Secrets of Japan
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 fi nd 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.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1 Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefi ng. Stay the next three nights at Akasaka Excel Hotel Tokyu (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) (BL)
DAY 6 Takayama
Start your day with a walking tour to see the fresh produce at Miyagawa morning market. Takayama Yatai Kaikan houses magnifi cent wooden fl oats 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 Osaka
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) (BD)
DAY 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. 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)
DAY 10 Hiroshima
Venture by ferry to peaceful Miyajima Island, home to Itsukushima Shrine. Hike or travel by ropeway to the summit of Mt Misen for spectacular views. Enjoy a traditional okonomiyaki pancake before returning by ferry to the mainland. Spend the evening at leisure. (BL)
DAY 11 Hiroshima to Kyoto
Travel by train to Himeji famous for it’s imposing hilltop castle before continuing to Kyoto. Take an evening walking tour along Ponto-cho and Hanami-koji Lane in the Gion district where you may see a Geisha walking between appointments. Stay three nights at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo (or similar) (B)
DAY 12 Kyoto
Discover Kyoto’s highlights on a walking tour. Begin at Kiyomizudera Temple, in the hills of east Kyoto. Wander along the shophouses of Ninenzaka Street before visiting Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, Kenninji Temple. Learn the philosophy and art of serving tea at a traditional tea ceremony and fi nish the day with the golden pavillion at Kinkakuji, Kyoto’s most famous building. (B)
DAY 13 Kyoto
Start the day with a visit to the one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, Fushimi Inari, with it’s tunnels of vermillion torii gates. You have free time to further explore Kyoto or take an optional afternoon excursion to the bamboo forest at Arahiyama. End your tour with a farewell dinner where you will be entertained by a genuine Maiko or apprentice Geisha.
DAY 14 Kyoto
Transfer to Kyoto Station for your onward journey. (B)
What´s included
- 9 nights in described Hotel or similar
- Daily Breakfast for 2 Persons
- Meals as Indicated
- 14 Day Rail Pass
- All high-speed trains travel as specified in the itinerary
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Small group touring
- All Entrance fees
- English speaking tour leader
- All Tipping
- Arrival and departure transfers
Excluded
- Any Personal Expenses
- Visa fees
- Porters
- Insurance and personal expenses such as laundry, mini-bar, telephone and drinks
Departure Dates and Rates
Additional Information
- All pricing is reflected in Australian Dollar unless otherwise specifically denoted and is valid at time of publication but is subject to change.
- All prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and Triple room rates available upon request.
- ‘From’ prices represent land only and low season twin share prices (unless otherwise clearly stated).
- Unless otherwise stated, prices include all government levies and airport taxes as at the date of publication.
- Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only and subject to change by time booking.
- Private Travel prices are valid for travel during low season and will vary depending on date of travel.
- All Hotel Names stated in the tour itinerary may change to one of a similar Standard without prior notice..
- Some countries charge additional destination tax which are either per Person or per Night. These taxes can vary and must be paid directly at the location or hotel.
- Items listed under Booking Exclusions are NOT included in the price and must be paid directly at the location.
- All Tours are escorted by English-Speaking Guides unless otherwise mentioned.
- All Excursions are based on Join-In Capacity unless “Private Tour” is explicit mentioned. Private Tours are available upon request and with surcharges.
- Self-Drive Tours may not always include a car rental. Please check carefully the included and excluded box. Driver must be in posseion of an valid drivers license and for some countries an international license as well as a valid credit card.
- We will use our reasonable efforts to notify you of changes in prices.
- All our Insider Journeys itineraries as shown on our website and in our brochures will outline the relevant touring schedule and inclusions and will be priced accordingly to reflect this. Prices may vary based on the selected travel season and any individual amendments required.
- Even if the tours are requested as displayed, on occasion Insider Journeys may be required to impose surcharges depending on variables in the destinations outside of its control. Due to hotel availability in some destinations the accommodation stated in the itinerary may change to that of a similar standard. In light of recent worldwide events and due to the ever-changing current situation, there may also need to be more flexibility applied to the touring content and schedule in certain incidences and sometimes at short notice. Please note that we will always endeavour to keep the inclusions as close as possible to those shown and to notify you as best we can should such changes arise, although we appreciate your understanding in that this may not always be possible.
- For more detailed price and other booking information please visit the booking condtions page click here
