From a tour of Kyoto with its must-see temples, shrines and gardens, to the high-tech wonders of Tokyo, the gardens of Kanazawa and the beautiful Japanese Alps region, this comprehensive 14 night Japanese tour will give you a wonderful feel for all the different aspects of Japan.

On this cultural tour of Japan, you'll be able to visit the ancient shrines, temples and gardens of Imperial Kyoto, soak up some samurai history and one of Japan's top three gardens in Kanazawa and marvel at the World Heritage shrines of Nikko. We'll be relaxing in the hotsprings of Hakone at the fantastic new Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, whilst the stunning Japanese Alps await us during our stay in Karuizawa. In Nikko we stay at at a deluxe ryokan (Japanese style inn) with a sumptuous evening meal included.

Geisha Dances (Miyako Odori, Kamogawa Odori & Gion Odori)

All departures include reserved seat tickets for the Spring/Autumn geisha dance festivals - a unique chance to see the geisha of Kyoto performing in their own theatre.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & More

Japan Enchantment starts and finishes in Tokyo, Japan's buzzing capital city and the most densely populated area on the planet. Tokyo is a phenomenon and we will experience both the historic Asakusa district and the bright lights of Shinjuku.

We have made sure to include the 'Golden Route' sights of Japan with a three night tour of Kyoto, Japan's capital of history and culture, and two nights in the mountainous hotspring resort of Hakone with its views of the majestic Mt. Fuji.

We'll head off the beaten track as we take the "Romantic Road" route from Nikko to Karuizawa in the Japanese Alps. In Nikko we stay at a deluxe traditional inn with en-suite Japanese style rooms and a gourmet dinner included. In Karuizawa meanwhile we stay at a superior hotel with meals also included. Some light walking or hiking is available here and we'll be enjoying the dramatic volcanic landscapes.

In Nikko we'll explore the wonderfully ornate temples and shrines which have been designated as a World Heritage site. Our stay in Kanazawa gives the opportunity to see one of the very best Japanese gardens, to tour the Samurai house district and to experience the intruiging "Ninja" temple.

Led by one of our expert IJT Tour Leaders, this is a very special tour at very special times of the year. We also include a day with a local Japanese guide in Nikko and in Karuizawa.

We've included a mix of very good quality, well located Western-style hotels as well as one night in a deluxe Japanese style inn. Breakfast everyday and 7 sumptuous evening meals are all included and the whole cultural tour of Japan is set against the backdrop of the beautiful pink sakura in spring, verdant new greens in May and the fiery reds, golds and oranges of the changing leaves in autumn.

This tour of Japan captures the country in all its glory, from the skyscrapers of Tokyo to the natural landscapes of the Japanese Alps. An adventure to savour.

Click to read all about our different tour styles

James - Japan Enchantment, May 2013

Lance - Japan Enchantment, May 2013

Jean - Japan Enchantment, May 2013

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Price

Tour Price from Ł3800

Full Price Details

The price shown here is for the land arrangements only and does not include international flights. If you would like a quote for your flights, please ask.

What’s Included:

14 nights accommodation including a deluxe ryokan (Japanese style inn) in Nikko
All transport between destinations in Japan including bullet train rides and airport transfers on arrival and departure
Meet and Greet upon arrival at Narita Airport
A mix of Western and traditional Japanese style breakfasts everyday
7 sumptuous evening meals
Sumida River boat cruise & Hamarikyu gardens in Tokyo
Tokyo transport card
'Miyako Odori', 'Kamogawa Odori' or 'Gion Odori' Geisha dance tickets
Selected entrance fees and local transport
Luggage forwarding between Tokyo & Karuizawa and Kyoto to Tokyo
Full time expert IJT Tour Leader
InsideJapan Tours' complimentary Info-Pack
7 Day Japan Rail Pass - a flexible pass allowing you to make optional day trips using Japan Rail at no extra cost
Expert local guide in Nikko and Kanazawa

What’s NOT Included:

International flights
Some Baggage handling

Important Information

Maximum Group Size: 14

Single Supplement: This tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour.

Transport: Please note that most transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location close to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A moderately sized suitcase with wheels is most appropriate for this tour.

Accommodation: All accommodation on this tour has full ensuite bathroom facilities. The accommodation in Hakone and Karuizawa also offer shared natural hot-spring baths for your enjoyment.

