OVERVIEW
This journey through Japan offers a comprehensive cultural immersion into the country’s rich history and modern marvels. Begin in Tokyo, with guided visits to iconic locations such as the Bunkyo Civic Center, Edo Fukagawa Museum, Asakusa district, and the Tsukiji Fish Market. Explore Tokyo’s historic streets, savor traditional Japanese food, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, all part of an unforgettable tour of Japan. Continue to Kanazawa, renowned for Kenroku-en Garden and local markets, and venture to Shirakawa-go, before arriving in Takayama, where traditional crafts and sake breweries await. In Hiroshima, explore both the Peace Memorial and the beautiful Miyajima Island, home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine.
As you travel, you’ll discover the best times to visit Japan and what makes each season unique, from cherry blossom season in spring to vibrant autumn foliage. Learn about tipping in Japan—typically not practiced, as service is already included—while visiting top spots in Kyoto, such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Your journey concludes with a visit to Nara’s Todai-ji Temple and the peaceful deer of Nara Park, making this itinerary ideal for anyone considering when to go to Japan for an immersive cultural experience. Whether you're wondering when to visit Japan or looking to tour Japan’s most famous destinations, this trip offers an unforgettable blend of modernity, ancient tradition, and breathtaking natural beauty.
DAY 1 : TOKYO
Arrival at the airport, after passport control and baggage reclaim, transfer to Tokyo, the current capital.
*Rooms are available from 15:00. English-speaking assistant available from the airport to the hotel to give information and help with check-in once at the hotel.
Airport-hotel transfer by public transport. Telephone assistance in English for the duration of the stay.
Assistance on arrival and transfer may be shared with other tour participants.
Overnight stay in HOTEL Standard or Superior
DAY 2 : TOKYO
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day dedicated to visiting Tokyo with an English-speaking guide.
We start with a splendid view of the megalopolis from the observatory of the Bunkyo Civic Center. Then we visit the Edo Fukagawa museum where we find lifesize representations of daily life in the area at the time. Finally we will take you to visit the characteristic Asakusa district, Sensoji Temple, the oldest in the city, and the long Nakamise-dori avenue with its traditional shops stand. Finally, a walk to the Ginza district where the visit ends.
Overnight stay in HOTEL Standard or Superior
DAY 3 : TOKYO
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free at leisure.
Optional guided tour of Tokyo *Not bookable on site*A "CROSSROAD "INTO THE PAST*
Full day dedicated to visiting some of Tokyo's most historic districts.
We will start by visiting Tsukiji Fish Market, the outer market. Although a new location for the fish market has recently been created, the original location is still there, alive and full of excellent places that sell and cook excellent fresh fish. We will continue to explore the picturesque Yanaka district and in particular the folkloristic Yanaka Ginza street full of local restaurants, street food, and small shops and where you can breathe in a bygone era.
Finally, transfer to the popular Shibuya district, famous for its impressive intersection with what is said to be the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Meals not included.
Overnight stay in HOTEL Standard or Superior
DAY 4 : TOKYO - KANAZAWA
****Your luggage will be transported separately to Takayama by courier. Remember to prepare hand luggage for one night in Kanazawa****
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day without assistance. Departure for Kanazawa by fast shinkansen train using the Japan Rail Pass (in 2nd class) approx. 2.5 hrs. In Kanazawa, we recommend a visit to Kenroku-en Park, considered one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan; the Omicho-ichiba market, renowned especially for its fish products; and the Nagamachi Yuzen-kan, where splendid kimonos made of Kaga Yuzen silk, the traditional technique of the area, are on display.
Overnight stay in HOTEL Standard or Superior
DAY 5 : KANAZAWA - SHIRAKAWA-GO - TAKAYAMA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day without assistance. Scheduled coach between Kanazawa/Shirakawa-go/ Takayama. Departure for Shirakawa-go, the village with characteristic thatched-roof houses, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then on to Takayama, where we recommend a visit to the Sanmachi-suji district, the heart of the old town, strolling among saké factories and characteristic houses converted into craft shops. Traditional dinner at the ryokan included.
Overnight stay in ryokan HOSHOKAKU or similar
DAY 6 : TAKAYAMA - NAGOYA - HIROSHIMA
****Your luggage will be transported separately to Kyoto by courier. Please remember to pack hand luggage for two nights in Hiroshima****
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day without assistance. Before departure, a visit to the morning markets and the Takayama Jin'ya, former residence of the lord of the Kanamori clan and later seat of the governor of the ancient province of Hida, is recommended.
