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HIGHLIGHTS OF JAPAN
SMALL GROUP TOUR
Tokyo . Hakone . Takayama . Kyoto
Designed for travelers who want a mix of escorted days and time at leisure to pursue your individual interests, this journey is perfect.
After seeing the highlights of Tokyo (those who want to see more of the city can plan to arrive early), you'll head to Hakone, where beautiful Lake Ashi awaits, as do views of Mount Fuji, on a clear day. A highlight of the trip is your stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan inn in Hakone. A multi-course Kaiseki dinner and hot spring baths are part of every ryokan stay.
Then head to the Japan Alps and the jewel of this region - Takayama. The morning markets, the temple to temple walk, the old town. The difficult part of a visit to Takayama is deciding what to do first. Oh, and the sake is fabulous!
Finally, settle for four nights in Kyoto, Japan's most beloved city. Home to about 1600 temples and shrines, your guide will steer you to the best. By now, you will be confident to travel independently, and Kyoto is the gateway to wonderful day trip destinations such as Osaka, Nara and even Hiroshima.
A vivid memory of the trip will be your farewell dinner with a Maiko (Geisha in training).
Details
Duration:
10 days / 9 nights
Price:
From $4499 per person sharing
Itinerary can be duplicated for independent travelers, pricing on request.
Departures:
Maximum16 guests, please ask for dates
Includes:
Arrival transfers
2 nights Tokyo hotel
1 night Hakone Japanese inn
2 nights Takayama hotel
4 nights Kyoto hotel
Bilingual tour leader
All tips
Travel by bullet train and local transportation
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
This small group guided journey includes walking tours, tours utilizing public transportation and long distance travel by rail. No private vehicle touring is used.
Accommodation is in Japanese hotels.
Tour guides are local independent contractors.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo, you will be met and assisted to the Airport shuttle and transferred to your hotel for the following 2 nights.
Rest of day at leisure.
Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar
Day 2 Tokyo
Explore Tokyo on foot and the underground rail network. Visit serene Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine with a 40' high torii gate at the entrance. Continue to the Imperial Palace to see Nijubashi, a metal bridge built in 1888. Travel by train to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s liveliest districts, and home to Sensoji temple...as well as some of the city’s best street food, and old izakaya and yakitori restaurants. Learn about the world of sumo as you enjoy a ‘chanko’ sumo lunch with some sumo wrestlers. After lunch, try on a sumo suit and test your skills against a professional. Spend time exploring Asakusa before returning to your hotel.
Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar (B, L)
Day 3 Hakone
Take the train from Tokyo to Hakone, best known for its views of the mountains, natural beauty and hot springs. Travel on the ropeway for beautiful views of Lake Ashi and on a clear day, see iconic Mt Fuji. Sail across the waters of Lake Ashi on a pirate ship before returning to your accommodation. Stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese Hotel. Enjoy a sumptuous Japanese dinner, soak in the onsite onsen baths and sleep in an atmospheric tatami-floored room, on a futon.
Stay: Susukinohara, or similar, (B, D)
Day 4 Takayama
From Hakone, travel by train to ancient Takayama, famous for its well preserved old town district and traditional atmosphere. On the way, enjoy a bento box for lunch. Visit Takayama Jinya, a former government building which offers insights into Japan’s history. Stroll along Kami Sannomachi Street to see the immaculately- preserved traditional wooden houses. View the elaborate festival floats at the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan and enjoy free time before walking back to the hotel.
Stay: Takayama Ouan or similar (B, L)
Day 5 Takayama
Spend the day at leisure exploring Takayama and its surrounds at your own pace. You may choose to visit Shirakawago, a World Heritage Listed protected village famous for its stunning natural beauty and steeply pitched thatched roofs designed to withstand the heavy winter snowfall. Discover the shrines and temples of the Teramachi district or travel a short distance to Hida-Furukawa to admire the preserved buildings.
Stay: Takayama Ouan or similar (B)
Day 6 Kyoto
Travel by train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, famous for Geisha and the home of royal cuisine. On arrival, enjoy some free time. Late afternoon, join a walking tour along Ponto-cho and Hanami-koji Lane in the Gion district where you may see a trainee Geisha (called a Maiko) walking between appointments.
Stay: Miyako Hotel Hachijo, or similar (B)
Day 7 Kyoto
Spend the day walking and travelling by public transport to discover Kyoto’s highlights. Take the train to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and marvel at the towering stalks of bamboo before continuing to Tenryuji Temple. See Katsura River from Togetsukyo Bridge and take the iconic purple Randen Train to Ryoanji Temple, the site of the most famous rock garden in Japan. Visit the Golden temple (Kinkaku-ji), an elegant, gilded 14th century building which is one of Japan’s most cherished sites.
Stay: Miyako Hotel Hachijo, or similar (B)
Day 8 Kyoto
Explore Kyoto or its surrounds with a free day to spend independently. Take the train to the historic city of Hiroshima, venture to Osaka to see Osaka Castle, meet Nara’s deer population or visit Himeji Castle – the choice is yours. Our Destination Specialists can help you decide and make arrangements.
Stay: Miyako Hotel Hachijo, or similar (B)
Day 9 Kyoto
Spend a free day exploring Kyoto at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a special kaiseki farewell dinner while being entertained by a Maiko
Stay: Miyako Hotel Hachijo, or similar (B, D)
Day 10 Depart
Bid goodbye to Japan today. Depending on whether you depart from Kansai Airport in Osaka, or from one of the Tokyo airports, we help you make arrangements to get there.
(B)