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Tokyo to Takayama

13 days

This 13 day adventure takes in the must-see sites of Tokyo and Kyoto as well as exploring the mountainous town of Takayama, impressive Himeji Castle and of course well-known Hiroshima and the famed Torii Gate of Miyajima Island. For an authentic Japanese experience ride a bullet train, stay in a ryokan and take a dip in natural hot springs.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

13 days

Starts

Tokyo

Ends

Tokyo

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - tour guide escorted

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 18

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays - March to November

Hotel Rating

3 star hotels & ryokans

Countries

Japan

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes (unescorted)

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Dinner: 1
Per Person From
R 87,515.00
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 165,030.00

Tour Highlights

Tokyo - Explore Sensoji Temple district and temple, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing
Kamakura - Visit Big Buddha Statue, Hokokuji Zen Temple and the Bamboo Forest with its delightful village atmosphere. Opt to take part in a traditional tea ceremony
Lake Kawaguchi in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park - Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and views of famed Mt Fuji
Stay in a ryokan - Sample Japanese hospitality, bathe in natural hot springs, wearing a Yukata (casual Kimono) and sleep on a futon sleeping on a futon
Kyoto - Uncover UNESCO Listed Nijo Castle, join a walking tour of Gion (the Geisha District), optional Japanese tea ceremony and cooking class
Kyoto - Take part in a walking tour of the famed Geisha District (Gion), with its ancient cobbled streets, streams, bridges and quaint tea houses and the opportunity to see Geisha and Maiko en route to their next engagement
UNESCO Listed Himeji Castle - See the towering 6 story structure is the best preserved and largest of all castles in Japan
Hiroshima - Visit Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum, UNESCO Listed A-Bomb Dome and Children's Peace Monument (with thousands of paper cranes from children around the world)
Enjoy Miyajima Island with its UNESCO Listed iconic Red Torii Gate (Itsukushima shrine) standing in the sea. Cable to the top of Mt Misen - The highest peak on Miyajima for spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea, some 150 islands and Hiroshima
Takayama - Wander around the beautifully preserved old quarter, local market and visit to sake distillery
Hida Folk Village - Learn about the traditional architectural styles of the mountainous regions of Japan in this open-air museum of farmhouses

Included

7 breakfasts and 1 dinner at the Lake Kawaguchi ryokan
12 nights 3 star accommodation (including 1 night at a Japanese style inn
Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Tokyo, Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchi, Kyoto, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Takayama
Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji - Kachikachi-yama Ropeway and Observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 14 Apr – 28 May each year we'll visit to the Fuji Shibazakura (Moss Phlox) Festival with Mt Fuji in the distance
Ferry to Miyajima Island and cable car to the top of Mt Misen
Escorted by a licensed English speaking Japanese tour guide
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 (by train) from Narita or Haneda International Airport
Departure transfer on day 13 (unescorted) - by train to Narita or Haneda International Airport (unescorted)
All transportation and transfers - buses, trains and bullet trains including Suica swipe card
Baggage forwarding service from Tokyo to Kyoto (one bag per person)
Maximum Group size: 18 persons

Not Included

Baggage forwarding service from Kyoto to Takayama (available at an additional cost)
International flights and visa
If you are opting to pay the single supplement, allowing you the privacy of your own room on this tour, a single room will be provided for all nights with the exception of day 5 (at Lake Kawaguchi), where single rooms are not available. For this night you will be matched up with a fellow tour member of the same gender
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-5 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$50-60pp, paid locally in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tokyo

Saturday. Upon arrival to Tokyo you will be met at either Narita or Haneda International Airport by your guide. Travel by train into the heart of the city and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure.

We recommend arriving before 3pm on this day, as there will be a Welcome Meeting at 6pm, where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 2 - Toyko - Senjoji Temple District, Harajuki & Shibuya

This morning we take the subway to Asakusa, a lively district of Tokyo which is famous for its historic Sensoji Buddhist temple. After visiting the temple we'll have time to explore the area which has an abundance of interesting souvenir and craft stalls. This afternoon we head to Harajuku, which is a mecca for young and fashionable Tokyoites who flock to the trendy shops and cafes on Takeshita Street. Here, we’ll visit the revered Meiji Shrine where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined.

