Deal negotiated for you
- The 11-day / 10-night tour in the 3-star accommodation mentioned (or similar)
- Breakfast included
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Transfer from Tokyo Airport to hotel by shared shuttle bus included
- Tokyo-Kanazawa train ticket
- JR West All Area Pass for 7 days from day 5 until your departure
- Transfer from downtown Osaka to KIX airport by train
- A complimentary tea ceremony
Customise your trip on the Options page.
Your stay starts here
Discover Japan from North to South including a complimentary tea ceremony 3*
Embark on a journey through time to discover Japan as you've never seen it before! Stroll along the cobbled streets of the historic districts of Kyoto and Kanazawa, where ancient tea houses and samurai residences stand side by side. Appreciate the charm of a castle steeped in the grandeur of the shoguns, then plunge into the bustling streets of Osaka's contemporary urban centre. From thousand-year-old temples to the neon skyscrapers of Tokyo, each stage of this journey offers a contrasting but complementary vision of Japanese culture.
This private tour is available as an 11-day package.
Your day-by-day itinerary:
Days 1 to 3: Tokyo
Days 4 to 5: Kanazawa
Days 6 to 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Hiroshima
Days 10 to 11: Osaka
Please note: Nights may vary according to the flights selected and the order of visits may change depending on your day of arrival.
Your detailed itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Tokyo
Arrival at Tokyo airport.
Your transfer will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will be able to start exploring the Japanese capital.
Lunch and dinner not included.
Overnight in Tokyo.
DAY 2 | First Steps in Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure.
Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Suggestions for sightseeing:
A stroll through the Asakusa district will take you to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. Here you can discover Japanese traditions and spiritual practices. Go from stall to stall in the temple's main alley to sample a variety of Japanese street food specialities.
DAY 3 | Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Our suggested visits: Explore Tokyo's Imperial Palace for an insight into Japanese history and stroll through its park in the heart of the city. Immerse yourself in the otaku culture of Akihabara with its many high-tech shops before strolling through the elegant Ginza district for a shopping spree.
DAY 4 | Last moments in Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Our suggested visits: Discover the trendy districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. Pose in front of the statue of Hachiko, Japan's most famous dog, and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese fashion. Be surprised by the eccentric fashion looks on the famous Takeshita Street. Finally, enjoy the greenery of Ueno Park.
Transfer by train to Kanazawa.
Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Kanazawa.
DAY 5 | Immerse yourself in the world of Kanazawa
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Kanazawa.
Our suggested visits: Kanazawa is the place to be if you want to immerse yourself in feudal Japan. Visit the traditional district of Higashi Chaya and see the Edo period buildings that once housed tea houses occupied by geishas. Come and discover the charm of yesteryear and explore Japanese crafts. Treat yourself to a dessert covered in gold leaf or one of the many local specialities at the Omicho fish market.
DAY 6 | Discovering Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to Kyoto with the JR West Pass. Day at leisure.
Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Suggested sightseeing: Soak up the enchanting atmosphere of Kyoto's geisha district, Gion. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses and see if you can catch a glimpse of a graceful geisha. Be sure to visit the renowned Kaburenjo theatre, where traditional dance and music performances have been delighting audiences for centuries. Then, enter the majestic Kiyomizu-dera temple, which is perched on a hill and offers panoramic views over the city. This sacred site will immerse you in the spirituality and timeless beauty of Kyoto.
DAY 7 | Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Kyoto.
YOUR TEA CEREMONY:
During this day, you will attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to immerse yourself even further in this culture. Observe the precise movements of Japanese tea masters during a demonstration of this custom. Take home lasting memories of this timeless moment and enjoy a tasting.
Notes:
Included: demonstration, preparation and tasting.
Not included: return transfer to the meeting point, services not mentioned in the programme, snacks, personal expenses.
Our suggested visits: Go to the Fushimi Inari sanctuary, famous for its thousands of red doors that stretch along the mountainside. The mystical atmosphere and natural beauty of this place make it an unforgettable experience. Next, take the train and stroll through Nara Park for a magical encounter with free-roaming fallow deer. Stroll among these majestic animals in the midst of the sublime temples tucked away in the forest.
