Magical Japan
 

Samurai Japan
15 day tour of traditional & rural Japan at a great price....

  • Tokyo: Guided city tour (4 nights)
  • Mt Fuji tour
  • Hakone, Lake Ashi guided tour
  • Matsumoto (1 night)
  • Bullet trains
  • Tsumago (1 night stay in a Minshuku)
  • Kyoto: Guided city tour (3 nights)
  • Nara: Guided tour
  • Himeji castle tour (1 night)
  • Akashi Kaikyo Suspension bridge
  • Hiroshima and Miyajima (2 nights)
  • Hiroden pass & Miyajima Night cruise
  • Osaka (1 night)
  • Guaranteed departure
  • Transfer back to Tokyo - Optional

Images of Japan

Magical Japan Tours enquiry@magicaljapan.com
  Tel from UK 0161 440 7332
  Tel from USA 1-213-325-2627

itinerary below View Itinerary

itinerary below Price & Departure dates

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matsumoto

 

tokyo

tokyo

 

tokyo

 

tokyo gibli museum

 

kyoto

 

mt fuji

 

kyoto

 

matsumoto castle

 

tokyo fashion

 

tokyo fashion

 

tokyo fashion

 

kyoto

 

Akashi Kaikyo Suspension Bridge<

Himeji castle 1

 

Himeji castle 2

 

hakone lake ashi

 

geisha

 

osaka

 

A bomb site

 

hiroshima

 

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

Day 2 Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo, you are met by your tour assistant and transferred to your hotel for a 3 night stay. The rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time difference.

Day 3 Tokyo
Morning city tour of Tokyo visiting a number of the main highlights of this magnificent City. The tour includes a visit to the Tokyo Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views across the city from the observation tower. We proceed to the peaceful picturesque setting of the Meiji Shrine, set in thick woodland and considered to be one of the finest examples of Shinto Architecture. Next we drive by the 'Akasaka Guest House' for a photo opportunity. The Guest House is a magnificent 'Western Style Palace' built in the Baroque Architectural style. We then drive alongside the imposing National Diet Building, which is home to the Japanese House of Parliament.

Our tour continues across Tokyo to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, which is filled with scenic and historic beauty. (Alternatively for tours on Monday & Friday & when the garden is closed, we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double bridge instead). Our tour will continue with a drive and stroll along Ginza high street, the famous shopping area of Tokyo. The tour disbands in Ginza, giving you a great opportunity for shopping. We highly recommend you visit the Sony Centre building to see the futuristic electronics on display. Ginza is also convenient for the subway to explore further areas of Tokyo.

Afternoon is free at leisure, or take an optional afternoon Tokyo city tour. The optional tour includes visiting the beautiful Hama-Rikyu garden, enjoying our Sumida River Cruise and visiting the Asakusa Kannon Temple & Nakamise shopping street. We then drive through Kappabashi, Ueno and Akihabara districts of Tokyo before finishing the tour. Ask for details at time of booking.

Day 4 Tokyo - (Nikko or Kamakura optional tour)
Free day to explore Tokyo at your leisure or purchase an optional full day tour to Nikko or Kamakura & Yokohama.

The optional professionally guided tour to Nikko involves taking a Deluxe motor coach to Nikko National park, a designated World Cultural Heritage site. Nikko is a gem of natural beauty and home to some of the most spectacular examples of ancient architecture in Japan. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Toshogu shrine, which houses the Mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. We also visit the stunning Tamozawa Imperial Villa, constructed in 1899 and which served as the Tokyo residence of the Tokugawa family and later a summer retreat for the Imperial Family. Afterwards we visit the spectacular Kirifuri waterfall. Japanese style Lunch included. The tour disbands on arrival in Ginza & Shinjuku at around 7-8pm, where you will have ample restaurants and bars to choose from for your evening meal and entertainment. If you prefer, you can return to your hotel and our tour guide will be happy to provide you with information on return transportation/directions. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 5 Tokyo - MT Fuji - Hakone - Tokyo (Includes Lunch)
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven by deluxe motorcoach to Mount Fuji. Along the way you will enjoy the scenery of rural Japan, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and mountainous peaks. From our vantage point on the 5th station on MT Fuji, we will enjoy spectacular views (weather permitting).

