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.
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.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small group experience, with no more than 20 people
✓ 13 nights in 4-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily and 2 dinners
✓ Experience the iconic Japanese bullet train
✓ Fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entrance fees as per itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Explore the best of Japan’s icons plus lesser-known gems in this moderately-paced, small group experience. Visit bucket list sites such as Mount Fuji, the Golden Temple in Kyoto, Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go Village, and the charming old towns of Takayama and Kanazawa.
Welcome to Japan!
On arrival, please make your own way from the airport to your hotel.
Your journey through this magical land of contrasts begins in Osaka, a vibrant city renowned for its food culture. Known as tenka no daidokoro (the nation’s kitchen), it’s a dream for foodies. Try some of its famed street food like takoyaki (octopus and pickled ginger in batter), kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers) or Osaka-style okonomiyaki (a delicious savoury pancake). With friendly locals, it’s the perfect welcome to this lovely country.
Arrival & Check-in information
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka (Itami) International Airport (Itami) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively, both airports have reliable public transport services into central Tokyo as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Tokyo area. For more information or assistance with these services, please check with the Passenger Information Desk after leaving the Baggage Claim area.
Special information
There are no scheduled activities today. If arriving prior to check-in time, which is usually from 2-3 pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the hotel and rest before touring commences tomorrow.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Have an early breakfast this morning as we are expected to meet the group in the lobby at approximately 8:15am (confirm on arrival). We’lll then depart around 8:30am to travel the short distance to Nara. Visit Tōdai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), famed for its Great Buddha Hall, which remains one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. This impressive building houses a 15m-tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. Following this we'll wander through gorgeous Nara Park, where more than 1200 tame sika deer roam freely.
We will then head back to Osaka and stop at Osaka Castle.
We will then finish our day with a tour of Osaka's central food and entertainment area, Dotonbori, where we will also enjoy a welcome dinner together.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
This morning after breakfast we will take the super fast shinkansen bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto.
Upon reaching Kyoto, we will first visit Kinkakuji, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold. The site is set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture of Kinkaku-ji incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen.
Next we'll visit the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine. Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii (shrine gates), which straddle a network of trails behind its main temples, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is incredibly photogenic. The trails lead into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233m and belongs to the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Return to the hotel this evening and find a local eatery for dinner.
Inspiring Highlights
Today is a full free day to spend in Kyoto. This golden city was once the capital of Japan and sits on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Beautiful Geisha are often found in the Gion district.
Learn the secrets of Sado, the Japanese tea ceremony, from a qualified tea instructor.
Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony (known as sado or chado in Japanese) is a Japanese tradition that has become an art form.
More than just about preparing and drinking tea, it is a formal way for a guest to enjoy a host's hospitality, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Itinerary
Today enjoy your tea ceremony experience in the heart of Kyoto. Make your own way to the venue and enjoy this unique traditional Japanese experience.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional ritual influenced by the principles of Zen Buddhism in which powdered green tea, or matcha, is prepared and served by a host in a quiet setting.
Enjoy tasting traditional Japanese confectionary with your green tea.
Start time: approx 3:00pm. Passengers can participate in both the Taiko class and the Tea ceremony on the same day. Each activity will be scheduled to fit each other.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Get a taste of authentic Japanese culture and learn a new skill while having fun.
Taiko Drumming
Taiko is an ancient form of percussion using large drums.
The drums come in a range of sizes, from medium-sized katsugi okedo drums that are slung across the body, to massive odaiko drums that are as large as a car!
Itinerary
Make your way to this experience on your own.
Today enjoy a one-hour long group taiko drumming class.
You will learn the basic taiko technique and a traditional song, as well as the interesting history of taiko in Japan. Experience Japanese culture first hand. No prior experience or Japanese language skills are required.
Start time: Will be confirmed with final documentation. Passengers can participate in both the Taiko class and the Tea ceremony on the same day. Each activity will be scheduled to fit each other.
Inclusions
Exclusions
This morning after breakfast we will visit Nijo Castle, the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, and a designated UNESCO world heritage site.
Then we will make our way to Arashiyama to see Togetsu Bridge and the Bamboo Grove, iconic sights of Western Kyoto. We then continue to the city of Kanazawa on the northwestern shore of Honshu, once the base for the powerful Maeda clan. During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan’s second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. This means that parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours
After breakfast we will explore the castle town of Kanazawa. First up is a visit to Omicho Market, where you can try some local favorites, such as fresh seafood and gold leaf ice cream.
Next, we visit Kenrokuen Garden. This is one of Japan's three best landscape gardens, and is considered the most beautiful of them all. Finish up your day by taking a stroll down the streets of Higashi Chaya, a geisha district in Kanazawa known for its quaint old buildings and teahouses.
Inspiring Highlights
This morning after breakfast we will travel to Shirakawa-gō Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has more than 100 'Gassho-style' houses, which feature steeply-pitched roofs. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. From the site’s observation deck you can enjoy a panoramic view of this unique village, its thatched-roof houses sitting among gorgeous mountain scenery.
Afterwards, we continue to Takayama.
You’ll arrive at your hotel after a fulfilling day of sightseeing with the rest of your evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
We depart for Nagano after breakfast, but first we'll stop at Kamisannomachi Street in Takayama’s Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan. With houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868), as well as the charming architecture, there are several quaint cafés and a number of old saké breweries to explore. Then we will visit the open air museum of Hida Folk Village, followed by Takayama Jinya, the former local government office which was in use from 1692 right up until 1969.
