Splendours of Japan
9 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka
Visiting: Tokyo, Yamanakako, Mt. Fuji, Gokayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JPNLZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 28
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
From:
$4875
$4388 (USD)
Operator discount: -$488
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Splendours of Japan" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of Japan, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historic charm of Kyoto. This meticulously crafted tour invites you to explore iconic landmarks such as the Sensoji Temple, the Skytree Observation Tower, and the majestic Mt. Fuji. Experience the serene beauty of the Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and the exquisite gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa. With luxury air-conditioned coach travel, cherry-picked hotels, and an expert Travel Director, every detail is taken care of. Enjoy a blend of included meals, with breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals, ensuring a taste of Japan's culinary delights. From the art galleries and museums to the natural wonders and cultural treasures, this tour promises a journey filled with discovery and enchantment.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Konnichiwa Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Otani Garden Tower Tokyo
Meals Included: No Meals
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 Reception drink and local appetisers.
Day 2 : Explore Vibrant Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Otani Garden Tower Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
We launch our city tour in the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa, where we’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. One of Tokyo's most colorful 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, we immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. We’ll 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
Location: Yamanakako
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanakako
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Edo-Tokyo Museum, we delve into the history and culture of Tokyo’s Edo era, then continue to the Ginza district where we’ll learn how to make sushi with a Local Specialist. We 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
Location: Mt. Fuji
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Gokayama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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. Next, meet a local family in one of these houses to observe local artisans making washi paper and trying your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 6 : Traditional Kanazawa
Location: Kanazawa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 Kenrokuen, 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
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
We board an Express train this morning to Kyoto. We’ll Connect With Locals at a traditional ryokan and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch, learning about local Japanese customs from our hosts. After lunch, we 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
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Farewell Dinner
The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide our 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. We 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, we indulge in a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.
Day 9 : Sayonara Japan
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver to guide you through your journey.
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All Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are taken care of.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable stay.
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Meals
Enjoy breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Must-See Sightseeing and Surprise Extras
Experience must-see sightseeing tours along with some surprise extras.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
Travel in comfort in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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Optional Experiences and Free Time
Enjoy optional experiences and free time to explore at your own pace.
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Accommodation as Detailed in the Itinerary
Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your journey.
What's Not Included
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used on the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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What are the highlights of the Splendours of Japan tour?
The highlights of the Splendours of Japan tour include exploring Tokyo and Kyoto, visiting the Sensoji Temple, the Skytree Observation Tower, the Edo Tokyo Museum in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Kinkakuji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sanjusangen-do Hall in Kyoto, seeing the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, and viewing Mt. Fuji.
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What is not included in the tour?
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
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What are the inclusions of the tour?
The inclusions of the tour are an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, all porterage and restaurant gratuities, cherry-picked hotels, meals as specified, all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes, must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, audio headsets for flexible sightseeing, luxury air-conditioned coach transportation, optional experiences and free time, accommodation as detailed in the itinerary, airport transfers at destination, and a fully guided tour experience.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, breakfast is included daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka.
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What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour provides cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable stay.
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What are the pick-up and drop-off locations?
The pick-up location is Narita or Haneda Airport, and the drop-off locations are Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Monday
Jun 30, 2024 - Jul 08, 2024Sunday - Monday
Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 22, 2024Sunday - Monday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Sunday - Monday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024Sunday - Monday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Sunday - Monday
Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 04, 2024Wednesday - Thursday
Dec 18, 2024 - Dec 26, 2024Sunday - Monday
Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025Sunday - Monday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 10, 2025Sunday - Monday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 10, 2025Sunday - Monday
Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025Sunday - Monday
Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Mar 19, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025Sunday - Monday
Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025Wednesday - Thursday
Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025Sunday - Monday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions