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A tale of four iconic cities and two former capitals - your epic journey through Japan blends old and new, with soul-stirring visits to ancient centres and modern cities.
A tale of four iconic cities and two former capitals - your epic journey through Japan blends old and new, with soul-stirring visits to ancient centres and modern cities.
Tokyo's futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan's modern centres and ancient capitals. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you'll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception drink with appetisers.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - New Otani Garden Tower
Rub shoulders with the locals this morning as you 'Dive Into Culture' and wander through Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II. Continue to the old-time entertainment centre of Asakusa to visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, which has been rebuilt countless times since its founding in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site. Take a stroll down Nakamise shopping street with some free time for lunch, then join a 'Local Specialist' and learn the mesmerising rhythmic art of Taiko drumming, one of Japan's most popular cultural icons. Board a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo's modern skyline, the traditional neighbourhoods of old Edo and beautiful Hamarikyu Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner at a Sumo-themed izakaya restaurant.
The towering slopes of snow-capped Mt. Fuji loom in the distance as we journey from Tokyo to this celebrated UNESCO-listed site. Admire spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a magnificent vantage point at 2,300 metres (weather permitting). After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll continue to Owakudani to see the volcanic activity. Consider sampling the local black eggs boiled in geysers, then head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Tokyo Illuminations and 'Izakaya' Dining Experience
As the sun sets, start the evening with a drive past the classic Tokyo Tower to see its colourful illuminations. Continue to the Roppongi Hills and a visit to Tokyo City View with its indoor and rooftop ‘Sky Deck’ observation decks for magnificent views of the city at night. Later join in for a different kind of Japanese dining experience in an izakaya, a casual Japanese pub where the food is shared by everyone at the table (similar to Spanish Tapas). The menu is seasonal and generally includes meat and vegetarian Japanese appetizers, sashimi, tempura, grilled chicken, steamed fish and miso soup followed by dessert. One glass of wine, beer or soft drink is also included. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥8,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 4
CONTINUE TO KYOTO (3 NIGHTS)
We leave Tokyo, travelling by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the centre of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, we'll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Enjoy some free time before we head to the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple, whose glittering golden pavilion is widely regarded as the symbol of Kyoto.
After a late start this morning, we'll visit one of Kyoto's highlights - the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees which bloom in the springtime and its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically from season to season. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering Bamboo groves and see its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then return to Kyoto for some free time at Nishiki market, a traditional food market known by locals as "Kyoto's Pantry". Return to your hotel or consider joining an optional Japanese tea ceremony experience.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Fan Painting Experience and Kiyomizu Temple
No journey to Kyoto is complete without a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu Temple on Mt Otowa. On this tour to the ancient temple, you'll have the chance to partake in a creative fan-painting experience that honours the 1,200-year history of paper fans, before heading to the main attraction. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple includes an extravagant Main Hall (Hondo) and beautiful Jishu-Jinja Shinto Shrine just waiting to be explored. It's also one of the best spots in the city to capture a memorable photo of the Kyoto skyline. Uncovering the history of Kyoto's most famous traditions and sights, this tour is worth a place on any traveller's bucket list.