DAY 8 | Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Kyoto.
Suggested sightseeing: Explore the natural splendour of Arashiyama, a picturesque district to the west of Kyoto. Start your day with a walk through the famous bamboo forest, where bamboo canes reach for the sky, creating a breathtaking and peaceful landscape. Nearby, don't miss the prankster monkeys roaming the Arashiyama Monkey Park. Next, visit Tenryu-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll through its Zen gardens. Board a cruise boat on the Hozu River to admire the spectacular scenery of the green valleys.
DAY 9 | Historic Hiroshima
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the city of Hiroshima with the JR West Pass. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
Suggested sightseeing: Hiroshima, a city scarred by the Second World War atomic bomb, blends modernity with historical landmarks. The Genbaku Dome, the remains of a former exhibition palace, provides a unique atmosphere. You can also visit the Peace Memorial Museum to hear poignant first-hand accounts.
Experience a change of atmosphere by enjoying okonomiyaki, a local speciality, before exploring the Shukkei-en garden and Hiroshima Castle. Head to the island of Miyajima for a different perspective.
Take a photo in front of Itsukushima Shrine's famous torii gate in the water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch the fallow deer roaming freely around you.
Take in the panorama from Mount Misen and the Daishō-in temple with its Buddhist statues.
DAY 10 | Osaka
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the city of Osaka with the JR West Pass. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Overnight in Osaka.
Suggested sightseeing: Visit Osaka Castle with its great walls bordered by a lake. Don't miss the Pulala Tenma fish market and the Tenman-Gu temple! Spend your evening on the banks of the Dotonbori River, with its giant screens and 3D octopus and crab wall decorations. It's the perfect place to enjoy some delicious street food.
DAY 11 | Return flight
Breakfast at the hotel.
Train transfer to Osaka Airport (KIX) with the JR West Pass.
Your accommodation
During your tour, you will be accommodated for 10 nights in the following 3-star (local standards) establishments (or similar, subject to availability):
- Tokyo: 3 nights at the 3-star Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi Nihonbashi
- Kanazawa: 2 nights at the 3-star Smile Hotel Kanazawa Nishiguchi Ekimae
- Kyoto: 3 nights at the 3-star Chisun Standard Kyoto Horikawa Gojo Hotel
- Hiroshima: 1 night at the 3-star Comfort Hotel Hiroshima Otemachi
- Osaka: 1 night at the 3-star Comfort Hotel Osaka Sinsaibashi
Your board
Breakfast
Includes an assortment of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury dishes.
ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELLING TO JAPAN
To avoid queuing at the airport and save time, we recommend that you register individually on the website Visit Japan Web before your departure
As government restrictions are constantly changing, we advise you to consult the following websites regularly, right up to the day of departure:
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan
It is the traveller's responsibility to find out about any changes to entry formalities in the destination country. As a general rule, travellers should always carry a mask and hydro-alcoholic gel.
Please note that airlines reserve the right to modify and reinforce their boarding conditions more strictly than the formalities and regulations of the destination country, at any time and without prior notice. Passengers with connecting flights should check the access conditions at the airports they will be stopping at.
On arrival, travellers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of their return. A visa is only required for stays of more than 3 months. Non-Japanese nationals entering Japan are required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographic portrait). Non-UK nationals or dual nationals are advised to consult the consulate or embassy of the country of destination. Minors: Minors must have an individual passport. We strongly recommend that minors who are not accompanied by their legal representatives carry a copy of their family record book. Specific formalities: Minors resident in the UK and travelling unaccompanied by their legal guardians must bring with them an identity document and an authorisation to leave the country.
