We Love —
- Enjoy different side to Japan through this incredible three or four-star journey: exciting Tokyo, traditional Kyoto, the beautiful landscapes of the countryside around Kanazawa and the picturesque mountains.
- Stay in traditional accommodation close to Mount Fuji to experience Japan as locals and enjoy this amazing culture!
- You'll discover the contrast of culture and architecture on your adventure and it is simply breathtaking to behold!
Your Destinations —
Tokyo
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.
Hakone
Kyoto
If you go by an old shōtengai (shopping street) you can admire the ancient speciality shops: tofu sellers, fishmongers, pickle vendors and tea merchants.
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.
Takayama
Our Offers —
Discover the 'Land of the Rising Sun' with this journey, full of natural and cultural wonders. More than just the must-see attractions, discover another side of Japan with authentic experiences. Wander around the modern streets of Tokyo, a the bustling metropolis, then relax in the hot springs of Hakone, on the edge of Mount Fuji. Here you will get to discover Japanese gastronomy with a traditional dinner included. Admire the temples of the former imperial capitals Kyoto and Nara, followed by Kanazawa, off the beaten tracks between Japanese Alps and Japan Sea.
Your Itinerary In Brief —
7 nights / 10 days
Day 1: UK - Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Hakone - Mount Fuji
Day 5: Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kanazawa - Japan Sea
Day 8: Tokyo
Day 9: Tokyo - Depart
10 nights / 12 days
Day 1: UK - Tokyo
Day 2: 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: Kanazawa - Japan Sea
Day 11: Tokyo
Day 12: Tokyo - UK
12 nights / 14 days
Day 1: UK - Tokyo
Day 2: 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: Japanese Countryside
Day 11: Kanazawa
Day 12: Kanazawa
Day 13 Tokyo
Day 14: Tokyo - UK
15 nights / 17 days
Day 1: UK - Tokyo
Day 2: 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: Japanese countryside
Day 12: Kanazawa
Day 13: Kanazawa
Day 14: Takayama - Japanese Alps
Day 15: Takayama - Japanese Alps
Day 16: Tokyo
Day 17: Tokyo -UK
Your Itinerary —
Our members will have the choice of itinerary's during their stay in Japan, all of which are detailed below.
Your 7-night Itinerary
Make your way to Tokyo.
Day 2-3: Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and get a shared shuttle to your hotel, where you can check-in. Enjoy your free time in Tokyo!
Our Suggestions:
Start your trip by visiting the famous and peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine, and walk through the Takeshita Dori, stopping by few incredible shops while strolling down this famous street. Then, take a walk along the Omotesandō avenue to admire the architecture, or go shopping in the Shibuya district to discover the crazy and fashionable Tokyo!
Enjoy the traditional districts of the city, such as Asakusa and Ueno where you will travel back in time while visiting the Sensō-ji temple and the Sumida park. Go for some sightseeing in Yanaka, also known as the "old Tokyo". Don’t miss playing video games in Akihabara; go find the mangas (comic characters) of your childhood, and delve into the universe of Cosplay!
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)
Transfer to Tokyo Station by subway (not included). Journey from Tokyo to Odawara by Shinkansen (fast train) to Hakone - Mount Fuji and when here, get to explore some of our many suggestions including the Gora-koen Park, Chokoku-no-mori open-air museum, Hakone & Narukawa museum of fine arts, the Hakone-jinja sanctuary and of course, Mount Fuji!
Members will also get a traditional dinner in their ryokan.
Depart by train to Kyoto and enjoy the next few days exploring the top sights.
Kyoto combines the past with the present, and the present with the future. The former imperial capital is a superlative place, and its name remains linked to perfection. Millennium, artistic, spiritual and gourmet: visiting Kyoto is an opportunity to discover the cradle of the Japanese soul in all its aspects. The essential stopover of a stay in Japan.
Our Suggestions:This charming city is sure to seduce you thanks to its well-kept traditions. This former imperial capital of Japan has kept its prestige and few cultural treasures that will make your trip incredible. Start with a zen walk in the bamboo field of Arashiyama, and visit the Tenryu-ji temple. Go on with plenty of sightseeing in the centre, especially in the Gion district where you can find the wonderful Geishas. You can stop by Nishiki market, famous for its impressive size, and the diverse type of food that you can find there.
Do not leave Kyoto if you haven’t seen the fabulous Fushimi Inari-taisha shinto shrine and its thousands of red toriis in the middle of the forest. You can go ahead with a tour in the south of Higashiyama to discover the Kiyomizu-dera temple, the Maruyama koen park, or the Chion-in temple. The Nanzen-ji temple also worth a visit. Be sure to also visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji temple and the rock garden of Ryoan-ji.
Day trip suggestions from Kyoto:
- Nara. Trip covered by the Japan Rail Pass (30 to 45 minutes) , with Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrineand its thousands of vermilion torii gates on your way back from Nara. Trip covered by the JapanRail Pass (5 minutes)
- Hiroshima & Miyajima (1h45 from Kyoto, included in your Japan Rail Pass)
Transfer to Kyoto station (not included). Direct express train to Kanazawa included with the JR Pass (2 hours and a half). Free day for you to explore Kanazawa, picturesque traditional city on Japan Sea, close to Japanese Alps.
Our Suggestions:
- Kenrokuen, one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens".
- Kanazawa Castle.
- The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, one of the most famous in Japan
- The Seisonkaku Villa, built in 1863.
- Geisha and Samourai districts.
- Famous large fish market, everyday in the city.
Go back to Tokyo with Shinkansen (2h30, included with JR Pass).
Day 8: Tokyo
Last night in Tokyo.
Day 9: Tokyo - Depart
Travel to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Your 10-Night Itinerary
For the exact programme, please refer to the 'Itinerary In Brief' above.
Very similar to the 7-night itinerary with 2 more nights in Tokyo and 1 more night in Kyoto - see 'Itinerary In Brief'.
Your 12-Night Itinerary
For the exact programme, please refer to the 'Itinerary In Brief' above.
Very similar to the 7-night itinerary with 2 more nights in Tokyo, 1 more night in Kyoto and 2 more nights in Kanazawa - see 'Itinerary In Brief'.
Day 10: Kanazawa - Japanese countryside guided day
Express train direct journey from Kyoto to Ayabe (approx 1 hour, covered by your Japan Rail Pass). At Ayabe station, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking hosts. These hosts are part of a renowned association that brings together inhabitants of several villages that have been welcoming tourists, both national and foreign, for several years now.
You will stay in the the countryside, far from the tourist crowds and the bustle of the cities. Discover another Japan, more authentic and warm, and enjoy an exceptional immersion. Hills, fields, bamboos and rice fields: you will be charmed by the most beautiful landscapes of the Japanese countryside!Dinner in your farmstay. Taste the local products!Next morning, breakfast and activities with your hosts.Note: The activity will depend on your travelling season. You may meet other farmers, assist and help with the rice and vegetable harvest, etc.Your hosts can also propose other activities according to your wishes, but with an extra cost (tea ceremony, cooking classes...). In the afternoon, take the train to Kanazawa.
Your 15-Night Itinerary
For the exact programme, please refer to the 'Itinerary In Brief' above.
Very similar to the 12-night itinerary, except you will have an additional night in Kyoto, 1 less night in Kanazawa, but two additional nights in Takayama - Japanese Alps.
Days 14-15: Takayama - Japanese Alps
Transfer to Takayama with Shinakansen and express train (included with the JR Pass (2h30)). You can also reach Takayama by bus from Kanazawa via Shirakawa-go typical village, however bus price (around 30€) is not included. Details of the trip in your travel logue.
Takayama is famous for being an area most skilled in woodwork. Though this small town is surrounded by mountains, it did not stop it from spreading its reputation. During the Edo Period Takayama was controlled by the shogun, whom of which managed to generate fortune for the city. Currently in the heart of Takayama is a preserved merchant street that continues to sell its beautiful crafts. Inside this small village is a blossoming culture and gorgeous views to see. It will definitely surprise and charm you once you visit.
Our Suggestions in Takayama:
- The Sanmachi-suji district
- The Kokubun-ji temple
- The houses of Yoshijima and Kusakabe
- The Hall dedicated to the Takayama Matsuri, a festival held twice a year in spring in autumn.
Day 15: Tokyo
One more evening in Tokyo.
Day 16: Tokyo - UK
Return home.
Your Tour Hotels —
Our members will stay at the following 3* or 4* category hotels in a Standard Room (or similar).
On the 3* option, our members will enjoy Breakfast included in Kanazawa and Takayama, and Half Board (dinner, breakfast) included in Hakone-Mount Fuji at the traditional ryokan. Other meals are not included.
On the 4* option, our members will enjoy Breakfast throughout their stay, and Half Board (dinner, breakfast) included in Hakone-Mount Fuji at the traditional ryokan.
3* Category Hotels

