Others

Osaka tour Hiroshima tour Miyajima Island tour Bamboo forest and temple visit Fushimi Inari tour Kyoto tour Hida Folk Village visit Sake tasting Onsen experience Lake Ashi cruise Ropeway to Hell cable car Geyser visit Sumo wrestler experience Tsukiji Outer Market tour Sushi-making class Tokyo tour Karaoke night

Hygieneprotocol

An average size of our groups is 10 which means you have the security of the group, but can avoid large crowds. All our Local Insiders will be Health & Safety trained and ensure your safety and wellbeing is the number one priority. Our private vehicles will feature daily assigned seating and undergo daily deep cleaning of all surfaces. Where possible, we use small / boutique accommodation which means fewer guests and less contact with other travellers. We require all hotels to provide protocols around the extra health & hygiene measures taken. Most included activities will be exclusive to our group where possible to minimize contact with other travellers and locals.

Accommodation

10 nights standard hotel One night spa hotel Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi, Osaka This stylish, modern city hotel places you right in the thick of a buzzing district of Osaka. Feel the pulse of the city as you hit the streets, but become enveloped in the soothing sense of calm that washes over you as soon as you enter through the doors. Opt for Japanese or Western-style breakfasts to start the day right! EN HOTEL Hiroshima Warm hues and clever lighting imbues a touch of sophistication to this hotel on the banks of the Kyobashi River. The luscious greenery (or cherry blossom when in season) of Hijiyama Park is just a 10-minute walk across the river, or you could head in the other direction for 20 minutes and reach Hijiyama Park. Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi, Kyoto This Kyoto hotel, conveniently located near the train station, is a classic example of Japan’s love of embracing futuristic, high-tech features. There’s the specially designed mattresses and pillows, cutting edge wallpaper and carpet materials designed to create a relaxing ambience, and the fluffy duvet made of high-quality down. Everything is modern and created with care, while on the quirkier side of technological advancement lies the robot dinosaurus, ready to greet you at reception… Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama Enjoy a hint of traditionalism in this hotel located in the heart of Takayama’s beautiful Edo period streets. The hotel itself is a little more up-to-date, from the cosy bedrooms to the large public bath with natural hot spring water. Prepare to fall in love with the local cuisine of Takayama at the in-house restaurant, with specialities including miso soup and Hida beef croquettes. Hotel Hakone Yumoto, Hakone Find yourself surrounded by an abundance of verdant greenery at this Hakone hotel that could loosen up the tensest of muscles. From the comfy beds to the beautiful onsen (natural hot springs) and its truly gorgeous location in the middle of a quiet, luscious forested valley, this place is as relaxing as hotels get. Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka, Tokyo Stay right in the beating heart of Tokyo at this modern city hotel, which boasts easy access to three stations, and is even within walking distance of several major Tokyo attractions. Head in one direction for the Imperial Palace and in another for the Tokyo Tower, and another again to discover the vibrant Shibuya district. The hotel itself is crisply designed, while breakfast options are varied and dining options are a little unusual for this part of the world, thanks to the hotel’s very own Irish-style pub! Please note that, while unlikely, the accommodation indicated may be subject to change (see T&C’s). On a rare occasion, alternative arrangements may be necessary – this may be due to a lack of availability at our preferred accommodation, or other reasons outside our control. We’ll do everything we can to prevent this from happening; however, in cases where it is unavoidable, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Guide

Local Insider

Transport

Private and local transport

Meals

11 breakfasts, two lunches, four dinners

Not included:

Optional

Guided Taito City walk

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

Flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive In Osaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive In Osaka

Osaka is a heady mix of cultural sights, foodie heaven and lively nightlife, making it the perfect introductory city to Japan. After landing at Kansai International Airport, make your way to the hotel where our Local Insider – who will accompany the group throughout the trip – will help you check in. Meet your fellow travellers at 5pm before receiving an introductory talk about the cultural dos and don’ts of the country. You’ll then head for dinner at a local restaurant to get your first taste of Japan. Make sure you get a good night’s rest – tomorrow is jam-packed with exciting explorations.