Our last stop of the day is the famed Shibuya Crossing - regarded as one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. 'The Scramble' as it's known is an amazing spectacle as people come from all directions at once – sometimes over a thousand with every light change – yet they still manage to duck and weave without causing collision. Here, we’ll grab a coffee and perch ourselves on a barstool at Starbucks to watch the spectacle. This evening offers free time, though if travelling during May and September you might like spend the evening watching a Sumo tournament (bookings must be made in advance). See our Trip Notes for more information.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 3 - Kamakura - Big Buddha

Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo. Today we head out of the city to Kamakura, Japan’s first feudal capital, which is just an hour from Tokyo. Here, we’ll visit the iconic bronze Big Buddha and the Zen Temple of Hokokuji with its towering bamboo garden where you can drink tea before walking the cobbled pedestrian alleys - adorned with locally made items. Return to Japan’s bustling capital for the night.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 4 - Tokyo National Museum

Today offers a guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, housing a number of exhibitions from galleries to Japanese archeology. The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park, a large public park within central Tokyo and famous for a number of museums held within it's grounds. The remainder of the day offers free time to independently explore.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 5 - Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi

Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi. This morning we travel by highway bus to Lake Kawaguchi, located at the foot of Mt Fuji in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. The scenery is stunning with panoramic views of a snow-capped Fuji most of the year. Upon arrival, we’ll travel along the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and visit the observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 15 Apr – 28 May each year, we’ll visit the Springtime Fuji Shibazakura (Phlox Moss) Festival, held at Motosu Lake, where the landscape is covered in a vibrant, hot pink moss with Fuji as the backdrop. Tonight you'll bed down in a Japanese style inn. At the ryokan, we'll be served dinner and you can take a relaxing dip in the natural hot spring baths.

Overnight: Lake Kawaguchi
Meals: Dinner

Day 6 - Kyoto - 1000 statues of Kannon & the Geisha District

Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto. Lake Kawaguchi has some great hiking trails and early this morning you might like to opt for a hike along the foreshores of the lake. We travel by bus to Mishima, then bullet train to Kyoto - Japan’s ancient and cultural capital.

As one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia, Kyoto is home to an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Sanjusagen-do Temple famous for its statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The one thousand life-size statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress clad in gold leaf. They stand in 10 rows of 50, each hand crafted and slightly different from the next. Late this afternoon we head to Gion, for a walking tour of the famous Geisha District. After, you may wish to watch a cultural performance at Gion Corner Theatre where you'll have the opportunity to watch a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) performing.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Kyoto - Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion & free time

Today we tour Nijo Castle, one of the city’s most impressive UNESCO sites. Built by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, the exquisite Nijo Castle is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture. After, we visit the stunning Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkakuji (or commonly referred as the Golden Pavilion) which forms part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site. Almost completely covered in gold, the shimmering temple sits beside a small lake that reflects it beauty in the calm waters.

This afternoon offers free time for you to relax or to further discover the many sights of Kyoto your own way. Consider visiting iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its winding path lined by thousands of red torii gates. Just a short train ride away from the main Kyoto Station, this must-see sight is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. You might also wish to hire a Kimono and walk the streets as many Japanese do or take part in a cooking lesson.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Himeji Castle & Hiroshima

Kyoto - Himeji - Hiroshima. This morning we take the bullet train to Himeji to visit the impressive UNESCO Listed Himeji Castle, perched high on a hill top. The castle is known as the White Egret due to its white walls and elegant shape and it has impressive maze-like defences. After taking in the panoramic views from the top of its 6 story watch tower we take another bullet train to Hiroshima.

If you like baseball consider booking tickets to watch the Carp play. The Carp, Hiroshima beloved professional baseball, play games at home between May - Oct at Mazda Stadium.

Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Miyajima Island - Floating Torii Gate

A local train and ferry takes us to the island of Miyajima today, which is famous for its iconic ‘floating’ Torii Gate at the revered Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. The iconic gate seems to float on the water but at low tide can reached by foot. It stands 16 metres high and is made from camphor wood. Miyajima is a beautiful island with UNESCO Listed primeval forests and inquisitive, tame deer. As we explore the island we'll see further Shinto shrines, pretty pagodas and pavilions before taking in the magical views offered from our cable car ride to the top of Mount Misen. Free time is offered before we return to Hiroshima for the night. Tonight, we'll make a reservation for Okonomiyaki - a mix between a savoury pancake and omelette a local speciality of Hiroshima. Okonomiyaki is always a fun night, its inexpensive and is washed down perfectly with a Asahi beer.

Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Hiroshima Peace Park, Museum & Children's Memorial

Hiroshima - Takayama. Hiroshima is a city that needs little introduction, it is of course infamous for being the first site where one of two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan at the end of World War II. This morning we visit Peace Park and Peace Park Museum which are a moving reminder of Hiroshima’s tragic past. We’ll see the iconic A-Bomb Dome one of the very few buildings left standing after the blast and visit the Children's Peace Monument, a memorial to the children killed, and where schools from around the world donate paper origami cranes, signifying hope and peace.

This afternoon we take the bullet train to Nagoya, followed by another scenic train journey up the mountains to Takayama. This evening offers free time where you may wish to try the local specialty, Hida beef. The guide will offer local suggestions and may book a local restaurant for dinner. This will be at an additional cost.

Overnight: Takayama
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Hida Mountains

Takayama is a delightful town in the heart of the Hida Mountains. Established in the 16th century as the castle town of the Kanamori family, Takayama is now famous throughout Japan for its beautifully preserved old-quarter, which has a series of streets lined with Edo style wooden buildings. The town also has many shrines and temples, giving rise to the title of ‘Little Kyoto’. This morning, we explore Takayama’s Old Quarter, where you can wander around the shops and market which sells everything from vegetables and pickles to craft, ceramics and tools. After, there's a visit to a sake distillery to sample the town’s famous sake as well as visit the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall.

This afternoon you can opt to see the fascinating Hida Folk Village where more than 30 houses from across the Hida region have been rebuilt on a hillside overlooking the town. Alternatively, enjoy free time in Takayama independently exploring.

Overnight: Takayama
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Scenic Higashiyama walk

Takayama – Tokyo. This morning we embark on the scenic Higashiyama walk (Eastern Mountain Walk) which takes in a number of temples set into the hillside and offers wonderful views over the city. Later, we take the train back down the mountains to Nagoya to catch the bullet train to Tokyo.

Overnight: Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Tokyo

Thursday. Our tour comes to an end today. Travel (unescorted) back to Narita or Haneda International Airport by train. We offer post-tour accommodation for those interested in staying in Tokyo a little longer, please enquire.

For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.

Tour Reviews

Guide great tour. Very good

Really interesting country (our first time to Japan) and absolutely exceptional tour guide! I felt the itinerary was a little misleading as a specified 'guided tour' of a place often meant that we were guided there but then just had free time to explore once we arrived.

The Tokyo to Takayama tour was excellent and exceeded our expectations. We are often independent travellers but this tour allowed us the benefits of independent travel with the ease of having accommodation, travel & tours organised for us. Kaori was an exceptional, excellent tour guide.

Tour guide brilliant (Maho Shiina). A lovely person, great at her job, very caring, knows her country and history very well. Some days were extremely long and time for food/lunch breaks etc got a bit lost in timetables. A 'lot' of public transport. Some days too much in very crowded conditions.

The tour was extraordinary. This was helped along by the guides. Yumi was good and Massa was fantastic. The only down side was the heat and not catering for older less agile...... I know your tour said you must be physically fit but the demographic of the tour was older people. So a view of looking for escalators or lifts in stations could help.

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Tokyo (no breakfast) from price

Double

R 1,295per passenger

Twin

R 1,295per passenger

Single

R 1,855per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation - Tokyo (no breakfast) from price

Double

R 1,295per passenger

Twin

R 1,295per passenger

Single

R 1,855per passenger

Hotels

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.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Yaesu Terminal Hotel
Tokyo

Enjoying an enviable location on a cherry-blossom lined street in the centre of Tokyo, Yaesu Terminal Hotel is just a short jaunt away from the city’s main railroad station giving travellers easy access to locations across the city. A comfortable 3-star hotel with a natural theme, a permanent art exhibit in the hotel lobby and an in-house restaurant serving freshly prepared local cuisine; it is a soothing place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Hotel guests can make use of the free Wi-Fi, benefit from complimentary bathrobes and slippers and enjoy entertainment on a flat-screen TV.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Yamagishi Ryokan
Lake Kawaguchi

With stunning views over Lake Kawaguchi, which is located just one minute away, the Yamagishi Ryokan is an excellent base for exploring the area around the lake. Rooms are designed according to traditional Japanese styles with low furniture and lots of natural light. Breakfast and dinner are both included with the room and are served in the hotel's dining room. After dinner, guests can take a dip in one of the hotel's baths or relax with a coffee in the lounge. The hotel is located just an 8 minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Japanese Ryokan
Hotel Mifujien
Lake Kawaguchi

