We Love —
- Exploring the blend of tradition and modernity in Japan, a country with many facets and a beguiling ancient culture.
- Relaxing in Hakone, the famous spa resort near Mount Fuji, for a Zen interlude during your trip.
- Spending a day at Universal Studios and recapturing the spirit of your childhood with a family visit to the Nintendo or Jurassic Park zones.
Your itinerary in brief —
Explore Japan with your family on a captivating 10 or 13 day adventure through Tokyo, the majestic Mount Fuji, Osaka, Nara and Kyoto.
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by staying in traditional houses in Kyoto and ryokans in Hakone on Mount Fuji.
Discover the charm of the deer park in Nara, a delight for young and old alike. Enjoy the family-friendly space offered by authentic accommodation in Kyoto, imbued with Japanese aesthetics, with tatami mats and sliding doors. To round off this dream trip, enjoy a trip to Universal Studios Osaka and immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo and attractions inspired by famous manga.
An unforgettable trip, combining tradition, beauty and unique family moments.
To discover these sacred lands, we offer 2 lengths of stay:
- 10 nights / 12 days: Tokyo (3 nights), Hakone Mount Fuji (1 night), Osaka (2 nights), Nara (1 night), Kyoto (3 nights)
- 13 nights / 15 days: Tokyo (4 nights), Hakone Mount Fuji (1 night), Osaka (3 nights), Nara (1 night), Kyoto (4 nights)
Your itinerary in detail —
Tokyo (3 or 4 nights depending on the package chosen)
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
- Welcome to Japan's bustling capital, Tokyo.
- You will be met at customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
- Shuttle transfer to your hotel. (Please see the transport section for more details).
- Check-in at the hotel (rooms are available from 3pm).
- More than just a city, Tokyo is a fascinating juxtaposition of diverse districts, skyscrapers, neon signs, temples and traditional shrines.
Not to be missed in Tokyo during your 3 or 4-night stay (depending on the package chosen):
- The Asakusa district and Senso-ji temple
- The Tokyo Skytree, 634 metres high, and the Tokyo Tower, symbols of the city
- Ueno Park and its many museums
- The Shibuya and Shinjuku districts
- Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden in the middle of Tokyo's buildings
- The gardens of the Imperial Palace
- Meiji-jingu Shrine
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district
- Harajuku: the avant-garde district ...and other places detailed in your travel diary
Possible day trips from Tokyo (optional, extra charge:
- The temples and shrines of Nikko, in the heart of the forest. Train journey (approx. 2 hours)
- The city of Kamakura and its bronze Great Buddha. Train journey (approx. 1 hour). Feel free to take part in an optional guided tour of Kamakura, where our guide will pick you up in Tokyo to visit this magnificent place.
Hakone - Monte Fuji
- Before you set off for Hakone, drop off your luggage at the hotel reception. From here it will be forwarded to Osaka (included in your offer, see your travel booklet for more information).
- Bring a small travelling bag or backpack so that you can travel light during your stay in Hakone.
- Departure to Hakone - Mount Fuji by Shinkansen train to Odawara and then by local train (included in your offer).
- Check-in at your ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation).
- Between Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, the Hakone region offers a wide variety of natural landscapes, museums and onsen.
- Visit Hakone and its surroundings at your own pace.
Sights not to be missed in Hakone - Monte Fuji:
- Gora-koen Park
- Chokoku-no-mori Open-Air Museum
- Hakone Museum of Fine Arts
- Hakone-jinja Shrine
- Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi-no-ko
Suggestions for other things to do in Hakone:
- Cross Lake Ashi in an unusual boat
- Take a walk along the old Tokaido road that connected Kyoto to Edo, lined with cedar and pine trees
- Enjoy a traditional dinner and breakfast at your ryokan
Osaka (2 or 3 nights, depending on the package chosen)
- Arrive in Osaka and settle into your hotel.
- Osaka is the capital of the Kansai region, famous for its street food.
- INCLUDED: Tickets for Universal Studios Japan, for an unforgettable experience. Explore the World of Super Nintendo, immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter, or enjoy attractions inspired by famous manga and films.
Not to be missed in Osaka:
- Dôtonbori, considered 'the lively district'
- Amerika-mura, the American village
- Kuromon market, a must for gourmets and the curious
- Osaka Castle and its magnificent park
- Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
- Tenmangu Shrine
Nara
- Before leaving for Nara, drop off your luggage at the hotel reception to be sent to Kyoto. More information about your itinerary is available in your travel guide.
- Bring a small travel bag or rucksack to travel light during your overnight stay in Nara.
- Visit Nara, Japan's first permanent capital in the 8th century, with its temples and magnificent deer.
- Enjoy a night in the heart of this small town, which becomes very quiet when all the day-tripping tourists leave for Kyoto at the end of the day. We recommend getting up early the next morning to enjoying a walk in Nara Park, with no one around, except the delicate deer...