Accommodation:

Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi

Activities included:

Welcome dinner
Day 2 Explore Osaka City, Including The Castle And Kuromon Market
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore Osaka City, Including The Castle And Kuromon Market

Today is all about exploring the best bits of the city on foot and by metro, led by our Local Insider. Marvel at the 400-year-old Osaka Castle as well as the uber-modern Umeda Sky Building. Explore the eclectic Shinsekai neighbourhood; built in 1912 and largely unchanged, it’s home to souvenir shops as well as traditional eateries. Lunch is served at a local restaurant, after which you can explore the Kuromon Market and the famed Dotonbori strip (home to the first sushi train in the world). Rest your weary feet back at the hotel before dinner.

Accommodation:

Tokyu Stay Osaka Hommachi

Activities included:

Full-day guided Osaka tour
Day 3 Visit The Hiroshima Peace Park And Try ‘Okonomiyaki’
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Visit The Hiroshima Peace Park And Try ‘Okonomiyaki’

After breakfast, it’s time to climb aboard the bullet train to Hiroshima. On arrival, we’ll head to Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the city’s past and the sheer gravity of the tragedy that hit this city back in 1945. After some free time we’ll reunite at dinner to try okonomiyaki, a popular savoury pancake, topped with meat or seafood. You’ll spend the next two nights in Hiroshima.

Accommodation:

EN HOTEL Hiroshima

Activities included:

Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit

Okonomiyaki Dinner
Day 4 Time To Explore Miyajima Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Time To Explore Miyajima Island

This morning we’ll take a local train and ferry to Miyajima Island, where you’ll get to hike Mount Misen; the peak, at 500m (1,640ft) above sea level, offers spectacular views over Hiroshima city. Descend to the floating Torii Gate, an ancient Shinto shrine, and snap pictures of the thousand tame deer that mingle with locals here. After sunset, you’ll hop on the ferry back to your Hiroshima hotel.

Accommodation:

EN HOTEL Hiroshima

Activities included:

Miyajima Island tour

Guided Mount Misen hike
Day 5 Explore Ancient Streets And Spot Geishas In Kyoto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore Ancient Streets And Spot Geishas In Kyoto

Pack your bags – it’s time to head to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Japan’s most scenic city, you’ll take a leisurely tour through the maze of backstreets in Kyoto. Visit Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and the Nishiki food market, before wrapping up the day with a tour of the famous geisha district of Gion, to see geishas walking the streets before their shows, as the sun sets on Kyoto.

Accommodation:

Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi

Activities included:

Kyoto tour

Geisha district tour
Day 6 Wander Through The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Wander Through The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

This morning we’ll whizz east by train to the outskirts of Kyoto, ready for an afternoon tour in Arashiyama. You know those towering green bamboo forests? Get ready to stroll through them, camera at the ready. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes as you’ll then hike up to a sacred temple in the mountains, as well as through the thousands of bright orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari. Late this afternoon we’ll hop back on the train to Kyoto, where you’ll spend another night.

Accommodation:

Henn na Hotel Kyoto Hachijoguchi

Activities included:

Bamboo forest visit

Temple hike

Fushimi Inari tour
Day 7 Explore The Japanese Alps And Taste Sake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Explore The Japanese Alps And Taste Sake

Bid sayonara to Kyoto this morning, and hop on a train to Takayama. In the mountainous Gifu prefecture, this area is known as the Japanese Alps. Today you’ll visit the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum with 30 old farmhouses that showcase the traditional architecture of the area. After a good wander, spend your afternoon sampling sake – alcohol made from fermented rice – at a local brewery.

