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Mount Fuji - Spend a night in traditional-style accommodation in Hakone. Temples of Kamakura - Experience a private Zen meditation session and visit the Great Buddha statue. Tokyo - Savour a sushi lunch and witness a fire ceremony. Upgraded Range - Immerse yourself in fascinating Japan with our hand-picked selection of Premium hotels.
From neon-lit Tokyo to the timeless temples of Kyoto, the "Upgraded - Discover Japan" tour is a 12-day city sightseeing journey that captures Japan’s many faces. Ideal for travelers who value comfort and rich cultural experiences, this itinerary features private Zen meditation in Kamakura, Japanese calligraphy workshops, and a night in a traditional inn near Mount Fuji. Glide between destinations on the bullet train, enjoy sushi-making, and witness a captivating fire ceremony in Tokyo. Each night, relax in hand-picked premium hotels, ensuring a restful retreat after days packed with discovery. The unique advantage of this tour package is its immersive blend of modern and ancient Japan, all experienced in elevated style—perfect for those who want the best of both worlds without compromise.
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. Afterwards, there is the option to head out for dinner at a nearby local restaurant where you'll have the chance to sample various dishes in an 'izakaya' style Japanese restaurant. 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're free to arrive in Tokyo at any time. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). The hotel 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. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements, regardless of your arrival day. 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. In Tokyo, we stay in a stylish, recently renovated hotel in the smart and exclusive Ginza district. Ginza means 'silver mint' in Japanese and its name is derived from the mint located here between 1612 and 1800. Following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 the district evolved to become Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, with some of the most expensive real estate in Japan.
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Excellent itinerary brought to life by our amazing and very organised guide Raya who went above and beyond and whose knowledge and love of all things Japanese shone through. All hotels were good although it was disappointing not to have a window in Kyoto and the common parts of the Hakone hotel were uninspiring. Food options were often challenging for vegetarians. The evening with the Maiko was amazing, the markets in Kyoto and Tokyo were fantastic, as were the other hands on experiences such as making amulets, traditional Japanese tea and zen meditation. Our free day in Kyoto was spent in Nara which I very much enjoyed.
Raya our guide was fantastic, very knowledgable and organised throughout the whole tour. Raya was always available to ask questions and give the group recommendations of places to sightsee and eat. Everything was planned for us we didn’t have to think of anything. Majority of the accomodation was of a good standard however some (Hakone accomodation was disappointing). Lots of activities (zen meditation, lunch with a Buddhist monk, fire ceremony, tea ceremony, calligraphy, geisha dancing, charm making) all these activities really enhanced our Japan experience. Our group size was small just 6 of us which was lovely. We made lots of memories and would definitely love to return back to Japan to explore further.
Raya our tour leader was beyond amazing, her knowledge and enthusiasm made our trip experience so wonderful. The hotels in Tokyo & Kyoto were excellent. The Ryokan was disappointing it had very good traditional food but the onsen experience was poor.
Nice small group. Loved Japan, the people, the food, the culture and all its benefits (no litter, slow pace, quiet). For the price, expected all hotels to be like the first (Gate??) and the second (country inn--the best). Others were just so-so. Hated the last one in Kyoto with no view window--hardly a window at all. Also, a wasted day to see the canal/rice warehouse area on our one night stand. Activities fun. Would recommend more cultural events like music and theater. Liked the walking and train travel. Our guide was very kind and we wish him well.
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