Japan Explorer – Holidays to Japan

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo

Tokyo

Your holiday begins in Japan’s mesmerising capital city. Arrive into the airport and be met by your driver who’ll take you straight to your hotel via a shared transfer. Once you’ve settled in, the day is yours – relax in your room or head out and explore. Our recommendation? Hit the streets for some retail therapy (or window shopping) then head to an izakaya, an informal and inexpensive ‘pub’ popular for after-work drinks.

INCLUDES : Room Only

Day 2: Guided Tour of Tokyo

Tokyo

Start your day with panoramic views of the city 250 metres above ground from the Top Deck of the iconic white-and-orange Tokyo Tower before coming back down and participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Next up: a leisurely stroll around the Imperial Palace, surrounded by moats and stone walls; from the plaza in front of the palace you’ll be able to see the two stone bridges that act as an entrance to the inner grounds. Then it’s time to take to the water with a cruise up the Sumida River followed by the chance to browse the street food stalls and souvenir shops of Nakamise shopping street – at the stands Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone & Mt. Fuji

Tokyo - Hakone & Mt. Fuji

Escape the city on a full-day tour to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a popular weekend break destination. Just 100 kilometres from Tokyo, the park is famed for its hot springs and outdoor pursuits. Kick the day off with a visit to the Fujisan World Heritage Center then head up to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station which at 2,300 metres above sea level is approximately halfway up the well-known Yoshida Trail and boasts commanding views of the Fuji Five Lakes. You’ll also have the chance to cruise on Lake Ashi and ride the Komagatake Ropeway, a cable car that leads to the peak of Mount Hakone.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Arrive Kyoto

Tokyo - Kyoto

No trip to Japan would be complete without travelling on the world-famous Shinkansen bullet train – this morning you’ll get to exactly that, rushing at speeds of up to 185 miles per hour as you go from Tokyo to Kyoto. After transferring to your hotel for the next three nights, the afternoon is free to explore this former capital, home to around 2,000 religious buildings including Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Walk along the narrow alleyways for a sense of old Japan, sitting down to green tea at one of the tea houses and perhaps catching a glimpse of one of the city’s kimono-clad geishas.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 5: Guided Tour of Kyoto

Kyoto

Temples, castles and traditional crafts are what this full day tour by coach is all about. Your first stop is Nijo Castle, former residence of the Tokugawa-era shoguns, followed by the gold-leafed covered Kinkakuji or Golden Pavilion, which has twice been burnt down in its history. Then head to the Kyoto Handicraft Centre to watch artisans work their traditional crafts from pottery and fans to lacquer work and Shinto masks. You’ll also have the chance to visit Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy before ending the day at the celebrated Kiyomizudera Temple where you can take in sweeping views of the city and drink from the on-site waterfall.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Kyoto Leisure Day

Kyoto

Today gives you a chance to explore Kyoto on your own and discover the city considered to be the spiritual heart of Japan. You may explore bamboo forests, stroll through Zen gardens or discover lesser-known temples.

We can also arrange an optional afternoon tour to the city of Nara, stopping at Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine – both World Heritage Sites – and have the chance to see wild deer up close at Nara Park.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 7: Depart Japan

Kyoto - Onward Destination

On your final day of this tailor-made tour you’ll have time for breakfast before checking out and being transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Pricing

All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated.
Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only.
To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.

Important Info

Important info

Accommodation is subject to availability

Tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka

Inclusions

Return international flights

Internal transport where required including train between Tokyo - Kyoto

Shared airport transfers

Accommodation is based on twin share with daily breakfast included

Full day tours of Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto including entrance fees and lunch

Exclusions

Meals and drinks other than those stated in the itinerary

Travel insurance

Items of a personal nature including laundry and additional sightseeing expenses