Classic Japan Adventure - 14 days
14 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama, Japanese Alps, Kamikochi
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Age range:
6-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 14-day Classic Japan Adventure, exploring the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Japan. Begin your journey in Tokyo, where you'll experience the bustling streets of Shibuya and the tranquility of Hamarikyu Gardens. In Hakone, marvel at Mount Fuji and relax in thermal hot springs. Discover Osaka's culinary delights and historical Osaka Castle. In Kyoto, explore ancient temples and enjoy a private tea ceremony with a maiko. Journey to Takayama for a taste of traditional Japan, and ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway in the Japanese Alps. Conclude your adventure in Tokyo, with a farewell dinner in the lively Shinjuku district. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and a mix of included meals, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience in Japan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Gracery Asakusa Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
On arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted at the airport by our driver and taken to your hotel in Asakusa. Your tour leader will be waiting for you in the lobby, where you will gather with the group for a welcome meeting before enjoying a meal at a local restaurant. Asakusa offers a glimpse of the city's history, with its traditional market stalls leading to the ancient Senso-ji temple, Tokyo's oldest.
On day 2, we embark on a tour of Tokyo's iconic sites, from Shibuya's bustling scramble crossing to the vibrant arcades of Akihabara. End the day with a relaxing cup of green tea at the serene Hamarikyu Gardens. Tokyo may be a symbol of modernity, but it still holds pockets of history for those willing to explore.
Accommodation: Gracery Asakusa Hotel or similar
Day 3-4: Hakone
Location: Hakone
Accommodation Name: Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tokyo - Hakone. Marvel at the beauty of Mount Fuji and discover the Hakone Open-Air Museum in Hakone, known as one of Japan's most popular national parks.
Conveniently accessible by bullet train, Hakone is located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is renowned for its hot springs. During your visit, you will be accommodated in a traditional Japanese hotel near the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The museum showcases works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Miro, Rodin, and Henry Moore, set against the backdrop of picturesque mountain landscapes.
In addition to the art exhibits, Hakone offers a variety of attractions including charming traditional buildings and a leisurely pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, with stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Your tour leader will guide you to explore these highlights and more on day 4 of your trip.
Each evening, enjoy a delicious kaiseki-style dinner featuring local and seasonal ingredients included in your stay. Be sure to take advantage of the relaxing hot spring baths, a beloved tradition in Japanese culture, while in Hakone, where you will find top-notch bathhouses to unwind in.
Accommodation: Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika or similar
Day 5-6: Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation Name: Cross Hotel Osaka or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hakone - Osaka. On day 5 we journey via local train and shinkansen bullet train to Osaka, a bustling and modern city celebrated for its delicious street food offerings such as takoyaki octopus balls and okonomiyaki savoury pancake.
Upon arrival, we kick off our exploration by visiting Osaka Castle, an impressive reconstruction with a museum showcasing the castle's history. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore at your own pace or join your tour leader to wander through the lively Dotonbori district, home to iconic sights like the illuminated "Glico running man" and a large animatronic crab. Don't miss the chance to sample some local street food delicacies.
Day 6 is free to pursue activities of your choosing. Consider taking a day trip to Himeji Castle or the ancient imperial city of Nara, both easily accessible from Osaka. Our tour leader will provide guidance on these options or offer suggestions for alternative excursions.
Accommodation: Cross Hotel Osaka or similar
Day 7-8: Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Osaka - Kyoto. Capital of Japan from 794 to 1869, Kyoto is home to a wealth of historical sites and landmarks. The city's numerous temples and shrines offer a glimpse into its vibrant past. Your tour leader will design a customized itinerary based on the season, weather, and group preferences.
Experience the traditional charm of Kyoto's Gion district on day 7 with a private afternoon tea with a maiko, followed by a group dinner at a local restaurant. On day 8, explore the city's highlights, including the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Yasaka Shrine, and the iconic Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide as well as our tour leader.
Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei or similar
Day 9-10: Takayama
Location: Takayama
Accommodation Name: Tanabe Ryokan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kyoto - Takayama. On day 9, we journey from Kyoto to Takayama in the Japanese Alps. The city is known for its exceptional craftsmen. Take the afternoon to wander through craft shops and sake breweries in the old town district before enjoying dinner at our Japanese-style inn.
Day 10 in Takayama offers a full day of exploration, starting with a visit to the riverside morning market. Next, we venture to Hida no Sato folk village to see traditional thatched farmhouses. For a different experience, consider visiting the Sukyo Mahikari cult's world headquarters, a unique shrine with a giant fish tank at its altar. Dinner is not included, so we recommend trying the delicious Hida beef for a taste of local cuisine.