International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport or at Tokyo Haneda Airport.

Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 2pm. (You can however securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Tokyo

Meals: Dinner

The tour begins today in Tokyo, Japan’s electric capital city. You’ll be arriving at Narita Airport and will be met by your tour leader who will escort you in to Tokyo. Many of our customers choose to come in a day or two early to get over jet-lag and get the most  out of the tour. Whatever the case we will have someone there to meet you up to 2 days before the tour. Our hotel is situated in the traditional Asakusa area of Tokyo, a short walk from the historic Sensoji temple and Kaminarimon gate. We stay at the Asakusa View - the best hotel in this area of Tokyo.

Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant - your first taste of Japan’s gloriously varied and tasty cuisine!

Day 2 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

After filling up at the hotel breakfast buffet, this morning we will be embarking on a full day tour of Tokyo. The day will begin with a stroll through Asakusa followed by a boat ride down the Sumida river to Hama-rikyu gardens, one of Tokyo’s best and an oasis of calm and beauty. From here we will venture on by local train to Harajuku where the extensive precincts of Meiji Shrine are to be found just across the tracks from the latest in Japanese youth fashion. Lunch in Harajuku will be followed by a train ride to Shinjuku where we will take the short walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for a 45th floor view of the metroplis! This will bring today’s tour to a close and you can either head back to the hotel or spend some more time out and about in Tokyo. Tonight dinner is not included so we recommend heading out and sampling some of the culinary delights on offer in this city of fantastic food!

Day 3 Nikko

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

We will be taking a private coach to Nikko where we’ll have the chance to visit the splendid Toshogu shrine complex and the other World Heritage sights. Don’t  miss the famous “see no evil” monkeys! Accommodation tonight is at a deluxe ryokan (Japanese style inn) complete with its own hot spring baths. Dinner is a sumptuous affair and is included this evening.

Day 4 Karuizawa

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel we will be embarking on a full day tour by our own private coach taking the scenic “Romantic Road” route where possible. First stop will be the national park surrounding Nikko. We’ll take the cable car up to Akechi-daira peak for some great views of Chuzen-ji lake before moving on to the lake itself and the 97 metre high Kegon-no-taki waterfalls. We will then continue on to Karuizawa, a lovely spa resort and a gateway to the Japanese Alps. Here we stay in a lovely western style hotel with breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5 Karuizawa

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

A full day in Karuizawa today, a great chance to explore the local area and do some gentle (or more strenuous if you wish) hiking or walking. We’ll get to see some of the volcanic landscapes and views that this region is known for. Of course, if you’d rather stay in town and enjoy some shopping or cafes, that’s fine too. Dinner will again be a gourmet treat at our hotel and don’t forget to spare some time for a few dips in the restorative and relaxing hot spring baths!

Day 6 Nagano

Meals: Breakfast

The Shinkansen (bullet train) will whisk us on to Nagano in style and comfort today. Here we will have the opportunity to see the fantastic Zenko-ji temple as well as make a side trip  to Yudanaka Onsen for the famous “snow monkeys” - so cute!

Day 7 Kanazawa

Meals: Breakfast

From Nagano it is on by Ltd Express train to the city of Kanazawa, home to Kenrokuen which is rated as one of Japan’s top three gardens. Kanazawa also has one of Japan’s best modern art museums, a fantastic fish market filled with local delicacies and plenty of traditional architecture to boot. Tonight’s accommodation is at a first class hotel.

Day 8 Kanazawa

Meals: Breakfast

A full day in Kanazawa today and the chance to visit Kenrokuen gardens, the Samurai district and the Ninja temple. Kanazawa is also a cultural and craft centre of Japan and there are opportunities for tea ceremony, pottery, yuzen cloth dyeing and gold lacquer experiences if you wish.

Day 9 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Kyoto is just a short direct Ltd Express train ride away - look out for views of Lake Biwa en-route. In Kyoto we stay at the 5 star Granvia Hotel, one of the best in the city. We will begin our exploration of this famous cultural capital of Japan in style with tickets included to see the famous Geisha dances and dinner included at a local restaurant tonight.

Day 10 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

A full day in Kyoto and a chance to visit some of the highlights of the city such as the Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu temple as well as some lesser known sights. You are sure to fall in love with Kyoto as you start to get to know this most famous and most cherished of Japan’s cities; the true home of Japanese history and culture.

