We Love —
- Escape to Japan and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime in destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa.
- Choose between 3* and 4* hotels throughout your stay and dine on delicious cuisine, ensuring you're well-pampered from the moment you arrive.
- Our members will enjoy iconic locations, vibrant history and culture and the opportunity to add a wide range of impressive optional excursions!
Your Itinerary in Brief —
Throughout the duration of your private tour, you will have the unique opportunity to explore some of Japan's cultural and historic highlights, as well as witnessing the magnificent landscapes and natural beauty this country has to offer. Choose from 9, 12 or 15 nights.
During their tour, our members will follow the itinerary as seen below.
9 Nights
Day 1: UK - Japan (overnight flight)
Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Hakone - Mount Fuji
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kanazawa
Day 10: Tokyo
Day 11: Tokyo - Departure to UK
12 Nights
Day 1: UK - Japan (overnight flight)
Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo
Day 6: Hakone - Mount Fuji
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto
Day 11: Kanazawa
Day 12: Takayama - Japanese Alps
Day 13: Tokyo
Day 14: Tokyo - Departure to UK
15 Nights
Day 1: UK - Japan (overnight flight)
Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo
Day 6: Hakone - Mount Fuji
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto
Day 11: Kanazawa
Day 12: Kanazawa
Day 13: Takayama
Day 14: Takayama
Day 15: Tokyo
Day 16: Tokyo
Day 17: Tokyo - Departure to UK
Your Itinerary —
Day 1-4: Arrival - Tokyo
Day 1: UK - Tokyo
Flight to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airport).
Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo at Narita or Haneda airport. Transfer to your hotel by yourself using the Limousine Bus (included). A limousine bus is a shared shuttle going from airports to bus stops in Tokyo. The limousine bus stops are located either in front of your hotel or less than 15 minutes walk away. You will also have the option to be welcomed by one of our guides, who can help you transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo.
Day 3 - 4: Tokyo
Enjoy free time to explore Tokyo. You can also enjoy a guided day in Tokyo (see options).
Our suggestions include:
● Asakusa district and Senso-ji temple
● The Tokyo Skytree, 634 metres high, and Tokyo Tower, the symbol of the city
● Ueno Park with its many museums
● Shibuya and Shinjuku districts
● The Imperial Palace Garden
● Meiji-jingu Shrine
Day trips from Tokyo:
● Nikko, with its temples and shrines in the heart of the forest. Trains to Nikko are covered by the JR Pass (2 hours)
● Kamakura and the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). The train to Kamakura is covered by the JR Pass (1 hour)
Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo.
Day 5-8: Tokyo - Hakone - Mount Fuji - Kyoto
Day 5: Tokyo - Hakone - Mount Fuji
Transfer to Tokyo Station by subway (not included). Enjoy a train journey from Tokyo to Odawara by Shinkansen (fast train) (45 minutes), from where you can reach Hakone - Mount Fuji (extra 15 minutes, not covered by JR Pass: 2.50 EUR). Here, you'll enjoy free time and a night in a traditional ryokan.
Our suggestions include:
● Gora-koen Park
● Chokoku-no-mori open-air museum
● Hakone & Narukawa museum of fine arts
● Hakone-jinja sanctuary
● Mount Fuji from Ashi-no-ko lake, with lovely sidewalks
Overnight at hotel in Hakone.
Day 6, 7, 8: Kyoto
Enjoy a Japanese breakfast in your ryokan in Hakone. Transfer to Hakone station (not included, 5 minutes by taxi) and enjoy a train to Odawara (15 minutes, not covered by JR Pass: 2.50 EUR), before journeying to Kyoto by Shinkansen, approximately 2h30, included in JR pass. Here, you will enjoy free days for you to explore Kyoto, along with an evening tour in Kyoto's Geishas district (around 1h30). Enjoy walking with a guide in this amazing historical area at night (from 7 pm to 8:30 pm). You can also enjoy a guided day in Kyoto (see options).
Our suggestions include:
● Ryoanji Temple, a famous rock garden.
● Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
● The Gion district and the Philosopher’s Path
● The Kiyomizu-dera
● Nishiki Market, where you can find typical food from Kyoto
● Nijo Castle and its nightingale floors
● Arashiyama’s bamboo groves
Day trip suggestions from Kyoto:
● Nara. The trip covered by the Japan Rail Pass (30 to 45 minutes), with Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrine and its thousands of vermilion torii gates on your way back from Nara. The trip covered by the Japan Rail Pass (5 minutes).
