We Love —
- Discovering the ancient traditions of this beautiful country in the sacred temples, pretty gardens, and city streets.
- Sampling authentic Japanese dishes including fresh sushi, tasty udon noodles, warming miso soup and pastel-coloured mochi.
- Exploring the bright lights and skyscaper-lined streets of Tokyo, where old and new clash in brilliant neon colours.
Customer reviews —
Your itinerary in brief —
Discover the treasures of Japan, a fascinating country known for technological prowess, gentle elegance, and a collision of tradition and modernity.
Embark on a captivating journey, seamlessly blending the allure of mountains, nature, and urbanity.
Begin with essential stops in Tokyo and Kawaguchiko for a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. Venture high into the Japanese Alps on Honshu island, featuring magnificent peaks and deep valleys - an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts.
For a bespoke stay, choose between an 14 or 17 night tour, selecting charming 3* or 4* hotel accommodation, according to your preference.
Your itinerary:
14 nights:
- Day 1: En route to Tokyo (Inbound flight)
- Days 2 - 4: Tokyo
- Day 5: Kawaguchiko
- Days 6 & 7: Matsumoto
- Days 8 & 9: Takayama
- Day 10: Kanazawa
- Days 11 & 12: Osaka
- Days 13 - 15: Kyoto
- Day 16: Kyoto - Home (Outbound flight)
17 nights:
- Day 1: En route to Tokyo (Inbound flight)
- Days 2 - 5: Tokyo
- Days 6 & 7: Kawaguchiko
- Days 8 & 9: Matsumoto
- Days 10 & 11: Takayama
- Day 12: Kanazawa
- Days 13 & 14: Osaka
- Days 15 - 18: Kyoto
- Day 19: Kyoto - Home (Outbound flight)
Please note: In rare cases, mainly during the very high season, the order of the itinerary may be subject to change. You will be informed of this in your mini travel guide.
Your itinerary in detail —
14 night tour
Day 1: En route to Tokyo (Inbound flight)
Days 2- 4: Tokyo
More than just a city, Tokyo is a fascinating juxtaposition of motley districts, skyscrapers, neon signs, temples and traditional monuments. Here are a few must-sees: the Asakusa district and the Senso-ji temple, the Tokyo Skytree, which rises to 634 metres, Ueno Park and its many museums, the districts of Ginza, Shibuya and Shinjuku, the gardens of the Imperial Palace, the Meiji-jingu shrine... and other places detailed in your travel diary.
- Arrival at the airport, you'll be met at customs by our partner, who will give you all your travel documents and your pocket WiFi.
- Transfer by shuttle to your hotel.
- Check-in at the hotel (rooms available from 3pm).
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Day 5: Kawaguchiko
- Enjoy Kawaguchiko and its surroundings before departing mid-afternoon for your next destination in the heart of the Japanese Alps: Matsumoto (3h30 train ride, 2 changes).
- Arrive and check into your hotel.
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Days 6 & 7: Matsumoto
Matsumoto retains many traces of its feudal-era prosperity. But what really stands out when visiting the town is the imposing castle, nicknamed ‘The Raven’ by the Japanese because of its black colour. It is the oldest castle of its kind in Japan, and its keep offers a breathtaking view at any time of the year. A fortified town, Matsumoto was also an industrial and commercial centre, and in the Nakamichi district has retained its typical Meiji-era warehouses.
- Discover the history of the samurai of Matsumoto with our guide, and experience their history yourself by stepping into their shoes.
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Days 8 & 9: Takayama
- Travel to the heart of the Japanese Alps by bus (included). Visit Takayama, in the middle of the Japanese mountains. It's a very pleasant town, bordered by a charming river, numerous temples and craft shops.
We recommend you visit:
- The traditional houses of Kusakabe and Yoshijima
- Yatai Kaikan, where old religious festival floats (matsuri) are on display
- The picturesque Shôwa-Kan, a museum from the 1940s to the 1970s
- The old Sannomachi shopping district
- The Fuji Folk Art Museum
Optional: Take a bike ride through the countryside and drink in the beautiful alpine surroundings.
Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa
- Before leaving Takayama, send your luggage to the hotel in Osaka (see the luggage transfer section, more details in your travel guide), so you can travel light with a small bag for your overnight stay in Kanazawa.
