PERFECT FOR:
- Those seeking unique Japanese experiences
- Nature, History & Culture Lovers
- Food Lovers
- First time & return travelers
AN immersive TOUR OF JAPAN’S HIDDEN TREASURES – Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto, KINOSAKI ONSEN & OSAKA
11 Days / 10 Nights – Tour Code (JPM) – Land Only – private tour – daily departure
Indulge your senses and experience real Japan as you embark on this immersive 11-day adventure through the captivating landscapes, vibrant culture and hidden treasures. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be swept away by the contrasts of ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation that define this remarkable nation.
Begin your exploration in Tokyo, a metropolis pulsating with energy and possibility, where towering skyscrapers stand alongside serene Shinto shrines. Admire the city’s must-sees and enjoy a night out sampling mouth-watering street eats. Next, venture into the heart of Takayama, a heritage town steeped in rich history and nestled amidst stunning mountain scenery of the Japan Alps. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets of its beautiful old town, where traditional wooden houses evoke a bygone era. Experience traditional Japanese accommodations and cuisine in a luxury ryokan. Visit nearby Shirakawa-go village, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its picturesque thatched-roof houses, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rural past.
Feast your eyes in Kyoto’s timeless beauty dotted with a dazzling array of ancient temples and sacred sites. Marvel at the resplendent golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji Temple, its shimmering reflection dancing upon the tranquil waters of its surrounding garden. Take a leisurely hike at Fushimi Inari Shrine famed for its thousands of vermillion torii gates wind their way up the sacred Mount Inari. Explore the historic Gion district, and stroll the famed Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka street. Say a prayer at Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking the old capital and relish in authentic Japanese hospitality spending a day with local village folks in beautiful Lake Biwa.
After 10 days of sensory overload, it’s time to relax and recharge. Head to the coast to Kinosaki Onsen. Voted “Best Onsen Town in Japan”, this little enclave is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Slip into the therapeutic mineral waters of the onsens, a cherished pastime in Japanese culture for centuries. Stroll along the charming streets lined with traditional ryokans and wooden bathhouses where time seemingly stood still for centuries. End your trip in excitement in Osaka, a.k.a. “Japan’s Kitchen”, a city renowned for its culinary delights and lively atmosphere, where your epicurean adventure awaits.
With each step of your journey, you’ll uncover the essence of Japan – a land of contrasts, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Japan firsthand on this unforgettable adventure that can be described no other than majestic.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- 7 Day Japan Rail Pass (Tourist Class)
- 10 nights hotel accommodations per itinerary
- Hotel breakfasts daily
- Extensive private sightseeing with services of private guides via public transportation
- Separate baggage transfer between Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka
TOKYO (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Cerulean Tower Hotel
- Full Day Tokyo private walking tour visiting Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Market & Sensoji Temple
- Airport transfers by private car upon arrival
TAKAYAMA (2 nights)
- 2 nights at Ryokan Hidatei Hanaougi
- Half-day walking tour of Takayama Town
- Full-day tour of UNESCO Shirakawa-go
- 1 Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan
KYOTO (3 nights)
- 3 nights at Dhawa Yura Hotel
- Full-day Tour of Kyoto’s Must Sees
- Culturally-inspiring Countryside Excursion of Lake Biwa
KINOSAKI-ONSEN (1 night)
- 1 night at Ryokan Nishimuraya Honkan (or similar)
- Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan
OSAKA (1 night)
- 1 night at Royal Classic Hotel
- Night Foodies Tour
- Departure transfers to Osaka Airport (ITM or KIX) by Private Car
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival at Tokyo's Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) airport, be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Tokyo
Today, enjoy a morning walking tour of Tokyo accompanied by your private guide (using public transportation). Visit Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Continue to Tsukiji Market, formerly the world’s largest fish market that is now a vibrant local market lined with street food stands, seafood, produce vendors and sushi stalls. Last and certainly not least, visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Time permitting, visit additional sights of your interest before returning to the hotel. (B)
Day 3 Tokyo
Full day free at leisure to eat, shop and explore Tokyo on your own. (B)
Day 4 Tokyo/ Takayama
This morning, we'll leave Tokyo's hustle and bustle behind for Takayama, a heritage town steeped in rich history and nestled amidst stunning mountain scenery of the Japan Alps. Enjoy a tour of Takayama's Old Town with a visit to the famed Takayama Jinya followed by some sake tasting at a local brewery. Check-in at your ryokan and enjoy an authentic Japanese experience where an delectable Kaiseki Dinner (multi-course Japanese banquet meal) and soothing onsen (natural hot spring bath) await. (B,D)