Health
Covid-19 health crisis: travellers with a complete vaccination record are no longer required to undergo a PCR test less than 72 hours before their flight. It is still compulsory if the record is incomplete. Remember to check the latest information. No vaccination is compulsory. Don't forget to check that your vaccination record is up to date (DTP Coq). Health standards are equivalent to those in Western Europe. Natural and climatic risks are high in Japan, so make sure you keep informed.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency
The currency used is the yen (JPY). On 20 December 2022, 1 Euro is equivalent to 140.40 Japanese yen.
Climate
Spring (March to May) is a very pleasant time to travel in Japan. The flowers are in bloom, the landscape is beautiful and the climate is mild. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so the popular sites are often very crowded. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid in most areas, but it is still possible to visit the country, particularly the mountainous regions. Autumn (September to November) is mild and colourful, adding to the charm of the landscape, but it is also rainy. Winter (December to February) is dry and often sunny, making it a great time to take photos and enjoy the peaceful countryside without too many tourists. It's cold in most parts of the country (with snow in some regions), so it's the perfect time to take full advantage of the famous onsen hot springs!
Language
Not all Japanese people speak English very well, especially outside the big cities, so it's a good idea to take a small dictionary with you in case you need it.
Time difference
Tokyo, Japan time is 8:00 hours ahead of London, United Kingdom
Onsens
If you'd like to try the onsens (traditional baths), it's customary to go in completely naked (men and women separated). Also, tattoos are not always accepted at onsens.
Pocket Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is not available everywhere in Japan. The ideal solution is to travel with a small ‘Pocket Wi-fi’ box so you can get a fast connection wherever you are during your stay. This makes it much easier to consult simple information or communicate with friends and family. You can collect the box from the hotel on the first day and return it in a dedicated envelope to the post office.
Tips
It is not necessary to leave tips in restaurants, for guides, drivers, etc. as this is not customary. If you wish to thank your hosts, a gift is preferable.
Driving
In Japan, driving is on the left and the steering wheel is on the right. The gearbox is automatic. The Japanese drive rather leisurely and are very respectful of the highway code. Motorways are well maintained. To drive in Japan, you must have your UK driving licence and a translation of it into Japanese.
Excursions
Excursions may be modified or cancelled depending on local constraints.
ACCOMMODATION
For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced by accommodation of the same category.
Depending on the constraints at the destination, the order of the stopovers and the programme may be changed.
Any specific request concerning the type of sleeping accommodation (double bed, separate beds) is subject to availability and may incur a supplement.
Note: in Japan, hotel rooms are often quite narrow and beds small. Tourist tax not included, payable locally.
Approximate amount payable to date : 3-star hotel = €2/room/night
Check-in is usually in the middle of the afternoon (3 p.m.- 4 p.m.).
Check-out is usually in the morning (10 a.m.).
The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or babies (0-2 years). For further information, please contact customer service.
TRANSPORT / TRANSFERS
AIRPORT - HOTEL SHARED SHUTTLE TRANSFER
The shared shuttle will take you directly from the airport to your hotel and vice versa. The shuttle can make several stops along the way.
RAIL TRAVEL
In Japan, the train is the most convenient way to travel. Major cities and villages alike are well served, and the Japanese rail network is diverse and highly functional. You can even travel on the famous Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed train, with its 320km/hour speed!
JR West All areas pass
Travel more flexibly with your JR West All Areas pass and organise your days as you please! Access the JR network's express train (Shinkansen), regional train and bus lines included in your pass, without booking in advance, and travel freely between the cities of Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Okayama and Kobe and their surrounding areas. You can also take the ferry from the port of Miyajimaguchi (near Hiroshima) to the island of Miyajima. The pass is valid for 7 days after activation.
TRANSFER TO OSAKA AIRPORT BY TRAIN
To reach Osaka airport easily, take the train from Osaka station. It takes approximately 1h30 to reach the airport. If your stay includes a JR Pass, the journey is directly included in your pass. Otherwise, a train ticket will be provided.
Please note: Transfers to Itami Airport (ITM) may incur additional charges.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of your tickets (vouchers) may be sent by post to your postal address. We advise you to check your mail box carefully before you leave on your holiday.