Tour to Japan – 17 days, 16 nights
8-24 Sept 2023

Classic Japan Tour

As one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, Japan has a unique combination of stunning scenery, ancient temples and shrines along with stunning modern architecture.  With a diverse culture and ancient time-honoured traditions, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture one day and marvel at the incredible technological developments the next.

From the neon lights of the big cities, the ancient castles and temples to volcanic hot springs and snow-capped mountains Japan has it all.  It’s the only place in the world where you can see gold-leaf covered pagodas, 400-year-old traditional castles, Shinto shrines dating back to the eighth century and one of the most majestic mountain volcanoes in the world.  Our Classic Japan tour is designed to give you a feel for ancient Japan of old and the modern high-tech Japan of today. The tour will take you through ancient villages, temples and castles, explore different eras and traditions as well as taking in some of the most modern high-tech cities in Japan.

 

Included in the Classic Japan Tour

R

All Accommodation

R

All Light Lunches

R

All Breakfasts

R

All transportation within Japan

R

All Tour Guides & Entrance Fees

R

24/7 Help and support whilst in Japan

Day 1 – Australia/Tokyo

Morning:  Depart Australia for Japan
Afternoon: Arrive Tokyo
Evening: At your Leisure

Fly direct to Tokyo from Australia. Once we have arrived at the hotel and settled in, feel free to explore the area and sample the delights on offer at the local eateries.  Your guide is always on hand to give ideas and tips on where to eat in the local area.

Day 2 – Tokyo

Day: Nikko Edomura /Nikko
Evening: Free time

We start your Japan experience with a trip back in time to the Edo period (1603-1838) with a trip to Nikko Edomura – an Edo period film studio town where everyone works, and lives, as they did during that period. The park has seven theatres, featuring traditionally themed shows, including plays, ninja action and giran shows combined with outdoor live shows, street performances, parades, seasonal festivals, and special events. Edomura also has a range of visitor experiences for adults and children including ninja workshops, Japanese traditional archery and you can even try your hand at shuriken throwing.

Day 3 –Tokyo
Morning:   Train to Kanazawa
Afternoon:  via Matsumoto (Castle)
Evening: Local area exploration

Today we take the train to Kanazawa on Japan’s West coast. On the way we will make a detour to the stunning Matsumoto Castle built in 1564, this magnificent black castle, also known as the “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior was the seat of Matsumoto Domain under the Edo Period Tokugawa shogunate.
Later, we will continue our train journey to Kanazawa in time for dinner and a relaxing stroll around the area.

Day 4 – Kanazawa

Morning:  Gold leaf making/Higashiyama district/Samurai house
Afternoon: Kerokuen garden/ Ninja temple
Evening: Asano Kawa onsen

We start the day seeing gold leaf being made before we head into the famous Higashiyama district – an original Edo period style village in the heart of Kanazawa. We then head over to an original samurai house before we head to the most beautiful Kerokuen Garden, one of the top 3 gardens in Japan. To finish the day, we will head to Asano Kawa onsen, in the hills, for a relaxing end to the day.

Day 5 – Kanazawa

Morning:  Shirakawago
Afternoon: Takayama
Evening: Free time

Today we head out to the world heritage listed Shirakawa-go historic village with its original thatched roof houses where you are free to stroll around at your leisure. From here we will head over to Takayama historic area where you can take in the historic town area or even do some hands-on craft. Then it’s back to our hotel for dinner.

Day 6 – Osaka

Morning: Train to Osaka
Afternoon:
Nara – Todaiji temple
Evening:
Dinner in Nara with Japanese host

Today we take the train to Osaka before we head over to the town of Nara, a relaxed ancient town which is home to many of Japan’s oldest temples. Here we meet up with our local guide to visit the largest wooden temple in the world – the Todaiji Temple that enshrines a 5-storey high Buddha. With museums, historic temples and deer roaming freely this is a delightful old town.  Next, we’ll make our way to Kasuga-taisha Shinto Shrine before heading back into the centre of town to see a Motchi pounding demonstration and have a wonder through the many shops and restaurants in souvenir alley. Finally, we round up the day with an Izakaya  dinner with our Japanese host.

Day 7 – Kyoto

Morning:  Kyoto Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Afternoon: Kiyomizudera (Historic temple)
Evening: Gion Geisha Experience

Today we travel to Kyoto, where we’ll see the gorgeous autumn colours and visit the gold-leaf covered Kinkaku-ji (Golden) Zen Temple set in 600-year-old gardens and the Kiyomizudera (the water temple) built on the side of a hill without a single nail or bolt being used. Next, we take a leisurely stroll down the little shopping street of Higashiyama where you can buy souvenirs and sample different local delights. Later tonight, we’ll visit Gion, Kyoto’s famous Ge

Day 8 – Osaka

Morning:   Kinosaki onsen
Afternoon:  Kinosaki onsen
Evening: Free time

Today is a relaxation day as we travel to the traditional Japanese hot spring town of Kinosaki Onsen for a tranquil and enjoyable day, to recharge, in a small town that boasts 7 public hot springs and over 80 ryokans (traditional inns). Experience wearing a traditional yukata as you stroll around this quaint town, with its small family resteraunts and shops, between comforting and peaceful bathing experiences. 

