HIGHLIGHTS of JAPAN – 12 days / 11 nights  

Day 1:

Tokyo

Arrive Tokyo

Day 2:

Tokyo

Tokyo full-day tour (shared basis)

Day 3:

Tokyo

Free day in Tokyo

Day 4:

Hakone

Mount Fuji and Hakone tour (self-guided)

Day 5:

Takayama

Travel to Takayama

Day 6:

Takayama

Takayama – full-day tour

Day 7:

Kanazawa

Travel to Kanazawa via Shirakawago (self-guided)

Day 8:

Kanazawa

Kanazawa – full-day tour (private basis)

Day 9:

Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto

Day 10:

Kyoto

Kyoto – full-day tour (shared basis)

Day 11:

Kyoto

Free Day in Kyoto

Day 12

-

Depart Osaka

Tokyo   3 nights

Red Planet Asakusa

Standard Room with breakfasts

Opened in 2015, Red Planet Asakusa Tokyo is located only a 2-minute walk away from Asakusa Train Station and is just a 7-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple. Every room at this stylish non-smoking property is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Free WiFi is provided in all rooms.

Hakone   1 night

Hakone Ichinoyu Honkan

‘Japanese’ Room with dinner and breakfast

'ICHINOYU' was founded in 1630 as a pioneer of the hot spring hotel industry in the Hakone area and is painted by the famous UKIYOE painter - Utagawa Hiroshige. You'll surely be satisfied with Japanese culture and its traditional venue.

Takayama    2 nights

Best Western Takayama

Standard Room with dinners and breakfasts

Best Western Hotel Takayama is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from JR Takayama Train Station. It features 2 restaurants, a sauna and comfortable rooms with free WiFi. Guests can soak in the hot tub at Spa Replus. Rooms at the Takayama Best Western have a smoothly sophisticated decor and are air-conditioned and sound-proofed. Each includes a refrigerator, full private bathroom and flat-screen TV with video-on-demand movies.

Kanazawa  2 nights

Hotel Intergate Kanazawa

Superior Room with breakfasts

Hotel Intergate Kanazawa provides rooms in Kanazawa near Oyama Shrine and Ozaki Shrine. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is close to popular attractions like Meitetsu M'za, Omicho Market and Nagamachi Bukeyashiki District.

Kyoto  3 nights

Citadines Kyoto Karasuma-Gojo

Studio Room with breakfasts

Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto is centrally located in Gojo. The Ground Floor lobby is decorated with artwork inspired by Kyoto’s traditional design. This Citadines property offers attentive bi-lingual guest service staff and personalized service levels as they graciously welcome guests. There are 124 modern guestrooms, each over 25 square metres and with an all-feature bathroom and well-equipped kitchen including a microwave. For greater convenience, an iron and ironing board are provided together with a safety box and a self-service launderette. Amenities and services include daily housekeeping and Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, chargeable services such as dry-cleaning and car parking are also available.

                                                 Itinerary in full

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo

‘Konichiwa’ and welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s ultra-modern capital! You will be met before being transferred to your hotel by a shared shuttle service.

Meals:  Nil

Day 2: Tokyo

Discover Tokyo's top attractions on a 9-hour tour by air-conditioned coach that includes a cruise. You will see sights such as Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, the Imperial Palace and Garden, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and Tokyo Sky Tree Tower. A Tokyo Bay Cruise with audio commentary is included on your tour. You can enjoy the must-see sights in one day!

                                                    Highlights

1. Native English-Speaking Tour Guide is in attendance on the bus tour

2. Free Wi-Fi service available on the tour bus

3. Free collection service from 11 places all over central Tokyo

4. You can enjoy Chanko hot pot, which is very famous cuisine for Sumo wrestlers!

Meals:  Breakfast and lunch

Day 3: Tokyo

KAMAKURA FULL-DAY TOUR (PRIVATE BASIS )

This morning, discover the charm of Kamakura - a coastal town south of Tokyo. Meet your local guide and hop on a train-ride for an hour before arriving in this 12^th  Century township. With many Buddhist temples to see, dive into the sights, starting off at Kotokuin Temple. This temple is home to a very famous statue, Daibutsu - a bronze Buddha that’s over 10 metres tall. Built in the 13^th Century, this big Buddha has withstood 800 years of storms, an earthquake and a tsunami, yet it still stands! Take in the view of this impressive and durable statue and take a look inside it.

Next, venture to Hasedera Temple - a Jodo Buddhist temple complex on a hillside. Home to a 9 metre-high statue of Kannon -the Goddess of Mercy, it’s one of the largest wooden statues in Japan. Be sure not to miss the view from the terrace here: it offers beautiful views of the coast and Kamakura itself. Afterwards, head to Komachi Street for your last stop.

