Premium Highlights of Japan

tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Premium Highlights of Japan | CJPH | Map

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9 Days From

~~$5550~~

$4995

Premium Highlights of Japan

9 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Kyoto

Visiting: Tokyo, Kamakura, Yudanaka, Kanazawa, Kyoto

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

CJPH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, Low

Age range:

15-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

From: $5550 $4995 Operator discount: -$555

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

If you want to experience a few (of the many) highlights of Japan, all while staying in comfortable accommodation with like-minded travellers, this Premium adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto is a must! You’ll spend nine days exploring world-class shopping neighbourhoods, geisha districts, hole-in-the-wall eateries, ancient temples and markets with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find. Learn about the history of samurai from a family of contemporary ninjas, feast on monjayaki and teppanyaki on a dinner cruise in Tokyo, try to find snow monkeys bathing in hot springs on the mountain in Yamanouchi, wander through a designated Place of Scenic Beauty in Arashiyama and Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden in Kanazawa and follow the trail at a sacred shrine in Kyoto.

Highlights

Experience a traditional Japanese Onsen (an area of natural hot springs surrounded by traditional inns and bathing facilities) at your Feature Stay and soak away a day of hiking to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
See and touch some traditional samurai weaponry, try on some authentic attire and learn about the rich history of these warriors with an Authentic Samurai Experience at a 400-year-old dojo run by contemporary ninjas in Tokyo.
Take a day trip to Kamakura, a coastal treasure known for its history, and see the sights on a traditional, person-led rickshaw, followed by a train ride on one of the oldest electric railways in the country.
Feast your way through Japan with an all-inclusive dinner cruise on a yakatabune in Tokyo, a market visit in Kanazawa where you can pick your ingredients for a lunchtime cooking class at a local’s home and a sweet-making class in Kyoto.
Explore Arashiyama – a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty in Kyoto. Walk through the bamboo grove and participate in ritual at the many temples and shrines in the area.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Places You'll See

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Tokyo

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Kyoto

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Tokyo

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Kyoto

Itinerary

tourhub | Intrepid Travel | Premium Highlights of Japan | CJPH | Route Map

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Day 1: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel, Gracery Asakusa

Meals Included: dinner

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, Tokyo has many sides to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. After your meeting tonight, you’ll head out for an included welcome dinner with your new trip leader and fellow travellers.

Included Activities:
-Tokyo - Welcome dinner

Day 2: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel, Gracery Asakusa

Meals Included: breaksfastdinner

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head out for a leader-led walking tour of Asakusa – an area of Tokyo that retains the vibe of older Tokyo, lined with craft shops and street-food stalls. Asakusa’s main attraction is Sensoji Temple. You’ll explore this ancient Buddhist temple, the oldest and one of the most significant in the city and learn how it became independent from the Tendai sect of Buddhism after World War II. Then, head to a non-profit family-owned dojo boasting over 400 years of operation for an authentic samurai experience run by contemporary ninjas. Learn about the history and culture of Samurai, from a descendant of an original Samurai clan, see and touch real weaponry and try on some traditional costumes. Tonight, you’ll hop on a yakatabune (a traditional houseboat) for a dinner cruise down the Sumida River. Floating by some of Tokyo’s best sights, you’ll feast on teppanyaki and monjayaki (savoury pancake) and enjoy bottomless drinks.

Included Activities:
-Tokyo - Authentic Samurai Experience
-Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
-Tokyo - Monja Boat Dinner Cruise

Day 3: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo, Kamakura, Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel, Gracery Asakusa

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning after breakfast, head out on a day trip to Kamakura – a small coastal town known for its historical treasures, sometimes called ‘the Kyoto of Eastern Japan’. See the sites with a unique mode of transport – a traditional rickshaw. Your knowledgeable driver (there are no wheels on this rickshaw, only your guide’s feet) will tell you all about the local history, the best spots to pick up some local favourites for lunch and maybe even take you to some secret spots along the way. See the Jufukuji Temple, the Eishoji Temple and Kawakita Film Museum. After, you’ll switch your guide’s feet for train tracks on a traditional Enoden ride – the electric railway that the Enoden travels on is the sixth oldest railway in all of Japan! This train will take you through some winding, narrow alleyways that no other train could ride through.

