ALL-INCLUSIVE TOUR: This 13-day escorted tour includes all of your meals and is packed with incredible sightseeing and activities. Whether it's a traditional taiko drumming lesson in Tokyo, dinner with a geisha in Kyoto or a zen meditation class with a monk, this tour gets you to the heart of traditional Japan. Plus, enjoy included guided sightseeing to all the highlights in Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Kanazawa, and stay in a traditional ryokan in Awara Onsen.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Exploring Tokyo
Our all-inclusive Japanese journey begins in Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the most populous city in the world. Upon arrival at Tokyo's airport, you will be picked up for a shared shuttle to our hotel located in the heart of the city. Your tour leader will be there to greet you and address any inquiries you may have. Tonight, we enjoy a delectable welcome meal where you can get to know the group and tour leader.
On day 2, we hope you wake up refreshed and eager to explore Tokyo. With a private coach at our disposal, we will kick off the day with a taiko drumming lesson, immersing you in this traditional music form. Next, we visit the historic Meiji Shrine and take in the stunning architecture of the fashionable Aoyama and Omotesando districts. In the afternoon, we will wander through the charming streets and market stalls of Asakusa, the city's oldest and most traditional area, home to the ancient Senso-ji temple.
Accommodation: Hotel Niwa or similar
Overnight: Tokyo (1) | Breakfast x 1, Dinner x 2
Hiroshima & Miyajima
Tokyo - Hiroshima. Leave your luggage at the front desk on the morning of day 3, we'll have it forwarded to our hotel in Hiroshima! Hopping on the shinkansen (bullet train), we cover the 800-kilometres to the city in under 5 hours.
On arrival, we travel by private coach to our hotel and have time to freshen up before heading out to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Here we will learn more about the tragic events of 6 August 1945. This evening, join a cooking class to discover how to make okonomiyaki, the cabbage or noodle-based pancake typical of this part of Japan.
On day 4 we take a boat to the island of Miyajima, a trip of around 45 minutes. Known for its World Heritage shrine and the 'floating' Torii gate, you can also enjoy exploring the town centre and spotting the curious local deer during our visit.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hiroshima or similar
Overnight: Hiroshima (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Himeji Castle & Kyoto sightseeing
Hiroshima - Himeji Castle - Kyoto. We depart from Hiroshima in the morning of day 5 and travel east towards Kyoto. Our journey will include a stop in Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, one of the few original feudal castles remaining in Japan, and the largest of its kind.
Arriving in Kyoto, we will check into our hotel and have some time to relax before enjoying dinner with a maiko (trainee geisha) who will perform a traditional dance and answer any questions we may have.
Day 6 will be spent exploring Kyoto with the help of local guides. We will visit the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji, the Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple, and other hidden gems in the city.
On day 7, we will continue our exploration of Kyoto, visiting Gion, the historic geisha quarter, as well as Kennin-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. In the evening, we will attend a non-verbal theatre show called GEAR, offering a modern twist on Kyoto's traditional arts scene.
Accommodation: Okura Hotel Kyoto or similar
Overnight: Kyoto (3) | Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 3
Awara Onsen & ryokan stay
Kyoto - Awara Onsen. Travelling by private bus, we reach Awara Onsen, a hot spring town in Fukui Prefecture. Along the way, we will stop to explore the partially reconstructed ruins of Ichijodani Castle Town, destroyed by Oda Nobunaga in 1573, and visit the serene Daianzen-ji temple for a lesson in zazen meditation led by a temple priest.
Tonight, we stay at a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, where we will sleep on comfortable futon bedding on tatami-mat flooring and enjoy a dinner of fine kaiseki cuisine. Be sure to take advantage of the hot spring baths, a must-do experience during a ryokan stay.
Accommodation: Haiya Ryokan or similar
Overnight: Awara Onsen | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kanazawa
Awara Onsen - Kanazawa. On day 9, take the opportunity to relax in the morning with a visit to the onsen baths before we journey by private coach to Kanazawa. On arrival, visit the renowned 21st Century Museum and Kenroku-en garden, one of Japan's top three gardens. Check in to your hotel for a brief rest before enjoying a delicious dinner at the accommodation.
Discover the beauty of Higashi chaya and Nagamachi districts in the morning of day 10, exploring their preserved architecture and visiting the Nomura Samurai House. In the afternoon, try your hand at making traditional Japanese confectionery with a local expert. The evening is free for you to unwind at your own pace.
Accommodation: Nikko Hotel Kanazawa or similar
Overnight: Kanazawa (2) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Return to Tokyo
Kanazawa - Tokyo. On day 11, after a scenic bullet train ride back to Tokyo, we spend the afternoon exploring popular attractions such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on foot and by public transport. We also take in Tokyo Tower, and Zozo-ji Temple. The temple has been featured in the movie "Wolverine", making it a must-visit for fans of the film.
On your last full day in Tokyo, day 12, you will have the morning free for shopping or any remaining activities. Alternatively, you can join our tour leader for a visit to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation on Odaiba Island. In the afternoon, we explore the upscale Ginza district and other interesting sights before enjoying the final group dinner of the tour.
On day 13, after breakfast, you will be transferred by shared shuttle to the airport for your return flight home.
Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Shiodome or similar
Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2
Prices & Dates
All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel Niwa, Tokyo
Hotel Niwa offers an elegant blend of modern comfort and Japanese traditional design. The hotel's rooms, adorned with paper sliding screens that filter gentle light, feature LCD TVs, fridges, and a daily complimentary bottle of water. Guests can enjoy the ambiance of a Japanese-style courtyard, dine in two on-site restaurants, and access complimentary WiFi. Additional amenities include a Relaxation Lounge with massage chairs overlooking a rooftop garden, a free fitness center, a coin-operated launderette, drinks vending machines, and a 24-hour business center.
Rihga Royal Hiroshima, Hiroshima
Rihga Royal Hotel is a convenient and well-equipped accommodation with 6 dining options and a 24-hour front desk. Located just 10 minutes by car from JR Hiroshima Train Station, the hotel offers comfortable rooms with flat-screen satellite TVs and private bathrooms. Free WiFi is available in all guest rooms. Its prime location places it within a short walk to major attractions such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Museum of Art. Guests can indulge in a variety of cuisines, including French, Japanese, Chinese, teppanyaki, sushi, and more. The hotel also features a pool and fitness center for guests to enjoy.
Nikko Hotel Kanazawa, Kanazawa
Nestled in a prime location with captivating panoramic views, Nikko Kanazawa Hotel stands right in front of JR Kanazawa Train Station. Elevated above the 17th floor, its rooms offer splendid vistas of the surroundings. With an array of 8 dining options and various shops, the hotel ensures a satisfying experience. The well-appointed air-conditioned rooms effortlessly blend comfort and style, each equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom featuring a bathtub and shower. The hotel's dining offerings include a Japanese/Western buffet breakfast and a variety of cuisines, such as French, sushi, and Chinese.
At a Glance
