Classic Japan

Imagine basking in a hot spring bath at the foot of Mount Fuji, drinking sake with an apprentice geisha in Kyoto or seeing Tokyo from the water as you cruise down the Sumida River. This tour collects the best of Japan's classic cultural and natural locations.

 

Discover some of the locations that have given Japan its reputation as a land of mysterious spirituality and exquisite aesthetics, as you ride cross-country on the world-famous bullet train and stay in some lovely traditional accommodation. 

 

Your journey will be gastronomic too - sample local specialities from melt-in-the-mouth Hida beef in the alpine regions to super-fresh sushi in Tokyo, quick bites from street vendors in Osaka and multi-course kaiseki feasts in Kyoto.

 

In each destination you'll enjoy an expertly planned range of experiences, from learning about the history of the magnificent Osaka Castle to the wandering through the thatched farmhouses of Takayama's Hida no Sato Folk Village. Take a tour of Kyoto, with fabulous views from Kiyomizu Shrine and an exclusive audience with a trainee geisha, and drink tea at the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, hidden in the heart of Tokyo's skyscraper district.

 

Along the way you'll visit two stunning national parks: Chubu Sangaku and Fuji-Hakone-Izu. The former is home to Japan's most magnificent mountain scenery and a thriving population of Japanese macaque monkeys, whilst the latter offers a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi and the chance to boil eggs in volcanic hot springs.

 

If you choose to travel in July or August, you will also have the option to scale one of the most famous peaks in the world: Mount Fuji.

 

Accompanying you throughout will be your tour leader, who will introduce history and culture, guide you on excursions, demystify the local etiquette and generally make sure you get the best from your Classic Japan tour. 

 

Read below for an itinerary summary or come into our branch to discuss the tour in more detail.

 

DAY 1: TOKYO. Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your first hotel.

On arrival in Tokyo, you will be met by your driver, and travel by shared shuttle bus to your hotel in the Asakusa district. Your tour leader will be waiting in the lobby to meet you, help with settling in and give local orientation. Many of our customers choose to arrive a day or two early to get over jet-lag and get the most out of the tour. Whatever the case, we will be happy to make arrangements that suit your needs. Our hotel is situated in the Asakusa area, the historic downtown and entertainment district of old Edo (as Tokyo was formerly known). This friendly area still maintains a traditional atmosphere and is home to Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple. Tonight we will be indulging in an included first night dinner of your tour leader’s choice. 

 

DAY 2: TOKYO. Explore Japan's capital city, from the serenity of Hamarikyu Gardens to the high energy of the Shibuya district. 

Today we embark on a tour of the city today. As part of the tour we’ll cruise down the Sumida River and take a relaxing stroll through Hamarikyu Teien, a tranquil Japanese garden of shogunate and Imperial significance. We can take tea in the teahouse that serves as the centrepiece of the garden, where the Meiji Emperor used to take tea with Japanese and foreign dignitaries. From there, we’ll head to the trendy Harajuku district to check out all of the latest crazy fashions, ensuring time to explore the verdant precincts of Meiji Shrine. If exploring independently is more your thing, feel free to ask your tour leader for suggestions for the day

 

DAY 4: HAKONE. Travel to one of Japan’s most popular national parks and have a chance of seeing Japan’s most famous natural landmark - Mount Fuji.

After enjoying breakfast at our hotel we will move on to Hakone. Our total journey time today is around 2h30. This tour includes a Hakone Free Pass, which allows you unlimited travel on all of the many modes of transport in the Hakone region: buses, funicular railway, cable car, and even the sightseeing “pirate” boat that crosses Lake Ashi. If we’re lucky, clear skies will afford us stunning views of Mount Fuji. There is a range of activities in Hakone, both leisurely and active, so we’ll make sure you have all the necessary maps and information if you choose to explore on your own. Otherwise, follow your tour leader and take in a wealth of historic and natural sites. Our hotel has an extremely pleasant outdoor hot spring rotenburo bath, so you can relax after a hard day’s sightseeing with a soak under the stars. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight. If you are travelling in July or August then there is also the chance to take an optional Mount Fuji climb from Hakone. A tough but fantastic experience! 

