We think we are offering a tour to Japan with a difference. Explore an old residential area of Tokyo by foot, see small shops selling such things as fish and meat, fruit and vegetables, condiments, tea and crackers, sushi and soba restaurants, old craft stores selling caneware and pottery, and a chiyogami paper store (established in 1884), where you will be enthralled at the selection of beautiful prints and wood block prints. Venture to the heart of modern Tokyo, Harajuku, where youth rule, for some interesting sites of outrageous dressing while right next door at a local temple a traditional wedding may be taking taking place. Drive to Mt Fuji and stay in a hotel with traditional style rooms in scenic Hakone, dine on exquisite Japanese food and bathe in hot springs, for total relaxation. Get lost in the beauty of Kyoto, with its many temples and ornate gardens and venture further south to beautiful Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park for a sobering look at past history.

We have free time in Kyoto (as there is so much to see) and have some great suggestions such as taking a cooking class in a Kyoto home, or joining in with a walking tour of old Kyoto backstreets with an elderly local to learn more about traditions and customs.

This is a land package and does not include international flights. We can provide the best available airfare for you to suit your requirements. Please note this tour requires a minimum number to proceed (see below). The earlier you book, the earlier we can confirm the tour is going ahead, and international flights can then be arranged.

See our "Travel Notes" section for Japan travel experiences.

SMALL GROUP SIZE

We like to keep our groups small. Our maximum group size is 12 and we require a minimum of 10 for the tour to proceed.

INCLUSIONS IN THE TOUR

We provide many meals throughout the tour (except drinks) and where not provided, you will find an extensive range of eating choices. Meals are indicated in the itinerary by (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch and (D) = Dinner. All coach, boat and rail transport is included in the tour price. International airport transfers are provided for group transfer with the escort, if you are travelling on a different flight, a surcharge will apply. Tours and entrance fees as per the itinerary.

ACCOMMODATION

Our 4 star hotel in Shinjuku provides a good selection of eating options and comfortable accommodation. Centrally located, there are many restaurants and shops located nearby. Shinkuku is one of the main shopping districts in Tokyo, so you can shop to you drop in free time if you wish. In Kyoto we have chosen a hotel again very close to restaurants, shops and the metro. A nice hotel (3 star) with decent sized rooms and good eating choices. In Hakone you will be given a traditional Japanese room, please read our ‘Ryokan Experience’ to learn more.

TRAVELLING

We have our own private coach, and also use the Shinkansen train, fast, efficient - the best way to get from city to city. See the countryside of Japan and hopefully get a glimpse of Mt Fuji if the weather is clear. A basic level of fitness is required.

GUIDES

A tour escort from Australia will be there to assist the group to make it enjoyable for you. Local guides are used at each destination to share with us their knowledge on the places we visit.

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