**Note: passengers are to make their own way to Takayama by rail with transfer at Nagoya Station.
Day 5 Takayama (Shirakawa-go)
Start the day with a visit to Takayama's famed morning market set along side the Miyagawa River. Stroll through the vibrant marketplace lined with colorful stalls and shophouses selling fresh local produce and mouthwatering snacks. Afterwards, proceed by express bus to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famed for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses some dating 250 years back. Gassho-zukkuri translates as ‘Praying Hands’, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, and are designed to withstand the heavy snowfalls in this mountainous region. Return to Takayama and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore beautiful Takayama on your own. (B)
Day 6 Takayama / Kyoto
Today, journey by rail (3 hours) for Kyoto. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel by taxi and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure to explore the vibrant area surrounding your hotel. (B)
Day 7 Kyoto
This morning, enjoy a full day tour of beautiful Kyoto starting with Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavilion). Originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun that later became a Buddhist Temple after his death at his request. Next, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails behind its main buildings leading into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari. Continue to Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto. This UNESCO world heritage site is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below boasting panoramic views of Kyoto City. Enjoy a stroll through the two famous shopping streets (Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka) to Gion District before returning to your hotel. (B)
Day 8 Kyoto (Lake Biwa)
This morning, make your own way to Kyoto Station where you’ll be met by your guide who will accompany you on a 30-minute train ride to Lake Biwa. Here, we’ll spend a relaxing and culturally-inspiring day in a traditional farm village mingling with the locals. The tour showcases a slow-paced, off-the-beaten-path experience of the countryside to see a different side of Japan. Your Lake Biwa experience begins with a leisurely bike ride along a beautiful lakeside road up to the stunning rice terraces where you’ll spend a relaxing and culturally-inspiring day in a traditional farm village. Here, get a chance to visit a local family’s residence where a simple Japanese lunch is prepared (with your help!). Return to Kyoto by train and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 9 Kyoto / Kinosaki Onsen
This morning, make your way to the Sea of Japan by express train to Kinosaki-onsen, a charming hot spring town that captivates with its picturesque streets and public baths. Voted the "Best Onsen Town in Japan", visitors enjoy a serene atmosphere, traditional ryokans, and rejuvenating onsen experiences. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to stroll this beautiful heritage town and enjoy the hotsprings. Dinner and accommodations at traditional ryokan. (B,D)
Day 10 Kinosaki Onsen / Osaka
Late morning transfer by Express Train for Osaka, a.k.a. “Japan’s Kitchen”, a city renowned for its culinary delights and lively atmosphere. This evening, enjoy a night foodies tour in Dotonbori, a popular shopping and entertainment district that is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign. Stroll through the hundreds of dining outlets featuring all kinds of local delights, including Osaka’s famous takoyaki (octopus dumplings), okonomiyaki savory pancakes, ramen noodles, kushikatsu fried skewers, and even Fugu (blowfish). Overnight in Osaka. (B,D)
Day 11 Depart Osaka
Transfer to Osaka Airport (Itami or Kansai) by private car for your departure flight onward. (B)
****END OF PROGRAM****
| 2024 Price Chart (Prices valid through December 20, 2024) | ||
Departs Daily | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| January – February | 6,925 | 1,875 |
| Mar. – Apr. | 7,525 | 2,475 |
| May | 7,245 | 2,075 |
| June – August | 6,925 | 1,875 |
| September | 7,025 | 2,075 |
| October – November | 7,325 | 2,275 |
| December | 7,375 | 1,975 |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | ||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes entrance fees, hotel taxes and service charges
- Price excludes all airfares, personal expenses, and meals not specified in itinerary
- All sightseeing on private basis via use of public transportation
- Tour commences in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto
- Tour prices are based on travel completing within the above said period. Due to hotel rate differences, pro-ration of tour price may be required for travel spanning two calendar months. Contact us for details.
- Peak Season Surcharges or blackout dates apply during Sakura season (Cherry Blossoms in late March – mid April), Golden Week Holiday (April 29-May 6) & December Holiday period (Dec. 24- Jan. 03). Please contact us for details and restrictions.
- All hotels and tours are subject to availability at time of reservation
Japan Gallery
HIGHLIGHTS
- Tokyo’s bright lights & big city vibes
- Sensoji Temple & Tsukiji Market
- Takayama Town & Shirakawa-go
- Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari & Golden Pavilion
- Culturally-immersive Countryside Excursion of Lake Biwa
Price Starting From:
$7,025
RELATED TOURS
ACCOMMODATIONS
Tokyo – Cerulean Tower
Kyoto – Dhawa Yura Hotel