Accommodation: Tanabe Ryokan or similar
Day 11-12: Japanese Alps
Location: Japanese Alps
Accommodation Name: Hirayukan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Takayama - Japanese Alps. Our adventure continues as we take a private coach to the Shinhotaka Ropeway on day 11. This unique "double-decker" cable car offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After the ride, we visit the quaint hot spring town of Hirayu Onsen. Here, you can take an optional hike to a beautiful waterfall. Later, you can relax and enjoy the hot spring baths before tucking into a delicious dinner at the accommodation.
On day 12, a short bus ride brings us to Kamikochi, located in the Chubu-Sangaku National Park. The plateau sits at an elevation of about 1,500m (4,920ft) above sea level, providing cooler weather compared to other parts of Japan, even in the summer. Our tour leader will lead a hike starting at the serene Taisho Pond and continuing for approximately 6km to the Myojin Pond, which houses a mystical Shinto shrine nestled among the mountainous forest. Along the mostly flat route, you may have the chance to see wild monkeys in the area, and there is an option to cut the hike short for those not wanting to complete the full excursion. Dinner is included once again this evening.
Accommodation: Hirayukan or similar
Day 13-14: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Japanese Alps - Matsumoto - Tokyo. Explore Matsumoto's iconic "Black Crow" castle before heading back to Tokyo by bus and train on day 13. Our final evening will be spent in the lively Shinjuku district, enjoying an included farewell meal with the tour group. The next morning, say goodbye to your fellow travelers and catch the included shuttle to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku or similar
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-4 star hotels -
13 breakfasts & 8 dinners
Enjoy 13 breakfasts and 8 dinners included in your tour package.
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13 nights 3-4 star hotels
Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 13 nights during your tour.
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Escorted by a tour leader
The tour is escorted by a knowledgeable tour leader throughout the journey.
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Arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 14 by shared shuttle bus
Arrival and departure transfers are provided by a shared shuttle bus on day 1 and day 14.
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Private coach from Takayama to Japan Alps; bus & trains from Japan Alps to Tokyo
Travel by private coach from Takayama to Japan Alps and by bus & trains from Japan Alps to Tokyo.
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Transport card with 4,500 Yen (USD $30) credit for city transport
A transport card with 4,500 Yen credit is included for city transport.
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Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
Entrance to the serene Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo is included.
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3-day Hakone Free Pass for transport in the Hakone region
A 3-day Hakone Free Pass is included for transport in the Hakone region.
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Tickets to Hakone Open-Air Museum
Tickets to the Hakone Open-Air Museum are included.
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Entrance to Osaka Castle
Entrance to the historic Osaka Castle is included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Local transport when not covered by one of the included passes
Local transport not covered by the included passes is not included.
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Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Entrance fees for shrines, temples, and museums are not included unless specified.
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Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified
Baggage handling and luggage forwarding are not included unless specified.
Age Policy
Minimum age: 6 years, accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel through Japan with ease using a combination of private coaches, local trains, and the iconic shinkansen bullet train. Arrival and departure transfers are provided by shared shuttle bus, and a transport card with 4,500 Yen credit is included for city transport.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in 3-4 star hotels throughout Japan, including the Gracery Asakusa Hotel in Tokyo, Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika in Hakone, Cross Hotel Osaka in Osaka, Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei in Kyoto, Tanabe Ryokan in Takayama, and Hirayukan in the Japanese Alps.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included during the tour?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts and 8 dinners. Meals are often served in local restaurants or at the accommodation, featuring local and seasonal ingredients.
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Is there any luggage forwarding service provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage forwarding is provided from Tokyo to Osaka and from Takayama to Tokyo.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes 13 nights in 3-4 star hotels, with accommodations such as the Gracery Asakusa Hotel in Tokyo, Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika in Hakone, and Tanabe Ryokan in Takayama.
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Are there any guided tours included in Kyoto?
Yes, there is a full day private guide in Kyoto with a private bus, and the tour includes visits to the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Yasaka Shrine, and the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.
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What transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes a private coach from Takayama to the Japanese Alps, bus and train transport from the Japanese Alps to Tokyo, and a transport card with 4,500 Yen credit for city transport. Additionally, there is a 3-day Hakone Free Pass for transport in the Hakone region.
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Is there any Wi-Fi access provided during the tour?
Yes, shared portable Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the trip.
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What activities are included in Hakone?
In Hakone, you can visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, enjoy a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, and relax in hot spring baths. The tour also includes a kaiseki-style dinner each evening.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 6 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.