 

DAY 5: HAKONE. Continue exploring the rural Hakone region and make a visit to the fantastic open-air museum.

More time to explore Hakone. You may like to take a short hike along what remains of the old Tokaido Highway, which used to be the major road linking Edo (modern day Tokyo) with Kyoto. The open-air sculpture museum features pieces by many world renowned artists, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop. There is also a range of museums to visit, and you may like to pick up one of Hakone’s famous “trick boxes” as a unique souvenir. 

 

DAY 5: OSAKA. Travel by Bullet Train and exchange the lush nature of Hakone for the bright lights and buzz of Osaka.

After breakfast we’ll be moving on to Osaka, taking a three-hour ride on the World-famous bullet train. Osaka is the modern pulse of the Kansai region, and home to some of the best food, drink and entertainment in all of Japan. Your hotel is right in the heart of the city, in the Nanba district. We will head to Osaka Castle this afternoon to see one of the most popular castles in all of Japan. 

DAY 6: OSAKA. Continue exploring Osaka or take the opportunity make a day trip to one of many fantastic destinations. 

Today you’ll have the option of taking an excursion to Nara, where you will find the massive “Big Buddha” at Todai-ji Temple, and roam the expansive parkland populated by friendly local deer. Alternatively you could opt to visit Hiroshima to see the Peace Park and museum, including perhaps a visit to the stunning nearby Miyajima Island. A third great option is Himeji, famous for its splendid original castle. Whichever you choose, railway transport is covered by the included Japan Rail Pass, so it will not cost you a penny! Of course, you may like to remain in Osaka to explore this exciting city further. There is fantastic shopping, one of the world’s best aquariums and an enormous proliferation of video game arcades and karaoke parlours to keep you busy if you do decide to stay. Tonight, make the most of Osaka’s great food and night life! 

 

DAY 7: KYOTO. Arrive in Kyoto and enjoy the unique experience of meeting a Geisha.

We’ll head off to Kyoto reasonably early this morning so as to allow a full day of sightseeing in this historic city. Kyoto is a great city to explore on foot and it boasts dozens of major attractions. There are several walking tour routes, all of which take in a wealth of famous sights along the way. Your tour leader will be on hand to make sure you get to see the things you want to. This afternoon we will be heading to Gion and the geisha districts to visit a small teahouse, where we will be privately entertained by a geisha, giving a truly unique insight into this hidden world. Later on you will join your tour leader and group for an included meal at one of the city’s many fantastic restaurants. 

DAY 8: KYOTO. Continue discovering Kyoto, “City of Ten Thousand Temples” and capital of Japan for over a millennium.

On day eight we will have a private coach available for today’s sightseeing. Your will be joined by an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader and will visit some of Kyoto’s most famous temples and shrines such as the hilltop temple of Kiyomizu-dera, the ten thousand red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, the 1001 life-sized statues in the Sanjusangendo as well as other highlights such as the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Yasaka Shrine or the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji. 

 

DAY 9: TAKAYAMA. Travel by train to the Japanese Alps and check-in to your Japanese style ryokan.

Today it’s on by bullet and express trains to Takayama. We’ll be arriving in the afternoon but with enough time to start exploring this intriguing mountain town. Our lovely Japanese-style ryokan is just a short walk from the historic old town area, which is great for craft shops and sake breweries! Dinner is included at the ryokan tonight and will be a veritable feast. 

 

DAY 10: TAKAYAMA. Admire thatched-roof farmhouses, eat succulent Hida beef, wander traditional streets and pop into sake breweries in the alpine craft town of Takayama.

