Jan
min : 1°C
max : 10°C
We Love —
- Experiencing refined Japanese culture, which is full of captivating stories and ancient myths.
- Seeing the modern, futuristic side of the country in cities like Tokyo, before admiring the spectacular scenery of the Japanese Alps.
- Enjoying included travel on the excellent Japanese Shinkansen 'bullet train' between Tokyo to Kanazawa, Hiroshima & Miyajima.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day journey through Japan’s Golden Route. Wander Tokyo’s Imperial Palace Gardens, explore Senso-ji Temple, and savour fresh seafood at Tsukiji Fish Market. Take in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, visit Nikko’s sacred Toshogu Shrine, and stroll the tranquil villages of Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa. In Kyoto, lose yourself in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit the Golden Pavilion, and meet Nara Park’s friendly deer. Experience the history of Hiroshima and Miyajima, then conclude in vibrant Osaka with its majestic castle and hidden treasures.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Days 2-4: Tokyo
Day 5: Mount Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Day 6: Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Waterfall & Lake Chuzenji
Day 7: Tokyo - Kanazawa
Day 8: Shirakawa-go & Takayama
Day 9: Kanazawa - Kyoto
Day 10: Kyoto & Nara
Days 11: Kyoto - Osaka
Day 12: Hiroshima & Miyajima
Day 13: Osaka
Day 14: Departure
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Experience authenticity... If you crave far-flung destinations, untouched beauty, and soul-enriching cultural immersion, this exceptional expedition promises a truly authentic experience. In certain regions, accommodation is refreshingly no-frills, offering you the opportunity to embrace the culture of each destination. Our unwavering dedication to excellence means that each location has been meticulously selected, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Your itinerary in detail —
DAYS 1-4: TOKYO
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Welcome to Tokyo– Japan's bustling capital, known for its dynamic blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. It's a global metropolis, famous for its towering skyscrapers, vibrant districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, and historic landmarks such as the Meiji Shrine. The city is also a hub for technology, fashion, and cuisine, offering everything from cutting-edge electronics to world-renowned sushi. Tokyo's distinct seasonal changes, including cherry blossoms in spring and colorful autumn leaves, make it an exciting destination all year round.
- Transfer from Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo
- Settle into your hotel and begin to discover this dynamic city of contrasts...
- Overnight hotel stay
DAY 2: TOKYO
- Set off to see the all the must-see sights on your walking tour
- Visit Tokyo Tower (entrance to the Main Deck included) and (conditions permitting), enjoy a Tokyo Bay Cruise
- You may wish to visit the Meiji Shrine and the Hamarikyu Garden, to savour an authentic Uji Matcha experience...
- Overnight hotel stay
DAY 3: TOKYO
- Visit the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market
- This revered, labyrinthine 80-year-old market sells fish, shellfish, sake and more
- Enjoy a food tour, including 2-3 food tastings and a deliciously fresh seafood lunch (included)
- Overnight hotel stay
DAY 4: TOKYO
- Enjoy a day at leisure to set off and see more of this fascinating city, brimming over with justapositions
- Overnight hotel stay
While in Tokyo, the following places are well worth a visit:
- The Asakusa district and the Senso-ji temple
- The 634-metre-high Tokyo Skytree and the Tokyo Tower
- Ueno Park and its many museums
- The gardens of the Imperial Palace
- The chic Ginza and Harajuku disricts
DAYS 5-9: MOUNT FUJI - KANAZAWA - SHIRAKAWA-GO - TAKAYAMA
DAY 5: MOUNT FUJI & LAKE KAWAGUCHI
- Set off in the direction of the iconic Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak
- On crisp, cloudless days, you can enjoy drinking in the marvellous landscapes below, or, in the event of inclement weather, you may even witness the enchanting spectacle of a sea of clouds
- Enjoy a tour of Lake Kawaguchi, an area of exceptional natural beauty at the foot of the famous mount, before returning to bustling Tokyo
- Overnight hotel stay
DAY 6: NIKKO TOSHOGU SHRINE, KEGON WATERFALL & LAKE CHUZENJI
- Today set off to visit the UNESCO-listed Nikko Toshogu Shrine & & Hot Springs, where you can admire many beautiful carvings, including the famous Three Wise Monkeys, the Sleeping Cat and the Imagined Elephants
- From there, head to the picturesque Kegon Waterfall, which has been deemed one of Japan's three most beautiful falls
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DAYS 10-14: KYOTO - NIKKO - OSAKA - HIROSHIMA - MIYAJIMA
DAY 10: KYOTO & NARA
- Head out early and enjoy a day tour of Nara
- This small city was, in ancient times, the capital of Japan and offers both modern and traditional elements. If time permits, stop and watch the beautiful deer that graze freely in Nara Park, meander through Naramachi, the Edo-era district of Nara, or visit Tōdaiji, also known as 'Japan's Great Eastern Temple'
- Overnight hotel stay
DAY 11: KYOTO - OSAKA
- Transfer by train from Kyoto to Osaka
- Enjoy a captivating food tour in what's considered to be the gourmet capital of Japan to thoroughly immerse yourself in the country's culture, through its cuisine. Foodies are sure to want to seek out the historic Kuromon food market and nearby kitchenware district
- Overnight hotel stay
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Essential Information about your tour
Please note the following important information about the order of your itinerary:
- Each day of your tour will be led by a local guide, ensuring an authentic, passion-filled experience.
