Jewels of Japan Premium - 13 days
13 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Hiroshima, Himeji, Kyoto, Awara, Kanazawa
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
6-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 13-day journey through Japan with the "Jewels of Japan Premium" tour. Begin in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where you'll experience a private taiko drumming lesson and explore historic sites like Senso-ji. Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and the iconic floating torii gate on Miyajima Island. Discover the grandeur of Himeji Castle before immersing yourself in Kyoto's rich culture, including a dinner with a maiko. Relax in the hot springs of Awara Onsen and enjoy a traditional ryokan stay. In Kanazawa, explore the Kenroku-en garden and try your hand at wagashi confectionery making. Conclude your adventure back in Tokyo, with visits to the Imperial Palace and the vibrant Ginza district. With comfortable accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Japan's cultural and historical treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Hotel Niwa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our all-inclusive Japanese journey begins in Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the most populous city in the world. Upon arrival at Tokyo's airport, you will be picked up for a shared shuttle to our hotel located in the heart of the city. Your tour leader will be there to greet you and address any inquiries you may have. Tonight, we enjoy a delectable welcome meal where you can get to know the group and tour leader.
On day 2, we hope you wake up refreshed and eager to explore Tokyo. With a private coach at our disposal, we will kick off the day with a taiko drumming lesson, immersing you in this traditional music form. Next, we visit the historic Meiji Shrine and take in the stunning architecture of the fashionable Aoyama and Omotesando districts. In the afternoon, we will wander through the charming streets and market stalls of Asakusa, the city's oldest and most traditional area, home to the ancient Senso-ji temple.
Accommodation: Hotel Niwa or similar
Day 3-4: Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Rihga Royal Hiroshima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tokyo - Hiroshima. Leave your luggage at the front desk on the morning of day 3, we'll have it forwarded to our hotel in Hiroshima! Hopping on the shinkansen (bullet train), we cover the 800-kilometres to the city in under 5 hours.
On arrival, we travel by private coach to our hotel and have time to freshen up before heading out to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Here we will learn more about the tragic events of 6 August 1945. This evening, join a cooking class to discover how to make okonomiyaki, the cabbage or noodle-based pancake typical of this part of Japan.
On day 4 we take a boat to the island of Miyajima, a trip of around 45 minutes. Known for its World Heritage shrine and the 'floating' Torii gate, you can also enjoy exploring the town centre and spotting the curious local deer during our visit.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hiroshima or similar
Day 5-7: Himeji
Location: Himeji
Accommodation Name: Okura Hotel Kyoto or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiroshima - Himeji Castle - Kyoto. We depart from Hiroshima in the morning of day 5 and travel east towards Kyoto. Our journey will include a stop in Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, one of the few original feudal castles remaining in Japan, and the largest of its kind.
Arriving in Kyoto, we will check into our hotel and have some time to relax before enjoying dinner with a maiko (trainee geisha) who will perform a traditional dance and answer any questions we may have.
Day 6 will be spent exploring Kyoto with the help of local guides. We will visit the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji, the Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple, and other hidden gems in the city.
On day 7, we will continue our exploration of Kyoto, visiting Gion, the historic geisha quarter, as well as Kennin-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. In the evening, we will attend a non-verbal theatre show called GEAR, offering a modern twist on Kyoto's traditional arts scene.
Accommodation: Okura Hotel Kyoto or similar
Day 8: Awara Onsen
Location: Awara
Accommodation Name: Haiya Ryokan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kyoto - Awara Onsen. Travelling by private bus, we reach Awara Onsen, a hot spring town in Fukui Prefecture. Along the way, we will stop to explore the partially reconstructed ruins of Ichijodani Castle Town, destroyed by Oda Nobunaga in 1573, and visit the serene Daianzen-ji temple for a lesson in zazen meditation led by a temple priest.
Tonight, we stay at a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, where we will sleep on comfortable futon bedding on tatami-mat flooring and enjoy a dinner of fine kaiseki cuisine. Be sure to take advantage of the hot spring baths, a must-do experience during a ryokan stay.
Accommodation: Haiya Ryokan or similar
Day 9-10: Kanazawa
Location: Kanazawa
Accommodation Name: Nikko Hotel Kanazawa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Awara Onsen - Kanazawa. On day 9, take the opportunity to relax in the morning with a visit to the onsen baths before we journey by private coach to Kanazawa. On arrival, visit the renowned 21st Century Museum and Kenroku-en garden, one of Japan's top three gardens. Check in to your hotel for a brief rest before enjoying a delicious dinner at the accommodation.