Adult Price: ¥0.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
ADMIRE ANCIENT NARA
Start the day off with a visit to Sumiyama Village and discover the stunning Kiyomizu Pottery which originated about 500 years ago in central Kyoto. Learn about the work of the craftsmen and about how they had to move out of the city and into a more rural area due to concerns from the local citizens about air pollution. Next 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch with a local farmer at his home. Gain insights into the life of his family while sampling fresh tea and indulging in a delicious home-made meal, then visit his tea plantation. This afternoon delve into the ancient history of Nara, the first permanent capital city of Japan. Here you'll visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha. Take a stroll around Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming tame deer before returning to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 7
BULLET TRAIN TO HIROSHIMA (2 NIGHTS)
This morning, we board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century's devastation. Our first stop is to a local restaurant where we'll join our 'Local Specialist' for an Okonomiyaki Making experience. Mix your ingredients to make your own savoury pancake and cook it on a hot plate before enjoying your creation for lunch. This afternoon, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialities, shaping your steamed bun in the shape of a maple leaf and filling it with sweet red bean paste. You'll have an opportunity to sample your work before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
This morning, we head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Take a moment to contemplate its symbolic expression of hope for world peace. Spend the afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Shukei-en Garden and Orizuru Tower
Visit Shukei-en garden; an Edo style historic Japanese Garden located in the centre of Hiroshima. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take a stroll around the gardens which are beautifully laid out with paths that meander around a lake with bridges and small islands. Later, visit Orizuru Tower, named after the folded paper crane (bird) it is a symbol of peace. Ascend to the rooftop observation deck for panoramic views of Hiroshima City and on a clear day, see as far as Miyajima Island. During your visit learn about the changes of Hiroshima townscape before and after the bombing and also how to make a traditional origami crane. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥3,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
ONWARDS TO OSAKA (2 NIGHTS)
Today take the high speed bullet train to Osaka. On arrival embark on an orientation drive of the city before checking in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Gain a different perspective of Osaka's landmark city sights, starting your day with a cruise on the 'aqua-bus' along Okawa River. Sail past the Japan Mint, City Hall, Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Visit the downtown district of Shinsekai to see the Tsutenkaku Tower, then continue to the Dotonbori Street area for some time at leisure. Delve into the star-crossed love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei during your visit to the Tusyunoten Shrine in Umeda, associated with the Edo-period play 'The Love Suicides of Sonezaki, which tells of the tragic double suicide that took place at the shrine in 1703. To this day, visitors write their prayers for success in love on special wooden plaques called ema, many of which bear the image of Ohatsu and Tokubei. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory - an open-air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Later join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.
Your journey revealing Japan's past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 3
Tokyo Illuminations and 'Izakaya' Dining Experience
As the sun sets, start the evening with a drive past the classic Tokyo Tower to see its colourful illuminations. Continue to the Roppongi Hills and a visit to Tokyo City View with its indoor and rooftop ‘Sky Deck’ observation decks for magnificent views of the city at night. Later join in for a different kind of Japanese dining experience in an izakaya, a casual Japanese pub where the food is shared by everyone at the table (similar to Spanish Tapas). The menu is seasonal and generally includes meat and vegetarian Japanese appetizers, sashimi, tempura, grilled chicken, steamed fish and miso soup followed by dessert. One glass of wine, beer or soft drink is also included. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥8,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Fan Painting Experience and Kiyomizu Temple
No journey to Kyoto is complete without a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu Temple on Mt Otowa. On this tour to the ancient temple, you'll have the chance to partake in a creative fan-painting experience that honours the 1,200-year history of paper fans, before heading to the main attraction. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple includes an extravagant Main Hall (Hondo) and beautiful Jishu-Jinja Shinto Shrine just waiting to be explored. It's also one of the best spots in the city to capture a memorable photo of the Kyoto skyline. Uncovering the history of Kyoto's most famous traditions and sights, this tour is worth a place on any traveller's bucket list.
