From CAD 6,550
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(15 reviews)
Experience Overview
This 13-day tour of Japan will introduce you to the cultures – old and new – that define this small but influential archipelago. Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing with three nights in Kyoto, this immersive tour will also introduce you to lesser-known cities through Japan’s centre and southern reaches. Discover scenic beauty on the Hakone ropeway, sip the best sake in Takayama, find out about the Hiroshima of today and wonder at the floating torii gate of Miyajima. You’ll have a local to guide you through these lesser-known destinations and reveal layers of culture and history.
Highlights
- Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of glorious Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
- Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra modernity of Japan’s bullet trains as you zip from place to place.
- Explore traditional Japanese culture in Edo-period Takayama and visit a folk village, tour a 600-year-old market and a enjoy a sake brewery tasting.
- Visit the Peace Park for moving insight into the devastation of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, then cruise to peaceful Miyajima Island where wild deer roam the streets.
- Finish your trip with three nights in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital and home to literally thousands of temples, the Gion District where Geisha entertain the wealthy elite and renowned Kyoto sushi.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1724
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat,Public Bus,Cable Car,Ferry,Metro,High Speed Train,Train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: CJST
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (1), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights),Japanese Inn ( 4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 6550 (CAD 504 /day)
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. You can arrive at any time during the day, as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. After, join your new travel companions for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Activities:
- Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden (300 JPY)
- Tokyo - Sumida Hokusai Museum (400 JPY)
- Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum (1000 JPY)
- Tokyo - Ueno Park - Free
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo. This afternoon, you’ll catch a local train to Nikko. Japanese trains are a quintessential experience and one of the best insights into culture (and efficiency!) of the country. Go shopping for some snacks or a bento box at the train station and watch the scenery pass you by. Arrive in Nikko in the late afternoon – tonight, you'll stay in a small inn with shared facilities.
Accommodation:
- Minshuku (Japanese Inn) (Number of Nights: 1)
You have a full day to explore Nikko today – this ancient town is overflowing with shrines and temples, some a UNESCO World Heritage site! You'll visit Toshugu Shrine – the resting place of a Tokugawa shogun who was one of the most powerful rulers of the country. The opulent shrine contrasts with the traditional minimalist style commonly used throughout Japan. Every corner of this monument is covered in intricate gold leaf, lacquer work, paintings and patterns. Here, you can also visit the Nikko Toshogu Museum of Art at the back of the temple complex (for an extra fee). In your free time, maybe visit the red-lacquered Shin-kyo bridge and the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji. Or you may prefer time exploring Nikko’s beautiful natural setting with a visit to Chuzenji Lake and Kegon Falls. Kanmangafuchi Abyss is another highlight in Nikko that your leader will take you to visit, where you'll see about 70 Jizo Buddhas looking out to the river.
Included Activities:
- Nikko - Toshogu Shrine
Optional Activities:
- Nikko - Bus to Chuzenji Lake (return) (2500 JPY)
- Nikko - Imperial Villa (600 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Minshuku (Japanese Inn) (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Nikko and set out for a bit of a travel day to Hakone. Hop on a local train, followed by two shinkansen bullet trains and finally a bus. The journey is certainly worth it, as Hakone is a scenic hot spring resort in the foothills of Mt Fuji. You’ll be staying at a family-run ryokan tonight, with tatami-mat rooms, shared bathroom facilities and a lovely outdoor hot-spring onsen.
Accommodation:
- Minshuku (Japanese Inn) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, hop on a boat across Ashinoko Lake, then ride the Hakone ropeway cable car to the top of the surrounding mountains. The area around the lake offers plenty of stunning views, and you may even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance if weather conditions are clear. The afternoon is free to further explore Hakone’s mountain scenery and volcanic sites. Perhaps visit the boiling sulphur springs of Owakudani or Hakone Jinja Shrine with its red torii gate rising from the shore of Ashinoko Lake. Or, go for a walk through the hills of the famed grassland ecosystem of Sengokuhara. There’s also a great collection of art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Pola Museum of Art – an eclectic mix that includes work by Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Galle. Not what you would expect to find in a small Japanese town, right?
Included Activities:
- Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
- Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Optional Activities:
- Hakone - Open-Air Museum (2000 JPY)
- Hakone - Checkpoint Museum (500 JPY)
- Hakone - Onsen (public hot spring bath) (1500 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Minshuku (Japanese Inn) (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by a local train, then a shinkansen towards Takayama – a charming Edo period town in the Japanese Alps, famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the Hida Folk Village. The village is your first stop – an outdoor museum where the traditional thatched-roof architecture unique to the area has been relocated to a mountain setting to preserve traditional Japanese culture. Discover the techniques used to build farmhouses that could withstand fierce winters and long periods of isolation due to snow-closed roads. The thick thatching kept in warmth, and the roofs were angled to minimise snow build-up. Each house is like its own self-contained museum, with displays of personal items and traditional tools.
