We Love —
- From the Osaka to the metropolis of Tokyo and lots in between, our members will set out to discover the cultural lures of Japan!
- Discover the picturesque gardens of Kanazawa to the ancient temples of Kyoto or the mountainous region of Nagano - the contrast of this country is simply breathtaking to behold.
- Our members will be immersed in unique culture and will unearth modern cities and ancient marvels alike, whilst staying at either 3* or 4* hotels... the choice is yours!
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Destinations —
Osaka
As you set out to explore this exquisite region, don't forget to make a stop in an izakaya. These are traditional Japanese boozers which also tend to house restaurants! Here, members can enjoy sampling local specialities including okonomiyaki, which is a savory cabbage pancake or some takoyaki - small octopus dough balls and totally delicious!
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.
Kanazawa
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.
Nagano
Nagano is also known for its stunning natural parks including Jigokudani Park - where our members can set out to watch the famous macaque monkeys, as they bathe in the hot springs!
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.
Your Itineraries in Brief —
9 Nights
Day 1: Arrive in Osaka
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto - Kanazawa
Day 5: Kanazawa - Nagano
Day 6: Nagano
Day 7: Nagano - Tokyo
Day 8: Tokyo
Day 9: Tokyo
Day 10: Depart
11 Nights
Day 1: Arrive in Osaka
Day 2: Osaka - Kyoto
Day 3: Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto - Kanazawa
Day 5: Kanazawa - Nagano
Day 6: Nagano
Day 7: Nagano - Tokyo
Day 8: Tokyo
Day 9: Tokyo
Day 10: Tokyo
Day 11: Tokyo
Day 12: Depart
Your Tour Itinerary —
Upon arrival into Osaka airport, you will make your own way to your first hotel. Once checked in, you can enjoy free time in the city.
Our Suggestions:
Neighboring Kyoto, Osaka is still the third largest city in Japan and deserves a stop for visiting some of its must-sees. Take time to visit Osaka Castle, one of the most important in the country, which has survived many conflicts and eras. If you feel like it, continue with the discovery of the Osaka History Museum. Stroll through the Umeda and Namba neighborhoods to shop or sample the local cuisine that is famous throughout the country, or wander the streets of the vibrant Dotombori area at night.
Overnight in Osaka Hotel.
Day 2: Osaka to Kyoto (Breakfast)
Following breakfast, take the chance to explore what is Japan's second city then activate your JR Pass to travel to Kyoto. Overnight in Kyoto Hotel.
Day 3: Kyoto (Breakfast)
After breakfast, set out to explore Kyoto. This charming city is sure to seduce you thanks to its well-kept traditions. It is the former imperial capital of Japan and has managed to have kept its prestige.
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.
Overnight in Kyoto Hotel.
After breakfast, make way to Kanazawa and be charmed by the old-fashioned feel of this new city. Day four is about exploring the small characterful streets as well as the castles and the Kenrokuen gardens. These sights create an ambience of another era.
Our Suggestions:
Let yourself be charmed by yesteryear of this city: small and charming streets, castles, Kenrokuen gardens, all of which create an atmosphere of another era. Kanazawa is also famous for its craftsmanship. You time here gives you opportunity to discover silk kimonos, ceramics, or Wajima lacquers. This region and Gokayama have several villages known for their authenticity and the style of their thatched houses, such as Shirakawago. Ogimachi is the best known and also offers arts and crafts museums. Take the day to visit these villages and dive into another era, while admiring the beautiful mountainous landscapes of the Japanese Alps region.
Overnight in Kanazawa hotel.
Day 5: Kanazawa to Nagano (Breakfast)
After breakfast, venture north-east and head in further to the Japanese Alps with a stop in the famous Nagano area (Nagano or IIyama). Overnight in Nagano hotel.
Day 6: Nagano (Breakfast)
Following breakfast, today is yours at leisure to uncover this spectacular region.