Next, we visit Matsuri no Mori (Festival Museum), an impressive museum about the famous Takayama Matsuri (festival) that is held twice a year in the town. Before leaving Takayama, we visit Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Exhibition Hall) where some of the centuries old festival floats are on display to the public. Upon finishing your tour in Takayama we travel to Nagano, home to nature walks, natural hot springs and never ending mountains.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours
This morning after breakfast we will head to Hokusai Museum to discover the great artworks of Katsuhika Hokusai (1760-1849), one of Japan's leading Edo period ukiyo-e painters.
Then, we will depart for Zenkoji Temple, which was founded over 1,400 years ago. Continue on to Matsumoto, where you will have the opportunity to see one of Japan's last remaining original castles, Matsumoto Castle. Not far from the castle is Nakamachi Street, where you can see preserved shops, houses and warehouses.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Winter departures (January and February): You will visit the famous Snow Monkey Park in lieu of the Hokusai Museum. Witness Japanese macaque monkeys soaking in the onsen during the cold winter months. It’s an adorable sight.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
After breakfast we depart Matsumoto for the Mount Fuji area. Our first stop is at Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, well known for its serene, flower-lined walking path and its spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Then, stop by the eight ponds at Oshino Hakkai, a small village in the Fuji Five Lake region fed by the snow melt from the nearby mountains. See traditional thatched roof farmhouses and try some of the local delicacies. Stay the night in the Mount Fuji area and enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
Today, after breakfast we depart Kawaguchiko. We travel by coach to visit Mount Fuji's 5th Station, which is halfway up the active volcano. Mount Fuji is the country’s tallest peak and it is considered one of Japan’s three holy mountains. Here, above the clouds, we'll view the mountain’s enormous summit if weather permits. Then we will visit Gotemba Peace Park to capture another breathtaking view of Mount Fuji.
Tonight, we will make our way to Tokyo, Japan's largest city and the nation's capital.
Inspiring Highlights
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours
This morning after breakfast we will head to Tokyo Tower, which offers wonderful views of the surrounding city from its observation deck. Later, we visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, a shopping district adjacent to the enormous former wholesale fish market. This lively area is home to everything food-related – fresh ingredients, street food vendors, kitchen utensils. There’s great sushi and other restaurants around here, too.
This afternoon, a quick stop at Imperial Palace to see the famous Nijubashi Bridge before we will finish our day in the Shibuya Crossing, the incredible scramble that occurs every time the traffic lights turn red.
Inspiring Highlights
Today is a full free day in Tokyo. There is no end to the spectacular sightseeing and activities available to you, as Tokyo truly has something for everyone. Take as much time as you like to relax at your leisure, explore the city, shop for souvenirs and eat the delectable cuisine. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.
Explore Tokyo's back streets for a shopping experience like no other.
Ginza District
Ginza is Tokyo's famously upscale shopping, dining and entertainment district. Almost every leading worldwide brand in fashion and cosmetics has a presence in Ginza.
Itinerary
This three-hour afternoon tour with a local guide will show you a different side of Tokyo.
Explore the hidden back alleys of this vibrant city to shop for unique souvenirs and to learn about Tokyo's history and culture.
Enjoy taking a tour back in time to old-world Tokyo, wander through the back alleys and uncover family-owned shops that have stood for centuries selling handcrafted goods. Snack on tasty traditional treats, from candies to crackers. Shop for the perfect handmade souvenirs to take back home.
Finish up at Mitsukoshimae Station.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Washoku
Traditional Japanese food is collectively known as washoku, and has received a great deal attention world-wide for its delicious flavours and healthy ingredients.
More often than not, you will find that washoku is not only delicious but perfectly presented.
Itinerary
Today, enjoy your cooking class in the heart of Tokyo. Make your own way to the venue and enjoy cooking Japanese food.
Japanese cuisine (collectively known as washoku) is well known for its refined taste and elegant presentation.
Take part in a Japanese cooking experience and learn from one of Tokyo's most popular cooking instructors, whose book has been published in English. Bring home with you a set of new cooking skills and culinary techniques that will impress your friends and family!
After the class, enjoy your own delicious creation for lunch
Inclusions
Exclusions
Today marks the end of your spectacular journey through Japan.
At the appropriate time please make your own way to the airport for your flight home or embark on your own independent onward journey.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Check-out and Departure Information
Travellers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out is from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the 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.
The easiest and most convenient way to travel from your hotel to Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively both airports have reliable public transport services from central Osaka as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Osaka area. For more information or assistance with these services, please speak with your hotel reception or tour leader.
Special information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
✓ Small group experience, with no more than 20 people
✓ 13 nights in 4-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily and 2 dinners
✓ Experience the iconic Japanese bullet train
✓ Fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entrance fees as per itinerary
Inspiring Sights
Inspiring Taste
Inspiring Stays
Optional Tours
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
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.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 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.
Pre/post accommodation
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Upgrades
Not available
Bedding Configuration
You will have the option to choose single, twin or double:
Single Travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional £744.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire trip.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers. All rooms provided to single travellers will be smaller than the twin rooms we recommend for two people. Unfortunately, this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a twin-size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after
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 the 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.
Triple Share
Not available
Child Policy
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.
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