Ancient culture, celebrated cuisine and stunning scenery come together in Japan
Experience Japan’s perfect harmony of ancient tradition and modern way of life on a 12-day Premium adventure through the cultural heart of the country. Tokyo’s soaring skyscrapers give way to Hakone’s mountainous hot springs, while Takayama delights with its Edo-era beauty and Shirakawa-go immerses you in charming countryside life. Discover the intriguing cultural diversity of Kyoto and a passion for peace in Hiroshima. Travel with a local leader who will share the rich variety of their country as you visit temples, castles, shrines and holy mountains while mixing with locals and experiencing the real Japan.
Dates
December 15 - 26, 2024
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nt), Hakone Feature Stay (1 nt)
Included Activities
Tokyo - Welcome dinner
Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
Tokyo - Yoyogi Park
Tokyo - Shibuya Sky with Drink
Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market
Tokyo - Sushi Making Class
Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Takayama - Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling)
Takayama - Showa Museum
Takayama - Shirakawago Village
Takayama - Morning Market visit
Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
Hiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip
Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Himeji - Himeji Castle
Kyoto - Gion District walk
Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple
Kyoto - Zen Buddhism meditation session
Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto - Gekkei-kan Sake Brewery & tasting
Kyoto - Final dinner
Premium Inclusions
Arrival airport transfer
Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
Luggage transfer
Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
Marvel at the city lights of Tokyo during a guided tour, visit the sobering Hiroshima Peace Park and trace the steps of the Geisha around the alleyways of Kyoto.
Soak up Japan’s natural beauty in mountainous Hakone and catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji, stroll around the stunning island of Miyajima and be amazed by the Japanese alps in the ancient village of Shirakawa-go.
There’s no better way to get around Japan than the country’s famous railway system. Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra-modernity as you zip from place to place with your included 7-day Japan Rail Pass.
Enjoy unforgettable Exclusive Experiences, including a sushi making class with a family who have been making the beloved dish for generations, and a guided meditation session with a Zen Buddhist monk.
Unwind among the beauty of nature at your Feature Stay accommodation, with mountain views, a traditional ryokan design, modern comforts and a private onsen (thermal pool) for each room.
Is this trip right for you?
Japan is best to explore on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering just exploring places on foot! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.
This trip travels primarily on public transport, as it is so efficient and convenient in Japan. Fast trains are used to move between cities, as well as public buses and metro. In order to make the travel easy, we have included luggage transfer (one piece of luggage) between destinations. But please ensure you are still packing light for the trip.
Cost
December 15 - 26, 2024: $8,630 per person for double occupancy room ; Deposit $400 per person
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in the country’s lively capital, Tokyo. Please see the joining point instructions in the Essential Trip Information for details on how to get to your hotel. You will meet your small group and local leader for a 6pm welcome meeting at the hotel. If you get to the city early, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping, to neighborhood backstreets lined with hole in the wall eateries and bars. After your meeting, join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Tokyo’s food scene is undoubtedly one of the world’s best, and the city truly celebrates the art of eating well. Sample a range of regional and seasonal delights including handmade soba noodles, crispy tempura and yakitori. After dinner, you may like to experience Tokyo’s vibrant drinking culture and head to a local izakaya. Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Tokyo - Welcome dinner
Meals Included
Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
We will organize to forward your luggage through the trip. This will only include one piece of big luggage so please ensure that you have a day pack for your essentials and valuables.
Day 2 Tokyo
Bursting with contemporary urban culture and historic temples and shrines, Tokyo has so much to uncover. Exploring the world’s largest city alone can be a daunting task, but today your leader will introduce you to the old and new Tokyo on a half-day tour. Begin in the Asakusa area, one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo, often called the temple district. Here you’ll stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple – founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. Browse the many interesting stalls filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs that line the shopping street of Nakamise dori. Then jump on the metro to explore the buzzing Shibuya area. Check out one of the busiest intersections in the world before heading into a depachika (underground food hall) for a tempting array of Japanese treats. Afterwards, enjoy some peaceful bliss at Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine before diving into Harajuku district, the home of quirky youth pop culture. Then get a birds-eye view of Tokyo from Shibuya Sky, a three-floor, 360-degree, open-air observation deck 46 stories above the city. Enjoy a toast to Tokyo with an included drink at the rooftop bar, as you soak in the view. Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
Tokyo - Yoyogi Park
Tokyo - Shibuya Sky with Drink
Optional Activities
Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3 Tokyo
This morning, get ready for a delicious experience at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, where fresh seafood from Tokyo's largest wholesale fish market (recently relocated to a new site at Toyosu) is delivered and ready to sample daily. Your leader will provide insight into the underwater treasures that go into the local cuisine, then you will attend a wonderful sushi making class from a 4th generation sushi family to learn about the art and history of this Japanese cuisine that's so loved across the world. Learn how to make nigiri sushi and hand-rolled sushi, then enjoy your fresh creations for lunch. After learning some valuable skills to take home with you, you can join your leader for a short walking tour in the Ginza area and then enjoy a free afternoon in the city. Perhaps check out the Yayoi Kusama Museum for its amazing exhibits by the avant-garde artist (advance reservation required), browse high-end shops in Ginza, experience the theatre of a kabuki play, or create your own entertainment with some karaoke. Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market
Tokyo - Sushi Making Class
Meals Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Day 4 Hakone
Say sayonara to Tokyo this morning and board a train bound for the mountainous onsen (hot spring) town of Hakone. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone offers tranquillity among stunning natural scenery. In the afternoon, take a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani, followed by a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake. Enjoy spectacular views, and on a clear day, you will catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance. Later on, check in to the Susukinohara Ichinoyu, your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Here you’ll experience the design and ambience of a traditional Japanese ryokan without sacrificing modern comforts. Each room comes with a private onsen, and there are also larger public indoor and outdoor onsens that overlook the surrounding greenery to make use of. Tonight you’ll enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurants which serves up a feast of classic Japanese dishes, then after getting your fill, spend a blissful evening relaxing in your onsen. Accommodation
Susukinohara Ichinoyu (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Optional Activities
Hakone - Open-Air Museum - JPY1600
Hakone – Karakuri Secret Box Museum - Free
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Special Information
Today’s train journey is approximately 2 hours.