- In the morning, set off for Shirakawago by bus (50 minutes, tickets included in your package). Stroll through this typical Japanese alpine village, visit a minka (traditional Japanese house) or the Myôzenji, the village's Zen temple. The whole village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- In the early afternoon, take the bus to Kanazawa (1h15, tickets included).
- Check into your hotel.
Must-sees: Nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, Kanazawa has a lot to offer travellers.
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's magnificent Japanese garden
- Nagamachi samurai quarter and the former Nomura residence
- Higashiyama, one of the city's three geisha districts
- The Museum of Contemporary Art and its open-air gallery
- Omicho, the Japanese sea fish market
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Day 10: Kanazawa
The must-sees:
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's beautiful Japanese garden
- Nagamachi samurai district and the former Nomura residence
- Higashiyama, one of the city's three geisha districts
- The Museum of Contemporary Art and its open-air gallery
- Omicho, the fish market of the Sea of Japan
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Days 11 & 12: Osaka
- Travel by Shinkansen train to Osaka (tickets included). Enjoy Osaka, its famous gastronomy and its tourist attractions (medieval castle, aquarium, nightlife, Universal Studios...).
Our suggestions:
- The lively districts of Dotonbori, Namba and Shinsaibashi
- The electronic district of Denden-machi
- Osaka's medieval castle and cherry blossom parks
- Japan's largest aquarium
- The unique and futuristic skyscraper, Umeda Sky Building
- Spa World, the largest thermal baths in the world
- Universal Studios theme park
- The Minoh waterfalls, for an immersion in Japanese nature
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Days 13 - 15: Kyoto
The former imperial capital, Kyoto successfully combines the past with the present, and the present with the future. A thousand years old, artistic, spiritual and gourmet: a visit to Kyoto is an opportunity to discover the origins of the Japanese spirit and is a must on any trip to Japan. Take an evening stroll through Gion, Kyoto's lively and colourful geisha quarter.
Our suggestions for your free days in Kyoto:
- Kinkakuji (golden pavilion) and Ginkakuji (silver pavilion).
- Ryoanji temple, a famous rock garden.
- The Gion district and the philosophers' path.
- Kiyomizu-dera
- The Nishiki market, where you can find typical Kyoto foods.
- Nijo Castle and its tiers of nightingales.
- The bamboo groves of Arashiyama.
Suggested day trips from Kyoto:
- Nara. Journey covered by the Japan Rail Pass (30 to 45 minutes), with the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine and its thousands of vermilion torii gates on your way back from Nara. Journey covered by the Japan Rail Pass (5 minutes)
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Day 16: Kyoto - Home
- Board your outbound flight, full of memories of this very special trip.
In very rare cases, mainly during the high season, the stages may be reversed. You will be informed of this in your mini travel guide.
17 night tour
Day 1: En route to Tokyo (Inbound flight)
Days 2 - 5: Tokyo
More than just a city, Tokyo is a fascinating juxtaposition of motley districts, skyscrapers, neon signs, temples and traditional monuments. Here are a few must-sees: the Asakusa district and the Senso-ji temple, the Tokyo Skytree, which rises to 634 metres, Ueno Park and its many museums, the districts of Ginza, Shibuya and Shinjuku, the gardens of the Imperial Palace, the Meiji-jingu shrine... and other places detailed in your travel diary.
- Arrival at the airport, you'll be met at customs by our partner, who will give you all your travel documents and your pocket WiFi.
- Transfer by shuttle to your hotel.
- Check-in at the hotel (rooms available from 3pm).
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Days 6 & 7: Kawaguchiko
- Enjoy Kawaguchiko and its surroundings before departing mid-afternoon for your next destination in the heart of the Japanese Alps: Matsumoto (3h30 train ride, 2 changes).
- Arrive and check into your hotel.
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Days 8 & 9: Matsumoto
Matsumoto retains many traces of its feudal-era prosperity. But what really stands out when visiting the town is the imposing castle, nicknamed ‘The Raven’ by the Japanese because of its black colour. It is the oldest castle of its kind in Japan, and its keep offers a breathtaking view at any time of the year. A fortified town, Matsumoto was also an industrial and commercial centre, and in the Nakamichi district has retained its typical Meiji-era warehouses.
- Discover the history of the samurai of Matsumoto with our guide, and experience their history yourself by stepping into their shoes.
