9 Day Classical Japan
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All airport transfers
✓ Experience the iconic Japanese bullet train
✓ 7 nights in comfortable, quality 3 star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast, plus 1 lunch
✓ Fully escorted by a professional, English-speaking local guide
✓ Dedicated, comfortable coach transportation
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and the fabled seaside pine grove of Miho no Matsubara
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Tokyo! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Tokyo is arguably one of the most extraordinary capital cities on the planet. It’s the world’s most populous metropolis but very modern and efficient – it’s a breeze to get around on its excellent subway network.
The Shibuya Crossing is a must-see, with its neon displays and hordes of people crossing the intersection. It’s hectic, crazy and so Tokyo. If it’s shopping you’re interested in, Tokyo is home to some of the world’s biggest and most unusual shopping experiences. The Akihabara district is known for tech shops and otaku and anime culture. The Ginza district, the city’s busiest shopping area, is also a great spot to just stop and watch the world go by. Or rush by, rather.
If you need some respite from the frenetic pace of this city, head for the serenity of Ueno Park, the city’s largest green space and home to numerous temples and museums. There’s even a zoo here.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
Today we’ll enjoy a day of sightseeing in Japan’s capital. The Tokyo metropolitan area spreads over three prefectures with 38 million residents.
We’ll start with a visit to the Tsukiji Outer Market, a shopping district adjacent to the enormous former wholesale fish market. It’s a dream for foodies. This lively area is home to everything food-related – fresh ingredients, street food vendors, kitchen utensils. You’ll find great sushi and other restaurants around here, too.
We’ll head to eclectic Odaiba, a veritable playground on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. It’s kind of like a giant, high-tech amusement park; jam packed with shops, museums and entertainment. Some of it borders on the bizarre – there is even a mini Statue of Liberty.
We’ll visit Tokyo Tower, a bright orange Eiffel Tower-inspired structure, that has two observation decks. The second-tallest structure in Japan, it stands 333 metres tall in the centre of Tokyo. The main observation deck gives you a bird’s eye view of the city, at 150 metres high.
Enjoy happy hour at a Japanese izakaya-style eatery. Eat and drink like a local as you stroll through Tokyo’s most popular alleyway packed with food, snacks and bars. Learn how Kabukicho, Shinjuku's red-light district, became home to over 3,000 shops, bars and restaurants. Say kanpai (cheers) over drinks in one of Golden Gai's cosy bars that seat only eight people at a time.
We’ll leave Tokyo this morning after breakfast and head north to Nikko, one of Japan’s most famous mountain towns.
We’ll visit the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Enclosed in dense forest and hailed as Japan’s most lavish shrine, it’s the final resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Most of the shrine complex was rebuilt in the 17th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
You’ll see Lake Chuzenji, at the foot of Nikko’s sacred volcano Mount Nantai.
Nikko is home to 48 beautiful waterfalls, the most famous of which is Kegon Waterfall, standing almost 100 metres tall. Entrance is included.
We’ll depart for Hakone, a mountainous town that lies within Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Hakone is known for its hot springs (onsen) and mesmerising views of UNESCO World Heritage Site Mount Fuji. It is, quite simply, picture perfect.
We’ll visit the fascinating Hakone Tokaido Checkpoint, which operated for about 260 years during the Edo period as an inspection facility to control ‘incoming guns and outgoing women’.
Of course we’ll visit Hakone Shrine, famous for its iconic red torii, “Gate of Peace”, that floats on the waters of Lake Ashi. The lake sits within the caldera of Mount Hakone.
You’ll take the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway from the shores of Lake Ashi to the peak of Mount Komagatake, for superb views of Mount Fuji and the lake when visibility is good.
A scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi will provide great views of Mount Fuji. Boats inspired by western warships cruise the scenic lake, and the picturesque, forested region has been popular with hikers and sightseers for centuries.
We’ll head for the coastal city of Hamamatsu today.
On the way, we’ll stop at Miho no Matsubara, the seaside pine grove that has dramatic, beautiful Mount Fuji as its backdrop. A popular recreation spot, its natural beauty has also inspired poets and artists, like Ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige in his woodblock prints. It’s the site of the Hagoromo (feather robe) legend, in which a local fisherman encounters a celestial maiden. This magical setting makes up part of the Mount Fuji UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We’ll then visit historic Kasuisai Temple, an extensive compound with several buildings and beautiful Japanese garden. With 600 years of history, it’s a noted training monastery of the Soto school of buddhism. Laypeople can even take professional zazen (Zen meditation) training here. Kasuisai Temple is also known as the flower temple – in spring the peonies are gorgeous, in summer it’s white Japanese orchids and autumn brings maple leaves.
