Ultimate Japan (17 days)
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Tokyo - Yudanaka - Takayama - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Osaka -
International Flight -
Accommodation -
Water -
Meals -
Escorted Tour -
Domestic Flights -
Airport Taxes Charges -
Visa -
Insurance -
Tipping
Day 1 London Heathrow to Tokyo
Depart London Heathrow for international flight to Tokyo.
We can also arrange departures from your local airport.
Day 2 Tokyo Arrival
Arrive at Tokyo Narita or Haneda International Airport. Be greeted by English speaking assistant and transfer to your hotel in city centre. Spend the rest of the day acclimatise or if you feel up to it, make most of the easy access to JR station and metro to explore the city at your own leisure.
Day 3 Tokyo
This morning we will embark on a full day tour of Tokyo. First visit Meiji Shrine, built in 1920 and dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Continue to Tokyo Tower and Imperial Palace East Garden. Finally visit Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) – completed in 645AD, this Buddhist temple is one of the city’s most popular temples. Outside the temple is Nakamise shopping street, offers you the opportunity to sample local snacks and browse for traditional Japanese souvenirs.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 4 Tokyo / Mt Fuji & Hakone
This morning we embark on our journey to Mt Fuji and Hakone National Park by coach. Mt Fuji is not only the highest (3,776 metres) and most sacred mountain in Japan, it’s also the symbol of Japan. We visit Mt Fuji 5th Station, Owakudani Boiling Valley, Hakone Ropeway, Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi. Return to Tokyo late afternoon / evening.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Day 5 Tokyo - Nagano - Yudanaka
This morning take Shinkansen bullet train to Nagano with our guide. Upon arrival at Nagano Station, be escorted to board local train to Yudanaka. Yudanaka is a famous Onsen (hot springs) resort. Visit a famous snow monkey park (Jigokudani Yaenkoen). Tonight we still stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan and sample delicious Japanese style dinner.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 6 Yudanaka - Nagano - Matsumoto
Continue our journey to Matsumoto and venture into the Japanese Alpes. Matsumoto is the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by mountains with spectacular views.
Visit to magnificent Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 7 Matsumoto - Takayama
Morning travel to Takayama. Famed for the Edo period buildings – Jinya, Takayama is well preserved and the place to see quintessential Japan.
After settled in at our hotel in town centre, we will visit old town, Hida Folk Village, Matsuri no Mori.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 8 Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa
This morning travel to Shirakawago. Deep in the mountains in Shogawa River Valley, and UNESCO world heritage site, Shirakawago is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Ogimachi village where the bus stops is the largest village and main attraction, can be easily explored on foot.
Proceed to Kanazawa late afternoon.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 9 Kanazawa
Kanazawa, a charming coastal city, is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Largely unscathed during the second world war, Kanazawa is one of Japan’s best preserved historical cities.
Spend the day exploring at your own leisure.
Enjoy your free day using the Loop Bus 1 day pass, Kenrokuen garden admission, and Gold Leaf Art experience voucher.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 10 Kanazawa - Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
Continue your journey by limited express train Thunderbird to Kyoto. Be met on arrival at Kyoto Station and tour to Nara. Once the capital of Japan, Nara offers unique glimpse into Japan’s past. Visit Todaiji Temple with Great Buddha, Nara Deer Park and Kofuku-ji Temple. Return to Kyoto late afternoon.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 11 Kyoto
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years since 794. Now still the cultural capital, the city boasts over 2,000 shrines and temples. This morning enjoy walking tour of Kyoto, visiting Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, and Sagano Romantic Train.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 12 Kyoto
Free day at leisure.
Optional Kyoto tour available on request: Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Sanjusangen-do Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 13 Kyoto - Mt Koya
Today we will leave Kyoto and set off by coach to Mt Koya. Mt Koya, a small secluded temple town, is the centre of Shingon Buddhism. It is one of the best places to experience an overnight stay at a temple lodging (shukubo). Check in to our temple accommodation and enjoy a vegetarian dinner.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 14 Mt Koya - Hiroshima
Early risers among us are more than welcome to join in the morning prayers. After breakfast, we will be transferred by coach to Shin Osaka Station. From there, we take Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. A modern city rebuilt after the second world war, Hiroshima is forever remembered for that fateful day in August 1945.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 15 Hiroshima
Enjoy full day Hiroshima and Miyajima tour visiting Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 16 Hiroshima - Osaka
Morning take bullet train to Osaka – Japan’s second largest metropolitan area, a vibrant city famous for its street food and friendly local people.
After check in to your hotel in city centre Umeda area (next to JR Osaka Station and metro), you will have free time to explore or do some last minute shopping.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Day 17 Osaka - London Heathrow
Transfer to Osaka Kansai or Itami Airport for flight to London.
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Set in a modern high-rise opposite Shinagawa train station, this polished hotel is 4 km from the Tokyo Tower and 10 km from the bustling Odaiba island.
Visit the website to see more!
Surrounded by trees, this upscale hotel is 9 minutes’ walk from Shinagawa Station and a 12-minute walk from Sengaku-ji, a revered Buddhist temple.
Visit the website to see more!
This plush hotel is an 8-minute walk from the nearest train station, 4 km from Jigokudani Monkey Park and 22 km from Shigakogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Area.
Visit the website to see more!
A 9-minute walk from Matsumoto City Museum of Art, this modest hot spring hotel among shops is a kilometer from Matsumoto Castle.
Visit the website to see more!
Visit the website to see more!
Visit the website to see more!
Set among offices and apartment blocks, this relaxed hotel is a 4-minute walk from Kanazawa train station, 12 minutes’ walk from Ōmichō Market and 2 km from Kenroku-en landscaped garden.
Visit the website to see more!
A 3-minute walk from Kanazawa train station, this upscale high-rise hotel is 2 km from both Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en garden, which is considered 1 of Japan’s 3 perfect gardens.
Visit the website to see more!
In a low-key commercial area, this straightforward hotel is 6-minute walk from the closest subway station and 4 km from the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple.
Visit the website to see more!
This upmarket hotel is 4 km from both Kiyomizu-dera temple and Nijō Castle.
Visit the website to see more!
Visit the website to see more!
Visit the website to see more!
A 3-minute walk from trains at Hiroshima Station, this refined high-rise hotel is 3 km from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and 25 km from Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto religious complex.
Visit the website to see more!
A 4-minute walk from Osaka train station, this low-key hotel is 1 km from the Umeda Arts Theater and 4 km from the Shinsaibashi shopping area.
Visit the website to see more!
Set in a bustling area, this polished hotel is a 3-minute walk from Osaka-Umeda train station, a 7-minute walk from the observation deck at Umeda Sky Building and 5 km from Osaka Castle.
Visit the website to see more!
Tour Price includes:
- International economy flights;
- Hotel / Ryokan accommodation as shown (based on twin occupancy);
- Meals as described (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner);
- Meeting and assistance on arrivals and departures;
- Sightseeing coach excursions with English speaking guides;
- Entrance fees for visits mentioned in program;
- Train/Boat journeys where mentioned in program;
- All currently applicable taxes.
Tour Price excludes:
- Drinks during meals;
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs etc;
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details);
- Optional tours;
- Early check-in or late check-out;
- Flight and accommodation upgrades.