Day 5 Takayama
Today, travel to Takayama via shinkansen (bullet train), with a few changes along the way. Takayama is a charming Edo-period town located in the Japanese alps. Renowned for its traditional inns, sake breweries and tranquil atmosphere, this riverside jewel of central Honshu may well be one of the most enjoyable stops on your trip. On arrival, head out on a walking tour with your leader who will point out examples of beautiful traditional architecture as you explore the old part of town. Learn how the town’s isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene. The area is particularly famous for Hida beef, which comes from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed that has been raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Stop off on your tour to sample delicious Hida beef sushi or skewers. Then pay a visit to the Takayama Showa-kan Museum. This is not your average museum – here you’ll find a celebration of pop culture from the turbulent period of Emperor Hirohito’s six-decade reign. Discover exhibits showcasing everything from kitchen appliances to karaoke machines. Enjoy a free evening and your leader will be able to point out some great restaurants to try more signature local food. Accommodation
Takayama Ouan or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Takayama - Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling)
Takayama - Showa Museum
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s train journey is approximately 6 hours.
Day 6 Takayama
Start the day with a visit to the Takayama morning market. The Gifu region is known for its production of high-altitude vegetables, and local women have been travelling in from the countryside to sell their produce for more than 600 years. Your leader will guide you through the market stalls selling colourful pickles, bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices, and the delicious marshmallow treat of owara tamaten. After some time to peruse the local treats, hop on a public bus and head to the village of Shirakawa-go, home to charming thatched-roof cottages built in the gassho-zukuri style. Learn about ancient countryside life with your leader and explore the fairy-tale village against the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps. Enjoy some free time in Takayama after you return in the afternoon. Perhaps check out Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall which has an excellent array of festival floats on display. Accommodation
Takayama Ouan or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Takayama - Shirakawago Village
Takayama - Morning Market visit
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 2 hours.
Day 7 Hiroshima
Today you will travel by train to Hiroshima, a friendly and cosmopolitan city with a tragic past. Today Hiroshima is thriving – the city is full of distinctive cuisine, tightknit communities and a focus on promoting world peace. On arrival, head out with your leader for an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with the city. After working up an appetite, head to a local restaurant for dinner and try some of Hiroshima’s signature dishes. The city is renowned for its fantastic oysters and okonomiyaki – a delicious savoury pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood. Accommodation
Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Special Information
Today’s train journey is approximately 6 hours.
Day 8 Hiroshima
This morning you’ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Your leader will share the devastating story of the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was attacked by atomic warfare. The dome was just metres from the atomic site and was able to retain its shape – serving as a reminder of the attack and now symbol of peace. The memorial park serves a similar purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims, education on what lead to the bomb’s use, as well as advocating world peace. After your visit, take a short ferry ride to the island of Miyajima. The island is home to the Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, known for its huge bright orange gate (torii) that rises majestically out of the sea. Miyajima is an ideal place for walking. There is the lovely Momiji Park from where it is possible to walk or take a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen. Return to Hiroshima for at evening at leisure. Accommodation
Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Hiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip
Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Optional Activities
Miyajima - Mt Misen Cable Car - JPY2000
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 9: Kyoto
As you speed north to Kyoto on shinkansen, you’ll stop en route at Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji. The building, which has survived earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, was restored to its full glory in 2015. Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families, learn about their lives and look out over the castle grounds and the city below. Arrive at Kyoto mid-afternoon. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally 'tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto had its golden age during the imperial court's heyday from 794 to 1185. Join your leader and walk around Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, and learn about the history of geisha culture as you explore old wooden teahouses and exclusive restaurants. It's a great idea to return here in the evening when it really springs to life. You might spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up on their way out to events. Accommodation
The General Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Himeji - Himeji Castle
Kyoto - Gion District walk
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s train journey is approximately 2 hours. hours.
