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Simply Japan

5.0Based on
14 days
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14 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants
16 peopleMaximum group size
16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Select Date
Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.
3 other people are considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Tokyo - Explore modern and ancient Tokyo, the world’s largest city, with the option to visit nearby Mount Fuji Kyoto - Experience traditional Japan with temples, Zen gardens, and geishas at the country’s former capital city Kanazawa - Visit the Samurai district and stroll through the beautiful Kenrokuen Gardens Extend your stay? - Stay a little longer and combine this holiday with our 9 day highlights of Kyushu Island trip

Itinerary

Traverse Japan on this tour from ultra-modern Tokyo to the iconic cultural capital of Kyoto. Travel through history, visiting temples and castles that remain unchanged from the days of the Shogun and learning about the solemn past of Hiroshima. Along the way, stay in a Buddhist temple lodging, spot snow monkeys and free-roaming deer, hop on and off the iconic shinkansen bullet trains and sample famous snacks like takoyaki octopus balls. Please refer to day 5 of the day to day itinerary for details of which departures stay at a hotel rather than our simple temple lodge in Nagano.

day 1Tour begins in Tokyo

Our tour starts today in Tokyo, Japan's ultra-modern capital. A sprawling metropolis, Tokyo is one of the world's most populous cities and a dazzling blend of traditional culture and all things new. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for a welcome meeting, with the chance to go out for dinner afterwards. If some of the group are arriving on later flights, the main introductory briefing will take place on the morning of Day 2 with everybody present. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Tokyo at any time. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. The Tour Leader will issue each client with a Suica transport card either today or tomorrow morning, that is pre-loaded to cover your included sightseeing public transport journeys. If you'd like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). The city centre is around an hour away from Haneda Airport and an hour and a half from Narita. You'll be met in the arrivals hall and transferred to the hotel by public shuttle bus or private vehicle. The shuttle bus may stop at other hotels, before dropping you at our hotel. If we have booked a shuttle bus for you, it will be operated by a local company called Green Tomato, you will be on their list of transfers and we will have sent you an electronic pdf voucher for this service. Please note, while our itinerary gives us three days in Japan's capital, there's a lot to pack in. If you really want to get to grips with Tokyo's sites, we recommend adding additional nights to your trip pre-tour. Japanese hotels have strict rules regarding check in and all customers are required to wait until 3 PM for room access. You will be able to store your luggage while waiting but if you require an early check in, then you should request this at the time of booking. We do not guarantee this will be possible and depending on availability an extra fee will be charged.

Accommodation
The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa Hotel

day 2Explore Tokyo - Discover temples, neighbourhoods and the spectacular Fire Ceremony

day 3Free day in Tokyo. Optional visit Hakone National Park for views of Mount Fuji

day 4Travel by train to Matsumoto and discover the impressive Crow Castle

day 5Meet the snow monkeys of Jigokudani and spend the night in Zenkoji Temple lodgings

day 6Join the monks for morning prayers and explore the samurai district of Kanazawa

day 7Free time in Kanazawa to try sushi at the Omicho Fish Market or stroll through Kenrokuen Gardens

day 8Explore Takayama and tour a Sake brewery

day 9Travel by train to Hiroshima and experience the poignant Peace Park and Peace Museum

day 10Take the ferry to Miyajima Island, see the famous torii gate and chance to explore the island

day 11Take the Bullet train to Kyoto and explore Nijo Castle

day 12In Kyoto

day 13Visit Arashiyama bamboo grove and temples

day 14Trip ends in Kyoto

What's Included

Accommodation
The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa Hotel (3 nights)Tabino Hotel Lit Matsumoto (1 night)Zenkoji Yakuo In (1 night)Hotel Torifito Kanazawa (2 nights)Tokyu Stay Hida Takayama (1 night)MYSTAYS Hiroshima Peace Park (2 nights)Miyako City Kintetsu Kyoto Station (3 nights)
Meals
13 Breakfasts
Transport
BusFerryTrain
Guide
Explore Tour Leader

Customer Reviews

4.6

based on 113 reviews
75
32
3
3
G
Graham N.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Very interesting trip with excellent guide Raoul Jean

P
PaulVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

I feel I was introduced to various locations with different size cities and have a much better understanding of Japan.

L
LexVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good

Matthew was a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide he went above and beyond his duties to help everyone. Matthew would answer everyone's questions, give advice on where to go and how to get their. Our group were from all walks of life but through Matthew we all combined well and got along incredibly. We have a group whatsapp that Matther is a big part of and through this app we will keep in contact with Matthew and watch him grow as a person and reach greater heights in your organisation

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Very good tour

S
StephenVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

The Simply Japan tour by Explore is a fantastic introduction to Japan, its history, culture, and cuisine. The tour covers lots of ground travelling by train, and we visited lots of different localities. We were blessed to have a wonderful knowledgeable Tour Leader who quite frankly, brought Japan to life for us. Highly recommended.

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Good to Know

Travel Insurance
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Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.
Jane Andersen
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Rasmus Juul Olsen

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1 month ago

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