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Premium Highlights of Japan

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Premium Highlights of Japan

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Description

If you want to experience a few (of the many) highlights of Japan, all while staying in comfortable accommodation with like-minded travellers, this Premium adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto is a must! You’ll spend nine days exploring world-class shopping neighbourhoods, geisha districts, hole-in-the-wall eateries, ancient temples and markets with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find. Learn about the history of samurai from a family of contemporary ninjas, feast on monjayaki and teppanyaki on a dinner cruise in Tokyo, try to find snow monkeys bathing in hot springs on the mountain in Yamanouchi, wander through a designated Place of Scenic Beauty in Arashiyama and Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden in Kanazawa and follow the trail at a sacred shrine in Kyoto.

Trip Name
Premium Highlights of Japan
Last Updated
2024-04-27
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Experience a traditional Japanese Onsen (an area of natural hot springs surrounded by traditional inns and bathing facilities) at your Feature Stay and soak away a day of hiking to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
  • See and touch some traditional samurai weaponry, try on some authentic attire and learn about the rich history of these warriors with an Authentic Samurai Experience at a 400-year-old dojo run by contemporary ninjas in Tokyo.
  • Take a day trip to Kamakura, a coastal treasure known for its history, and see the sights on a traditional, person-led rickshaw, followed by a train ride on one of the oldest electric railways in the country.
  • Feast your way through Japan with an all-inclusive dinner cruise on a yakatabune in Tokyo, a market visit in Kanazawa where you can pick your ingredients for a lunchtime cooking class at a local’s home and a sweet-making class in Kyoto.
  • Explore Arashiyama – a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty in Kyoto. Walk through the bamboo grove and participate in ritual at the many temples and shrines in the area.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, Tokyo has many sides to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. After your meeting tonight, you’ll head out for an included welcome dinner with your new trip leader and fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Tokyo
This morning after breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head out for a leader-led walking tour of Asakusa – an area of Tokyo that retains the vibe of older Tokyo, lined with craft shops and street-food stalls. Asakusa’s main attraction is Sensoji Temple. You’ll explore this ancient Buddhist temple, the oldest and one of the most significant in the city and learn how it became independent from the Tendai sect of Buddhism after World War II. Then, head to a non-profit family-owned dojo boasting over 400 years of operation for an authentic samurai experience run by contemporary ninjas. Learn about the history and culture of Samurai, from a descendant of an original Samurai clan, see and touch real weaponry and try on some traditional costumes. Tonight, you’ll hop on a yakatabune (a traditional houseboat) for a dinner cruise down the Sumida River. Floating by some of Tokyo’s best sights, you’ll feast on teppanyaki and monjayaki (savoury pancake) and enjoy bottomless drinks.
Day 3 - Tokyo
This morning after breakfast, head out on a day trip to Kamakura – a small coastal town known for its historical treasures, sometimes called ‘the Kyoto of Eastern Japan’. See the sites with a unique mode of transport – a traditional rickshaw. Your knowledgeable driver (there are no wheels on this rickshaw, only your guide’s feet) will tell you all about the local history, the best spots to pick up some local favourites for lunch and maybe even take you to some secret spots along the way. See the Jufukuji Temple, the Eishoji Temple and Kawakita Film Museum. After, you’ll switch your guide’s feet for train tracks on a traditional Enoden ride – the electric railway that the Enoden travels on is the sixth oldest railway in all of Japan! This train will take you through some winding, narrow alleyways that no other train could ride through.
Day 4 - Yudanaka
This morning after breakfast, you’ll make the train journey to Yamanouchi – home of the famed snow monkeys who live at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. When you arrive, head to your Feature Stay to settle in – a traditional-style onsen (hot springs and the bathing facilities and inns that surround the springs). Head out on a group hike to the park. This is the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs! If the season’s right, you can watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing, pruning each other and relaxing in the steaming waters by the mountain. Back at the accommodation, maybe take a quick dip in the onsite hot springs, some overlooking the rolling greens of the mountain surroundings. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a group dinner at your accommodation of seasonal wild plants, fresh local vegetables and natural river fish from the Chikuma River nearby.
Day 5 - Kanazawa
This morning after breakfast, take the train to Kanazawa, known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums, handicrafts, garden and castle. When you arrive, pick up some lunch, then you’ll visit Kenrokuen Garden – Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden, which began in the 17th century. This park is celebrated for its classic landscape designs that feature ponds and streams, promoting well-being, a clear mind and a connection to nature. After wandering through the garden, you’ll walk by the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle – this historic area was once a residential district for the city’s samurai. After exploring Nagamachi Samurai District and learning about the area’s past, continue exploring in the Higashi Chaya District – a small neighbourhood with teahouses, alleys and lots of shops and restaurants. Maybe ask your leader for recommendations on how to spend the late afternoon.
Day 6 - Kanazawa
