Discover Japan

4.8Based on

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Ends

Tokyo, Japan

Highlights

Experience the past in Takayama's folk village and Kyoto's historic centre.

explore Nijo Castle.

lose yourself in the picturesque Kenroku-en Garden.

marvel at iconic Mt Fuji and Miyajima's floating torii gate

Itinerary

From neon-lit Tokyo to tranquil Kyoto gardens, the "Discover Japan" tour is a 14-day deep dive into Japan’s harmonious blend of old and new. This small group tour offers a perfect balance of guided sightseeing and independent exploration, including a high-speed Shinkansen ride, a stay at a traditional Japanese inn, and contemplative moments at sacred shrines. Wander through the cultural heart of Kyoto, catch the futuristic buzz of Tokyo, and gaze upon the iconic beauty of Mt Fuji. With accommodations, transport, and meals included, the true standout is the flexibility—giving you the freedom to savor Japan’s wonders at your own pace while benefiting from expert local guidance.

day 1 - Tokyo

Arrive at any time and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting. Please ensure you arrive on time for the welcome meeting and bring your passport so your CEO can collect the required information for your train tickets. Refer to your voucher for the most up to date welcome meeting time.

Accomodation:The B Akasaka (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

day 2 - Tokyo/Kanazawa

In the morning collect your JR Pass. Board a bullet train for Kanazawa in the afternoon. The evening is yours to explore, or opt to attend a dinner with the group.
Take a short train ride to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest, and it became a thriving center for culture and arts.

Accomodation:Garden Hotel Kanazawa (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 2.5 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 400 km

day 3 - Kanazawa

Explore the city's well-preserved geisha district. Then, stroll through Kenroke-en, ranked one of the nation's top three gardens before exploring the historic Nagamachi samurai district.
After strolling through the expansive gardens of Kenrokuen, opt to stop at the massive Kanazawa castle next door.

Kanazawa is also home to many interesting museums, opt to visit one or learn more about local crafts. Loving the food in the city? Take a trip to the local seafood market to see where some of the fresh, tasty ingredients come from.

Accomodation:Garden Hotel Kanazawa (or similar)

Included Activities:Higashi Geisha District Visit, Kenroku-En Garden Visit, Nagamachi Samurai District Walk Duration : 0.5 hr

Optional Activities:Myoryuji Ninja Temple Visit Visit the famous Ninja Temple. While there's no evidence linking the temple to ninjas, the hidden doorways, passages and escape routes seem designed for stealthy attackers. Please leave all nunchucks with security. , Kanazawa Castle Visit Entry to the castle grounds is free. Entry to Gojukken Nagaya storehouse and turrets is 310JPY., 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

day 4 - Kanazawa/Takayama

Arrive in picturesque Takayama and relax in the traditional Japanese inn.
Arrive in Takayama in the afternoon and begin taking in the beautiful scenery of this traditional city.

Accomodation:Minshuku Iwatakan (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 2.0 hr

Optional Activities:Sake Street Visit Stroll down this quaint road, lined with sake breweries and vendors, and learn more about this typical Japanese beverage made from fermented rice. Have a sample or two to test it out.

day 5 - Takayama

Explore the Hida No Sato traditional folk village, and walk the quaint streets of the old town – lined with sake breweries and craft shops. Enjoy the rest of the Day to explore the area.
Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past in the thatched houses and rice fields. Opt to visit one of the markets or rent a bike and cycle out of the town centre and into the countryside.

Accomodation:Minshuku Iwatakan (or similar)

Included Activity:Hida no Sato (Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village) Visit

day 6 - Takayama/Hiroshima

Arrive in Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the tragic history of this city.
The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.

Accomodation:Toyoko Inn Hiroshima-eki Shinkansen-guchi II (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 5.0 hr

Included Activity:Hiroshima Park and Peace Memorial

day 7 - Hiroshima

Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate and meet the friendly local deer.
Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast.

Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating Torii Gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure.

Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.

Accomodation:Toyoko Inn Hiroshima-eki Shinkansen-guchi II (or similar)

Transport:Ferry

Included Activity:Miyajima Island Visit

Optional Activities:Mt. Misen Visit Set out for the summit of Mt. Misen, Miyajima’s highest peak at 500m (1,640 ft) above sea level. Opt to hike one of three trails through the forest and keep an eye out for wild deer or catch a ride on the ropeway and walk the remaining distance to the top. Take in great views of the Seto Inland Sea and on a clear day see as far as the city of Hiroshima.

day 8 - Hiroshima/Kyoto

Travel to historic Kyoto. Explore the marvellous Fushimi Inari shrine and walk under thousands of torii gates.
Continue on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life.

Walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse.

Accomodation:Hearton Hotel Kyoto (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr

Included Activity:Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Visit

day 9 - Kyoto

Wander the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens before visiting Kyoto's iconic Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion.

Accomodation:Hearton Hotel Kyoto (or similar)

Included Activities:Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Visit, Nijo Castle and Gardens Visit

day 10 - Kyoto

Spend a full free Day discovering the Zen gardens, huge wooden temples, pagodas and shrines of Kyoto. Opt to enjoy the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion, and take a leisurely stroll down the lovely Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji.

Accomodation:Hearton Hotel Kyoto (or similar)

Optional Activities:Gion Walk , Zen Gardens of Ryōan-ji The Ryōan-ji garden is one of the best examples of kare-sansui, or dry landscape, a type of Zen garden. Fifteen large rocks are placed within a sea of white pebbles raked into linear patterns to facilitate meditation. Stand on the platform to get the best view from above. Stroll the grounds around the Ryoan-ji Temple and along the Kyoyo-chi pond., Daisen-in Zen Rock Garden Visit Take a walk through the gardens around Daisen-in Temple. This zen garden uses gravel, sand and stones to recreate a river and ocean, symbolizing the Buddhist journey through life.

day 11 - Kyoto/Fujikawaguchiko

Travel to the Mt Fuji region and enjoy optional walks around Lake Kawaguchi. Savour an amazing Japanese kaiseki dinner.
Leave Kyoto and travel to Kawaguchiko arriving mid afternoon. Take the rest of the afternoon to visit the Onsen Spa at tonight's accommodation before dinner.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Royal Hotel Kawaguchiko (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 5.5 hr

Included Activity:Onsen Spa Visit

day 12 - Fujikawaguchiko/Tokyo

Enjoy a morning in Kawaguchiko exploring the Five Lakes region on foot. Later, travel to Tokyo by train.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Toyoko Inn Tokyo Keihin Tohoku-sen Oji-eki Kita-guchi (or similar)

Transport:Train Duration : 3.0 hr - 3.0 hr

Included Activity:Lake Kawaguchiko Walk Duration : 2.0 hr

day 13 - Tokyo

Explore buzzing Tokyo with a free day.
Opt take in some more sights, visit the museums and gardens, or do some shopping. Meet with the group later tonight for our final dinner together.

Accomodation:Toyoko Inn Tokyo Keihin Tohoku-sen Oji-eki Kita-guchi (or similar)

Optional Activities:Ueno Park Visit Park entrance is free, as are many of the shrines. However, some shrines and museums charge an entry fee of 500JPY., Sensō-ji Temple Visit Explore Sensō-ji Temple, a colourful Buddhist temple and the oldest temple in the entire city. Leading up to the temple the street is lined with shops selling yummy food and great souvenirs. , Ginza Shopping The Ginza district is Tokyo’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue in New York. Window shop at Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, then check out the latest electronics at the Sony showroom or Apple store. Visit the Wako department store with its historic clock tower, housed in a building that dates back to 1894. If you are there on a weekend, head to Ginza’s main street where pedestrians rule without Tokyo’s traffic. , Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingū) Visit Entry to the shrine is free. Entry to the Treasure House is 500yen, and the Inner Garden is an additional 500yen., Imperial Palace East Gardens Walk The Imperial Palace in Tokyo’s city centre is home to Japan’s Emperor and Empress. It is surrounded by a moat and three gardens, all open to the public. Stroll throughout the grounds, admire the azaleas and hydrangeas (when in season), discover the original stone wall that surrounded the palace back in 17th to 19th centuries during the days when samurai warriors defended the ruler. Visit nearby Sannomaru-Shozo-kan museum and see exquisite kimonos and Japanese paintings.

day 14 - Tokyo

Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.

Included Activity:Departure Day

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (10 nts), traditional inns (1 nt), traditional inns with shared facilities (2 nts).

Meals

1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD695-905 for meals not included.

Transport

Bullet train, local train, subway, tram, ferry, public bus, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Wellness Moment: Onsen Spa Visit, KawaguchikoYour Discover Moment: TokyoHigashi Chaya District visitKenroku-en garden visitNagamachi Samurai District walkHida No Sato folk village visitHiroshima Peace Park and Museum visitMiyajima Island excursionNijo Castle and gardens visitKinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion visitFushimi Inari Taisha Shrine visitLake Kawaguchiko (Five Lakes Region) walkKaiseki dinnerJapan Rail (JR) pass (14 days)

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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4.8

based on 14 reviews

Tour Availability

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Good to Know

Cancellation

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