Travel to Hiroshima via Nagoya with your Japan Rail Pass.
Takayama - Nagoya (JR express 2.5 hours) - Hiroshima (JR shinkansen 2.5 hours).
Overnight stay in HOTEL Standard or Superior
DAY 7 : HIROSHIMA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day free at leisure in Hiroshima. We recommend a trip to the island of Miyajima by boat (covered by the Japan Rail Pass), to discover the splendid Itsukushima Shrine, consisting of a series of stilted structures dating back to the 6th century, known mainly for its majestic torii, a sacred gateway that rises in the shoreline. In Hiroshima, on the other hand, it is possible to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Overnight stay in HOTEL Standard or Superior
DAY : 8 HIROSHIMA - (HIMEJI) - KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day without assistance. Departure from Hiroshima for Kyoto with the Japan Rail Pass. If you wish, you can stop at Himeji (Hiroshima - Himeji approx. 1 hour by shinkansen), where the castle of the same name stands. Nicknamed 'White Heron Castle', it underwent restoration work that was completed in 2015. This castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site not only for its beauty, but also because it is a rare example of an original structure that has remained intact to this day.
Continue to Kyoto (Himeji - Kyoto approx. 1 hour by shinkansen).
Overnight stay in HOTEL Standard or Superior
DAY : 9 KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day dedicated to visiting Kyoto with an English-speaking guide.
The visit includes the Kiyomizu-dera temple, founded in 798 (the current buildings are reconstructions from 1633) and its surroundings (Ninen-zaka and Sannenzaka), the Ryoan-ji temple with its Zen garden of rocks, the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the symbol of the city, and the Sanjusangen-do temple, a building housing 1,001 wooden Kannon statues.
Overnight stay in HOTEL Standard or Superior
DAY 10 : KYOTO - NARA - FUSHIMI - KYOTO
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure from Kyoto for Nara by fast regional train.
Full day dedicated to visiting Nara with guide in English. Visit Todai-ji, a temple housing the Great Buddha, one of the world's largest bronze statues, and the large Shinto shrine Kasuga, surrounded by some 10,000 lanterns. Both buildings are located in Nara Park, where numerous deer live in semifreedom. Return to Kyoto, stopping en route at the Fushimi Inari Taisha to admire its endless red portals. Return to the hotel.
Overnight stay in HOTEL Standard or Superior
DAY 11 : KYOTO - OSAKA(KANSAI)
*Rooms are available until 11:00*. Breakfast at the hotel.
Independent transfer without assistance to the airport by public transport subject to availability (separate fee).
Departure from Kansai Airport.
* S A Y O N A R A *
Our services include :
- HOTEL : Tokyo (3 nights) Kanazawa (1 night) Takayama (Ryokan / 1 night) Hiroshima (2 nights) Kyoto (3 nights) in chosen category hotel.
- GUIDE / ASSISTANT : Assistant from the airport to the hotel in English language (day 1). Assistance service available for a maximum of 4 hours. After 2 hours from the original scheduled landing time, the assistant may no longer be available. During peak seasons, assistance may be available separately at the airport and at the hotel. In case of arrival during the closure of the JR offices at the airport and in Tokyo, customers will not be able to be accompanied to validate their Japan Rail Pass and will therefore have to make changes and reservations independently on the following days. Guide in English (days 2, 9 and 10). Telephone support (emergency number) for the duration of the stay.
- OTHER : Regular bus ticket between Kanazawa - Shirakawa-go - Takayama.
- MEALS : 10 breakfasts, 1 dinner. Breakfast at the hotel on the last day will not be served or refunded in case the return flight from Japan is too early in the morning.
- LUGGAGE : Tokyo - Takayama, Takayama - Kyoto (1pc / pp) TRANSFER: Transfer from Tokyo Airport to the hotel in Tokyo by public transport.
- N.B.: The contents of the program and the above-mentioned conditions may vary.