● Hiroshima & Miyajima (1h45 from Kyoto, included in your Japan Rail Pass).
Overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.
Day 9-11: Kanazawa - Tokyo - Departure
Day 9: Kanazawa
Transfer to Kyoto station (not included) and take a direct train to Kanazawa included with the JR Pass (2 hours and a half). Here, enjoy a free day for you to explore Kanazawa.
Our suggestions include:
● Kenrokuen, one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens".
● Kanazawa Castle.
● The Seisonkaku Villa, built in 1863.
● The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
● Higashi-Chaya district and Nagamachi district.
Overnight at the hotel in Kanazawa.
Day 10: Kanazawa - Tokyo
After breakfast in your hotel in Kanazawa, enjoy a transfer to Kanazawa station. Journey to Tokyo by Shinkansen, approximately 3h, included in JR pass.
Overnight at the hotel in Tokyo.
Day 11: Tokyo - UK Departure
Transfer to Tokyo Airport (Narita or Haneda) by shuttle, which is included in your offer. Enjoy your flight home.
Day 12 or 13: Takayama - Japanese Alps (for the 12 and 15-night tours)
Our suggestions in Takayama:
Your Tour Hotels —
Maximum room capacity
For this trip to Japan, you will have the choice between 3* hotels or 4* hotels in a Standard Room.
3* Hotels:
Tokyo: B Akasaka Mitsuke Hotel 3* or Similar
Hakone: Ryokan Ichinoyu Shinkan Hotel 3* or Similar
Please note: You will sleep on comfortable futons placed on the tatami mat. As is customary in a ryokan in Japan, the "onsen" bathroom is shared (not mixed) as well as the toilets unless you take the "traditional baths in the room" option.
Kyoto: Hotel Intergate Kyoto 3* or Similar
Kanazawa: MyStays Kanazawa Castle Hotel 3* or Similar
Takayama (not valid with 9-night tour): Country Hotel Takayama 3* or Similar
4* Hotels:
Tokyo: Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi 4* or Similar
Hakone: Art & Music Spa Resort Manatei 4* or Similar
Please note: You will sleep either on comfortable futons or on western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathroom and toilets are private in 4* ryokans.
Kyoto: Monterey Hotel 4* or Similar
Kanazawa: Nikko Kanazawa Hotel 4* or Similar
Takayama (not valid with 9-night tour): Hotel Wat & Spa Hida Takayama 4* or Similar
Your Board Basis
Throughout the tour, you will enjoy a meal plan according to the program.
- Half Board (dinner, breakfast) included in Hakone-Mount Fuji Ryokan.
- Breakfast is included in Kanazawa and Takayama hotel.
- Other breakfasts are not included in your package but can be booked at the hotel reception when check-in.
- Breakfasts are included throughout.
Enjoy a traditional dinner in a Ryokan during your stay in Hakone.
Your Included Excursions —
Night walk in the Geishas district (1h30)
Enjoy this excursion designed for those with a curiosity for the culture and tradition that characterises Kyoto.
This district is located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo, a famous art and entertainment dstrict where our members can see real-life Japanese geishas.
The itinerary will mix culture, art, history and fashion for an unforgettable journey!
Your Optional Excursions —
Kyoto - Private Guided Getaway (Day)
Enjoy a guided day with one of the locals! Example of visits: Explore Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Then, it's onto Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and the Gion district. Meals, transportation and site entrance charges for you and the guide are not included in the price (Guide meals, guide transportation and guide site entrance fees: roughly 25€/activity). All the guides are bilingual English speakers. French, Spanish or Italian depending on availability.
Tokyo - Private Guided Getaway (Day)
Enjoy a guided day with one of the locals! Example of visits: Visit Meiji-jing shrine in the centre of Tokyo and Harajuku. Then explore Shinjuku, its garden and the Government Building for a breathtaking view. Meals, transportation and site entrance charges for you and the guide are not included in the price (Guide meals, guide transportation and guide site entrance fees: roughly 25€/activity). All our guides are bilingual English speakers.
Kyoto - Tea Ceremony
Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in an authentic district of Kyoto. Taste the delicious matcha tea and understand the complexity of its service in one of the best tea houses of the city.
