Cultural Japan
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,114
FIRST-CLASS | COACH & RAIL: There’s no country on earth like Japan. Tokyo to Kyoto is one of its classic travel routes, but this trip takes you deeper than most Japan tours, immersing you in the colour, culture, and history of this unique destination.
This 9-day trip through Japan takes you from frenetic Tokyo to the serene temples and gardens of ancient Kyoto, going via some of the country’s most beautiful small cities and rural regions.
The modern-day capital, Tokyo, is an endlessly rewarding city to explore. On a one-day tour, you’ll get your bearings at Tokyo Tower, then pay your respects at the Imperial Palace Plaza before visiting Senso-ji, Tokyo’s most famous Buddhist temple. The surrounding Ueno area is Tokyo at its most attractive, with old-fashioned buildings, parks lined with cherry blossoms, and a variety of small local shops. The following day, depart Tokyo and make your way to another Japanese icon, Mount Fuji, enjoying sweeping views from the 5th station, halfway up the mountain. Fuji-san also overlooks Lake Ashi, where you’ll take an afternoon cruise, followed by a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway.
There’s something magical about the streets of Takayama, your next stop. Many of the shops here date back to the Edo period, and it shows. Besides the old town being a delight to wander at leisure, the city includes the Yatai Kaikan Hall, and the Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum, both of which feature on your tour. Departing the city, visit Gokayama and Shirakawa, small towns famed for their traditional gassho-zukuri houses. Finally, visit Kanazawa, an Edo Period city that showcases Japanese arts, crafts, and culture at its finest. Here, you’ll visit Tentoku-in Temple, and the Nagamachi Samurai District, along with Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Your final destination is Kyoto, the ancient capital containing many of Japan’s most famous and beautiful temples including Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Chion-in. Your day tour includes Kinkaku-ji, home to the famous Golden Pavilion, and Nijo Castle, former home to the Tokugawa Shogun in the early 17th century. After lunch, admire the thousand Buddha images of Rengeoin Sanjusangendo, before ending the day enjoying the view from Kiyomizu-dera. Kyoto is the highlight of many Japan tours, so don't be surprised if it becomes one of your favourite cities as well.
Transfer to Osaka’s Kansai airport for departure, or add an extra day or two to explore some more.
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,114
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Tokyo
Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda airport, clear immigration and proceed to the arrivals hall, where our representative will greet you and assist you in boarding a taxi to your Tokyo hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is at leisure.
| Duration | 2 Nights |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa |
| Location | View map |
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Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa is only a 5-minute walk from Shinagawa station. The hotel boasts a spacious garden. The hotel's guest rooms, banquet facilities, and restaurants are arranged to allow maximum enjoyment of the garden. Perfectly located for business or pleasure, guests can enjoy the …
Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa is only a 5-minute walk from Shinagawa station. The hotel boasts a spacious garden. The hotel's guest rooms, banquet facilities, and restaurants are arranged to allow maximum enjoyment of the garden. Perfectly located for business or pleasure, guests can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of nature, even in the middle of the metropolis.
Facilities
- Bar(s)
- Business Centre
- Conference Facilities
- Currency Exchange
- Gym/Fitness Centre
- Internet Access
- Lounge(s)
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Whirlpool
Photo gallery
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Tokyo
Start off your stay in Tokyo with a morning tour. Visit the Imperial Palace grounds and Nijubashi Bridge. The palace is the residence of the Emperor of Japan and the grounds are a relaxing spot for Tokyoites and visitors alike. Then visit Tsukiji Outer fish market. Walk along the alleys to explore the stalls and shop for goods. Next, visit Senso-Ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Senso-Ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, offers plenty to see including the bright red Kaminarimon Gate, a statue of the god of thunder, and a five-story pagoda. The bustling street known as 'Nakamise' stretches for about 250 m from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-Ji Temple and is filled with a plethora of shops. The tour ends in Asakusa after enjoying a stroll around. Enjoy your free time in the afternoon
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Tokyo to Mount Fuji to Hakone
Depart from Tokyo by bus for Fuji Hakone-Izu National Park in the morning. Your first stop is Mt. Fuji where you will drive half way up the mountain to the 5th station for a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside from a sight 2,300 meters. (When the drive to the 5th Station is closed in winter, due to snow, you will go to the highest possible point.) After lunch (included) take a cruise on the beautiful Lake Ashi followed by a scenic ride on the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway. Arrive at your hotel in Hakone in the evening, where you will overnight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|---|
| Accommodation |
Yumoto Fujiya |
| Location | View map |
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Yumoto Fujiya
The Yumoto Fujiya Hotel is a Japanese-style resort hotel offering a fantastic range of spa and hot spring facilities combined with breath-taking views and where you can enjoy the traditional Japanese "ryokan" style of hospitality. The hotel is conveniently located just a three minute walk …
The Yumoto Fujiya Hotel is a Japanese-style resort hotel offering a fantastic range of spa and hot spring facilities combined with breath-taking views and where you can enjoy the traditional Japanese "ryokan" style of hospitality. The hotel is conveniently located just a three minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station. The resort has very spacious Japanese and Western style rooms and they are designed in understated contemporary style with large windows.
Facilities
- Business Centre
- Conference Facilities
- Games Room
- Gift Shop
- Pool (s)
- Sauna
- Spa
- Spa(Hot-tub)/Jacuzzi
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Hakone to Takayama
In the morning you will be transferred to Odawara Station to board the Shinkansen train to travel to Takayama (via Nagoya).
