Mixed Board Basis 11 nights from €7,579 per person Including Flights
Overview
Dive into the quirky and captivating wonders of Japan on this immersive holiday. Venture off the beaten path and experience the culture like never before as you trek at the foot of Mt Fuji, encounter the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, and enjoy a rickshaw ride through a tranquil bamboo forest. You’ll also explore the classic highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto. This tour includes a night in a traditional ryokan and a stay in a Buddhist lodge, where you'll experience simple shared facilities. (WW)
Highlights
Master the skill of Taiko drumming
Explore the scenic trails at the foot of Mount Fuji
Hunt for Snow Monkeys in the heart of the Japanese Alps
Unwind in a traditional Onsen bath
Travel at high speed aboard Japan's famous bullet train
Join Buddhist monks for their morning chants in Koyasan
Arrive in Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to begin exploring this vibrant city and soaking in the unique atmosphere.
Overnight: Sunshine City Prince Hotel (or similar)
Day 2
Japanese Drumming
Kickstart your Tokyo adventure with a hands-on Taiko drumming lesson, where you'll learn to play the traditional ‘wadaiko’ drum using the ‘bachi’ sticks. Later, visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine, wander through the eclectic Harajuku district, and wrap up the day at the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Overnight: Sunshine City Prince Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Discover Tokyo
This morning, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden, followed by a visit to the towering Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking views of the city below. Explore the ancient Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest, and stroll down the lively Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, visit the Tokyo National Museum to learn about the city’s fascinating history from the Edo period to modern times.
Overnight: Sunshine City Prince Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Mount Fuji
Travel from Tokyo to the foothills of the magnificent Mount Fuji and the picturesque Fuji Five Lakes area. Take a tranquil walk through the lush alpine forest surrounding the mountain, pausing to admire the stunning scenery at every turn.
Journey to Matsumoto and explore its impressive 16th-century castle before continuing to Nagano. Stop in Yudanaka and visit Jigokudani Monkey Park in search of the famous Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys – sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Overnight: Metropolitan Nagano Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6
Japanese Alps
Travel to Hotaka and take the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway to the Japanese Alps, offering magnificent views of the mountains (weather permitting). Continue to Takayama, where you will stay overnight in a traditional ryokan, a Japanese inn with onsen facilities. Relax in the natural hot spring baths, a quintessential Japanese experience. This afternoon, explore the charming Kamisannomachi Street and sample local street food. Enjoy a delicious dinner at your ryokan.
Catch the limited express train to Nagoya, then hop aboard the high-speed bullet train to Kyoto. Begin your exploration of Kyoto’s historic sites, including the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine and the stunning Kiyomizu Temple. Stroll through the traditional Higashiyama district and Kyoto's famous Gion area, home to the geishas. Stop by Gion Corner for a performance showcasing traditional Japanese arts.
Overnight: Rihga Gran Kyoto (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Visit Kinkakuji, the iconic ‘Golden Pavilion’, and Ryoanji Temple to admire their tranquil beauty. Then, head to Arashiyama to explore the enchanting bamboo forest, followed by a rickshaw ride through the district. In the afternoon, participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, observing the meticulous preparation and serving of matcha tea.
Overnight: Rihga Gran Kyoto (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9
Kyoto culture & Koyasan
Learn about the art of kimono dressing at the Nishijin Textile Centre, followed by a hands-on origami session. After lunch, travel to Koyasan, where you’ll spend the night in a 13th-century temple guesthouse, sleeping on a futon laid out on tatami mats.
Rise early to join the monks for their morning prayers, where the chants and rituals create a deeply spiritual atmosphere. After breakfast, enjoy a guided walk through Koyasan, one of Japan’s holiest mountain retreats. Visit Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery before heading to Osaka.
Overnight: Hotel Monterey Osaka (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11
Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery
Take a day trip to Himeji to explore the stunning 17th-century Himeji Castle, widely regarded as Japan’s most beautiful feudal-era castle. Afterwards, visit a sake brewery to learn about the brewing process and sample some local varieties. Return to Osaka for a farewell dinner.
On bullet train journeys, a separate luggage transfer service will be arranged for all suitcases (1 case per person). You will need to pack a separate overnight bag to carry on the train as your suitcase will not arrive until the following day after a bullet train journey.
If you are travelling during the following public holidays in Japan, please be aware that celebrations can last for several days, and some businesses and transportation may be impacted. Showa Day, which marks the beginning of Golden Week, falls on 29th April each year and runs through to 5th May. Constitution Memorial Day is on 3rd May, and Emperor’s Birthday is on 23rd February each year.
Each traveller is permitted two pieces of luggage: one suitcase weighing no more than 20kg and one item of hand luggage weighing up to 5kg. Please ensure that your luggage is lockable.
This tour requires a moderate level of fitness. You should be comfortable walking for 2-3 hours and covering longer distances.
** Please note that the Edo Tokyo Museum is currently undergoing renovation. The visit will be replaced with a trip to the Tokyo National Museum.
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Talk to our travel experts for more information and to book or tailor-make your holiday
01 6649990Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun
Talk to our friendly team
01 6649990Call us 9am-7pm Mon-Fri / 9am-5pm Sat-Sun
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