We Love —
- Escape to Japan for an incredible self-driven tour.
- Visit Tokyo, Kyoto and a range of other outstanding destinations, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
- You will stay in a range of 3* hotels during your trip, with many optional extras available along the way!
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Book Now, Pay Later —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
Your Destinations —
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.
Lake Kawaguchi is located in the border of Fujikawaguchiko and Minobu, in the southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mount Fuji, Japan. It is the second largest of the five Fuji Lakes in terms of surface area, and is located at the lowest elevation.
Matsumoto Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Japan, making for an especially enjoyable cultural day out. Enjoy strolling around the pretty, laid back streets of this mountain town, and make sure to visit the Wasabi firm in the North.
Established as a castle town in the 16th century, Takayama has retained its unique charm to the present day. Sights include the Sanmachi district of traditional buildings, the bustling morning markets and dozens of museums, galleries and traditional craft shops. Situated in the Japan Alps, this small city offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and is a good base for exploring the Hida region.
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.
Kyoto is where you will find the Japan of silent temples nestling in bamboo groves, gardens of finely raked sand and bewitching geisha. This city is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, exquisite crafts and some of the best cuisine in the country. In short, Kyoto is the heartbeat of traditional Japan. Not to be missed are Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji and Kiyomizu temples, although be aware that these do become crowded. For a more peaceful, intimate temple experience we recommend the temple complex of Daitoku-ji, in particular Daisen-in sub-temple, and the Arashiyama area to the west of the city.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1 : Arrival in Tokyo Arrival to the Tokyo airport, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Tokyo Day 2 : Tokyo Free day to visit Tokyo. Overnight stay in Tokyo. Day 3 : Tokyo Free day to visit Tokyo. Overnight stay in Tokyo. Day 4 : Tokyo- Kawaguchi Lake - Kofu Collecting of the vehicle in the center-city and heading for Kawaguchi Lake for admiring there the famous Mount Fuji. Driving to Kofu afterwards. Overnight stay in Kofu region. Day 5 : Kofu-Matsumoto – Okuhida Onsen Departure to the North to Matsumoto in order to visit one of the most beautiful Japanese castles and a wasabi firm. Then, heading towards Okuhida Onsen. Night in a Ryokan in the region of Okuhida Onsen. Day 6 : Okuhida-Takayama-Kanazawa Road in a small town of Takayama that keeps an amazing temple. Sightseeing and going on to Kanazawa with a recommended stop in order to visit wonderful Shirakawago villages being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Kanazawa region. Day 7 : Kanazawa-Kyoto Sightseeing in Kanazawa with a possible stop near Fukui cliffs. The final step of your trip involves driving to Kyoto, where you will hand over the vehicle. Overnight stay in Kyoto. Days 8 - 10 : Kyoto Free days to visit Kyoto. Overnight stay in Kyoto. Day 11 : Kyoto – France Transfer to the airport. End of our services. 2 NIGHTS EXTENSION: +1 Night in Tokyo and +1 Night in Kyoto Note : between 2 and 4 driving hours per day.
Travel Suggestions —
Your Hotels —
Sleeps up to
During your stay you will be accommodated at the following 3* hotels on a Bed and Breakfast Board Basis.
Just For You: A traditional dinner at the Okada Ryokan Warakutei 3* in order to taste true Japanese cuisine.
Tokyo: Agora Place Asakusa 3*
Yamanashi : Chisun Inn Kofu Isawa 3*
Okuhida Onsen: Okada Ryokan Warakutei 3* (Half Board Dining - excludes drinks)
Kanazawa: Route Inn Kanazawa Ekimae 3*
Kyoto: The B Kyoto Sanjo 3*
Please note: For technical reasons, hotels might be changed to lodgings of a similar nature and status. and steps may be reversed.
Please note: some dining outlets/menu items and premium, branded and international drinks may not be included and may incur a surcharge payable locally. Meals, snacks and drinks may be available at selected times only
Please Note: *Any special request concerning a room type (double bed/separated beds) will be treated according to the availability and additional payment may be demanded.
Optional Extras —
Our members can choose to add a range of optional extras at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee. This extras include: You leave Tokyo and head for Kamakura by bus in order to visit the famous Kotokuin Temple, where the Great Buddha statue is hidden, and Tsuruoka Hachimangu Shrine afterwards. After a small break to take a cup of Japanese green tea you have time to explore the beautiful bamboo forest at Hokoku-ji Temple. Departure is at 9am from the Bus Hamamatsucho terminal (the bus can pick you up from other meeting points).
Shopping in Tokyo
Spend some time flitting from one neon-signed shop to another in Tokyo's vast and fabulous shopping centre, befitting the capital of the world's second-largest economy. Shopping in Tokyo mirrors the eclectic style of the city around you: high-end fashion and traditional crafts, posh boutiques and gleaming department stores...nowhere does old & new like Tokyo!
Excursion in Nikko (from Tokyo)
This excursion will take you to some of Nikko's must sees: Toshogu Shrine, the magnificent Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji. This option is the perfect way to enjoy the nature and legacy of Nikko. The trip will take approximately 4hrs& includes lunch, a tour guide & transport via minibus.
Sushi workshop (Tokyo)
Your sushi workshop starts early in the afternoon, learn to make different types of Sushi’s (Nigiri, Inari, Hosomaki and California roll). Make your favourite Sushi’s and then take time to taste them with a traditional Miso soup! (from 13:30 to 16:30)
Kyoto by bike
Discover the cultural capital of Japan via bike. Start with an idyllic trip along the Kamo River & head towards the impressive Nanzenji Temple, one of the most important Zen temples in the country. You then continue on the Promenade of the Philosopher lined with cherry trees. Finally, you return to the station of Kyoto along a beautiful canal with ancient tea houses
Excursion to Kamakura
Spend the morning in Nara & discover the famous Todaiji temple, the deer park and the Kofukuji temple. Most tours are on foot (about 4/5 km walk).
Maiko Show with Dinner Included in Kyoto (Drinks Excluded)
Immerse yourself in Japan's unique culture when your opt to enhance your trip with this optional excursion. Watch the famously elegant Maiko dances then take some photos with the elaborately styled dancers, take part in traditional games and treat yourself to a delicious traditional meal...
Your Journey through Japan —
Flights: 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.
Car Hire: Car hire is included in this offer. (flight inclusive offers only)
Distance from Tokyo Airport to Agora Place Asakusa 3*: 25 km / 26 minutes.
Distance from The B Kyoto Sanjo 3* to Osaka Airport: 54 km /49 minutes.
Please note: hotels may change as noted above.