After taking in the historic and religious sites of Kamakura, it’s time for some shopping. This old street is marked by entering through a vermillion torii gate: pass through it to discover the vast array of shops, cafes, bakeries and restaurants of Komachi. There’s plenty to take in, souvenirs to nab and regional delicacies to try. Finally, head back to the train station to transfer back to Tokyo for the evening.

Inclusions:

English-speaking local guide, public transportation and Entrance Fee.

SWORD-CUTTING EXPERIENCE (JOIN-IN)

In this unique experience, you have the rare opportunity to wield a real samurai sword and actually cut through a practice target!

First, your instructor will demonstrate the art of shizan (trial cutting): then you will learn the right way to hold and swing a sword, using an unsharpened practice sword. Finally, you will try your hands on cutting through a rolled straw matt with a real samurai sword.

Inclusions:

30 - 45 minutes’ sword-cutting experience (join-in)

Meals:  Breakfast

Day 4: Tokyo – Mount Fuji  – Hakone

Make your own way to Shinjuku and head to Hakone, one of Japan’s most famous hot-spring (onsen) areas and rich in unspoiled nature. It is within easy travelling distance of Tokyo via a ‘2-day Hakone Freepass’.

The ‘2-day Hakone Freepass’ is an excursion ticket offering full coverage of the popular sightseeing destinations in Hakone. ‘Hakone Freepass’ allows you to get on and off freely within a specified area, as well as providing discounted admission to various attractions in the area. It also includes return transportation on the Odakyu Line.

Here, you’ll feast on multi-course kaiseki meals and enjoy onsen baths in authentic, timber inns set among riverside verdure.

You’ll then have two days to explore the national park making use of your Hakone Freepass. Mountain railways, cable cars and funiculars knit together charming hamlets, forest-fringed lakes and waterside shrines, all watched over by Mount Fuji’s imperious gaze. Don’t miss out on a pirate-ship boat cruise on sparkling Lake Ashi: this is also included in your pass.

NOTE:

Luggage space on trains in Japan is extremely limited and, although train stations in Japan have elevators, you may still find yourself carrying luggage up and down stairs. There is a luggage-forwarding service in Japan known as "Ta-q-bin" and for a very low fee (usually around JPY 2,500JPY), your heavy bags can be sent onwards to your next destination. Between most major cities, the service will be overnight and this can be organised and paid for at your hotel. You can also forward your luggage to the airport at the end of your trip. If you would like suggestions as to when to use this service, we can provide advice and details.

Inclusions:

2-day Hakone Freepass

Meals:  Breakfast and dinner

Day 5: Hakone – Takayama

Check out from your hotel and make your own way to Odawara via your ‘2-day Hakone Freepass’ where you’ll catch a train to Takayama via Nagoya.

Upon arrival in Takayama, you will be met before you are escorted to your hotel in Takayama on foot.

You are then free at your leisure after checking in. Take a stroll along this Edo-period merchant town, with beautifully preserved buildings and distinctive culture. Established in the 16^th Century as the castle town of the Kanamori family, the town is famous throughout Japan for its old-town area of narrow streets filled with well-preserved inns, tea houses, shops and merchant houses with latticed windows and overhanging roofs, that are characteristic of the Edo period.

Inclusions:

2-day Hakone Freepass

Train ticket from Odawara to Takayama via Nagoya-  Ordinary reserved ticket

Meet & Greet Assistance from Takayama station to hotel

Meals:  Breakfast

Day 6: Takayama

After breakfast, take a stroll to the Miyagawa morning market, where locals come to sell artisanal goods and fresh produce. Try some of the region’s delicious fruit and vegetables.

You will then visit Takayama Jinya, which provides a fascinating insight into the Shogunate and how it governed the country.

Then head to the Takayama Museum of History and Art, which is an interesting museum about the history and culture of Takayama City. It is housed in an old, restored building. Sample some sake at one of Takayama’s small breweries (at own expense).

Inclusions:

English-speaking local guide for full-day Takayama Tour and Entrance Fee

Meals:  Breakfast

Day 7: Takayama – Shirakawago - Kanazawa

Inclusions:

Bus tickets from Takayama to Kanazawa via Shirakawago

Meals:  Breakfast

Day 8: Kanazawa

Today, discover the coastal city’s cultural heritage and start this full-day tour, delving into the art of Kaga Yuzen -a traditional silk-dyeing technique. Get the chance to try this artistic method and paint some sakura motifs on a handkerchief at the Kaga Yuzen Kimono Centre.

Next, make your way to the historic Omicho Market, a busy and colourful market and explore, along with local residents, some of the 200 shops selling sea-food, vegetables, fruits, flowers, regional specialties and more.

Then, proceed to the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of the finest gardens in Japan and marvel at the waterfalls, ponds and charming tea-houses.