- You'll be divided into different groups according to the excursion.
- Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 people for walking tours / food experiences, and a maximum of 40 people for excursions outside city centres.
- The order of the itinerary is subject to change, to enable your guide to optimize your stay and provide you with the very best experience possible.
- In particular, for the Tokyo Tour, please note that: Some tour activities can vary based on the day of the week, as follows:
- If taking the Tokyo Tour on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you'll visit the Meiji Shrine and see the Hamarikyu Gardens.
- It it's Monday, Wednesday, or Friday - you'll enjoy an authentic Uji Matcha experience and cruise along Tokyo Bay (subject to weather conditions).
- Shirakawa-go: As stated above, this visit and surrounding activities may vary based on the day of the week.
- Regarding your hotels in Japan: During the booking process, you can choose to stay in Standard or Superior hotels during your stay. All have been carefully hand-picked to ensure a comfortable and authentic experience.
- Regarding your transfers: For extra comfort, you can opt to upgrade to a private airport transfer (including hotel drop off / pickup), for an extra charge.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in 3* or 4* hotels, depending on the offer chosen. 3* hotels offer a great opportunity for a restful stay, but if you're looking for a bit more space and added comfort, opt for 4* hotels that will provide the perfect upgrade to make your stay exceptional.
3* accommodation:
- Tokyo: Hotel Villa Fontaine (or similar)
- Kanazawa: Hotel Integrate (or similar)
- Kyoto: Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto (or similar)
- Osaka: Hotel Cordia Osaka Hommachi (or similar)
4* accommodation:
- Tokyo: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-Gai (or similar)
- Kanazawa: The Square Hotel Kanazawa (or similar)
- Kyoto: Park Hotel Kyoto (or similar)
- Osaka: The B Namba-Kuromon (or similar)
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Please note:
Hotels do not usually have double beds, they normally use 2 single beds in a twin room
The maximum capacity in a room is: 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child. There is the possibility to stay in a single room.
Your dining choices
This is an accommodation only stay. You can enjoy included food tastings throughout your tour, including lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market, tastings during your visit to the market, and another lunch in Shirakawa-go and Tokyo, as well as additional tastings in Osaka.
Included extras —
eSIM with 1GB internet
Enjoy easy access to the internet with a handy 1GB eSIM, bookable at the next stage of the booking process. Install your eSIM before departure in just a few taps.
Note: please check that your phone is eSIM-compatible before departure.
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Your journey to Japan —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
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 destination —
Japan
Japan, a land where time-honoured traditions converge with modern marvels, offers a compelling blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, each moment in Japan feels like an exploration of history and innovation. Whether wandering through ancient shrines or hiking the serene trails of Mount Fuji, this country will captivate every type of traveller.
Must-sees:
- Explore the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.
- Discover the timeless beauty of the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto, reflecting its golden splendour on the surrounding pond.
- Experience the serene atmosphere of Nara Park, where wild deer roam freely beside historic temples.
Culinary culture:
Japan's culinary culture is a feast for the senses, offering an unparalleled array of flavours and textures. Beyond sushi and sashimi, indulge in kaiseki (traditional multi-course dining), savour the delicate richness of ramen from regional varieties, and relish the delicate art of tempura. Japan's culinary creativity extends to street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), offering an insight into local life. Be sure to taste matcha in all its forms, from tea ceremonies to modern desserts.
Dive deeper:
For those seeking to uncover Japan's lesser-known cultural gems, explore the peaceful Oniishi Muddy Hell in Beppu or visit the sacred Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO site brimming with unspoiled nature. Wander through the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka for a magical journey into Japan’s celebrated animation culture, or spend time in Kanazawa, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design.
Good to know:
Japan’s currency is the yen (¥). For those visiting in spring (March to May), the cherry blossoms are a must-see, while autumn (September to November) offers spectacular foliage. Public transport is efficient and reliable, with the Shinkansen (bullet train) being a convenient option for travel between cities.