Included Activities:
-Tokyo - Kamakura Day Trip
-Kamakura-Enoden Ride
-Kamakura-Rickshaw Ride

Day 4: Yudanaka

Location: Yudanaka

Accommodation: Issa no Komichi (Feature Stay) or similiar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning after breakfast, you’ll make the train journey to Yamanouchi – home of the famed snow monkeys who live at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. When you arrive, head to your Feature Stay to settle in – a traditional-style onsen (hot springs and the bathing facilities and inns that surround the springs). Head out on a group hike to the park. This is the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs! If the season’s right, you can watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing, pruning each other and relaxing in the steaming waters by the mountain. Back at the accommodation, maybe take a quick dip in the onsite hot springs, some overlooking the rolling greens of the mountain surroundings. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a group dinner at your accommodation of seasonal wild plants, fresh local vegetables and natural river fish from the Chikuma River nearby.

Included Activities:
-Yudanaka - Snow Monkey Park
-Yudanaka - Onsen Experience

Day 5: Kanazawa

3 ya

Location: Kanazawa

Accommodation: Intergate Kanazawa

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning after breakfast, take the train to Kanazawa, known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums, handicrafts, garden and castle. When you arrive, pick up some lunch, then you’ll visit Kenrokuen Garden – Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden, which began in the 17th century. This park is celebrated for its classic landscape designs that feature ponds and streams, promoting well-being, a clear mind and a connection to nature. After wandering through the garden, you’ll walk by the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle – this historic area was once a residential district for the city’s samurai. After exploring Nagamachi Samurai District and learning about the area’s past, continue exploring in the Higashi Chaya District – a small neighbourhood with teahouses, alleys and lots of shops and restaurants. Maybe ask your leader for recommendations on how to spend the late afternoon.

Included Activities:
-Kanazawa - Kenrokuen Garden
-Kanazawa - Samurai District Walking Tour
-Kanazawa - Higashi Chaya District walking tour

Day 6: Kanazawa

3 ya

Location: Kanazawa

Accommodation: Intergate Kanazawa

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

After breakfast, you’ll continue exploring Kanazawa with a tour of Omicho Market – the hub of the local food culture, famous for its seafood and locally grown produce. With a local guide with all the insight into the region, the food and the market, you’ll wind your way through the stalls and learn how to spot the freshest ingredients. You’ll then choose some fish and vegetables for your lunchtime cooking class – then head back to your guide’s kitchen and learn some tips and tricks on how to cook a traditional Kanazawa meal. Sit down as a group and enjoy the fruits of your labour, before enjoying an afternoon at your leisure.

Included Activities:
-Kanazawa - Market Visit and Home Cooking Experience

Day 7: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Intergate Kyoto

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today, you’ll leave Kanazawa on the Thunderbird train, headed for Kyoto – once the capital of Japan, this city in Honshu is famous for its classic Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens, imperial palaces and traditional architecture. When you arrive, you’ll head to Arashiyama – in the west, this area is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. Explore the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple and Kameyama-koen Park on the hilltop. After some time for lunch, head to a townhouse for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to make traditional Japanese confectionary, which are adorned with cute designs. Learn about mochi, dried sweets, fresh sweets and even make a matcha green tea to go with them!

Included Activities:
-Kyoto - Traditional Sweet Making Experience

Day 8: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Intergate Kyoto

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

After breakfast this morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine – known for the distinctly red tunnels of more than 10,000 vermilion torii gates that wind over the hills of Mount Inari. After, head to Nishiki Market, where you might like to grab a bite to eat from one of the hundred shops and restaurants that line this narrow shopping street. Your leader will know some of the best spots in the marketplace, so you don’t miss out on any must-try delights. Head to Gion, filled with shops, restaurants and teahouses. This area is a geisha district, meaning hostesses in colourful kimonos are often sighted on the Tatsumi Bridge and in the boutiques of Hanamikoji Street. Tonight, you’ll sit down for an included group dinner to say goodbye, share stories (and great photos) and celebrate a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:
-Kyoto - Fushimi Inari - Taisha
-Kyoto - Nishiki market visit
-Kyoto - Arashiyama Walking Tour

Day 9: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no activities planned today, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to spend longer in Kyoto, just speak to your booking agent.