Hiroshima & Miyajima Island getaways (Day trip from Kyoto)
Enjoy a day trip from Kyoto to discover these 2 historical and spiritual touristic sites. Example of a visit: Departure without a guide with Shinkansen at 8 am from Kyoto, to arrive at 9:50 am in Hiroshima (direct train, free thanks to the Japan Rail Pass included in your offers). Your guide will meet you at 10:00 am at Hiroshima station to explore the Peace Museum, A-bomb park and to set off for the sacred island of Miyajima (30 minutes from Hiroshima by train + small boat). After travelling on the island, the guide will drop you off at the station between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Kanazawa Guided half-day tour
Enjoy a guided half-day with one of the locals.
Example of a visit: Explore Omicho fish market, samouraï district, Kanazawa castle, picturesque garden Kenrokuen and stop in front of Contemporary Art 21st century museum Transportation and site entrance charges for yourself are not included in the price. Lunch is not part of the program for half-days. All our guides are bilingual English speakers
Your Included Services —
1 Japan Rail Pass
Enjoy a Japan Rail Pass for travel throughout your tour! Details of journeys are covered by the pass will be on your voucher.
1 Mini Travel Guide
Enjoy the use of 1 mini travel guide during your stay!
24-hour telephone assistance
For your comfort and ease you will receive 24-hour telephone assistance during your stay.
Your Optional Services —
Pre-paid transportation card, already charged with ¥1,500
This card is a prepaid top-up card that allows you to use most public transport (metro, trains and buses) in Japan. This card can be used in several of Japan's major cities. The Card is already topped up with 1500 yen ready for use (on top of a 500 yen deposit).
● A prepaid card with 1500 yen ready for use
● Can be used on public transport in Tokyo and all other major Japanese cities
● Can be easily topped up on the machines at train stations
● Can be used as an electronic wallet
Tokyo - Private Guided Getaway (Day)
Enjoy a guided day with one of the locals! Example of visits: Visit Meiji-jing shrine in the centre of Tokyo and Harajuku. Then explore Shinjuku, its garden and the Government Building for a breathtaking view. Meals, transportation and site entrance charges for you and the guide are not included in the price (Guide meals, guide transportation and guide site entrance fees: roughly 25€/activity). All our guides are bilingual English speakers.
Hakone Mont Fuji - Private Onsen (Traditional Japanese Bath) in your room
Like all traditional accommodation in Japan, the ryokan offered at Hakone Mont Fuji has single-gender Japanese collective baths (onsen) used also as bathrooms (no bathroom nor toilets in the room for 3* ryokans). By adding this option, you will enjoy a traditional bath, bathroom and toilets in your room. Recommended for mixed couples, families, modest people or people with clearly visible tattoos.
Your Journey —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy or Premium class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers:
Return transfers are included for flight-inclusive offers. For inbound transfer arrangements please confirm with your transfer provider when you arrive. Alternatively, please check with the reception of your accommodation. If you still require assistance, please call the transfer provider directly.
Transfers: Transfers are included throughout this offer as per itinerary. Transfer between Tokyo Airport (Narita or Haneda) and Tokyo central by Limousine Bus included.The shared limousine bus shuttle is a shared shuttle that leaves the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop located between 1 to 15 minutes walk from your hotel. Detailed explanations in your travelogue with pictures of how to find the Limousine Bus, easily recognizable at Tokyo Airport and of the possible short walking distance. This transfer is not a private transfer with reception. If you wish to be met personally at the airport you can choose the "Airport Welcome" option. In rare cases, depending on the arrival time of your flight, it may be possible that in case of unavailability of the limousine bus, a public transport trip, the price of which is included in the offer, will be offered. Detailed explanations of the itinerary with pictures in your travelogue. Please note: In case of extension before and/or after the tour, booked on your side, we will not be able to provide you the airport transfer. The Japan Rail Pass is a special train pass for foreign tourists visiting Japan. It includes the use of all trains operated by Japan Railways, more than 20,000km of railways throughout Japan including the Shinkansen Bullet Trains (except for certain high-speed “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” trains). This allows you to access the vast majority of tourist attractions from the North to the South of Japan, on the 4 main islands for days your pass is valid. What you receive is an official voucher that you will have to exchange it at a JR office (which can be found at major airports and JR stations), once you have arrived in Japan, you will need your passport to exchange the voucher. At the time of the exchange, you will have to provide a date for when you want your JR Pass to be activated. This date must be within 30 days after the exchange. With your JR Pass you can go anywhere you want on the Japan Railways railroad network. With the JR Pass, booking is not an obligation and any non-reserved (and available) seat can be occupied upon presentation of your Japan Rail Pass. You can also reserve a seat without additional charges by going to a travel service centre or JR ticket office (“Midori no madoguchi”) before taking the train. Simply show your Japan Rail Pass and you can get a seat ticket. 9-night tour: Japan Rail Pass 7 days 12-night tour: Japan Rail Pass 7 days & Hakone Free Pass 15-night trip: Japan Rail Pass 14 days All tours: Other JR train you would like to use during the validity of the pass (for example: some day trip outside Tokyo or Kyoto, like Hiroshima (1h45 from Kyoto). The Japan Rail Pass does not cover (so are not included in the offer): Subway and buses in Tokyo and Kyoto (you can pay by prepaid transportation card, optional), Private lines (that are not JR), Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen. Starting May 2020, large luggage needs pre-booking (free of charge, at the station) to be carried in all Japanese Shinkansen trains. If such pre-booking is not done, you will need to pay 1000¥ (8€) per luggage. However there will be low availability. Hotel to Hotel luggage delivery also exist (to be booked with hotel receptions). Details in your travelogue.