Included Activities:
- Takayama - Hida Folk Village
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll head to the markets in Gifu prefecture – these markets have been held for over 600 years and are known for their array of high-altitude vegetables. Browse the stalls of seasonal produce that’s brought in from the surrounding countryside and set up by local farm women from 6 am every morning. Look out for the unique local style of pickles, the bags of miso wrapped in leaves, Genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices and the delicious marshmallow treat owara tamaten. You leader will advise a series of local's favourite snacks for you to sample as your breakfast today while you stroll through the market. The alpine climate and mountain waters are perfect for creating sake, so you'll also visit a local brewery for a taste of the region's prized signature drop. Then, head to Zenkoji Temple to learn how to make incense, which is believed to have purifying qualities. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the town at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Takayama - Market visit with snack sampling
- Takayama - Sake brewery tasting
- Takayama - Incense making in Zenkoji Temple
Optional Activities:
- Takayama - Festival Float Museum (1000 JPY)
- Takayama - Kusakabe Traditional House (1000 JPY)
- Takayama - Bike hire (per day) (1000 JPY)
- Takayama - Showa Museum (1000 JPY)
- Takayama - Takayama Jinya Building (440 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by express train and shinkansen to Hiroshima today. Depending on what time you arrive today, you may visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park this afternoon or tomorrow morning. The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated so it was able to retain its shape and the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing has made it an enduring symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims. This evening, head out with your leader for one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood).
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
- Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. You might like to further explore the island by climbing to the top of Mt Miyajima (or hopping on the cable car instead) for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Keep your eyes out for inquisitive and hungry deer that roam the streets. You have the rest of the day free to enjoy some of the other sites. You could stop by the five-storied Hiroshima Castle, which originally dates to the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but reconstructed in all its glory in the 1950s, and now holds an informative museum. The wonderful Shukkeien Garden, with teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress.
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
Optional Activities:
- Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine (300 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Hiroshima today and take the train to Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji. The building, which has survived earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, was restored to its full glory in 2015. The moats, baileys, towers and walled alleyways were ingeniously designed to trick attackers – perhaps so intimidatingly that they were never in fact tested! Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families and look out over the castle grounds and the city below from the seventh floor. Hop back on the shinkansen for the trip to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (‘tranquillity and peace capital’) by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, but the emperor and government are now in Tokyo. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there’s plenty to explore. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get your bearings, then you might like to wander through the historical streets at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Himeji - Himeji Castle
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, with its impressive Golden Pavilion, immortalised by Yukio Mishima's novel. Then, join a sweet-making demonstration to learn how yatsuhashi (a traditional Japanese snack of flour, sugar and cinnamon) and mocha tea is made. After, visit the 'Kitchen of Kyoto,' Nishiki Market. Sample a few different popular local snacks here like strawberry dumplings, chicken skewers or soy milk sweets. Finish the afternoon at the red tori gates in Fushimi Inari. For the more active, hiking up the mountain following the red torii gates is a great way to enjoy the forest and the views over the city! Your afternoon is free to hike, relax or wander at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
- Kyoto - Japanese sweet making & Mocha tea experience
- Kyoto - Nishiki Market walk with snack sampling
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from (1200 JPY)
- Kyoto - Sanjusangendo Temple (600 JPY)
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera (500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Tea Ceremony with Maiko/Geisha (14300 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day to explore this charming ancient capital at your own pace. Maybe head off to Arashiyama and wander through the Sagano bamboo forest, or cycle along the Kamo River. You could see the architecturally impressive Higashi Honganji Temple and the Sanjusangendo – home to 1001 statues of Kannon. A gentle stroll through Kyoto's eastern hills along the ‘Path of Philosophy’ that links Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, with Nanzen-ji Temple is also recommended. This walk can be extended south through the well-preserved Old Town areas to Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) with its famous viewing platform. For those visiting in spring, you could visit the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (cherry blossom dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha).