Arrive in Takayama in the afternoon and take a walking tour to orientate yourself. Visit Yatai Kaikan Hall, the exhibition hall for the Takayama festival floats and Kusakabe Heritage House, where a range of folk art and traditional handicrafts are displayed. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Takayama Green Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Takayama Green Hotel
The Takayama Green Hotel is a new type of resort hotel that combines the functionality of an urban hotel with the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn. The Takayama Green Hotel offers a wide variety of gourmet dinner experiences and a luxurious natural hot spring …
The Takayama Green Hotel is a new type of resort hotel that combines the functionality of an urban hotel with the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn. The Takayama Green Hotel offers a wide variety of gourmet dinner experiences and a luxurious natural hot spring bath popular for its skin-beautifying properties. The hotel's ideal location in the heart of Takayama City makes it the perfect base for sightseeing in the Hida Area.
Facilities
- Bar
- Game Centre
- Golf Course
- Hot Spring
- Karaoke Lounge
- Parking
- Sauna
- Spa
Photo gallery
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Takayama to Shirakawago to Kanazawa
This morning continue exploring Takayama with your guide. Visit the Takayama Morning Market where a wide array of local specialties and other products are sold and walk down Kami-Sannomachi Street, where the architecture has retained traces from the Edo period (1603-1868). Then take a bus from Takayama to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage village. Your guide will show you around the village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses that have thatched-roofs, some of which are more than 250 years old. You will be able to look around inside one of these and will see how life in Japan's mountainous region used to be. A savory Japanese style lunch will be served in one of the houses. Continue by bus to Kanazawa, where you will overnight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Hotel Kanazawa |
| Location | View map |
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Hotel Kanazawa
Hotel Kanazawa is located close to Train station in Kanazawa and features 186 room with 10 suites.
Hotel Kanazawa is located close to Train station in Kanazawa and features 186 room with 10 suites.
Facilities
- Banquet Facilities
- Garden
- Restaurant(s)
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Kanazawa to Kyoto
Begin the day with a morning sightseeing tour of Kanazawa. Visit the Nomura Residence, a former samurai family residence. There you can admire the traditional architecture and the beautiful Japanese garden. The next stop is Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan and Kanazawa’s star attraction. The garden offers amazing seasonal views all year around. Continue to the Higashi Chaya-gai district, where teahouses line the stone-paved streets. While there stop to visit Hakuza Honten, known for its gold leaf products. Later in the afternoon, assistance will be provided to board the train to go to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, transfer to your hotel.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel |
| Location | View map |
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Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Experience the refinement, elegance and traditional calm of Japan's ancient capital at The Kyoto Tokyu Hotel. Close to Horikawa-gojo, in a quiet area where you can sense the atmosphere of the ancient capital, stands the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, renowned for its exquisite sophistication and refined …
Experience the refinement, elegance and traditional calm of Japan's ancient capital at The Kyoto Tokyu Hotel. Close to Horikawa-gojo, in a quiet area where you can sense the atmosphere of the ancient capital, stands the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, renowned for its exquisite sophistication and refined traditional service. Just 5 minutes by taxi from the Hachijo exit of Kyoto station, the hotel accommodates travel and business guests, international receptions, weddings and much more.
Facilities
- Art Gallery
- Conference Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Hair/Beauty Salon
- Internet Access
- Lounge(s)
- Massage Treatments
- Parking
- Restaurant(s)
- Room Service
- Wedding Chapel
- Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Kyoto and Nara
Take a full day tour to explore some of Kyoto's and Nara’s most famous sites. Visit Nijo Castle, noted for its gorgeous interiors and its 'squeaky' nightingale floors which alerted residents to unwanted intruders. Continue to Kinkakuji Temple, famous for its Golden Pavilion covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold as well as for its exquisite Japanese gardens and koi ponds. Afterwards, visit Kyoto's Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Emperor of Japan (if the Palace is closed, visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine instead). After lunch go on an afternoon tour to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. Visit the ancient Todaiji Temple and its massive Great Buddha (the largest bronze Buddha in Japan). You will also see the colorful Kasuga Taisha Shrine with 3,000 lanterns. This Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan's “Three Great Shrines". Also visit Nara Park, affectionately called "Deer Park" because of the friendly, free-roaming deer that inhabit it. Stop at the Nara Nagomikan gift shop before returning to Kyoto in the evening.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Kyoto
Today is a day at leisure to explore Kyoto on your own.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Depart Kyoto
Transfer to Osaka's Kansai or Itami Airport for your onward flight.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: May 17, 24; Jun 21; Jul 5, 26; Aug 2, 30; Sep 27, 29; Oct 25; Nov 29; Dec 6, 13, 20
2024: Dates not available yet. We are not sure when they will be available. Goway offers 2 other trips with a similar program: Quintessental Japan and Taste of Japan. Both have dates and availability for 2024.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Shared arrival and departure airport transfers
- 3 nights in first-class accommodations in Tokyo
- 1 night in first-class accommodation in Hakone
- 1 night in first-class accommodation in Takayama
- 1 night in moderate accommodation in Kanazawa
- 2 nights in first-class accommodations in Kyoto
- Shared tour of Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa and Kyoto (max 50 guests)
- Hakone to Nagoya bullet train ticket
- Nagoya to Takayama train ticket
- Luggage transfer (1 piece per person) from Hakone to Kyoto
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 4 lunches
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees, if applicable
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.
6 Dec 2023
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