New 11 days: Grandeur of Japan 2019

• Tokyo: city tour (3 nights)
• Cherry Blossom Viewing
• Hakone - Mt Fuji & Lake Ashi
• Yudanaka - Japanese Snow Monkeys
• Traditional Ryokan & Onsen (1 night)
• Matsumoto - Crow Castle
• Takayama (2 nights)
• Shirakawago & Gokoyama
• Kyoto: city tour (3 nights)
• Nara tour
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Geisha / Maiko Performance
• Fully Guided Small Group tour
• Quality 4 star Hotels and Ryokans
• Transfer back to Tokyo - Optional

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Tour Details at a Glance

• Fully Guided Small Group tour.
• Experienced professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day 3-10
• Quality selection of 4 star hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
• All transfers and entrance fees included.
• Daily Breakfast, 3 Evening Meals.
• Luggage transfers between destinations as stated in itinerary.
• No hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
• Guided tours by trains and public transport included.
• International flights can be provided - Full ATOL Protection

Day 1
Depart from your preferred airport for your flight to Tokyo. Meals on board.

Day 2 Tokyo
Arrive at Airport in Tokyo and self transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time difference. *Airport meeting assistant and transfer service can be provided as an option*

Stay 3 nights at the highly regarded Keio Plaza Hotel (or similar).

Day 3 Tokyo (Breakfast, Izakaya Dinner)
After breakfast in your hotel, meet your Tour Leader and profession Tour Guide who will look after you during your tour and travel with you throughout.

Today we explore Tokyo by subway and our first stop is the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan.

Next we explore Tokyo's most colourful and popular Buddhist Temples, the famous and bustling Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Experience 'Sakura' and enjoy Cherry blossom viewing in Ueno Park, which is one of the best places to see the blossom, which should hopefully be in bloom during your visit.

Our next stop is the modern Shinjuku district of Tokyo, where we experience the hustle and bustle of this exciting city. We will visit the famous Shibuya Crossing, rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world. We also explore Akuhabara and Ginza, with free time in Ginza to shop.

Return to our hotel and get ready to go out for a Izakaya meal at a local restaurant or bar. This is a great experience often not discovered by tourists and shows the real Japan culture. It is also a good opportunity to relax and make friends.

Day 4 Tokyo - Hakone - Tokyo (Includes Breakfast)
In the morning we gather in the hotel lobby to meet our Tour Guide for the transfer together to Hakone by bullet train.

Upon arrival in Hakone, we take a local bus and cable car to explore the scenic areas of Hakone with our guide. On a clear day Hakone provides great views of Mt Fuji. Together with our guide we take a Ropeway Ride to Owakudani and explore the volcanic Owakudani Valley. We then take a Ropeway Ride to Lake Ashi, where we board a boat to cruise the still waters of Lake Ashi. Afterwards we visit the recently restored Hakone Sekisho, which was an important check point established by the Tokugawa shogun. Later we return to our hotel in Tokyo by train.

Day 5 Tokyo - Nagano - Yudanaka (Breakfast and Japanese Dinner)
Today, we travel around Tokyo with our Tour Guide to explore more must-see sights of Tokyo. Afterwards we travel to the impressive Meiji Shrine which is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort. Pass through the huge Shinto Torii gates and take a leisurely walk in the peaceful forest leading to the Shrine, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo.

Later we explore Harajuku and Omotesando Districts of Tokyo which is the centre of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles where many teenagers dress up in crazy costumes to resemble animation characters and punk musicians etc. Harajuku and Omotesando also offers great shopping opportunities and historic sights to explore.

Around midday we leave Tokyo for Yudanaka (via Nagano) by Bullet train. Upon arrival at you Ryokan, we rest in the hot spring baths (Onsen) and enjoy a wonderful Japanese Dinner.

To make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer your large luggage directly to Takayama. Prepare a smaller carry bag for your time in Yudanaka and Matsumoto.

Accommodation - Issano Komichi Ryokan or similar (Japanese style room)

Day 6 Yudanaka - Matsumoto - Takayama (Includes Breakfast)
In the morning we travel with our guide on the shuttle bus to see the Snow Monkey park and have time to enjoy the antics of the cheeky red faced monkeys relaxing in the outdoor hot spring pools (approx 30min). Later we return to our Ryokan and transfer together to out hotel in Matsumoto by train.

Upon arrival we have a walking tour of Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto castle, known as 'crow castle' due to its unique black exterior. Matsumoto castle is one of only four castles designated as National Treasures of Japan and is stunningly beautiful. Afterwards stroll around the traditional old quarter (Nawate Dori).

Afterwards we proeed to Takayama by express bus or train (non reserved seats).

