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Classic Japan
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4.0Based on
11 days
“
it was a very fun vacation. I enjoyed the small trips that we did with the drums. I enjoyed the pottery. That was great to see. I did the tea which was amazing. It was a great trip and the people that were on the trip with us were fantastic. You should go.
Susan M. | Traveled in February
5 - Excellent
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Customer Reviews
4.1
based on 21 reviews
8
8
4
1
11 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Ends
Tokyo, Japan
Osaka, Japan
Highlights
Visit Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Gion District and Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Nara Park and Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, and Tsuyunoten Shrine and the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka
Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka
See the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, and stop by Osaka Castle
Scenic Cruise along the Sumida River in Tokyo and the Okawa River in Osaka
Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
4-star stays
Deluxe coach and train travel
Tokyo: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, in the historic Asakusa district. Wander through Nakamise Arcade, lined with traditional treats and crafts, before arriving at the main hall, a symbol of faith, resilience and local spirit.
Tokyo: Bask in the stunning skyline of Tokyo as you embark on your Sumida River Cruise.
Tokyo: Spend some time learning the art of Taiko Drumming with your Local Specialist. Once used in temples and battlefields, this tradition is all about energy and rhythm. After a demonstration, it’s your turn to get hands-on—discovering the techniques and coordination behind this instrument.
Tokyo: Visit Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II.
Mt Fuji: Admire the stunning countryside at Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
Tokyo: Jump aboard the high-speed Bullet Train towards the cultural hub of Kyoto.
Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
Kyoto: Take a walk through the beautiful landscapes of the Arashiyama District.
Nara: Discover the tame deer as you explore Nara Park.
Kyoto: Savour one of Japan’s most beloved dishes as you enjoy okonomiyaki for lunch, rich in flavour and a true taste of local cuisine.
Miyajima: Discover the majestic Itsukushima Shrine and learn a new skill when you join a Local Specialist to practice making Momiji Manjyu.
Hiroshima: Shape momiji manju, Hiroshima’s maple-leaf buns, fill them with sweet red bean paste, and enjoy tasting your creation.
Hiroshima: Discover the rich history when you visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park.
Osaka: Soar to the top of the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory and take in the panoramic views of Osaka’s skyline.
Osaka: Discover another side of Osaka in Dotonbori, a lively entertainment district known for its theatres and street food. You’ll walk the main strip before turning into Hōzenji Yokocho, a stone-paved alley lined with traditional eateries leading to a small temple where locals splash water over a moss-covered statue for good luck. You may also wish to pause at one of the nearby street stalls to try takoyaki — Osaka’s famous octopus snack, said to have originated here.
Kyoto: Support the craft of Kiyomizu pottery artisans with a visit to their workshop. Your participation directly contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Nara: Lunch with a local farmer's family who own a traditional tea plantation in the Nara area.
4-star stays
Deluxe coach and train travel
Tokyo: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, in the historic Asakusa district. Wander through Nakamise Arcade, lined with traditional treats and crafts, before arriving at the main hall, a symbol of faith, resilience and local spirit.
Tokyo: Bask in the stunning skyline of Tokyo as you embark on your Sumida River Cruise.
Tokyo: Spend some time learning the art of Taiko Drumming with your Local Specialist. Once used in temples and battlefields, this tradition is all about energy and rhythm. After a demonstration, it’s your turn to get hands-on—discovering the techniques and coordination behind this instrument.
Tokyo: Visit Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II.
Mt Fuji: Admire the stunning countryside at Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
Tokyo: Jump aboard the high-speed Bullet Train towards the cultural hub of Kyoto.
Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
Kyoto: Take a walk through the beautiful landscapes of the Arashiyama District.
Nara: Discover the tame deer as you explore Nara Park.
Kyoto: Savour one of Japan’s most beloved dishes as you enjoy okonomiyaki for lunch, rich in flavour and a true taste of local cuisine.
Miyajima: Discover the majestic Itsukushima Shrine and learn a new skill when you join a Local Specialist to practice making Momiji Manjyu.