Our Suggestions:
Explore the city of Nagano starting with the famed Zenkoji temple. Founded in the 7th century, this temple was pivotal to the building of Nagano city. See several Olympic facilities in the town from when the Winter Olympics where held here in 1998. Visit the legendary home of the Togakure Ninja School within the Togakushi area and discover the Togakushi Shrine. Ninpo Museum is also worth a visit, in addition to the Shinano Art Museum, exhibiting art related to Nagano Prefecture. The main highlight of this area, however, is Yamanouchi - where bubbling hot springs play host to a swathe of wild Japanese Macaques monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Overnight in Nagano hotel.
After breakfast, say goodbye to the alps and head for the bright lights of Tokyo for your remaining days of this tour.
Overnight in Tokyo Hotel.
Days 8 to 9 or 11: Tokyo (Breakfast)
Following breakfast, these free days will be yours at leisure to explore the city and embark on optional excursions!
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!
Overnight in Tokyo Hotel.
Day 10 or 12: Depart (Breakfast)
After breakfast, take your included limousine bus transfer from to Tokyo Airport where you will board your return flight back to the UK.
Your Hotels —
Our members will stay at the following accommodation in Standard Rooms throughout with breakfast included.
3* Hotels Option
Kyoto: 2-night stay at Ibis Styles Sation, Hotel Gimmond or similar
Kanazawa: 1-night stay at Hotel Mysyats Kanazawa Castle, Hote Resol Trinity Kanazawa or similar
Nagano: 2-night stay at Hotel Sunroute Nagano Hiashiguchi, Chisun Grand Nagano or similar
Tokyo: 3 or 5-night stay at Agiora Palace Asakusa, The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku or similar.
4* Hotels Option
Kyoto: 2-night stay at Kyoto Tokyu, New Miyako or similar
Kanazawa: 1-night stay at Hotel Trusty Kanazawa Korinbo, Ana Crowne Plaza Kanazawa or similar
Nagano: 2-night stay at Hotel Metropolitan Nagano, Kokusai 21 International Hotel or similar
Tokyo: 3 or 5-night stay at Shinjuku Granbell, Niwa Hotel Tokyo 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. Important information: In Japan, where everything is smaller than in other country, 3* hotels are often very good quality hotels, but rooms are smaller (12 to 16 m2 for twin rooms). To upgrade your comfort, select the 4* option.
Your Included Excursions —
Unlimited Pocket Wi-Fi
Your Optional Excursions —
Tokyo - In the Morning
Tokyo - Full Day Tour & Tea Ceremony
Tokyo - Visit to the Tsukiji Foreign Market and Learn to Cook Sushi (in English)
Approximate times: 8:40 - 13:00. Departures: Monday, Thursday, Friday: 4 Jan - 28 Feb & 2 May – 27 Dec OR Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 1 Mar – 30 Apr (Except: 14 Jan, 11 Feb, 03 May, 06 May, 15 Jul, 12 Aug, 16 Sep, 23 Sep, 14 Oct, 04 Nov, 23 Dec)
Tokyo - Excursion to Hakone and Mt. Fuji
Kyoto - Visit of Kyoto and Nara
Kyoto - Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sake Tasting (in English - min. 2 people)
Kyoto - Japanese Night (min. 2 people)
Osaka - Full Day Tour (in English - min. 2 people)
Osaka - Visit to Mt. Koya (min. 2 people)
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: This offer includes a limousine bus transfer to Tokyo Airport at the end of your journey.
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.
Train: This offer includes a 7 day Japan Rail Pass. The JR Pass allows you almost unlimited travel on all Japan Rail lines throughout the country. It allows you to travel on the world-famous Bullet Train (Shinkansen).
About the Japan Rail Pass:
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.
You will be able to use:
All lines of Japan Railways Group (JR) including speedtrain HIKARI / KODAMA / SAKURA, express trains, NARITA EXPRESS (Narita Airport Tokyo), JR buses, HARUKA (Osaka Airport Kansai-Shin), Ferry (MyajimaMiyajimaguchi), circular train lines inside Tokyo city, YAMANOTE Line (Tokyo) and Osaka (KANJYOSEN).