Day 10: Kyoto
Begin your day with a city tour around some of Kyoto’s sights. Visit the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel 'The Golden Pavilion'. Afterwards visit Daitokuji Temple – the head temple of the Daitokuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism – built about 800 years ago. Take part in a short guided meditation session, then enjoy a cup of green tea while you speak to a monk about the philosophy of Zen Buddhism and the art of meditation, dedicated to finding inner peace. This spiritual experience will reveal a side of Japan that most visitors don’t get to see, and is sure to be one of the lasting memories of your journey. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy – perhaps check out the range of Urban Adventures we run in the city, or grab a bite to eat at the Nishiki Market, called ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’ by the locals. Accommodation
The General Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple
Kyoto - Zen Buddhism meditation session
Optional Activities
Kyoto - Nara Tour - JPY9500
Meals Included
Breakfast
Special Information
The time of the visit to the Daitokuji temple and the meditation session may be shifted depending on the availability of our meditation master. Your leader will inform you of the exact time of the activities and help you plan your time in Kyoto.
Day 11: Kyoto
This morning, head to Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you’re feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views. Continue with a short train ride and walk to the renowned Gekkei-kan Sake Brewery. With centuries of local history built into its beautiful wooden halls, Gekkei-kan is considered Japan’s industry leader in both the tradition and innovation of sake creation. A visit to the brewery and museum covers every aspect of sake creation – with full-scale historical artefacts in abundance and a chance to taste different types of sake at the end of your visit. The shop is also fully stocked with some of Japan’s finest sake should you wish to bring some back home with you! In the evening, celebrate the end of your adventure in Japan over dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant sharing the authentic flavours of Kyoto. Accommodation
The General Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto - Gekkei-kan Sake Brewery & tasting
Kyoto - Final dinner
Optional Activities
Kyoto - Cooking Class - JPY6000
Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY400
Kyoto - Nijo Castle - JPY800
Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple - JPY600
Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 12: Kyoto
There are no activities planned for the day and you’re free to depart at any time after check out at 10 am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. We highly recommend spending more time in Kyoto to explore this great city. Meals Included
Breakfast
Specifications
A Single Supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at many of our properties.
While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. If you have dietary resitrictions, this may not be the best tour for you
We are currently unable to book pre or post trip accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through Good Life Travel by Danielle.
A 7 day Japan Rail Pass is included in the price of your trip (validated on Day 3). For those wishing to stay and travel longer in Japan after the trip, a Japan Rail Pass extension (total 14 days or 21 days) is available for purchase at time of booking. You can't purchase the rail pass or extension after arriving in Japan.
It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your Welcome Meeting if your luggage is from 160cm to 250cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.
Airport shuttle service between Kyoto and Kansai Airport is not included. Please request information to add airport transportation or upon arrival, your leader will be able to advise on best ways of getting to Kansai Airport in Osaka.
Travelers must be at least 15 years of age. Anyone under the age of 18 must have an adult over age 18 accompanying them and sharing a room.
Rates are priced based upon double occupancy rooms. If you are a solo traveler, you will be paired in a room with another solo traveler and charged the double occupancy rate unless you request your own room for an additional cost.
Price does not include flights. You are responsible for arranging your own flights. Please provide flight confirmation information once purchased.
Deposits $400 per person. Balance is dues 60 days prior to travel.
Travel Insurance is not included but required in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of $200,000 is required. Good Life Travel by Danielle will recommend a comprehensive AIG Travel insurance plan or a Chubb Insurance plan. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
Pre tour hotel nights in Tokyo or Post tour hotel nights in Kyoto are not included. Contact our travel agent, Danielle, if you would like to add hotel nights to your package.
All travelers must have received a full COVID-19 vaccination with the final dose given at least 14 days before the start of the tour. A scan of your COVID 19 vaccine card or documentation from your physician or pharmacy are required to be uploaded in the system prior to travel. In addition, vaccines are required to enter the country. You will be asked by the airline to upload proof prior to travel.
Deposit Requirements
Deposits $400 per person. Balance is dues 60 days prior to travel. The deposit will be processed for the minimum amount required to secure the booking unless otherwise indicated by the traveler or if within the 60 days prior to travel. Naturally, you can give us a call with any questions.
Memories last forever, saving for them shouldn't. Pay Monthly to Finance your vacation. It's quick and easy to apply. Submit a request below and you will receive a text to your smart phone from Uplift with the finance application. If approved you can pay monthly for your trip in 24 easy payments. Our partner, Uplift, offers access to low interest rates. There are no unexpected charges and no pre-payment penalties. If interested you can receive a decision in less than one minute on your device.
Based on your total trip cost of $12,000, your estimated payments are:
First payment of $549.14 due today followed by 24 equal monthly payments of $549.14 beginning next month.
To provide this estimated monthly pricing, Uplift uses a sample APR of 13.88%. Your actual loan APR will be determined with your application and will determine final monthly payment amount. No late fees and no penalty for early repayment.
The total estimated finance charges are $1,728.50
If you would like to receive a text message or email from Uplift to check your rate and submit your pre-approval request, click below. Data and message rates may apply. Checking your rate will NOT impact your credit score.