What's Included

Accommodation

As detailed in the itinerary
Airport Transfers at Destination

No
Fully Guided
Meals

As detailed in the itinerary
Tokyo - Welcome dinner
Tokyo - Authentic Samurai Experience
Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
Tokyo - Monja Boat Dinner Cruise
Tokyo - Kamakura Day Trip
Kamakura-Enoden Ride
Kamakura-Rickshaw Ride
Yudanaka - Snow Monkey Park
Yudanaka - Onsen Experience
Kanazawa - Kenrokuen Garden
Kanazawa - Samurai District Walking Tour
Kanazawa - Higashi Chaya District walking tour
Kanazawa - Market Visit and Home Cooking Experience
Kyoto - Traditional Sweet Making Experience
Kyoto - Fushimi Inari - Taisha
Kyoto - Nishiki market visit
Kyoto - Arashiyama Walking Tour

What's Not Included

Insurance
International Travel

Transport

Train , Bus

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
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/
FROSTED WINDOWS
Many hotels in Japan (and especially in Kyoto) may have frosted or opaque windows. This is to maintain privacy. While the windows let in natural light, you may not be able to see out.

Important Information

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip?and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. It is essential you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. One piece of big luggage is included for transfer from destination to destination on this trip while travelling on the train. For any additional luggage to be transferred, additional charges will apply. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains if you plan to take them with you. Luggage over 160–250 cm may require an additional JPY1000 fee per train journey. Luggage over 251 cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains. Please notify your group leader at the welcome meeting if your luggage is over 160–250 cm so they can help you make the necessary arrangements. Please review the Packing section of the ETIs for more details on luggage transfers.
3. We are not able to book airport shuttle service between Kyoto and Kansai Airport at the moment. Your leader will be able to advise on best ways of getting to Kansai Airport in Osaka.
4. A complimentary arrival transfer is not included on this trip.

Mode of Transport

Private Vehicle , Train , Bus

Check out our Q&As

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.

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.
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Yes, 15 years old or above
What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

LOW - Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

No
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

Yes

Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

As detailed in the itinerary
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

No
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
How long has the tour company been trading?

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes
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.
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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Operator discount: -$616

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~~$6396~~ $5756

Operator discount: -$640

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~~$6396~~ $5756

Operator discount: -$640

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Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025

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Operator discount: -$640

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Operator discount: -$652

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~~$6284~~ $5656

Operator discount: -$628

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Operator discount: -$616

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~~$5770~~ $5193

Operator discount: -$577

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Operator discount: -$555

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Saturday - Sunday

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~~$5550~~ $4995

Operator discount: -$555

Wednesday - Thursday

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~~$5550~~ $4995

Operator discount: -$555

Saturday - Sunday

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~~$5550~~ $4995

Operator discount: -$555

Saturday - Sunday

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~~$5550~~ $4995

Operator discount: -$555

Saturday - Sunday

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~~$6160~~ $5544

Operator discount: -$616

Saturday - Sunday

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~~$6160~~ $5544

Operator discount: -$616

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025

~~$6396~~ $5756

Operator discount: -$640

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025

~~$6396~~ $5756

Operator discount: -$640

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025

~~$6460~~ $5814

Operator discount: -$646

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025

~~$6396~~ $5756

Operator discount: -$640

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025

~~$6396~~ $5756

Operator discount: -$640

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025

~~$6396~~ $5756

Operator discount: -$640

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025

~~$6396~~ $5756

Operator discount: -$640

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025

~~$6160~~ $5544

Operator discount: -$616

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025

~~$6160~~ $5544

Operator discount: -$616

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025

~~$6160~~ $5544

Operator discount: -$616

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025

~~$6160~~ $5544

Operator discount: -$616

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025

~~$5550~~ $4995

Operator discount: -$555

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025

$6160

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 15, 2026

$5825

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026

$6470

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 01, 2026 - Apr 09, 2026

$6715

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026

$6715

Monday - Tuesday

Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026

$6715

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026

$6715

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026

$6715

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 15, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026

$6715

Saturday - Sunday

May 09, 2026 - May 17, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

May 16, 2026 - May 24, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

May 30, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026

$5825

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026

$5825

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026

$5825

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 29, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026

$5825

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 15, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026

$5825

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026

$5825

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 12, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026

$6715

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026

$6715

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026

$6715

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026

$6715

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 14, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026

$6715

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 15, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026

$6470

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 29, 2026

$5825

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 06, 2026

$5825

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026

$5825

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 27, 2026

$6470

Prices last published on 20-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