Lunch will be provided at a Hotel/Restaurant in Hakone. In the afternoon we proceed to the Hakone National Park where we will take a cable car ride with the opportunity to see the magnificent volcanic Hakone mountain range below. We will then travel to the Owakudani Boiling Valley where you will see ancient volcanic craters with sulphurous fumes and clouds of steam spiralling from crevasses across the mountain side giving a truly mystical image. We then proceed with our tour for a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, which is set in serene natural beauty, where weather permitting spectacular views of Mount Fuji can be seen silhouetted in the lake. Later we return to our hotel in Tokyo. (includes: Lunch).

Day 6 Tokyo - Matsumoto
This morning take the self transfer by Express train from Shinjuku station to Matsumoto and upon arrival walk to your accommodation which is conveniently located near JR Matsumoto train station. During your free time in Matsumoto we recommend visiting 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).

For your convenience and due to luggage restriction on the bullet train, we have arrange free luggage transfer to take your large luggage directly to Kyoto (1 bag per person). Prepare a light carry bag for your stay in Matsumoto & Tsumago.

Day 7 Matsumoto - Tsumago (Dinner in your Minshuku)
Today take an early morning unasisted transfer by train to Nagiso train station (train leaves at 7:00am) and then take the local bus or taxi for the short journey to to the old postal town of Tsumago (bus or taxi fare not included, approx 9 min journey). Once at Tsumago check into your accommodation.

During your time in Tsumago we recommend walking the Magome-Tsumago Trail. The trail leads through the hilly countryside and passes right alongside the houses and fields of local residents. This was a trail which formed part of the Nakasendo postal route between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). The town of Magome has been beautifully restored in contrasts with the striking authenticity of neighbouring Tsumago. Tsumago is known today as one of the best preserved historical towns in Japan and walking along its car free streets is like stepping back in time to the early Edo Period, where Samurai walked the streets.

Overnight in traditional Japanese Minshuku staying in a Japanese style bedroom sleeping on futon beds.

Day 8 Tsumago - Nagoya - Kyoto (Breakfast in your Minshuku)
After breakfast at your Minshuku, take the unassisted train transfers to Kyoto via Nagoya. Upon arrival at JR kyoto station, take a short walk to your accommodation situated close by. Our Standard accommodation is the New Miyako hotel or similar (Our budget accommodation will require an additional short subway/taxi journey). The rest of the day is free at leisure in Kyoto.

Day 9 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto (includes buffet lunch)
Full day sight-seeing tour of Kyoto & Nara,
including a visit Nijo Castle, former residence of the Tokugawa Shogun built in 1603. Nijo Castle is noted for its Ornate interior and 'nightingale floor' designed to sing when stepped upon to warn of Ninja assassins. Next we visit the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) centred around one of the best examples of a Japanese Zen gardens in the world. We then travel to Kyoto Imperial Palace, the impressive former residence of the Imperial family.

After lunch we travel to the ancient capital of Japan, Nara. Our tour includes visiting Nara Deer Park and the Todaiji temple housing the Great Buddha in the worlds largest wooden building. Next we visit the Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine which features 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Finally enjoy Nara Nagomikan before returning to your hotel in Kyoto (includes: Lunch).

Day 10 Kyoto
Day free at Leisure, or purchase our optional Kyoto afternoon tour.

The option tour includes visiting the colourful Heian Jingu Shrine and inner garden and ponds. Next we explore Sanjusangendo Hall, a renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues that date back to the 13th century. Finally we visit the magnificent Kiyomizu Temple with spectacular views across the entire city. (This highly recommended afternoon tour can be included at time of booking).

Optional overnight stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan is available (inc Breakfast & Evening Dinner) - Contact us for details.

Day 11 Kyoto - Himeji & Maiko Tour - Himeji (includes lunch)
In the morning take the train to Himeji. We then have a full day walking tour, including visiting Himeji castle, which is concidered one of the greatest and most beautiful castles in Japan. Himeji castle has only recently been fully restored, after 5 years of intensive renovation.

After Japanese style lunch, we travel to Maiko by train with our guide.

Upon arrival we enjoy walking along Maiko Marine Promenade and visiting Akashi Kaikyo Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world and truely a breath taking feet of Civil Engineering. Afterwards return to Himeji by train.

For your convenience and due to luggage restriction on the bullet train, we have arrange free luggage transfer to take your large luggage directly to Osaka (1 bag per person). Therefore prepare an light carry bag for your stay in Himeji and Hiroshima.

Day 12 Himeji - Hiroshima
Check out of your hotel and leave your luggage with the bell boy. Then you have free time to explore Himeji on your own.

In the afternoon proceed to Himeji station and board your train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival self transfer to your hotel, which is conveniently located near the station.

Day 13 Hiroshima - Miyajima (free street car pass and Miyajima night cruise)
With the Hiroden free pass, enjoy a free day to explore the many sights and attractions of Hiroshima and nearby Miyajima island. The Hiroden pass includes free local street car (tram) use, Lunch discount Voucher at Okonomi-mura (speciality of Hiroshima) and a night cruise of Miyajima island. We will provide you with a guide itinerary to follow.

Alternatively take an optional full day tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima to ensure you see all the must-see sights. The optional tour including visiting Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima with its breathtaking beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Then we explore the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, near the epicenter where the atomic bomb exploded. We also visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Return to your hotel in Hiroshima.

Day 14 Hiroshima - Osaka
In the morning self transfer to Hiroshima station and leave by Bullet train to Shin Osaka station, where you change to a local train for the approx 4 minutes ride to JR Osaka station (ticket included). Upon arrival take the short walk to your hotel which is conveniently located near to JR Osaka station.

Rest of the day is free at leisure to explore Osaka, which is easily navigated using the underground subways. A must-see sight in Osaka is the magnificent Osaka Castle located in the city centre. Then explore Dotonbori which is one of the most popular streets in Osaka and runs adjacent to a canal of the same name. Nearby Domi domi shopping and eating areas are one of most exciting districts in Japan. Shinsaibashi is probably the best shopping area and certainly the most frenetic. If you want to explore more historic culture then visit the beautiful and peaceful Shitennoji Buddhist temple. Shitennoji is the oldest officially administered temple in Japan built by Prince Shotoku (574-622 A.D)

Day 15 Osaka - Departure
You will be transferred to the futuristic Kansai International Airport in Osaka for your departure flight homeward.

2018 & 2019 Departure Dates (Prices Land-only)
Ref
Weekly Sunday, Tuesday, Friday Departures

Land Only (twin share)

SJ

10th April - May

£2835
SJ

June - September

£2680
SJ

Oct - November

£2835
SJ

January - Feb

£2810
SJ

1st March - 19th March

£2975
SJ

20th March to 9th April

£2990

** The peak season to Japan is cherry blossoms viewing (late March & early April), and autumn leave changing (October & early November). The first day of blooming (Kaika) in Tokyo usually comes at the end of March, with the trees reaching full bloom about one week later.

The prices shown above are 'per person' based upon twin share. Single rooms occupancy and hotel upgrades can be provide, please contact us for details. The price may be different around festivals period in Japan.

Price Includes

  • Airport to hotel transfers on arrival & departure.
  • English speaking meeting assistance at Narita airport upon arrival.
  • Private return transfer from Odawara station to Ryokan in Hakone.
  • Sightseeing tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
  • Entrance fees to all attractions as stated in itinerary, during guided tours (Not during free time).
  • Selections of quality accommodation in well furnished hotel rooms with private facilities.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Free luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo - Kyoto, Kyoto - Osaka (1 item per person).
  • All Train tickets as specified in the itinerary, Ordinary class reserved seats.
  • Hiroden 1 Day tour voucher - Hiroden street car pass, lunch discount vouchers at designated restaurant & night cruise of Miyajima island.
  • Guaranteed departure.

Price Does Not Include

  • International Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.

  • Local bus or taxi fare from/to Nagiso station to Tsumago accommodation (7-9min journey).
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Optional tours.

Optional Day Tours & Ryokan Experience
A stay at a traditional Ryokan (Japanese style Inn) is a highly recommended experience, with excellent standards of service. We can arrange a 1 night Ryokan stay on your last day in Kyoto. The supplement starts from £160 per person for 1 night with Japanese breakfast & Dinner included.

This tour is suitable for travellers of all ages, who are reasonably fit and healthy. Add on tours and city extensions are available, for details visit optional tours page.

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

Additional Tour Notes:

Budget accommodation in Kyoto may requires guests to make their own travel arrangements to the nearest tour pickup point, which departs from the lobby of our standard hotel. Details will be provided for your assistance.

Nijo Castle (Kyoto) is closed (every Tuesday in Jan, July, Aug & Dec), therefore if your tour falls on these dates, we will visit Ryoanji Temple instead. Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed at weekends and on national holidays, we will visit Kitano Tenmangu instead. Hiroshima & Miyajima optional tour usually operates Mon - Wed, Frid -Sunday.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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