9 days in Japan

• What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

• Pricing

  • • Start Date
    • End Date
    • Price

      (Twin)
  • • 16 Apr 25
    • 24 Apr 25
    • $7,495
  • • 20 Apr 25
    • 28 Apr 25
    • $7,495
  • • 11 May 25
    • 19 May 25
    • $7,495
  • • 25 May 25
    • 2 Jun 25
    • $6,995
  • • 1 Jun 25
    • 9 Jun 25
    • $6,995
  • • 8 Jun 25
    • 16 Jun 25
    • $6,995
  • • 22 Jun 25
    • 30 Jun 25
    • $6,995
  • • 29 Jun 25
    • 7 Jul 25
    • $6,995
  • • 13 Jul 25
    • 21 Jul 25
    • $6,995
  • • 17 Aug 25
    • 25 Aug 25
    • $6,995
  • • 31 Aug 25
    • 8 Sep 25
    • $6,995
  • • 14 Sep 25
    • 22 Sep 25
    • $7,495
  • • 28 Sep 25
    • 6 Oct 25
    • $7,495
  • • 12 Oct 25
    • 20 Oct 25
    • $7,495
  • • 26 Oct 25
    • 3 Nov 25
    • $7,495
  • • 2 Nov 25
    • 10 Nov 25
    • $7,495
  • • 16 Nov 25
    • 24 Nov 25
    • $7,550
  • • 30 Nov 25
    • 8 Dec 25
    • $7,495
  • • 17 Dec 25
    • 25 Dec 25
    • $7,495
  • • 4 Jan 26
    • 12 Jan 26
    • $7,825
  • • 1 Feb 26
    • 9 Feb 26
    • $7,825
  • • 1 Mar 26
    • 9 Mar 26
    • $8,375
  • • 8 Mar 26
    • 16 Mar 26
    • $8,375
  • • 15 Mar 26
    • 23 Mar 26
    • $8,450
  • • 18 Mar 26
    • 26 Mar 26
    • $8,450
  • • 22 Mar 26
    • 30 Mar 26
    • $8,450
  • • 25 Mar 26
    • 2 Apr 26
    • $8,450
  • • 29 Mar 26
    • 6 Apr 26
    • $8,450
  • • 1 Apr 26
    • 9 Apr 26
    • $8,450
  • • 5 Apr 26
    • 13 Apr 26
    • $8,450
  • • 12 Apr 26
    • 20 Apr 26
    • $8,450

  Please note: while prices are accurate at time of loading they are subject to change due to currency fluctuations and currency surcharges may apply. Please check price at time of booking

• Itinerary

  Day 1 - Konnichiwa Tokyo

  Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a welcome drink and local appetisers.

  Day 2 - Explore Vibrant Tokyo

  We launch our city tour in the old-time entertainment centre of Asakusa, where we’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. One of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples, Sensoji has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site. Strolling down Nakamise next, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colourful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower for panoramic views of the city.

  Day 3 - Off to the Five Lakes District

  Our first stop today is the Imperial Palace Plaza from where the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed. We'll have the opportunity to explore the leafy Imperial Palace East Gardens before continuing our city tour. At the Tokyo National Museum browse collections of Japanese art, then continue to the Ginza district where you’ll learn how to make sushi with a professional sushi chef. Venture to the Five Lakes District next, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCO-listed Mt. Fuji which dominates the landscape.

  Day 4 - Majestic Mt. Fuji and Timeless Takayama

  Visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five Lakes district, renowned for eight natural spring water ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in its clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 metres at the 5th station. Ride up Mt. Tenjo on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway next, for jaw-dropping views (weather permitting) of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Then, journey through the Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama, before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

  Day 5 - Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter

  Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this afternoon during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them. Meet with a local family in one of these houses. Observe local artisans making washi paper and try your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.

  Day 6 - Traditional Kanazawa

  Join a Local Specialist this morning to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf, a delicate craft the Japanese have been perfecting since the 16th century. Continue to the tranquil gardens of Kenroku-en, which took shape over a hundred years to emerge as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your exquisite natural surrounds, you’ll stroll through ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a short walk through the Omicho market next to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Then, visit the Nagamachi District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion.

  Day 7 - Onwards to Kyoto Connect with Locals

  Board an Express train this morning to Kyoto. Connect With Locals at a traditional ryokan and enjoy a Be My Guest experience, learning about local Japanese customs from your hosts. After lunch, visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple with its famous Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14th-century villa.

  Day 8 - Discover Enchanting Kyoto

  The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide your path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. Continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the minute detail of each of its 1,001 “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy statues, then enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. This evening, indulge in dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.

  Day 9 - Sayonara Japan

  Our encounter with Japan’s age-old traditions and modern cityscapes at its end, we take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for our onward flight. Alternatively, continue to Hiroshima by choosing the 13-day Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima itinerary.

Terms and Conditions

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About me

Charmaine Hawke

Wellington

• Specialising in Food & Beverage Tours.
• 04 476 4150
• 0275 490 932
• charmaine@ttb.co.nz
• http://www.hopabroad.co.nz/

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