Splendors of Japan - Celebrate Takayama Festival
Splendors of Japan - Celebrate Takayama Festival
$4875
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan with the "Splendors of Japan - Celebrate Takayama Festival" tour. Begin your adventure in Tokyo, exploring iconic sites like the Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree. Experience the serene beauty of Mt. Fuji and the traditional charm of Takayama, where you'll witness the vibrant Takayama Festival. Discover the unique Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and try your hand at washi paper-making. In Kanazawa, stroll through the exquisite Kenrokuen Gardens and learn the art of gold leaf painting. Continue to Kyoto, where you'll connect with locals over a kaiseki lunch and visit the stunning Kinkakuji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences, all guided by expert travel directors and enhanced with luxury accommodations and dining. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Konnichiwa Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Accommodation Name: New Otani Garden Tower
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 drink and local appetizers.
Day 2: Explore Vibrant Tokyo
Location: Asakusa, Tokyo, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Nakamise Street, Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Accommodation Name: New Otani Garden Tower
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, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. 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: Imperial Palace Plaza, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Tokyo National Museum, Ginza, Five Lakes District, Mt. Fuji
Accommodation: Fuji Marriott Yamanakako
Accommodation Name: Fuji Marriott 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 Tokyo National Museum browse collections of Japanese art, then continue to the Ginza district where you’ll learn how to make sushi with a professional sushi chef. 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, Lake Kawaguchiko, Takayama
Accommodation: Associa Takayama Resort
Accommodation Name: Associa Takayama Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in the clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 meters 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. Visit the Takayama Evening festival where you will see the spectacular sight of the floats decorated with lanterns.
Day 5: Join the Locals at the Takayama Festival
Location: Takayama
Accommodation: Associa Takayama Resort
Accommodation Name: Associa Takayama Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge in a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. After lunch, immerse yourself in the town’s festive atmosphere. Admire the intricately carved yatai (floats) that date back to the 17th century and feature karakuri ningyo (marionettes) which move and dance as their strings are managed by the tsunakata (puppeteers). Later, return to the hotel by coach.
Day 6: Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa
Location: Gokayama, Kanazawa, Kenroku-en
Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu
Accommodation Name: Kanazawa Tokyu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey back in time this morning 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. Later observe local artisans making washi paper and trying your hand at making your own. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience contributes to the sustainability of this small business. Then, continue to Kanazawa and take a short walk through the Omicho market and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Next, visit the gardens of Kenroku-en, shaped over a hundred years before continuing with a visit to a Local Specialist to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 7: Onwards to Kyoto Connect with Locals
Location: Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple
Accommodation: The Hotel Higashiyama
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Board an Express train this morning to Kyoto, where you'll connect with locals at a traditional restaurant on your Be My Guest experience. You'll learn about local Japanese customs from your hosts. After lunch, 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: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Sanjusangen-do Hall, Kyoto, Gion, Kyoto
Accommodation: The Hotel Higashiyama
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide your 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. 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, indulge in dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.
Day 9: Sayonara Japan
Location: Kyoto, Kansai International Airport, Osaka Itami Airport
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 Splendors 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 are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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Hotel Tips and Local Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
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Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel 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
Optional experiences and free time are available during the tour.
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Hotel Standards
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from Japan are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities are not covered.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Japan are not included.
Dining Summary
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 4 Dinner (D)
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy the convenience of an express train journey to Kyoto, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience throughout Japan.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels throughout your journey, including the New Otani Garden Tower in Tokyo, Fuji Marriott Yamanakako, Associa Takayama Resort, Kanazawa Tokyu, and The Hotel Higashiyama in Kyoto, ensuring comfort and convenience at every stop.
Dive into Culture
- Ginza: With the guidance of your professional sushi chef, make your own selection of sushi specialties. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch.
- Takayama: Join the locals at the Takayama Festival.
Iconic Experience
- Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
- Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.
- Mt Fuji: Start your day by visiting the small rural village of Oshino Hakkai which is home to eight natural spring water ponds. Next on your travels is a 2,300-meter winding road to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. To end your day, you will ride up to Mt. Tenjo by ropeway and bask in the breath-taking views.
- Kanazawa: Learn about the delicacy of the 16th-century craft gold leaf painting with your Local Specialist.
- Gokayama: Take some time to admire the peaceful mountain village of Gokayama. Discover their unique homes that have been built without the use of nails and their sloped thatched roofs.
- Kanazawa: Enjoy a stroll through Omicho market before making your way to the beautiful Gardens of Kenrokuen which have been shaped over the past one hundred years.
- Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
- Kyoto: Your city tour takes you to the orange gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Admire this sacred site before visiting Sanjeusangen-do-Hall, where you can view the 1,001 "thousand-handed" goddesses of mercy statues. Continue your exploration of Kyoto with a walking tour through the Gion district.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the Splendors of Japan tour?
The tour includes a visit to a washi paper workshop in Gokayama where you can try your hand at making paper, a sushi-making session with a professional chef in Ginza, and a Be My Guest experience in Kyoto where you will have a kaiseki lunch with the Nakamura Family and learn about local customs. ...more ...less
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What can I expect during the visit to Mt. Fuji?
You will ascend Mt. Fuji by road to the 5th station at 2,300 meters. Additionally, you will ride the Kachikachiyama Ropeway for views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko, weather permitting.
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What is the significance of the Takayama Festival included in the tour?
The Takayama Festival is a traditional event where you can see intricately carved yatai (floats) that date back to the 17th century. These floats feature karakuri ningyo (marionettes) that move and dance, managed by puppeteers.
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How does the tour support sustainable tourism?
The tour supports sustainable tourism through the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Gokayama, where visiting a washi paper workshop helps support a local business and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
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What are some of the iconic landmarks visited in Kyoto during the tour?
In Kyoto, the tour visits the Kinkakuji Temple, known for its Golden Pavilion, the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic orange torii gates, and the Sanjusangen-do Hall, which houses 1,001 statues of the thousand-handed goddess of mercy.
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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
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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
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Splendors of Japan - Celebrate Takayama Festival
9 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Asakusa, Tokyo, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo, Nakamise Street, Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo, Imperial Palace Plaza, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Tokyo National Museum, Ginza, Five Lakes District, Mt. Fuji, Lake Kawaguchiko, Takayama, Gokayama, Kanazawa, Kenroku-en, Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Sanjusangen-do Hall, Kyoto, Gion Kyoto ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JPNFN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