Accommodation:

Hotel Wing International Hida Takayama

Activities included:

Hida Folk Village visit

Sake tasting
Day 8 Soak In An Onsen In Hakone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Soak In An Onsen In Hakone

Spend the morning browsing the Miyagawa market in Takayama – it is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs. After the market tour, you’ll head to the fellow alpine town of Hakone, which sits just outside Tokyo. Check in to the hotel for a traditional Japanese ryokan experience with dinner included. The town is known for onsens (natural hot springs) – luckily, the hotel has a steaming tub for you to soak in. Please note that some onsens prohibit anyone with tattoos from entering.

Accommodation:

Hotel Hakone Yumoto

Activities included:

Miyagawa market tour

Traditional ryokan experience and onsen soak
Day 9 Cruise On Lake Ashi And Hike To Volcanic Geysers
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cruise On Lake Ashi And Hike To Volcanic Geysers

Prepare yourself for a morning cruise on Lake Ashi. Beyond the water and forested hillsides, you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of Mount Fuji. Disembark onto dry land before ascending the Ropeway to Hell. Don’t worry, it’s just a cable car that will scoot you over the Hell Valley mountain peaks to Owakudani, the Great Boiling Valley. The jagged landscape is filled with bubbling geysers and volcanic pools. Afterwards, it’s time to make tracks to Tokyo. For those with energy left, join the optional evening walking tour around Taito City.

Accommodation:

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka

Activities included:

Lake Ashi cruise

Ropeway to Hell cable car

Geyser visit

Optional activities:

Guided Taito City walk
Day 10 Make Your Own Sushi In Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Make Your Own Sushi In Tokyo

You’ll spend the last few days of your trip exploring Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Your first morning will be spent with a morning tour of the city, with a notable visit to the fish market, Tsukiji Outer Market. Lunch revolves around a sushi-making class, where you’ll eat your own creations. Spend the afternoon visiting Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing, the busiest crosswalk in the world. Kick back at your hotel in the evening.

Accommodation:

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka

Activities included:

Tsukiji Outer Market tour

Sushi-making class

Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing tour
Day 11 Get To Grips With Sumo And Sing Karaoke In Kabukicho
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Get To Grips With Sumo And Sing Karaoke In Kabukicho

Your final full day in Japan will see a visit to the Asakusa district and the glorious Sensō-ji temple. After that you’ll get a sumo masterclass with two retired wrestlers, who’ll put on a demonstration of basic sumo techniques, and you’ll even have the chance to get to grips with them yourself! After that you’ll break bread over delicious Tonkatsu (Japanese-style Pork Cutlet) and Chanko Nabe, a hearty hotpot and a staple of the sumo diet. Having chatted away with our retired wrestlers, we’ll head off to the buzzing, neon-lit Shinjuku district, where you’ll be afforded panoramic city vistas from the TMG Building, before moving onto the nightlife area of Kabukicho for dinner. End the trip on a high note (quite literally) by singing karaoke in the Golden Gai district until the early hours.

Accommodation:

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka

Activities included:

Asakusa tour

Sensō-ji temple visit

Sumo wrestler experience

Shinjuku tour

Farewell dinner and karaoke night
Day 12 Depart From Tokyo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Depart From Tokyo

It’s time to wave goodbye to Japan. Don’t worry if you’ve got a slightly sore head this morning, as you can enjoy a lie-in before breakfast. Checkout is by midday. Say your final farewells before starting the journey home – or extend your stay in the Land of the Rising Sun.

12 days tour

Japan By Train: The Grand Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Japan By Train: The Grand Tour

Day 1: Arrive In Osaka

Explore Osaka City, Including The Castle And Kuromon Market

Visit The Hiroshima Peace Park And Try ‘Okonomiyaki’

Time To Explore Miyajima Island

Explore Ancient Streets And Spot Geishas In Kyoto

Wander Through The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Explore The Japanese Alps And Taste Sake

Soak In An Onsen In Hakone

Cruise On Lake Ashi And Hike To Volcanic Geysers

Make Your Own Sushi In Tokyo

Get To Grips With Sumo And Sing Karaoke In Kabukicho

Depart From Tokyo

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