This Japanese-style hotel boasts stunning views over Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji from each of its guestrooms. Offering traditional low furniture and modern amenities, each room is also equipped with air conditioning and a TV. The views can be enjoyed from the hotel’s lobby, tea lounge and the Japanese restaurant, which uses local ingredients and offers a feast of traditional dishes. On the 7th floor you’ll find both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths with views of Mt. Fuji, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Elcient Kyoto
Kyoto

Boasting a fantastic location in the heart of Kyoto, Hotel Elcient Kyoto is within walking distance of top attractions such as Kyoto Tower and the picturesque Shosei-en Garden. Guestrooms are compact and simply furnished, complete with modern amenities such as air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy more than 30 different dishes at the Western and Japanese buffet-style restaurant, with light lunches and dinner also available. On the second floor you’ll find a large public bath and sauna, offering the perfect spot to relax after some sightseeing.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto
Kyoto

Located just a short walk from Kyoto Station and the lofty Kyoto Tower, you really cannot get more central than this! Combining convenience with comfort, this contemporary hotel boasts modern guest rooms with flat screen televisions, complimentary WiFi, refrigerators and ensuite bathrooms. Buffet breakfast is available, with a choice of local and western dishes on offer. The hotel is surrounded by a wide choice of shops and restaurants, and there are plenty of cultural landmarks just a short stroll away. After a day of sightseeing guests can relax with a soak in the hotel’s natural hot spring baths or opt for a sauna and massage.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Sanco Inn Kyoto Hachijoguchi Shikinoyu
Kyoto

Located just minutes away from Kyoto Station, the Sanco Inn provides 24-hour reception, with buffet breakfast available and complimentary WiFi. Each room is equipped with a desk, private bathroom, air conditioning, safety deposit box and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. With daily housekeeping, on-site vending machines, and luggage storage available, Sanco Inn will make for a convenient and comfortable stay in Kyoto.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hokke Club
Hiroshima

Situated within walking distance of the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Castle, Hokke Club Hotel boasts an excellent location. Guests can start their day with the European and Japanese-style breakfast buffet in the onsite restaurant, which is also open for lunch. Its modern guestrooms are well-equipped, with an electric kettle, fridge and air conditioning, alongside free WiFi access so you can stay connected with your friends and family back home. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or enjoy a dip in the hot communal baths, a hotel feature that’s unique to Japanese culture.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Candeo Hotel
Hiroshima

Recently opened in 2018, this modern hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city just footsteps from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Museum of Arts. Guestrooms are spacious and brightly lit, benefiting from free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can take advantage of the breakfast buffet, which offers 60 dishes ranging from continental to Japanese cuisine. However, this hotel’s real highlight is its SkySpa, which features a sauna, indoor and outdoor baths set on the rooftop.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Daiwa Roynet
Hiroshima

The Daiwa Roynet is a great launching pad for exploring Hiroshima with a prime location and reliable service. The smart guestrooms feature free WiFi access and all the mod-cons needed for a comfortable stay. Dine on Japanese dishes at the hotel's restaurant. Conveniently located in Hiroshima's main commercial district, just a 1-minute walk from Chudenmae Tram Station and a 10-minute walk from the Peace Memorial Museum.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Best Western Takayama
Takayama

The Best Western is a great option in Takayama with a handy central location and good selection of facilities. The comfortable soundproofed guestrooms feature sophisticated decor and free WiFi. Enjoy local specialities at the stylish Sho Restaurant or relax in the Spa Replus sauna where massage services are also available. Bicycles can be rented from the hotel in order to explore Takayama at your own leisure. Best Western Hotel Takayama is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from JR Takayama Train Station and Hida Kokubunji Temple.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Alpina Spa Hotel
Takayama

Well-located close to the Morning Market and Takayama Old Town, Alpina Spa Hotel features a fantastic open-air hot spring bath. Featuring glass walls surrounding the tub, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city whilst soaking in the hot waters. Western-style guestrooms are complete with ensuite bathrooms, flat screen TVs and free internet access. The Alteracce restaurant offers a daily breakfast buffet with freshly baked bread and coffee, alongside traditional Japanese dishes.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

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. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

Please note that single rooms are not available at the Lake Kawaguchi ryokan so you will be matched up with a fellow traveller of the same gender for the evening of day 5.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
8 Mar - 20 Mar
R 93,745
R 109,085
22 Mar - 3 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
5 Apr - 17 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
12 Apr - 24 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
19 Apr - 1 May
Sold Out
Sold Out
10 May - 22 May
R 90,815
R 104,805
17 May - 29 May
R 90,815
R 104,805
24 May - 5 Jun
R 90,815
R 104,805

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