Secrets of Japan
Our Insider Experience
- Discover Kappabashi Dori with its endless supply of stores selling everything from pots and pans to cooking utensils and chairs to restaurant operators. Some stores even sell plastic and wax food samples for window displays!
- Lose yourself in the abundance of fabric stores in Tokyo’s Nippori Fabric Town where you’ll find everything from traditional silks to modern print cotton fabric.
- Wander through Yanaka Old Town and take in the ‘shitamachi‘ or ‘downtown’ character of the area, a stark difference to the modernity of Tokyo.
Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing. Stay the next three nights at Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyo (or similar)
Day 2: Tokyo
Spend the morning discovering Tokyo on a walking tour. Visit the city’s most famous Shinto shrine – Meiji Jingu. Walk to nearby Harajuku which showcases the Cosplay (costume play) subculture. Take the train to Shibuya and see the iconic pedestrian crossing in front of Shibuya train station. Sample some delicious food as you wander through the Tokyu Food Hall. Enjoy free time to explore. (B)
Day 3: Tokyo
Discover the oldest and most revered temple in Tokyo, Asakusa Temple. Stroll along Kappabashi Dori to see the endless array of specialised stores. Visit Yanaka Cemetery, one of Tokyo’s most famous graveyards which feels more like a park than a cemetery. Wander through Yanaka Old Town where the older buildings are re-purposed. (B)
Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone
Take the train to Hakone. Enjoy a short boat cruise on peaceful Lake Ashi and ride the ropeway for majestic views of Mt Fuji. This evening, enjoy a delicious meal and some free time to soak in the onsen at your traditional Japanese hotel. Overnight at Hakone Pax Yoshino (or similar) (BD)
Day 5: Hakone to Takayama
Travel by train to Takayama. Visit a historic, former government building, Takayama Jinya. Discover the beautifully preserved wooden houses as you wander along Kami Sannomachi Street. Stay the next two nights at Best Western Hotel Takayama (or similar) (B,L)
Day 6: Takayama
Start your day with a walking tour to see the fresh produce at Miyagawa morning market. Takayama Yatai Kaikan houses magnificent wooden floats which are paraded through the streets each year during the two Takayama Festivals. This afternoon you have the option to visit Hida no Sato, where 30 traditional houses are displayed in a scenice village setting. (B)
Day 7: Takayama to Osaksa
From Takayama, travel by train to vibrant Osaka. Drop your bags at the hotel, take a walking tour of the Dotonbori area known for it’s bright neon, street food and shopping. Stay two nights at Osaka Daiichi Hotel (or similar) (B,D) D
ay 8: Osaka
Head to Umeda Sky Garden with it views of Osaka before a walk through Kuromon Ichiba Market, also known as “Osaka’s Kitchen.” In the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace. (B)
Day 9: Osaka to Hiroshima
Travel by train to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Museum, dedicated to the events of 1945 before seeing the sobering cenotaph of the Hiroshima bomb at Peace Memorial Park. Stay two nights at Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima (or similar) (B)
What’s included
- 14 Day Rail Pass
- 12 nights hotel accommodation
- 1 night Ryokan accommodation
- Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
- High-speed trains
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Small group touring
- Entrance fees
- Luggage transport
- English-speaking Tour Leader
- Tipping (Tour Leader/drivers)
- Meals as indicated(B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
- Return transfers (conditions apply)
Departures
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Specification: Secrets of Japan
| Duration | 14 Days |
|---|---|
| Group Size | 12 (Maximum) |
| Tour Type | Small Group |
| Trip Grading | Moderate |
Photos: Secrets of Japan