Our services do not include :
- JAPAN RAIL PASS (Required)
- Flight and airport taxes
- Insurance
- Tips, personal extras
- Drinks during meals
- Optional tours of your choice
- Optional guided tours of your choice
- Transfer Kyoto-Kansai airport
- Supplements: peak seasons surcharge
- Supplement for overnight assistancefor arrivals in Japan between 8 pm and 7 am. (in the case of arrival during times when public transport is not available, taxis will be used at an additional cost)
City |
Standard |
Superior |
TOKYO |
Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar |
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar |
KANAZAWA |
Kanazawa New Grand Hotel Premier or similar |
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel or similar |
TAKAYAMA |
Hoshokaku (ryokan) or similar |
|
HIROSHIMA |
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima or similar |
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar |
KYOTO |
Hotel Elcient Kyoto or similar |
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto or simila |
Japan, an archipelago in East Asia, is a country of captivating contrasts, where ancient traditions coexist with modern innovation. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you to prepare your Japan vacation packages :
Tokyo :
Begin your journey in Tokyo, the bustling capital city known for its vibrant energy, futuristic skyline, and traditional neighborhoods. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa & best places to view sunrise in tokyo.
Immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture in the bustling districts of Shibuya and Harajuku, or experience the tranquility of traditional tea ceremonies in the historic neighborhood of Yanaka.
Kyoto :
Discover Kyoto, Japan's cultural heartland and home to over 2,000 temples and shrines. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Experience a traditional tea ceremony, participate in a kimono-wearing experience, or wander through the historic streets of Gion, known for its preserved wooden machiya houses and geisha culture.
Osaka :
Explore Osaka, known as the "Kitchen of Japan" for its vibrant food scene and lively atmosphere. Visit Osaka Castle, Dotonbori Street, and the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market to sample local delicacies like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes).
Experience the thrills of Universal Studios Japan or relax in the serene surroundings of the Osaka Castle Park and its beautiful cherry blossoms during spring.
Hiroshima and Miyajima :
Pay a visit to Hiroshima, a city with a poignant history, and explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb.
Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, known for its iconic "floating" torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hokkaido :
Explore the natural beauty of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, known for its stunning landscapes, hot springs, and outdoor activities. Visit the vibrant city of Sapporo, the picturesque town of Otaru, and the breathtaking beauty of the UNESCO-listed Shiretoko National Park.
Practical Tips :
Weather in Japan: Japan experiences four distinct seasons, with cherry blossom season in spring (March to May) and colorful foliage in autumn (September to November) best time of the year to visit japan.
Currency : Japanese Yen (JPY).
Language : Japanese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan is very safe and offers a wealth of experiences for travelers seeking cultural immersion, culinary delights, and natural beauty. Whether exploring ancient traditions, indulging in world-class cuisine, or admiring cherry blossoms in bloom, The tours of Japan promises an unforgettable journey filled with captivating discoveries at every turn.
WONDERFUL JAPAN
Reference #: WTP0498
- Tokyo City Tour
- Bunkyo Civic Center
- Edo Fukagawa Museum
- Asakusa district
- Sensoji Temple
- Ginza
- Tsukiji Fish Market
- Yanaka & Shibuya
- Shinkansen Experience
- Kenroku-en Park
- Omicho-ichiba market
- Nagamachi Yuzen-kan
- Traditional Village
- Takayama Exploration
- Shirakawa-go
- Traditional dinner at a ryokan
- Journey to Hiroshima
- Markets in Takayama
- Miyajima Island Excursion
- Boat trip to Itsukushima Shrine
- Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park
- Himeji Stopover
- Kyoto City Tour
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Ryoan-ji
- Golden Pavilion
- Sanjusangen-do
- Nara
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Tour
- Todai-ji Temple
- Kasuga Shrine
This journey through Japan offers a comprehensive cultural immersion into the country’s rich history and modern marvels. Begin in Tokyo, with guided visits to iconic locations such as the Bunkyo Civic Center, Edo Fukagawa Museum, Asakusa district, and the Tsukiji Fish Market. Explore Tokyo’s historic streets, savor traditional Japanese food, and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, all part of an unforgettable tour of Japan. Continue to Kanazawa, renowned for Kenroku-en Garden and local markets, and venture to Shirakawa-go, before arriving in Takayama, where traditional crafts and sake breweries await. In Hiroshima, explore both the Peace Memorial and the beautiful Miyajima Island, home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine.
As you travel, you’ll discover the best times to visit Japan and what makes each season unique, from cherry blossom season in spring to vibrant autumn foliage. Learn about tipping in Japan—typically not practiced, as service is already included—while visiting top spots in Kyoto, such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Your journey concludes with a visit to Nara’s Todai-ji Temple and the peaceful deer of Nara Park, making this itinerary ideal for anyone considering when to go to Japan for an immersive cultural experience. Whether you're wondering when to visit Japan or looking to tour Japan’s most famous destinations, this trip offers an unforgettable blend of modernity, ancient tradition, and breathtaking natural beauty.