Day 9 – Osaka

Morning: Kaiyukan
Afternoon: 
Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street (alt Yamazaki)
Evening: 
Dotonbori

Today we will visit one of the most amazing world-renowned aquariums you will ever see. We will take the spiral ramp all the way from the 8th floor to the 4th floor, leaving the land of terrestrial animals to find yourself stepping into the sea all the way to the ocean floor. After having lunch, we will travel into Osaka to Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street, the longest undercover shopping street (1.76km) in Japan. This evening we will head to the vibrant Dotonbori, the kuidaore food area of Osaka with its towering walls of neon signs and so many restaurants to choose from. Sights that will amaze you.

Day 10 – Osaka

All day:  Arashiyama
Evening: Free time

Today, we will visit the lush green and historic site of Arashiyama in all its glory. Here you can wander along the pathways to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, take a leisurely stroll around the town’s numerous old-style shops and temples and wonder (or take a boat ride) along the tree lined Hozugawa river to see the traditional Kudari boats.

Day 11 – Hiroshima

Morning: Bullet Train to Hiroshima 
Afternoon: Atomic Bomb Museum, Shukkeien Garden, Peace Park, Sadako’s Memorial.
Evening: Free time

Today we take our reserved seats on the bullet train and head 380km to Hiroshima.  After dropping the bags at the hotel we’ll visit the magnificent Shukkeien Gardens for a picnic and take a stroll around the picturesque gardens complete with ornamental ponds, gorgeous bridges, pagodas and tea houses.  From here we’ll visit the Peace Museum and amble through the beautifully manicured grounds of Peace Park to the UNESCO world heritage listed Atomic Bomb Dome building – the only structure left standing after the atomic bomb blast on 6th August 1945. To finish off the day we will take a walk past the ground-zero plaque and stop for dinner in the local undercover shopping mall on the way back to the hotel.

Day 12 – Hiroshima

All day: Iwakuni (baggage to Tokyo)
Evening: At your leisure

Today we head further south to the delightful and colourful spot of Iwakuni and the amazing Kintai-kyo Bridge, a distinguished landmark of Iwakuni. The bridge has five arches, spanning the Nishiki River, affixed to massive stone pillars. We will relax and picnic under the red and gold canopy of the autumn trees in Kikko Park before we take the ropeway up to Iwakuni Castle to see the amazing collection of samurai swords, armour and artefacts.

Day 13 – Hiroshima/Tokyo

Morning:  Mia Jima Island
Afternoon:  Train to Tokyo
Evening: Shibuya area

This morning you will experience Miyajima, a small island most famous for its giant floating tori gate at the entrance to Itsukushima shrine which, at high tide, seems to float on the water. The floating tori and temple over the water is ranked as one of Japan’s three best views. Later, we take the afternoon train back to Tokyo in time for dinner at the Neon-lit nightlife jungle area of Shibuya, famous for having the busiest road crossing in the world

Day 14 –Tokyo

Morning: Relaxation time 
Afternoon: Sumida river cruise & Tokyo Sky Tree
Evening: Asakusa

After an early lunch, we head to Hinode pier, to board our futuristic boat, for a leisurely cruise on the Sumida River before we head across to see Tokyo from the world’s tallest tower – the Tokyo Sky Tree.  From the observation deck and restaurant at 450 metres (1480 feet) above sea level you can marvel at the panoramic views across Tokyo and on a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji. Later we pass through the Kaminarimon (Thunder) gate into Nakamise, the Asakusa Shopping Street.  A bustling street filled with typical Japanese fare, where you can pick up a souvenir or taste some of the local Japanese snacks on route to visit Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple, built in 645AD. This is one of Tokyo’s most popular temples and a great place for dinner.

Day 15 – Tokyo

All day: Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchico, Fuji caves, Saiko Iyashi no Satoneba Historic Village
Evening: At your leisure

Today we take a day trip to the majestic and beautiful Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. We will start with a ride to the mountain’s 5th station to take in the breath-taking views over the five lakes and surrounding countryside before moving onto the famous Ice Cave.  Filled with ice year-round this glistening cavern is packed with natural ice pillars and crystals and is a real must-see attraction. Later we travel around to the Saiko Iyashi no Satoneba Village, an ancient old village with amazing views of Mount Fuji.  With stone huts and thatched roofs and plenty of local art exhibits, you’ll get a authentic feel for rural Japan and you can even rent some period clothing and pose for a picture in front of Mount Fuji.

Day 16 – Tokyo

Day:  Urban explorer 
Evening: Akihabara & Ginza area

Today is a day of urban exploration. We start at the Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s Royal Family, where we take a leisurely stroll around the outer grounds before we head inside the palace grounds to the beautiful East Garden. From here we head to Sengakuji temple & museum – buriel place of the infamous 47 Ronin before we make our way to the Shinjuku samurai museum, Giant Godzilla and finally the Akihabara electric and anime town before finishing up in Ginza, Japans most glitzy neon jungle and restaurant area.

Day 17 – Tokyo

Morning: Free Time
Afternoon: Depart 1600 airport
Evening: Fly direct to Australia

 Today is yours to enjoy some free time – for last minute shopping or exploration before we head to the airport and the flight home.

Request a booking