima Shrine with its giant "floating" red torri gate.
Breakfast
Day 12Kyoto
For our final day in Kyoto we will visit the magnificent Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji temples where you can embrace the peace and zen of these beautiful places. The afternoon is then yours to do as you like.
Breakfast
Day 13Depart Kyoto
We depart from the hotel in the morning and catch our flight home.
Breakfast
Day 6 and more

Dates & Prices

Accommodation

Day
Where
Accommodation
1 - 5
Tokyo
Keio Plaza or similar
5 - 7
Kanazawa
Hotel Kanazawa or similar
7 - 9
Takayama
Best Western or similar
9 - 10
Gero
Sumeikan or similar
10 - 13
Kyoto
Hotel Keihan Kyoto or similar

Other information

Price includes: Hotel accommodations including daily breakfast, a combination of public and private transportations throughout the trip, English speaking guided tours with admissions included as per itinerary stated, bullet train ticket in ordinary class, cultural activities and some meals. 2024 Price from $4599p.p. to $5089p.p.
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