Accommodation - Takayama Green Hotel or similar (western room)

Day 7 Takayama - Shirakawago - Gokoyama - Takayama (Breakfast)
After breakfast we take a walking tour of Takayama, which includes the morning market, visiting the House of Yoshijima constructed circa 1907 and former home of a prosperous merchant engaged in the production of sake.

Afterwards we visit Yatai Kaikan Exhibition Hall to see the historic floats used during Takayama's yearly Festival. Our next stop is Kamisannomachi street which is in the old area of Takayama and reminiscent of ancient times when Samurai wandered the streets. Afterwards we visit the Takayama Jinya, a former Government Outpost of the Shogun.

Early afternoon we leave for Shirakawago by sight seeing bus with our guide. Shirakawago is UNESCO World Heritage listed, nestled into a valley surrounded by stunning forests and mountains. Shirakawago is well known for the unique architectural style of the village houses, known as gassho-zukuri. The Gassho-zukuri style of house is characterised by a thatched steeply slanting roof resembling two hands joined in prayer. Upon arrival we visit a typical Gasho-zukuri House and take a leisurely walk around Shirakawago Village.

We then travel onward by bus to Gokoyama, which is also UNESCO World Heritage listed. Gokoyama is smaller and even more charming and authentic wonder to enjoy. Afterwards we return to Takayama by bus.

Day 8 Takayama - Kyoto -Nara - Kyoto (Breakfast)
Separate 1 piece luggage transfer per person to Kyoto - Arriving the next day.

After Breakfast we transfer by train to Kyoto and take a short walk to our hotel.

In the afternoon we make the short train journey to Nara where we enjoy a walking tour of the ancient capital city of Japan. Enjoy strolling in the Deer Park and exploring the impressive Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha.

Return to Kyoto by train and check into our hotel. In the evening we enjoy a wonderful Geisha / Maiko performance at Gion Corner (Not private).

Accommodation at Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar (3 nights)

Day 9 - Kyoto (Breakfast)
Today we enjoy a sightseeing walking tour with our tour Guide using public transport. We visit the famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple) and Ryoanji Temple, which has Japan's most famous Zen rock garden.

Nijo Castle, commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and completed in 1626. One of the most intriguing features is the "nightingale floors" designed to squeak like birds when anyone walks on them and designed to warn occupants of sneak attacks by Ninja assassins. Afterwards we return to our hotel by local bus.

Day 10 -Kyoto (Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast we visit the impressive and must-see Kiyomizu Temple, built perched on the hillside overlooking Kyoto.

We then walk though Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka on one of Kyoto's most beautiful walks, which takes us down into the Gion area of Kyoto, famous for Geisha's. Enjoy walking down narrow streets lined with old wooden houses, traditional shops and restaurants. On our way we will visit Kodaiji Temple located in a beautiful part of Kyoto sitting atop a hill. Built in 1605 the temple contains absolutely stunning Zen Gardens, bamboo grove, tea houses and is one of the most beautiful Zen temples in Japan. Enjoy traditional Tea Ceremony.

Afternoon we visit Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) and take a scenic walk along the Path of Philosophy which passes by many temples and shrines and follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees, which explode into colour during Spring, making this one of the city's most popular 'Hanami' (cherry blossom viewing) spots.

Day 11 -Kyoto (Breakfast)
Today we say Sa-yo-na-ra. Self transfer to Kansai Airport for your departure flight homewards. (Optional airport transfer service can be provided).

**Optional - Bullet train transfers back to Tokyo & Narita Airport can also be provided -Contact us for details.**

2019 Tour Prices per person based on Twin share

Price Includes (The prices shown above are 'per person')

• Experienced professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day 3 to 11, who will accompany you throughout your tour.
• Quality selection of hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
• Daily Breakfast, 3 Evening Meals.
• Free luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo - Takayama, Takayama - Kyoto (no large luggage at Yudanaka, Matsumoto and 1st night at Kyoto). Prepare small overnight bag to carry with you. (1 piece per person).
• No hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
• Guided tours by trains and public transport all included.

Price Does Not Include

• International flights. These can be provided with Full ATOL Protection
• Optional Airport meet & greet service & airport bus transfers.
• Travel Insurance.

FAQ and Further Tour Information
Please see our FAQ page for further essential tour information.

This tour is suitable for travellers of all ages, who are reasonably fit and healthy. Add on extensions are available to suit your requirements.

Our itinerary is designed according to the most up to date information available at the time. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. In regards to expected transfer times and train times these may vary as they are subject to schedules and availability controlled by the various railway companies. It is extremely rare that itineraries ever need changes and we will always act in your best interest to handle any amendments if this did occur. However we reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary if required, for example occasionally the tour sequence and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.