Splendors of Japan - Celebrate Takayama Festival
Splendors of Japan - Celebrate Takayama Festival
$4875
Splendors of Japan - Celebrate Takayama Festival
9 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Five Lakes District, Mt. Fuji, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JPNFN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan with the "Splendors of Japan - Celebrate Takayama Festival" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Kyoto, offering a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. Explore iconic sites such as the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, and the majestic Mt. Fuji. Experience the vibrant Takayama Festival, where you can admire intricately carved floats and indulge in local delicacies. Discover the unique Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and try your hand at traditional washi paper-making. Enjoy a kaiseki lunch with the Nakamura family in Kyoto and learn about local customs. Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach and stay in carefully selected hotels, ensuring comfort throughout your journey. This tour promises unforgettable experiences and insights into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
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: 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: Five Lakes District
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
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
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: Kanazawa
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
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: 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: Osaka
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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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Stay in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted for their quality and service.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Enjoy daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals included in the tour.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras to enhance your experience.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing, ensuring you don't miss any details.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy alternative transportation options like rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from Japan
Flights to and from Japan are not included in the tour package.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not covered.
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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
8 Breakfast (B)3 Lunch (L)3 Dinner (D)
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury travel in an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and includes alternative transportation options like rail journeys for a comfortable and seamless travel experience across Japan.
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the 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 class with a professional chef in Ginza, and a kaiseki lunch with the Nakamura Family in Kyoto to learn about local customs.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation includes stays in cherry-picked hotels such as the New Otani Garden Tower in Tokyo, Fuji Marriott Yamanakako, Associa Takayama Resort, Kanazawa Tokyu, and The Hotel Higashiyama in Kyoto, all offering comfort and convenience throughout the journey.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there are three lunches and three dinners included in the dining summary.
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What is the highlight of the Takayama Festival experience?
During the Takayama Festival, you will immerse yourself in tradition by walking through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town, enjoying a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu beef, and admiring the intricately carved yatai (floats) that feature karakuri ningyo (marionettes).
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What activities are planned for the visit to Kyoto?
In Kyoto, you will visit the Kinkakuji Temple, explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic torii gates, admire the statues at Sanjusangen-do Hall, and enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. There is also a Be My Guest experience with a traditional lunch and learning about local customs.
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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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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.
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