Essential Japan

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duration 18 days
tour type Group Request as private
age requirement 18-99 yrs
max group size 20
guiding method Fully guided
Tour Code BM-39714
Footprint Carbonneutral CO₂ emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
Operated in English

Starts Tokyo, Japan
Ends Osaka, Japan

TOUR OVERVIEW

Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka, the "Essential Japan" tour is a guided explorer tour that takes 18 days. You will travel through Tokyo, Miyajima, Gokayama and 12 other destinations in Japan. "Essential Japan" is a group tour which includes accommodation, transport, meals and others.

This distillation of all things Japanese is designed to provide you with a truly unforgettable travel experience.

In the shadow of Mt Fuji, Hakone presents you with the opportunity to see the nearby Owakudani geysers and the unusual Hakone Open Air Museum. Partake in Japanese culture – try your hand at creating washi paper, copperware, your own chopsticks and origami, dress in kimonos, dine with a Geiko and Maiko and play Taiko drums. From the large neon-filled, modern cities of Tokyo and Osaka to the historic villages of Ichinomiya, Gokayama, Takayama and Tsumago Juku, you will see all aspects of Japanese culture and lifestyle during your journey.
Enjoy the very best the ‘land of the rising sun’ has to offer, from feudal castles to traditional gardens, sporting traditions to tea ceremonies, from sake to sushi, and everything quintessentially Japanese in-between.

ITINERARY Expand All

Day 1 : Tokyo
Day 2 : Tokyo
Day 3 : Tokyo
Day 4 : Tokyo > Five Lakes
Day 5 : Five Lakes > Hakone
Day 6 : Hakone > Inuyama
Day 7 : Inuyama > Tsumago Juku > Takayama
Day 8 : Takayama – Gokayama
Day 9 : Takayama > Takaoka > Kanazawa
Day 10 : Kanazawa
Day 11 : Kanazawa > Kyoto
Day 12 : Kyoto
Day 13 : Kyoto > Nara
Day 14 : Nara > Himeji Castle > Hiroshima
Day 15 : Hiroshima > Miyajima Island:
Day 16 : Hiroshima > Osaka
Day 17 : Osaka > Asuka
Day 18 : Osaka

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Meals

Private group dinner hosted by a Geisha and Maiko
Visit the Kirin brewery for lunch and a factory tour
44 meals – 17 breakfasts (B), 16 lunches (L) and 11 dinners (D)

Transport

All internal transport
Return airport transfers

Others

Create your own souvenirs at traditional copper/tin, goldcraft and washi paper making workshops
A personal origami crane offering in Peace Park
Private sumo wrestler demonstration
Visit Asuka – the cradle of Japanese civilization
Partake in a Japanese tea ceremony while dressed in a kimono
Play the Taiko drums in an interactive, private group demonstration and lesson
Visit Inuyama and Himeji Castles, two of the five castles designated as national treasures
Fully escorted small group land journey
5 exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
Your choice of 9 Scenic Freechoice activities and dining
3 memorable Scenic Special Stays
Expert Tour Director

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

Any international flights to Tokyo and from Osaka are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
Travel insurance is not included in this Essential Japan tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 2 reviews for other tours with an average 5.0 rating.

REQUEST A PRIVATE, CUSTOMIZABLE DEPARTURE By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:

Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Protected Travel within your own bubble.
Professional Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.

Request a private and/or personalized departure To design a private tour, we'll ask you some more information in the following steps.

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GOOD TO KNOW

CANCELLATION

No additional cancellation fees apply for this Essential Japan tour. You can cancel the tour up to 90 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 89 days of departure.

Payment

For any tour departures within 13 August 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 13 August 2024, a deposit of 500 USD is required to confirm the tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 89 days before trip departure.

Travel Insurance

Essential Japan tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

Visa

For this Essential Japan tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

This trip adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and cleaning protocols on all ships and all tours when operating. Thorough cleaning will be conducted regularly, and hand sanitisers are located throughout the ship to ensure the highest level of personal hygiene whilst on board.

NEED HELP OR HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THIS TOUR?

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