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for the day and you’re free to depart the hotel at any time after check out. If you would like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Frank - Traveled, March 2024
I traveled 100 countries before. And this tour was the highlight of all. 5 star rating. Perfect tour with the amazing tour guide Zac. Had the best times and if people ask me which country I like the most: I will say: Japan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Philip - Traveled, March 2024
A trip that requires a good level of physical capability with regards to the walking tours provided . The tour gives an expansive view of life and history of Japan with the opportunity to stay in both original Japanese guest houses and comfortable hotels. Travel by bullet train , bus, underground rail , boat and express trains gives a variety of experiences not to be missed
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Donna - Traveled, March 2024
This trip is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and leave you wanting more!! The itinerary covers both modern and traditional Japan and coupled with a great tour leader - Michiko It was a fantastic experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Ashley - Traveled, March 2024
Shingo is the only way to go! A fantastic guide, very organised, knowledgeable and friendly. This trip was incredible showcasing a variety of Japanese culture, food and experiences. The public transport was always comfortable, clean, reliable and Shingo was excellent at guiding us through all the stations. The accommodation was also always clean and comfortable. Food ranging from family run restaurants to street markets with each day something new to try. Definitely recommend having a few days in Tokyo prior to the tour to explore. Thank you Shingo for the BEST trip ever!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Kerrie - Traveled, March 2024
Land of Rising Sun trip is a must for anyone who has not visited Japan. Each location gives you an opportunity to experience culture, landscape and food. Thank you Mr.Shingo for your professionalism and your personality. You are a great ambassador for your country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Clare - Traveled, February 2024
This trip gave a great taste of Japan with a really nice mix of city and small towns. Everything ran so smoothly and effortlessly so we only had to sit back and enjoy. A nice mix of Japanese treats were included such as ensens, ryokan style hotels, wonderful mix of food options provided by the trip leader, tea ceremony nd kimono experience. And not to mention some really stunning scenery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Manojkumar - Traveled, November 2023
This is a wonderful trip which gives you feel for the culture and history of Japan, seen through its landscapes and architecture. Asako was a brilliant team leader and her passion for the history of her country was clear fro all to see. I would highly recommend any trip to Japan led by Asako and her colleague Nobuyuki.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Rosalind - Traveled, November 2023
Was a great way to see some key highlights for my first trip to Japan. Was delighted to be able to enjoy some hidden gems too, due to our guide Asako. Her relationship with the local Ryokan owners was really beautiful to see, and it made our time at each one extra special. It was super helpful to have intrepid organise 2 weeks of a long trip and I would recommend it for first time visits especially!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Steve - Traveled, November 2023
An excellent introduction to Japan. There is so much to see but our guide KJ made sure that the whole group got the best of the experience. KJ even arranged excellent weather for viewing Mount Fuji!! As vegetarians we expected to struggle a bit as dashi is used in everything but with KJ's help and using Happy Cow app and Google Translate we managed to eat really well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Kim - Traveled, November 2023
This trip provides a great overall experience of Japan I feel. Staying in the local ryokans was such a wonderful experience of the culture as was going in the onsens. The train travel was well organised and comfortable. If you experience Mt Fuji on a sunny day like we did then you won't be disappointed. Our guide KJ helped make the trip. He was fantastic!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Gregory - Traveled, November 2023
Our trip to Japan was amazing. It could not have been better. There was a packed itinerary and everything went so smoothly. The only decisions we had to make was what to eat. It was responsible tourism and with zero stress - exactly what you want from a holiday. Our tour leader Daisuke Okawa was outstanding and made the holiday special.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Julia - Traveled, November 2023
I had a great time with our guides Dai and Hiro! This trip was a great mix of cities and small towns. The accommodation was sometimes a bit lackluster, but the cities themselves and the knowledge of the guides made up for it! Pack light & bring a great pair of walking shoes, as you'll be sure to get your steps in during this trip! Highly recommend going to Karaoke with your group and getting up in the early morning to see some of Kyoto's best sights without the crowds!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
Lim-Ghec Jade - Traveled, January 2024
Lovely! Thank you for the treasured memories and giving us an amazing unforgettable experience! We saw the highlights of Japan.The guide was very helpful and knowledgeable.Helped us to see the amazing and incredible country: safe, clean, has delicious food and great shopping. We saw Japan’s amazing history, culture and technology. Thank you! An unforgettable trip and we really didn’t want to part! The group was great! ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/23/2024
Mya - Traveled, January 2024
I would highly recommend Daisuke. Very friendly and fun guy to be around. He is very efficient when it comes to public transport He know where we have to go and how to get there. We were almost never late and a lot about Japanese culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Judy - Traveled, November 2023
I thought November might be too cold for “The Land of the Rising Sun Tour” but it was perfect. I loved travelling by Japan’s amazing Rail system. Our guide Asako made everything super easy for us. Having all tickets ready for us, even getting up early to line up for the day’s activities, so we wouldn’t have to. I cant recommend this trip highly enough. Japan, I will be back!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/02/2023
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