After breakfast, you’ll continue exploring Kanazawa with a tour of Omicho Market – the hub of the local food culture, famous for its seafood and locally grown produce. With a local guide with all the insight into the region, the food and the market, you’ll wind your way through the stalls and learn how to spot the freshest ingredients. You’ll then choose some fish and vegetables for your lunchtime cooking class – then head back to your guide’s kitchen and learn some tips and tricks on how to cook a traditional Kanazawa meal. Sit down as a group and enjoy the fruits of your labour, before enjoying an afternoon at your leisure.
Day 7 - Kyoto
Today, you’ll leave Kanazawa on the Thunderbird train, headed for Kyoto – once the capital of Japan, this city in Honshu is famous for its classic Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens, imperial palaces and traditional architecture. When you arrive, you’ll head to Arashiyama – in the west, this area is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. Explore the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple and Kameyama-koen Park on the hilltop. After some time for lunch, head to a townhouse for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to make traditional Japanese confectionary, which are adorned with cute designs. Learn about mochi, dried sweets, fresh sweets and even make a matcha green tea to go with them! 
Day 8 - Kyoto
After breakfast this morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine – known for the distinctly red tunnels of more than 10,000 vermilion torii gates that wind over the hills of Mount Inari. After, head to Nishiki Market, where you might like to grab a bite to eat from one of the hundred shops and restaurants that line this narrow shopping street. Your leader will know some of the best spots in the marketplace, so you don’t miss out on any must-try delights. Head to Gion, filled with shops, restaurants and teahouses. This area is a geisha district, meaning hostesses in colourful kimonos are often sighted on the Tatsumi Bridge and in the boutiques of Hanamikoji Street. Tonight, you’ll sit down for an included group dinner to say goodbye, share stories (and great photos) and celebrate a trip well-travelled.
Day 9 - Kyoto
With no activities planned today, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to spend longer in Kyoto, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
11-05-202419-05-2024AUD $ 7,268-
18-05-202426-05-2024AUD $ 8,790-
01-06-202409-06-2024AUD $ 6,660-
29-06-202407-07-2024AUD $ 7,400-
06-07-202414-07-2024AUD $ 7,400-
03-08-202411-08-2024AUD $ 7,400-
31-08-202408-09-2024AUD $ 7,400-
14-09-202422-09-2024AUD $ 8,245-
24-09-202402-10-2024AUD $ 8,245-
28-09-202406-10-2024AUD $ 8,560-
02-10-202410-10-2024AUD $ 8,132-
05-10-202413-10-2024AUD $ 8,560-
12-10-202420-10-2024AUD $ 8,560-
21-10-202429-10-2024AUD $ 8,560-
28-10-202405-11-2024AUD $ 8,560-
02-11-202410-11-2024AUD $ 8,245-
05-11-202413-11-2024AUD $ 8,245-
09-11-202417-11-2024AUD $ 8,245-
16-11-202424-11-2024AUD $ 8,330-
23-11-202401-12-2024AUD $ 8,245-
30-11-202408-12-2024AUD $ 8,245-
07-12-202415-12-2024AUD $ 7,400-
14-12-202422-12-2024AUD $ 7,400-
21-12-202429-12-2024AUD $ 7,400-
08-03-202516-03-2025AUD $ 8,550-
15-03-202523-03-2025AUD $ 9,160-
22-03-202530-03-2025AUD $ 9,160-
29-03-202506-04-2025AUD $ 9,160-
02-04-202510-04-2025AUD $ 9,160-
05-04-202513-04-2025AUD $ 9,160-
07-04-202515-04-2025AUD $ 9,160-
09-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 9,160-
12-04-202520-04-2025AUD $ 9,160-
16-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 9,160-
10-05-202518-05-2025AUD $ 8,820-
17-05-202525-05-2025AUD $ 8,235-
31-05-202508-06-2025AUD $ 7,915-
07-06-202515-06-2025AUD $ 7,915-
28-06-202506-07-2025AUD $ 7,915-
05-07-202513-07-2025AUD $ 7,915-
30-07-202507-08-2025AUD $ 7,915-
16-08-202524-08-2025AUD $ 7,915-
23-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 7,915-
06-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 8,820-
13-09-202521-09-2025AUD $ 8,820-
20-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 8,820-
27-09-202505-10-2025AUD $ 8,820-
04-10-202512-10-2025AUD $ 8,820-
11-10-202519-10-2025AUD $ 8,820-
15-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 8,820-
18-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 9,160-
25-10-202502-11-2025AUD $ 9,160-
08-11-202516-11-2025AUD $ 8,820-
15-11-202523-11-2025AUD $ 8,820-
22-11-202530-11-2025AUD $ 8,480-
29-11-202507-12-2025AUD $ 8,480-
06-12-202514-12-2025AUD $ 7,915-
20-12-202528-12-2025AUD $ 7,915-
07-03-202615-03-2026AUD $ 7,770-
14-03-202622-03-2026AUD $ 8,325-
21-03-202629-03-2026AUD $ 8,325-
28-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 8,325-
01-04-202609-04-2026AUD $ 8,325-
04-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 8,325-
06-04-202614-04-2026AUD $ 8,325-
08-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 8,325-
11-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 8,325-
15-04-202623-04-2026AUD $ 8,325-
09-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 8,325-
16-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 7,770-
30-05-202607-06-2026AUD $ 7,770-
06-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 7,770-
27-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 7,770-
04-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 7,770-
29-07-202606-08-2026AUD $ 7,770-
15-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 7,770-
22-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 7,770-
05-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 8,325-
12-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 8,325-
19-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 8,325-
26-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 8,325-
03-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 8,325-
10-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 8,325-
14-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 8,325-
17-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 8,325-
24-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 8,325-
07-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 8,325-
14-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 8,325-
21-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 8,325-
28-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 8,325-
05-12-202613-12-2026AUD $ 7,770-
19-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 7,770-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights),Feature Stay (1 Night)

Transport

Train,Bus

Map

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