 Takayama is packed with things to see and do. Our top recommendation is the Hida-Takayama folk village. This fantastic outdoor museum is made up of a collection of old traditional-style houses from all around the Hida region - a rare chance to catch a glimpse of what rural life was like for ordinary folk before industrial advancement was undertaken by the new Meiji regime in 1868. Another unmissable spot is Takayama’s riverside morning market, filled with craft goods and local produce, such as fruit and pickles. In the afternoon you might like to check out some of the museums in the area or perhaps take a stroll among the beautiful shrines and temples. Sake tasting at a brewery is also a popular option! Tonight you may like to join your tour leader for an optional dinner at a local restaurant in town, and a visit to a bar to take in a little local night life. 

 

DAY 11: KAMIKOCHI. Walk along the Azusa River and marvel at the spectacular views in Kamikochi, one of Japan's most beautiful national parks.

After breakfast we will take the bus up into the mountains and on to Kamikochi. The valley is 1,500 m (approx 5,000 ft) above sea level, so even in summer it can be quite cool. If you are coming in the autumn, remember to bring warm clothing for night time, as temperatures can fall below freezing. The park is one of the most beautiful places in Japan with each season providing a different experience. A traditional dinner is included tonight and will be served at our accommodation. 

 

DAY 12: KAMIKOCHI. Head further into the countryside for some hiking or enjoy a relaxing day by the clear waters in the Kamikochi valley.

This is a great chance for you to relax in natural surroundings or perhaps do some walking or hiking. There are a variety of walks available to suit all abilities - gentle riverside rambles or hikes up to the national park’s craggy, snow-covered peaks, for the more ambitious. If you are lucky, you might get to laugh at the antics of the park’s many resident wild monkeys! There is also an onsen where you can take a natural hot spring bath. Another dinner is included tonight. 

 

DAY 13: TOKYO. Visit Matsumoto's “Black Crow” castle and toast the end of a great trip with a final night meal in Tokyo's vibrant Shinjuku district.

We’ll be taking an early bus down to Matsumoto, from where we will transfer by express train back to Tokyo. The journey is stunning, as the road twists and turns down the Azusa River Valley through a series of seemingly never-ending tunnels and dams. Once we reach Matsumoto, we will have time to stop off for a couple of hours to visit the famous castle, before grabbing some lunch and heading back to Tokyo. We will arrive late afternoon at Shinjuku Station - seemingly a world away from the peace and tranquillity of Kamikochi. As our once-in-a-lifetime tour comes to an end, we hope that you will join your tour leader and travel companions for a farewell meal in the evening - a chance for one last night of good food and drink before heading home. 

 

DAY 14: TOKYO. Depart Japan or extend your time in the country with a self-guided add on.

On the morning of day 14 it's time to say goodbye to your travelling companions and board your flight home. If you would prefer to extend your time in Japan we can arrange extra nights or self-guided add-ons.

 

If this sounds like the perfect introduction to Japan or a deeper look into the country on a return visit, come inside or give us a call to discuss this tour with our staff. 

 

 

 

Transport: We will have the use of a private minibus for a full day in Kyoto and for our transfer from Takayama to Kamikochi. For all other transfers, we will be making use of Japan’s first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators.

Luggage: We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour as you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators or elevators/lifts. You will also need a small overnight back-pack (for up to two nights) for use when we forward our main bags to the next location.

 

Accommodation: During the tour we stay in a variety of different accommodation, some Western-style, others Japanese-style. All accommodation has full en-suite facilities except for in Kamikochi (two nights).

 

International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita or Tokyo Haneda Airport.

 

Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 12noon. (You can, however, securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

 

Fitness: Even when not using public transport, sightseeing in Japan often involves walking between sights, climbing up steps in temples and being 'on the go' for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness, able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty and able to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the majority of the group. 

 

Mt. Fuji Climb: Our July and August departures offer an optional Mount Fuji climb. You will need to be fit and determined, and have suitable wear and equipment for this fantastic experience. Please ask us for more details. The tour leader will lead the climb; those of you not climbing will have a guide at their service for their full day in Hakone. There is a minimal additional cost to complete the climb.

 

If you have any questions about this tour or would like to secure your places, please call us or visit our store.