Hiroshima: Shape momiji manju, Hiroshima’s maple-leaf buns, fill them with sweet red bean paste, and enjoy tasting your creation.
Hiroshima: Discover the rich history when you visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park.
Osaka: Soar to the top of the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory and take in the panoramic views of Osaka’s skyline.
Osaka: Discover another side of Osaka in Dotonbori, a lively entertainment district known for its theatres and street food. You’ll walk the main strip before turning into Hōzenji Yokocho, a stone-paved alley lined with traditional eateries leading to a small temple where locals splash water over a moss-covered statue for good luck. You may also wish to pause at one of the nearby street stalls to try takoyaki — Osaka’s famous octopus snack, said to have originated here.
Kyoto: Support the craft of Kiyomizu pottery artisans with a visit to their workshop. Your participation directly contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Nara: Lunch with a local farmer's family who own a traditional tea plantation in the Nara area.
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Itinerary
Japan’s timeless fusion of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity comes alive on the Classic Japan tour. Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka, this 11-day city sightseeing journey invites travelers to experience the heart of Japan—wander through Hiroshima’s poignant history, marvel at Tokyo’s neon-lit skyline, and embrace Osaka’s culinary delights. While the easy rating ensures accessibility, the itinerary features dynamic days with extended walking and occasional hills, suited for those with a bit of energy. Hotels, transport, meals, and expert guidance are included, making every step effortless. The trip’s standout feature? Its seamless blend of four iconic cities and two former capitals, providing a panoramic view of Japan’s storied past and vibrant present.
day 1Konnichiwa Tokyo
Tokyo's futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan's modern centres and ancient capitals. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you'll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for small bites with drinks.
Location Visited
Tokyo
Accommodation
New Otani Garden Tower
day 2Explore Vibrant Tokyo
day 3Majestic Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
day 4Continue to Kyoto
day 5Discover Enchanting Kyoto
day 6Admire Ancient Nara
day 7Bullet Train to Hiroshima
day 8Experience Hiroshima
day 9Onwards to Osaka
day 10See the Sights of Osaka
day 11Sayonara Osaka
What's Included
Accommodation
Cherrypicked hotels, all tried and trustedAll hotel tips, charges and local taxesOn occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Transport
Luxury airconditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Guide
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Others
All porterage and restaurant gratuitiesMustsee sightseeingAudio headsets for flexible sightseeingOptional Experiences and free time
What's Excluded
D
Dianne Y.Verified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
ITINERARY WAS EXCELLENT, HOTELS WERE MOSTLY GOOD, TWO DID NOT HAVE RELIABLE WIFI, OR DIDN'T HAVE WIFI AT ALL, A PROBLEM WHEN YOU'RE AWAY FROM FAMILY. THERE WERE DAYS WHEN TRAFALGAR ONLY PROVIDED ONE MEAL, BREAKFAST, I HADN'T HAD THAT EXPERIENCE BEFORE WITH TRAFALGAR, WHO USUALLY PROVIDED TWO MEALS EVERYDAY.
T
Thelma S.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
We enjoyed the amazing experience to see the important areas in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka. The Bullet Train ride was well organized.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Excellent itinerary, but very tiring.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
The good: Tour guide was great. Very organized and helpful. Buses were great, everything went smoothly getting from one place to another and the guide provided great information and was funny.
The bad: Trafalgar decided while on the trip that they would not transport our bags from Kyoto to Hiroshima so we had to pack a small bag to take on the train. We had a computer and other special diet items we needed to take with us so this was quite a burden and had to purchase extra clothes in Hiroshima. Seemed like a cheap, last minute cost cutting move to not transport our bags to Hiroshima and no clear reason was ever provided.
One hotel did not anything other than minimal plant-based options (for example, most food had fish products and no plant-based milk, and no protein) so maintaining our diet was impossible without supplementing on our own, although we had been assured that it would not be a problem.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
Works well. Bullet trains best,
Keeping coach rides to less than 2 hours is appreciated. Needs more time in Toyko.
Good to Know
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information
Monthly Price Comparison
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