Not to be missed in Nara:
- Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine and its thousands of lanterns
- Todaiji, with its large bronze Buddha and imposing Nan-Daimon gate
- Kofukuji temple and its beautiful pagoda
Kyoto (3 or 4 nights, depending on the package chosen)
- Arrival in Kyoto from Nara with your pre-paid travel card.
- Enjoy a free day to explore Kyoto at leisure.
- Kyoto, the former imperial capital, combines the past with the present, and the present with the future.
- A visit to Kyoto is considered an opportunity to discover the origins of the Japanese soul, and a must on any trip to Japan.
- Transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) from your hotel by shuttle bus (included in your package) - and depart for home full of a panoply of wonderful family memories.
Suggestions for optional things to do in Hakone:
- Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at one of the city's best tea houses. Enjoy a full-day private guided tour of Kyoto with our expert.
- Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) Ryoanji temple, famous for its rock garden
- Gion district and the Philosopher's Way Kiyomizu-dera Nishiki market, where you can find Kyoto culinary specialities Nijo castle and its singing floors Arashiyama bamboo forest
- Recommended day trip from Kyoto: Himeji and the magnificent White Heron Castle
Rates and times are indicative and are subject to change. Some facilities/services are subject to a surcharge, payable locally. General terms and conditions of sale apply.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
You will pack your bags at your convenience in a Standard room in 3* or 4* hotels selected for their quality, location and comfort.
Your 3* category accommodation (local standards apply):
- Tokyo: OMO3 Akasaka
- Hakone Mont Fuji: Ryokan Ichinoyu Shinkan
- Osaka: Integrate Hotel
- Nara: Miroku Nara
- Kyoto: Traditional house
Your 4* category accommodation (local standards apply):
- Tokyo: JR Kyushu Hotel
- Hakone Mont Fuji: Hotel Ryokan Yutowa
- Osaka: Cross Hotel
- Nara: Kankaso Nara
- Kyoto : Traditional house
Important information about hotels in Japan:
- For rooms for 2 people in Western hotels, please note that by default they have 2 separate single beds ('twin' room).
- In Japan, a densely populated country where everything is small, 3*** hotels are of a very high standard but the rooms are often quite narrow (12 to 16m2 depending on the hotel for a twin room). For greater comfort, choose the 4**** option.
- For Triple Rooms, we cannot guarantee a single room for 3 people in all hotels. Depending on the hotel, you may be offered a Double Room and a single room.
- In the case of group bookings (> 5 people), it is possible, depending on hotel availability, that not all members of the group will be staying in the same hotel. However, the aim is to be close to each other.
- Please note that any single supplement will be applied to all accommodation, except the ryokan. As this is traditional accommodation, there are no single rooms, but there are spacious rooms for up to 5 people.
Please note: If unavailable, hotels listed in the programme may be substituted by accommodation in hotels of a similar category.
Maximum room capacity is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your dining choices
Get your day off to the best possible start during your stay in Nara with included breakfast. When you stay in a ryokan in Hakone-Mont Fuji, you will enjoy an authentic Japanese half-board experience (excluding drinks) - not applicable to other hotels on the programme. All other meals are not included.
During your stay, savour the finest of Japanese cuisine, renowned as one of the healthiest in the world. Enjoy fresh fish, rice, seaweed, sesame, raw vegetables, meat, and delicate sauces – a culinary journey full of variety and new flavours.
Discover local specialities such as sushi, sashimi, nabe (stews), ramen (noodle soups), soba (buckwheat noodles), tempura, and an array of delectable Japanese sweets. Each dish offers a unique taste experience, ensuring you'll never tire of the flavours.
Your optional excursions —
Tokyo - Sushi workshop
Tokyo is a dynamic city that combines tradition and modernity. Taking part in a sushi workshop allows you to immerse yourself in Japanese culinary culture, learning from master chefs the techniques of sushi preparation and discovering the secrets of this art. An authentic and engaging experience to learn more about the gastronomic heart of Japan.
Kyoto - Visit Takao Village
Near Kyoto, discover a world heritage treasure that has remained untouched by the tourist crowds!
Enjoy the fresh mountain air along a crystal-clear stream in the midst of unspoilt, wild nature. Our local guide will lead you to Buddhist temples in the mountains and beautiful scenery. After an easy hike, you will discover a series of waterfalls in the midst of marvellous wilderness. A little break from Kyoto that is definitely worth it!
Please note that transport, lunch and entrance fees are not included in the price.
Nara - Guided tour of the ancient capital
Todai-ji, the Great Buddha, Nara Park and its deer - Nara is the perfect place for all travellers who are passionate about traditional Japanese culture and are looking for peace and serenity.
For 8 hours, your guide will let you in on the secrets of the famous city of Nara, where you will discover tradition and culture.
Please note that transport, lunch and entrance fees are not included in the price.
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.