Later, stroll through the charming Higashi Geisha district - one of the well-preserved Chaya districts from the Edo Period, where you will have a chance to visit Shima Geisha House.

Inclusions:

English-speaking local guide for Kanazawa full-day tour

Private vehicle for Kanazawa full-day tour

Entrance Fee

Meals:  Breakfast

Day 9: Kanazawa – Kyoto

This morning, make your own way to Kanazawa Station and travel aboard the ‘Limited Express Thunderbird’ to Kyoto. The train takes approximately 2 hours to travel 225 kilometres.

Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel on foot and you are then free to explore Kyoto on your own after check-in.

Inclusions:

Train ticket from Kanazawa to Kyoto - Ordinary reserved ticket

Meals:  Breakfast

Day 10: Kyoto

Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour.

See the tranquil Kiyomizu Temple amid its verdant surroundings, absorb the Imperial majesty of Kyoto Imperial Palace and stroll amid the botanical beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Behold the beguiling beauty of the Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine and enrich your knowledge of Kyoto’s rich historical heritage with commentary from an informative guide.

Moderate levels of fitness are advisable for this tour, on which a lot of walking occurs!

・Full day tour of Kyoto's cultural and historic attractions

・Discover top city highlights including Nijo Castle

・Explore (with your guide) Kyoto Imperial Palace, once the residence of

    Japan’s Imperial family

・Admire the Thousand Armed Kannon and the legion of 1,000 life-size

    statues at the Buddhist temple of Sanju-Sangendo Hall

・Visit the Kiyomizu Temple and enjoy panoramic views over Kyoto

    from the temple’s terrace

Inclusions:

Seat-in-coach full-day Kyoto Tour with English-speaking guide, lunch and Entrance Fee

Pick up: at 08h30 / drop-off: Kyoto hotels at approximately 18h00

Meals:  Breakfast and lunch

Day 11: Kyoto

NARA HALF-DAY TOUR (PRIVATE)

Hop on a short train-ride to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nara with your private guide. For 74 years during the 8^th Century, Nara was Japan’s first capital and it became the centre of power. With great prosperity, it became the face of Japanese culture and politics and ushered in a great number of changes. Therefore, Nara is home to some of the most impressive and ancient historical landmarks in the country. 

Start off your adventure in this historic area at the jaw-dropping Todaiji Temple - the world’s largest wooden building. Enter the enormous wooden gateway, towering over 25 metres high and fashioned from 800 year-old trees, passing the guardian king statues of the temple. Take in the stunning complex grounds as you gaze upon this impressive structure. Next, head inside to see the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue enveloped in a golden halo.

Next, head off to Nara's most celebrated shrine - the bright and beautiful Kasuga Taisha. This grand Shinto shrine was established in 768 A.D., when four deities were invited to live here. Kasuga Taisha is not only ancient but architecturally stunning with bright vermillion buildings and halls, surrounded by Nara’s beautiful woods. Be sure to walk through the hallways, which house hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers over the centuries. 

Now, before returning to Kyoto, take a wander through Nara Park. One of the oldest parks in Japan, over a thousand tamed, yet wild, deer freely roam its grounds. Considered in Shintoism to be sacred messengers of the gods, the deer are still protected as national treasures and they call this park home. Stroll through “deer park” (as the locals call it) as you take in the quaint yet ancient charm of the grounds.

Inclusions:

English-speaking local guide, public transportation and Entrance Fee

REAL KYOTO BACK-STREETS CYCLING TOUR (PRIVATE)

Discover a different side to Kyoto on this half-day bicycle adventure of the city.

Start at the cycling terminal near Kyoto Station and whizz through the hidden backstreets and winding alleyways of this atmospheric town. Listen to the knowledgeable tour guide and learn about the captivating history and cultural heritage of the former Japanese capital.

At a slower pace, pedal through two renowned geisha districts - Miyagawacho and Gion. Lined with hundreds of tea-houses, take a break and spend some time people- watching. Next, cycle along the Shirakawa River past beautiful wooden houses and willow trees, before taking a trip through the spacious Kyoto Imperial Palace Park - home to two Imperial Palaces.

End the journey with tired legs and unforgettable memories at the cycling terminal.

**Note: Children must be older than 12 years old with a height of at least 155 centimetres and who can ride a bicycle by themselves. The tour will be held as a walking tour under unexpected weather conditions. The tour is non-refundable.**

Inclusions:

3-hours cycling tour (private basis)

Optional Tour 3

Meals:  Breakfast

Day 12: Depart

Enjoy your final morning in Kyoto before departing to the airport for your flight.

Have a safe journey back home!

Inclusions:Seat-in-coach airport transfer (driver only)

Meals:  Breakfast