Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
$6105
Tour 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. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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:
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Day 2: Tokyo - Nikko
Location: Tokyo - Nikko
Accommodation: Minshuku (Japanese Inn)
Accommodation Name: Minshuku (Japanese Inn)
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.
Day 3: Nikko
Location: Nikko
Accommodation: Minshuku (Japanese Inn)
Accommodation Name: Minshuku (Japanese Inn)
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Hakone
Location: Hakone
Accommodation: Minshuku (Japanese Inn)
Accommodation Name: Minshuku (Japanese Inn)
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.
Day 5: Hakone
Location: Hakone
Accommodation: Minshuku (Japanese Inn)
Accommodation Name: Minshuku (Japanese Inn)
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Takayama
Location: Takayama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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:
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Day 7: Takayama
Location: Takayama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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:
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Day 9: Miyajima - Hiroshima
Location: Miyajima - Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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:
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Day 11: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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.
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Optional Activities:
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Day 12: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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).
Day 13: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
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.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Japanese Inn ( 4 nights) -
Meals
1 breakfasts, 1 dinners -
Nikko - Toshogu Shrine
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Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
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Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
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Takayama - Hida Folk Village
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Takayama - Market visit with snack sampling
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Takayama - Sake brewery tasting
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Takayama - Incense making in Zenkoji Temple
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Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
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Hiroshima - Peace Museum
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Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
- Nikko - Toshogu Shrine
- Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
- Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
- Takayama - Hida Folk Village
- Takayama - Market visit
- Takayama - Sake brewery tasting
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
- Himeji - Himeji Castle
- Kyoto - Temple/Shrine entrance (2)
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
Transport
- Boat , Public Bus , Cable Car , Ferry , Metro , High Speed Train , Train
Accommodation
- RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
- Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning.
- AVAILABILITY
- The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
- ONSENS
- We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
Important Information
- 1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
- 2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Mode of Transport
- Boat , Public Bus , Cable Car , Ferry , Metro , High Speed Train , Train
Accommodation
- RYOKANS/MINSHUKUS
- Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many ryokans will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some ryokans may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in a ryokan. Hotels and ryokans will charge extra fees if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning.
- Read more about ryokans here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/
- AVAILABILITY
- The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
- ONSENS
- We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
In some destinations, you may be staying in a minshuku, a Japanese-style inn. It’s a great taste of tradition; however, not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more Western-style hotels and beds. Read more about it in the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information. For some departures, we may swap them with hotels or vice versa depending on seasonal availability. Please consult your booking agent if you need more details.
This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Ultimate Japan.
Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
13 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Kyoto
Visiting: Tokyo, Tokyo - Nikko, Nikko, Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima, Miyajima - Hiroshima, Kyoto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CJST
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99