$9475*
per person, twin share
Discover Japan's contrasts, from sleek, modern cities to ancient towns and traditional customs. Wander Tokyo's energetic streets and hurtle along on the bullet train. Stay at a traditional inn near Mt Fuji at Hakone and then journey back in time to discover the Old Town of Takayama, where the colourful spring Takayama Festival will take place. Japan is a place where ancient traditions remain, while technology races into the future.
• 12 Nights hotel accommodation
• 1 Night Ryokan accommodation
• Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
• Day trains
• Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
• Small group touring and entrance fees
• Luggage transport
• English speaking tour leader
• Return transfers (conditions apply).
Insider Experiences:
• Join a Japanese paper-making class in the historic town of Gokayama.
• Be transported back to the 17th century with a visit to the atmospheric Himeji Castle.
• Experience an important Japanese tradition by taking part in a tea ceremony in Kyoto.
• Soak up the old-world atmosphere of the Kiso Valley, wandering the charming villages of Magome and Tsumago.
• Enjoy an exclusive Maiko dinner and performance in Kyoto, and gain inside knowledge about the fascinating lives of the apprentice Geishas.
• Experience authentic Japanese accommodation with a stay in a tatami mat room at a traditional Japanese-style inn, dating from the 15th century.
• Venture through the streets of Tokyo like a local – take a train to Shibuya, discover the Tokyu food hall and join a Taiko drumming lesson.
• Discover numerous traditional crafts including pottery and silk dyeing as you explore Kanazawa.
• Take part in a sake tasting before visiting the famous rock garden of Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto to enjoy a tea ceremony.
Travel Date
10 April 2019
31/03/2019
Until sold out. Availability is limited.
Day 1: Tokyo
On arrival in the energetic city of Tokyo, transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Leader and enjoy your first taste of Japanese cuisine.
Hotel: Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyo (or similar)
Day 2: Tokyo City Tour
See the iconic pedestrian crossing in front of Shibuya train station’s Hachiko exit, where people from three opposing sides cross the street simultaneously. Continue to Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine – Meiji Jingu. Walk to nearby Harajuku, a trendy shopping precinct which showcases the Cosplay (‘costume play’) subculture. Afterwards, enjoy a Taiko drumming class.
Hotel: Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyo (or similar)
Day 3: Asakusa Temple
Travel to Hamarikyu Garden, a large garden located directly next to Tokyo Bay. Afterwards, enjoy a short boat cruise on Sumida River which ends near Asakusa Temple, the oldest and most revered temple in Tokyo. Continue to Ueno Park and visit Tokyo National Museum, Japan's oldest and largest museum.
Hotel: Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyo (or similar)
Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone
Visit Hakone and see iconic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a short boat cruise on peaceful Lake Ashi-no and take a ride on the cable car for majestic views of Mt Fuji. This evening, enjoy some free time for soaking in the onsen at your traditional Japanese hotel.
Hotel: Hakone Yumoto Hotel (or similar)
Day 5: Hakone to Takayama
Venture into the beautiful Kiso Valley at the southern tip of the Japan Alps stopping en route at Tsumago and Magome. Continue passing beautiful mountain scenery to Takayama.
Hotel: Best Western Hotel Takayama (or similar)
Day 6: Takayama
Takayama is a bustling market town, rich in shrine and temple architecture. Join the revellers in the streets and soak up the atmosphere of the Takayama Spring Festival which is considered one of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. On a walking tour of town, visit the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall and stroll past some beautifully preserved wooden houses on Kami Sannomachi Street.
Hotel: Best Western Hotel Takayama (or similar)
Day 7: Takayama to Kanazawa
Travel to Shirakawago district, famous for its unique gassho-zukuri buildings, which have steeply-pitched thatched roofs designed to withstand the heavy winter snowfall. Continue to Kanazawa stopping en route at Gokayama to participate in a short paper-making class.
Hotel: Kanazawa Manten Hotel (or similar)
Day 8: Kanazawa
Take an excursion to Kenrokuen Garden and visit Shima House, a preserved teahouse which has been converted into a Geisha museum or Nomura house, a samurai residence. Discover traditional crafts such as kutani pottery, kaga-yuzen silk-dyeing, and gold-leaf application, all of which are still practised in small, localised workshops. Explore the wonderful 21st Century Museum and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Hotel: Kanazawa Manten Hotel (or similar)
Day 9: Kanazawa to Hiroshima
Travel to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Museum. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Hiroshima independently.
Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima (or similar)
Day 10: Hiroshima
Take a ferry across to Miyajima Island, home to Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this pretty island, sampling Japanese snack food and witness wild deer roaming free. For lunch, try a traditional okonomiyaki pancake before returning by ferry to the mainland.
Hotel: Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima (or similar)
Day 11: Hiroshima to Kyoto
Travel by train to Himeji and visit 17th century Himeji Castle before continuing to Kyoto. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Kyoto at leisure.
Hotel: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Shijo (or similar)
Day 12: Kyoto
Visit one of Kyoto’s most impressive shrines – Fushimi Inari Shrine, sample some sake before continuing to the Golden Temple to experience an authentic tea ceremony.
Hotel: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Shijo (or similar)
Day 13: Kyoto
Spend the day exploring Kyoto independently. Choose to visit nearby Arashiyama, a popular district on the outskirts of Kyoto. Alternatively, Nara makes for an easy day trip from Kyoto and is a city filled with historic treasures including some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner in the company of a Maiko getting a glimpse into the fascinating world of the Geisha.
Hotel: Mitsui Garden Kyoto Shijo (or similar)
Day 14: Kyoto
Transfer by private taxi to Kyoto Station for your onward journey.
*Conditions apply. Limited availability. Offer valid for sale until 31 March 2019 unless sold out prior. Prices correct as at 26 October 2018 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Valid for travel 10 April 2019. Saving is based on 18/19 Insider Journeys Asia Small Group Journeys brochure price - twin share booking. Agents may charge service fees, rates vary. Payments by credit card will incur a surcharge. Airfare not included. All savings and bonus nights are included in the advertised price. Visas, including transit visas, are the passenger’s own responsibility. Package cancellation fees apply. Offers may be withdrawn without notice and are not combinable with any other offers unless stated. Please check all prices, availability and other information before booking. Insider Journeys and Helloworld Travel booking terms and conditions apply, see in store for details.