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Days 10 & 11: Takayama
- Travel to the heart of the Japanese Alps by bus (included). Visit Takayama, in the middle of the Japanese mountains. It's a very pleasant town, bordered by a charming river, numerous temples and craft shops.
We recommend you visit:
- The traditional houses of Kusakabe and Yoshijima
- Yatai Kaikan, where old religious festival floats (matsuri) are on display
- The picturesque Shôwa-Kan, a museum from the 1940s to the 1970s
- The old Sannomachi shopping district
- The Fuji Folk Art Museum
Optional: Take a bike ride through the countryside and drink in the beautiful alpine surroundings.
Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa
- Before leaving Takayama, send your luggage to the hotel in Osaka (see the luggage transfer section, more details in your travel guide), so you can travel light with a small bag for your overnight stay in Kanazawa.
- In the morning, set off for Shirakawago by bus (50 minutes, tickets included in your package). Stroll through this typical Japanese alpine village, visit a minka (traditional Japanese house) or the Myôzenji, the village's Zen temple. The whole village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- In the early afternoon, take the bus to Kanazawa (1h15, tickets included).
- Check into your hotel.
Must-sees: Nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, Kanazawa has a lot to offer travellers.
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's magnificent Japanese garden
- Nagamachi samurai quarter and the former Nomura residence
- Higashiyama, one of the city's three geisha districts
- The Museum of Contemporary Art and its open-air gallery
- Omicho, the Japanese sea fish market
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Day 12: Kanazawa
The must-sees:
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's beautiful Japanese garden
- Nagamachi samurai district and the former Nomura residence
- Higashiyama, one of the city's three geisha districts
- The Museum of Contemporary Art and its open-air gallery
- Omicho, the fish market of the Sea of Japan
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Days 13 & 14: Osaka
- Travel by Shinkansen train to Osaka (tickets included). Enjoy Osaka, its famous gastronomy and its tourist attractions (medieval castle, aquarium, nightlife, Universal Studios...).
Our suggestions:
- The lively districts of Dotonbori, Namba and Shinsaibashi
- The electronic district of Denden-machi
- Osaka's medieval castle and cherry blossom parks
- Japan's largest aquarium
- The unique and futuristic skyscraper, Umeda Sky Building
- Spa World, the largest thermal baths in the world
- Universal Studios theme park
- The Minoh waterfalls, for an immersion in Japanese nature
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Days 15 - 18: Kyoto
The former imperial capital, Kyoto successfully combines the past with the present, and the present with the future. A thousand years old, artistic, spiritual and gourmet: a visit to Kyoto is an opportunity to discover the origins of the Japanese spirit and is a must on any trip to Japan. Take an evening stroll through Gion, Kyoto's lively and colourful geisha quarter.
Our suggestions for your free days in Kyoto:
- Kinkakuji (golden pavilion) and Ginkakuji (silver pavilion).
- Ryoanji temple, a famous rock garden.
- The Gion district and the philosophers' path.
- Kiyomizu-dera
- The Nishiki market, where you can find typical Kyoto foods.
- Nijo Castle and its tiers of nightingales.
- The bamboo groves of Arashiyama.
Suggested day trips from Kyoto:
- Nara. Journey covered by the Japan Rail Pass (30 to 45 minutes), with the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine and its thousands of vermilion torii gates on your way back from Nara. Journey covered by the Japan Rail Pass (5 minutes)
Accommodation at your chosen establishment.
Day 19: Kyoto - Home (Outbound flight)
- Board your outbound flight, full of memories of this very special trip.
In very rare cases, mainly during the high season, the stages may be reversed. You will be informed of this in your mini travel guide.
Additional information regarding transportation and transfers on your trip: Fuji Hakone Pass: Transportation in the Japanese Alps: Train journeys: Luggage transfer service To facilitate your travels between the cities, we have included a luggage transfer service: Please note: You are advised to prepare a small bag with essentials for your nights in Kawaguchiko and Kanazawa, when the remainder of your luggae will be en route with our luggage transfer service.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully chosen 3* or 4* accommodation (depending on offer selected).