Discover the beauty of Higashi chaya and Nagamachi districts in the morning of day 10, exploring their preserved architecture and visiting the Nomura Samurai House. In the afternoon, try your hand at making traditional Japanese confectionery with a local expert. The evening is free for you to unwind at your own pace.
Accommodation: Nikko Hotel Kanazawa or similar
Day 11-13: Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: The Royal Park Hotel Shiodome or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kanazawa - Tokyo. On day 11, after a scenic bullet train ride back to Tokyo, we spend the afternoon exploring popular attractions such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on foot and by public transport. We also take in Tokyo Tower, and Zozo-ji Temple. The temple has been featured in the movie "Wolverine", making it a must-visit for fans of the film.
On your last full day in Tokyo, day 12, you will have the morning free for shopping or any remaining activities. Alternatively, you can join our tour leader for a visit to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation on Odaiba Island. In the afternoon, we explore the upscale Ginza district and other interesting sights before enjoying the final group dinner of the tour.
On day 13, after breakfast, you will be transferred by shared shuttle to the airport for your return flight home.
Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Shiodome or similar
What's Included
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Accommodation
3-5 star hotels -
12 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 12 dinners
Enjoy 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 12 dinners during your tour.
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13 nights 3-5 star hotels
Stay for 13 nights in 3-5 star hotels, including traditional Japanese ryokan experience.
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Escorted by a tour leader
The tour is escorted by a knowledgeable tour leader.
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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 shared shuttle bus.
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All relevant transportation and transfers including by minibus, private coach and train / bullet train
Travel in comfort with all relevant transportation and transfers, including minibus, private coach, and bullet train.
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Transport card with 2,500 Yen (USD $16) credit for city transport
A transport card with 2,500 Yen credit is included for city transport.
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Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Hiroshima, Hiroshima to Kyoto and Kanazawa to Tokyo
Luggage forwarding is available between key destinations.
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Full-day guided sightseeing with local guides in Tokyo & Kyoto, including entrance fees
Enjoy full-day guided sightseeing with local guides in Tokyo and Kyoto, including entrance fees.
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Taiko drumming masterclass in Tokyo
Participate in a Taiko drumming masterclass in Tokyo.
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Entrance to the Hiroshima Peace Park & Museum
Entrance to the Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum is included.
What's Not Included
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International flights
International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Any extra transport, entrance fees, activities or meals not mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary
Any extra transport, entrance fees, activities, or meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Other items of a personal nature (souvenirs, laundry etc)
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and laundry are not included.
Age Policy
Minimum age: 6 years, accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with all relevant transportation and transfers, including minibus, private coach, and bullet train. Arrival and departure transfers are provided by shared shuttle bus, and a transport card with 2,500 Yen credit is included for city transport. Luggage forwarding is available between key destinations.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights in 3-5 star hotels, including stays at Hotel Niwa in Tokyo, Rihga Royal Hiroshima, Okura Hotel Kyoto, and The Royal Park Hotel Shiodome. Experience traditional Japanese hospitality at Haiya Ryokan in Awara Onsen, complete with futon bedding and tatami-mat flooring.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 3-5 star hotels, including Hotel Niwa in Tokyo, Rihga Royal Hiroshima, Okura Hotel Kyoto, and The Royal Park Hotel Shiodome. Additionally, you will experience traditional Japanese hospitality at Haiya Ryokan in Awara Onsen, which features futon bedding and tatami-mat flooring.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 12 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes all relevant transportation and transfers, such as travel by minibus, private coach, and bullet train. Arrival and departure transfers are provided by shared shuttle bus, and a transport card with 2,500 Yen credit is included for city transport. Luggage forwarding is also available between key destinations.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be full-day guided sightseeing with local guides in Tokyo and Kyoto, including entrance fees.
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a taiko drumming masterclass in Tokyo, a cooking class to make okonomiyaki in Hiroshima, afternoon tea with a maiko in Kyoto, a zazen meditation session with a monk in Awara Onsen, and a wagashi confectionary making session in Kanazawa.
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Is there any free time during the tour for personal activities?
Yes, on the last full day in Tokyo, you will have the morning free for shopping or any remaining activities. Additionally, the evening of day 10 in Kanazawa is free for you to unwind at your own pace.
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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.