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.
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.
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.
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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[{"title":"Day 1: Tokyo","name":"Tokyo","description":"Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, Tokyo has many sides to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. After your meeting tonight, you’ll head out for an included welcome dinner with your new trip leader and fellow travellers. Included Activities: -<description>Tokyo - Welcome dinner</description>","lat":"35.676423","lng":"139.650027"},{"title":"Day 2: Tokyo","name":"Tokyo","description":"This morning after breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head out for a leader-led walking tour of Asakusa – an area of Tokyo that retains the vibe of older Tokyo, lined with craft shops and street-food stalls. Asakusa’s main attraction is Sensoji Temple. You’ll explore this ancient Buddhist temple, the oldest and one of the most significant in the city and learn how it became independent from the Tendai sect of Buddhism after World War II. Then, head to a non-profit family-owned dojo boasting over 400 years of operation for an authentic samurai experience run by contemporary ninjas. Learn about the history and culture of Samurai, from a descendant of an original Samurai clan, see and touch real weaponry and try on some traditional costumes. Tonight, you’ll hop on a yakatabune (a traditional houseboat) for a dinner cruise down the Sumida River. Floating by some of Tokyo’s best sights, you’ll feast on teppanyaki and monjayaki (savoury pancake) and enjoy bottomless drinks. Included Activities: -<description>Tokyo - Authentic Samurai Experience</description> -<description>Tokyo - Sensoji Temple</description> -<description>Tokyo - Monja Boat Dinner Cruise</description>","lat":"35.676423","lng":"139.650027"},{"title":"Day 3: Tokyo","name":"Tokyo","description":"This morning after breakfast, head out on a day trip to Kamakura – a small coastal town known for its historical treasures, sometimes called ‘the Kyoto of Eastern Japan’. See the sites with a unique mode of transport – a traditional rickshaw. Your knowledgeable driver (there are no wheels on this rickshaw, only your guide’s feet) will tell you all about the local history, the best spots to pick up some local favourites for lunch and maybe even take you to some secret spots along the way. See the Jufukuji Temple, the Eishoji Temple and Kawakita Film Museum. After, you’ll switch your guide’s feet for train tracks on a traditional Enoden ride – the electric railway that the Enoden travels on is the sixth oldest railway in all of Japan! This train will take you through some winding, narrow alleyways that no other train could ride through. Included Activities: -<description>Tokyo - Kamakura Day Trip</description> -<description>Kamakura-Enoden Ride</description> -<description>Kamakura-Rickshaw Ride</description>","lat":"35.676423","lng":"139.650027"},{"title":"Day 3: Tokyo","name":"Kamakura","description":"This morning after breakfast, head out on a day trip to Kamakura – a small coastal town known for its historical treasures, sometimes called ‘the Kyoto of Eastern Japan’. See the sites with a unique mode of transport – a traditional rickshaw. Your knowledgeable driver (there are no wheels on this rickshaw, only your guide’s feet) will tell you all about the local history, the best spots to pick up some local favourites for lunch and maybe even take you to some secret spots along the way. See the Jufukuji Temple, the Eishoji Temple and Kawakita Film Museum. After, you’ll switch your guide’s feet for train tracks on a traditional Enoden ride – the electric railway that the Enoden travels on is the sixth oldest railway in all of Japan! This train will take you through some winding, narrow alleyways that no other train could ride through. Included Activities: -<description>Tokyo - Kamakura Day Trip</description> -<description>Kamakura-Enoden Ride</description> -<description>Kamakura-Rickshaw Ride</description>","lat":"35.319213","lng":"139.546673"},{"title":"Day 3: Tokyo","name":"Tokyo","description":"This morning after breakfast, head out on a day trip to Kamakura – a small coastal town known for its historical treasures, sometimes called ‘the Kyoto of Eastern Japan’. See the sites with a unique mode of transport – a traditional rickshaw. Your knowledgeable driver (there are no wheels on this rickshaw, only your guide’s feet) will tell you all about the local history, the best spots to pick up some local favourites for lunch and maybe even take you to some secret spots along the way. See the Jufukuji Temple, the Eishoji Temple and Kawakita Film Museum. After, you’ll switch your guide’s feet for train tracks on a traditional Enoden ride – the electric railway that the Enoden travels on is the sixth oldest railway in all of Japan! This train will take you through some winding, narrow alleyways that no other train could ride through. Included Activities: -<description>Tokyo - Kamakura Day Trip</description> -<description>Kamakura-Enoden Ride</description> -<description>Kamakura-Rickshaw Ride</description>","lat":"35.676423","lng":"139.650027"},{"title":"Day 4: Yudanaka","name":"Yudanaka","description":"This morning after breakfast, you’ll make the train journey to Yamanouchi – home of the famed snow monkeys who live at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. When you arrive, head to your Feature Stay to settle in – a traditional-style onsen (hot springs and the bathing facilities and inns that surround the springs). Head out on a group hike to the park. This is the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs! If the season’s right, you can watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing, pruning each other and relaxing in the steaming waters by the mountain. Back at the accommodation, maybe take a quick dip in the onsite hot springs, some overlooking the rolling greens of the mountain surroundings. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a group dinner at your accommodation of seasonal wild plants, fresh local vegetables and natural river fish from the Chikuma River nearby. Included Activities: -<description>Yudanaka - Snow Monkey Park</description> -<description>Yudanaka - Onsen Experience</description>","lat":"36.741638","lng":"138.414728"},{"title":"Day 5: Kanazawa","name":"Kanazawa","description":"This morning after breakfast, take the train to Kanazawa, known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums, handicrafts, garden and castle. When you arrive, pick up some lunch, then you’ll visit Kenrokuen Garden – Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden, which began in the 17th century. This park is celebrated for its classic landscape designs that feature ponds and streams, promoting well-being, a clear mind and a connection to nature. After wandering through the garden, you’ll walk by the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle – this historic area was once a residential district for the city’s samurai. After exploring Nagamachi Samurai District and learning about the area’s past, continue exploring in the Higashi Chaya District – a small neighbourhood with teahouses, alleys and lots of shops and restaurants. Maybe ask your leader for recommendations on how to spend the late afternoon. 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Included Activities: -<description>Kanazawa - Market Visit and Home Cooking Experience</description>","lat":"36.561325","lng":"136.656205"},{"title":"Day 7: Kyoto ","name":"Kyoto ","description":"Today, you’ll leave Kanazawa on the Thunderbird train, headed for Kyoto – once the capital of Japan, this city in Honshu is famous for its classic Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens, imperial palaces and traditional architecture. When you arrive, you’ll head to Arashiyama – in the west, this area is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. Explore the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple and Kameyama-koen Park on the hilltop. After some time for lunch, head to a townhouse for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to make traditional Japanese confectionary, which are adorned with cute designs. Learn about mochi, dried sweets, fresh sweets and even make a matcha green tea to go with them! Included Activities: -<description>Kyoto - Traditional Sweet Making Experience</description>","lat":"35.011636","lng":"135.768029"},{"title":"Day 8: Kyoto ","name":"Kyoto ","description":"After breakfast this morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine – known for the distinctly red tunnels of more than 10,000 vermilion torii gates that wind over the hills of Mount Inari. After, head to Nishiki Market, where you might like to grab a bite to eat from one of the hundred shops and restaurants that line this narrow shopping street. Your leader will know some of the best spots in the marketplace, so you don’t miss out on any must-try delights. Head to Gion, filled with shops, restaurants and teahouses. This area is a geisha district, meaning hostesses in colourful kimonos are often sighted on the Tatsumi Bridge and in the boutiques of Hanamikoji Street. Tonight, you’ll sit down for an included group dinner to say goodbye, share stories (and great photos) and celebrate a trip well-travelled. Included Activities: -<description>Kyoto - Fushimi Inari - Taisha</description> -<description>Kyoto - Nishiki market visit</description> -<description>Kyoto - Arashiyama Walking Tour</description>","lat":"35.011636","lng":"135.768029"},{"title":"Day 9: Kyoto ","name":"Kyoto ","description":"With no activities planned today, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to spend longer in Kyoto, just speak to your booking agent. ","lat":"35.011636","lng":"135.768029"}]

Premium Highlights of Japan

Premium Highlights of Japan

Premium Highlights of Japan

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Tour Overview

Highlights

Places You'll See

Tokyo

Kyoto

Tokyo

Kyoto

Itinerary

Not what you're looking for?

Day 1: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel, Gracery Asakusa

Meals Included: dinner

Day 2: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel, Gracery Asakusa

Meals Included: breaksfastdinner

Day 3: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo, Kamakura, Tokyo

Accommodation: Hotel, Gracery Asakusa

Meals Included: breaksfast

Day 4: Yudanaka

Location: Yudanaka

Accommodation: Issa no Komichi (Feature Stay) or similiar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Day 5: Kanazawa

Location: Kanazawa

Accommodation: Intergate Kanazawa

Meals Included: breaksfast

Day 6: Kanazawa

Location: Kanazawa

Accommodation: Intergate Kanazawa

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Day 7: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Intergate Kyoto

Meals Included: breaksfast

Day 8: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation: Intergate Kyoto

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Day 9: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Meals Included: breaksfast

What's Included

What's Not Included

Transport

Accommodation

Important Information

Mode of Transport

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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

What policies are in place for Covid-19?

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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

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