Hakone: Ryokan Ichinoyu Shinkan Hotel (or similar)
Kyoto: Intergate Kyoto Hotel (or similar)
Kanazawa: MyStays Kanazawa Castle (or similar)
Takayama - Japanese Alps: Country Hotel Takayama (or similar)
Japanese countryside: Furumaya farmstay (or similar)
4* Category Hotels

Hakone: Art & Music Spa Resort Manatei (or similar)
Kyoto: Monterey Hotel (or similar)
Kanazawa: Nikko Kanazawa Hotel (or similar)
Takayama: Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama (or similar)
Japanese countryside: Furumaya farmstay (or similar)





Please note: the bed for the 3rd guest sharing is likely to be a sofa bed or camp style bed. If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Your Optional Excursions —
Our members can choose to add the following excursions at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee - subject to availability.
Pocket WiFi for the duration of your stay

Pre-paid transportation card, already charged with ¥1,500

Advantages:
● 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 - Airport Welcome (same price package for 1-5 people, only valid for arrival between 10 am and 6 pm)

Tokyo - Guided Day Tour

Hakone - Mont Fuji - Private Onsen in your room (traditional Japanese bath)

Tokyo - 1 Day Pass to Disneyland or DisneySea

Kyoto - Guided Day Tour

Visit of a sake brewery and sake tasting in Kyoto (3 hours)

Kyoto - Geishas District Evening Tour

Kyoto - Tea Ceremony (45 minutes)

Your Journey in Japan —
Flights: You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business 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 shared limousine bus shuttle transfers are included for travelling to and from the airport.
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.
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.
Japan Rail Pass: A Japan Rail Pass is included in your journey as follows:
- 7 and 10 night-tour: Japan Rail Pass 7 days
- 12 night-tour: Japan Rail Pass 7 days + Hakone Free Pass (Free transportation within Hakone)
- 15 night-tour: Japan Rail Pass 14 days