Hamamatsu is a manufacturing hub and some of the world’s leading companies are located here. The city embraces the spirit of innovation, and we’ll visit Yamaha Innovation Road, a museum dedicated to iconic Yamaha’s corporate heritage and culture. With 12 display areas, even a virtual stage, it’s a treat for music fans. There is a top-of-the-line piano on display, worth a cool 20 million yen.
Japan’s world-famous bullet train, a shining example of this country’s technology and engineering prowess, is an absolute must-do. Today’s touring includes a short ride on the iconic shinkansen from Hamamatsu to Toyohashi.
We’ll start with Hamamatsu Flower Park, on the edge of Lake Hamana. With over 3,000 species and over 300,000 square metres of botanical gardens, it’s delightful. Tulips, azaleas, hydrangeas and chrysanthemums are just the start. Even in winter, flowers bloom everywhere here. Although beautiful in any season, in cherry blossom season about 700 cherry trees will flower, with a stunning contrast between the pale pink of the Yoshino cherry and the dark pink of the weeping cherry blossoms.
We’ll then leave for Kyoto, considered by many to be the jewel in Japan’s crown and one of the only cities in Japan to escape destruction during World World II, leaving its countless relics intact.
On the way we’ll visit the Ninja Museum of Iga-ryu, in a city with a long ninja tradition. Visit the ninja house and museum to discover the secrets of these warriors from Japan’s feudal ages. The ninja residence might seem unassuming from the outside, but you’ll find trap doors, revolving walls, escape routes and other trickery within.
We’ll visit the truly impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It was dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and sake, by the Hata clan in the 8th century. A magical path of over 5000 vibrant orange torii gates winds its way through the hills behind the shrine.
Watch in awe as the beautiful Maiko (apprentice geisha) perform their traditional dances with traditional shamisen music. Meet the Maiko and bond with them through traditional Japanese-style games and take a commemorative photo together. Enjoy all of this while eating a traditional Japanese meal.
Also called chadō, 'the way of tea' is the traditional and ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, the finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. You'll be shown how to prepare the tea and be able to experience preparing it as well. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.
This morning we’ll visit the beautiful, serene gardens of Heian Jingu Shrine. It’s a relatively young sacred location – built in 1895 – but this Shinto shrine is very impressive, with its enormous torii (sacred gate) standing almost 25 metres high. Among the rich variety of flowers, there are many weeping cherry trees here which make for a striking sight during cherry blossom season.
Then, standing amongst the soaring stalks of bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove really is mesmerising. It’s green, peaceful and the seemingly endless boughs make for a serene experience, even with the tourist crowds. Take in the sound of rustling bamboo as you stroll these paths – if there’s a bit of wind, the groves will gently sway back and forth which only adds to the magic.
We’ll see one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, the Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Japanese adventure comes to an end. Later you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $800 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
If arranging your own flights, you will forfeit the airport transfer services. For this package, we cannot offer a private airport transfer service for you, therefore you will be required to make your own way from & to the airport at your own expense. You may choose to book a shared transfer service independently, get a taxi on arrival or travel by train. For advice, you may speak to your Dedicated Support Agent.
Extending Your Stay
If you wish to extend your stay either pre or post-tour, please select the Land Only option at time of check-out, whereby you will be required to make your own international airfare and airport transfer arrangements. Unfortunately, we cannot assist in amending your airfares outside of the standard package. We can however arrange additional nights' accommodation for you upon request. Please refer to "Extra Services" below.
You can enhance your package by choosing some of the following extra services available for this package:
Pre and post tour accommodation
If choosing Land Only and arranging your own flights, we can arrange additional nights accommodation and transfers for you where required:
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability. Alternatively, you may purchase 1 pre or post-night accommodation, at time of booking.
Arrival and departure airport transfers
For this package, we cannot offer a private airport transfer service for you, therefore you will be required to make your own way from & to the airport at your own expense. You may choose to book a shared transfer service independently, get a taxi on arrival or travel by train. For advice, you may speak to your Dedicated Support Agent.
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
To enhance your journey, we're offering a choice of the following optional activities:
Please note - only one optional can be chosen on Day 6.
Transportation for optional tours is not included, expect for the Lake Ashi Cruise. Your Tour Guide will be able to provide you with assistance on the best way to get to and from the meeting point for the optional tour.
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is not included in the price. You will be required to make your own way to the starting point of the optional tour, as well as back to your hotel. Your tour guide can provide you with the direction and guidance needed to make your own way.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Twin Share Bedding Configuration
At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $620 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this deal that you will receive a single room, which is smaller in size than a twin/double room. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a double/twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan, for stays less than 90 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
20-40 people
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
For more information on the weather in Japan, click HERE.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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