Adult Price: ¥0.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Shukei-en Garden and Orizuru Tower
Visit Shukei-en garden; an Edo style historic Japanese Garden located in the centre of Hiroshima. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take a stroll around the gardens which are beautifully laid out with paths that meander around a lake with bridges and small islands. Later, visit Orizuru Tower, named after the folded paper crane (bird) it is a symbol of peace. Ascend to the rooftop observation deck for panoramic views of Hiroshima City and on a clear day, see as far as Miyajima Island. During your visit learn about the changes of Hiroshima townscape before and after the bombing and also how to make a traditional origami crane. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥3,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
10 breakfasts, 3 lunches (Including Connect with Locals), 3 dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
Included Highlights that will delight you
CONNECT WITH LOCALS
Lunch with a local farmer's family who own a traditional tea plantation in the Nara area. (Day 6)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Visit Ameyoko Street Market. (Day 2) Take a Taiko Drumming Lesson. (Day 2) Enjoy dinner in a Sumo-themed izakaya restaurant. (Day 2) Learn how to make Okonomiyaki and Momiji Manjyu. (Day 7)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
Taiko drumming lesson. (Day 2) Okonomiyaki making experience. (Day 7)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Help support the work of the Kiyomizu pottery craftsmen with your visit to their workshop. (Day 6)
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka
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CRUISE along the Sumida River in Tokyo and the Okawa River in Osaka
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SEE the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama
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VISIT Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Gion District and Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, the bamboo groves in Arashiyama, Nara Park and Todaiji Temple in Nara, Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Tusyunoten Shrine and Umeda Sky Building in Osaka
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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Handcrafted Highlights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Classic Japan Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Trip Rating
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5
The hotels were extravagant, much better than hotels I am used to staying in. Free bottles of water every day as we got onto the bus were appreciated, especially given the hot/humid weather we frequently encountered. I have no complaints with the itinerary; every location felt special.
This was an incredible trip. Misa, our guide, was one of the best parts. She was fun and funny with her explanations of Japanese history and culture through her hand-drawn images, patient and knowledgeable with all of our silly questions, and expertly led us from site to site, filling us in on the history and meaning behind what we were seeing. We had three drivers in the three different cities, and they were all great (the Kyoto driver in particular did a great job expertly navigating the narrow streets of Yamazoe with the large bus. I regret that we missed the chance to properly tip the first two. The local specialists we worked with at each location were wonderful as well. I especially enjoyed making okonomiyaki and matcha tea in the traditional manner. My only complaint is that we were occasionally unable to spend as much time at a site as I would have preferred, but I understand that this is a necessary consequence of such a guided tour.
Trafalgar travel packages make the most of your time and money
Trip Rating
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5
Our itinerary took us to all of the top sites with enough time to explore on our own or stay with our travel director. We were never too rushed or bored. We loved the insider and cultural experiences - something you don't get to experience traveling on your own. The coach was always nearby and very clean. The three hotels we stayed in were incredible, in terms of location and amenities. We were very pleased with the accommodations throughout our trip.
Trafalgar itineraries and travel directors make exploring new countries and cultures so easy and fun for travelers! We got to spend every moment enjoying ourselves while accommodations, movement from one location to the next and scheduling was all handled seamlessly behind the scenes.
Transportation arrangements,accommodations and tour guide were All excellent.Too much repetition due to high number of shrines and temples.Too much walking especially stairs/steps involved during high heat/humidity.
Tour and stops were perfect. Received a good taste of Japanese culture and history.... My only suggestion, instead of ending up in Hiroshima and flying back to Tokyo, perhaps so it the other way around so that end up in Tokyo for a easy return flight back. My only one suggestion... visiting Ginza or Tokyo financial district is not within the confines of the Classic Trip, but might be an interesting sidelight to include to let visitors know the present vs the historic....
Hotels were great, locations absolutely excellent. Just not sure how Trafalgar works out the price for pre and post tour accomodation as I purchased rooms at half their costing and in a higher/ better category.
Classic Japan tour was a last minute trip for me and probably one of the best trips I have been on. An outstanding guide in Masayo Suzuki and a small group of 13 other travellers certainly certainly beats the usual bus load of 40+ travellers. Everything ran like clockwork, lots of free time to explore and enjoy sights on your own, not too early mornings and longer than just 1 night stays in cities. A great tour.
Note: Due to limited space for large suitcases on the bullet trains, please bring an overnight bag for the two night stay in Hiroshima days 7 and 8.
Gion Festival: Takes place annually in Kyoto for the entire month of July.
Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and is dependant on weather conditions so can also vary slightly each year. Late March to early April are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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