Your 3* hotels during the tour:
- Tokyo : OMO3 (or similar)
- Kawaguchiko : Hotel Mystays Fuji Onsen Resort (or similar)
- Matsumoto: Hotel Kagetsu (or similar)category hotel
- Takayama : Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama (or similar)egory hotel
- Kanazawa : OMO5 Kanazawa (or similar)
- Osaka : Integrate Hotel vry hotel
- Kyoto : Sequence Gojo (or similar)
Your 4* hotels during the tour:
- Tokyo: Metropolitan Ikebukuro (or similar)
- Kawaguchiko: Shuhoukaku Kogetsu v
- Matsumoto: Hoshino Resorts Kai (or similar)
- Takayama: Hotel Wood (or similar)
- Kanazawa: Hotel Forza Kanazawa (or similar)
- Osaka: Royal Classic Osaka (or similar)
- Kyoto: Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu (or similar)
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
The maximum room capacity is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your dining choices
For 3* hotels: For 4* hotels: Additional note for the 3* hotel package:
- Breakfasts in major cities are not included in your package and can be added at the reception desk when you arrive at the hotel.
- However, in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, you will find many cafes near your hotel serving often tastier breakfasts than those of hotels, which sometimes have restrictive schedules and mostly savory tastes.
Your optional excursions —
Tokyo - Kamakura discovery (full day with guide)
Enjoy a guided day with a local in the ancient Zen capital, nestled between the hills and the sea. Your guide will take you an hour from Tokyo to discover the magnificent city of Kamakura, a haven of Zen Buddhism.
- Must-sees include the great Buddha (Daibutsu) of Kotoku-in, which despite its 11-metre height remains an example of grace and majesty, the temples of Hasedera and Hachimangu, and above all the multitude of smaller temples, each with its own history, which can only be appreciated with a guide who knows the town inside out.
- Please note that transport costs, lunch and entrance fees are not included in the price.
- If a guide who speaks the language requested is not available, we will provide you with an English-speaking guide.
Kyoto - Hiking excursion in Takao Village
Discover a world heritage treasure still untouched by the tourist crowds, near Kyoto. A breath of fresh air along a crystal-clear stream, in the heart of unspoilt wilderness.
Further information:
Our local guide will take you to Buddhist temples in the mountains and show you some magnificent scenery.
After an easy hike, you'll also discover a series of waterfalls and be surrounded by wild nature.
It's a little jaunt from Kyoto that's well worth it!
Please note:
- Transport, lunch and entrance fees are not included in the price.
- This activity is only available with an English or French-speaking guide.
Matsumoto - Soba and Matsumoto Castle visit
The Matsumoto region is renowned throughout Japan for the quality of its sobas (buckwheat noodles), aided by the exceptional quality of its environment. Discover sobas, the famous Japanese buckwheat noodles, and taste them in a traditional cooking workshop.
Further information:
- After a short introductory video explaining sobas and the steps involved in their preparation, from the dough to the cutting of the noodles, you will begin preparing this traditional Japanese dish with a sobas master.
- But before you start the soba workshop, your expert guide will take you to the castle and explain its history in detail.
Takayama - Cycling around the Japanese ountryside
Just 15 minutes by train from Takayama is the town of Hida-Furukawa, an authentic, rustic village. Enjoy rural Japan by bike, where time seems to stand still...
- It's here that you'll set off on a bike ride through the farming villages and rural landscapes of the Hida countryside. A perfect way to discover the reverse side of the cities and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
- This is a group activity in English (with a maximum of 8 participants), so you can enjoy the presence of other travellers.
- All participants, including children, must be experienced cyclists.
- Child seats are available for children under 1m35 who are too small for their own bike.
Your journey to Japan —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Japan
Head to the land of thousand-year-old traditions for a cultural trip, enchanting landscapes for hiking enthusiasts and a paradise of new technology for geeks: Japan is the ideal destination.
The capital, Tokyo, modern and inspiring with its architecture, will impress you with its veritable forest of skyscrapers in the Shinjuku district or the Kokyo imperial palace.
For lovers of nature, you must undertake the ascent of Mount Fuji, take a walk in the heart of a park in spring to appreciate the beauty of the cherry blossoms and relax in an Onsen, these typical natural hot springs.
Rich in culture, Japan is also known for its traditional inns: the ryokan, but also for its unique gastronomy.
Visit museums and art galleries, watch a robot show, learn to savour sushi and sample the famous rice wine, sake... There is so much to discover in Japan, you are sure to return from your trip to the land of the rising sun enriched and renewed.