- Train journey from Tokyo to Odawara by Shinkansen (fast train) (45min), from where you can reach Hakone - Mount Fuji (15 minutes). Included, as well as other transportation inside Hakone.
- Train journey between Odawara/Hakone and Kyoto by Shinkansen, approximately 2h30.
- Train journey from Kyoto to Kanazawa by express train, approximately 2h30.
- Train journey from Kanazawa to Tokyo by express train, approximately 2h30.
- Train journey from Tokyo to Odawara by Shinkansen (fast train) (45min), from where you can reach Hakone - Mount Fuji (15 minutes). Included, as well as other transportation inside Hakone.
- Train journey between Odawara/Hakone and Kyoto by Shinkansen, approximately 2h30.
- Train journey from Kyoto to Kanazawa by express train, approximately 2h30.
- Train journey from Kanazawa to Takayama by Shinkansen, approximately 2h30.
- Train journey from Takayama to Tokyo by express train, approximately 4h30.
- Train journey from Tokyo to Odawara by Shinkansen (fast train) (45min), from where you can reach Hakone - Mount Fuji (extra 15 minutes, not covered by JR Pass: 2,5€)
- Train journey between Odawara/Hakone and Kyoto by Shinkansen, approximately 2h30.
- Train journey from Kyoto to Kanazawa by express train, approximately 2h30.
- Train journey from Kanazawa to Takayama by Shinkansen, approximately 2h30.
- Train journey from Takayama to Tokyo by express train, approximately 4h30.
Your Destinations —
Tokyo
One of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its modernity, neon-lit landscape and towering skyscrapers, it is also home to sprawling parkland, peaceful shrines and temples and lovingly tended gardens.
Despite its love affair with manga pop culture, fashion, high-tech trends and conspicuous consumption, below the surface is a city that has its roots in ancient heritage. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples stand close to skyscrapers as a reminder of a more contemplative time and at the heart of the hyperactive centre lies the serene Imperial Palace, the home of the ruling emperor that provides a tangible link to the city’s historical past.
Behind the shopping, entertainment and commercial emporia can be found quaint wooden houses, private gardens with meticulously clipped bonsai trees and the Zen-like calm of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Discover the fascinating and exquisite culture of Japan where the ancient and modern worlds collide. The city’s reputation as a mega-expensive metropolis is ill-conceived and visitors can take advantage of inexpensive izakaya bars and neighbourhood cafes that serve delicious noodles and rice dishes.
Kyoto
If you're looking for old Japan, Kyoto is a must: tranquil gardens, sublime temples and colourful shrines can be found in abundance. While the rest of Japan has embraced modernity, Kyoto still keeps traditions alive.
Take a stroll through the Nishijin district and spy some of the older residents emerging from the machiya (traditional townhouses) to ladle water onto their porch. If you go by an old shōtengai (shopping street) you can admire the ancient speciality shops: tofu sellers, fishmongers, pickle vendors and tea merchants.
Kanazawa
Touched with the grand allure of its past, Kanazawa prides itself on being a historical jewel of Japan. It is best known for being home to one of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens - Kenrokuen - a castle garden originating from the 17th century.
It's easy to discover this nostalgic city in a few days, admiring its celebrated penchant for the traditional arts, including hand-painted silks and lacquerware, ceramics and delicate gold leaf work. Spot a geisha at work, discover authentic tea houses and inns, and wade your way through the market.