Day 11 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Today is our Excursion Day – a free day for you to use your JR Rail Pass (included in the tour price) to visit a destination of your choice. Popular choices include Hiroshima, Himeji Castle or Nara, an even older capital of Japan. You can of course opt to stay in Kyoto if you wish to explore more in the city.

Day 12 Hakone

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

We travel by Shinkansen (bullet train) again today on to Hakone National Park near Mt. Fuji. Accommodation in Hakone is at the new Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa. This will be one of the accommodation highlights of the tour and a real treat! Today will be a good opportunity to visit the Hakone Outdoor Sculpture Park. The collection of sculptures by such household names as Anthony Gormley and Henry Moore is set against a wonderful mountain backdrop. Dinner tonight is included at a local family-run restaurant in Hakone.

Day 13 Hakone

Meals: Breakfast

A full day to explore Hakone. You will be able to use the included transport Free-Pass to travel around the area. You may like to take  a short hike along what remains of the old Tokaido highway that used to be the major road linking Edo (modern day Tokyo) with Kyoto and Osaka or spend your day criss- crossing the mountains by cable-car from which, if the weather cooperates, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the majestic Mt. Fuji. There is an assortment of museums to visit and of course one of Hakone’s famous “trick boxes” would make for a great souvenir.

Day 14 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

We will transfer to Tokyo for our final night, staying amidst the bright lights of Shinjuku. You’ll have plenty of time to go gift shopping or perhaps check out some sights you missed at the start of the tour. This evening we have an included ‘sayonnara’ dinner - a great chance to reflect on your adventures and enjoy some more fantastic cuisine.

Day 15 Depart

Meals: Breakfast

It is that sad time when we all have to say our goodbyes and head our separate ways. Your ticket back to the airport is included. We wish you all the best for a safe journey home and hope that perhaps one day you will return to Japan for some more adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Photos

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Pricing Information

2013
Tour Price:	Ł3800
Single Supplement:	Ł730
Extra Nights
Pre-Tour:	Twin Share pp Ł90 Single pp Ł120
Post-Tour:	Twin Share pp Ł90 Single pp Ł120

2014
Tour Price:	Ł3800
Single Supplement:	Ł730
Extra Nights
Pre-Tour:	Twin Share pp Ł90 Single pp Ł120
Post-Tour:	Twin Share pp Ł90 Single pp Ł120

Accommodation

Asakusa View Hotel

Tokyo

Superior Hotel

Located in the heart of Tokyo's most traditional district, the Asakusa View Hotel offers 5 star accommodation and friendly service. Directly outside the hotel is Tokyo's newest subway line, the Tsukuba Express which links Asakusa with Akihabara electronics district. The View Hotel is the best hotel in this area and as the name suggests, the upper floors command great views over Tokyo, with the sky bar a great place to unwind at the end of the day whilst enjoying a drink and the spectacular view. An official Sky Tree affiliated hotel, the Asakusa View enjoys great views of Tokyo's new world-beating tower. The hotel has a pool and fitness centre (extra charge applies).

Senhime Monogatari

Nikko

Deluxe Ryokan (JP)

The Senhime Monogatari is situated in an ideal location just a short walking distance from the Toshogu Shrine World Heritate Site. All the Japanese style ensuite rooms face the Otani river, with separate inddor and outdoor hot spring baths also available. A choice of Western or Japanese-style breakfast is served, and dinners using local seasonal ingredients can be served in the room.

Karuizawa Hotel Cypress

Karuizawa

Superior Hotel

The Cypress Karuizawa is a quality hotel located in the heart of this mountainside resort area. You will find a range of restaurants including garden terrace dining options as well as large hot spring baths a sauna and spa treatments to enjoy. There are walking and cycling routes nearby and bicycle hire is available from the hotel. Rooms are all well sized and modern and the lounge and lobby area provide additional space to relax whilst enjoying views of the hotels inner garden and terrace. The hotel is a 15 minute walk or short taxi ride from Karuizawa Station.

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Nagano

Superior Hotel

The Hotel Metropolitan is located just a short distance from Nagano station. Rooms are of a good size and bright and modern and the hotel has its own restaurant.

Kanazawa Hotel Nikko

Kanazawa

Superior Hotel

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa provides an elegant European atmosphere while being perfectly located in front of JR Kanazawa Station and within walking distance of some of the most famous tourist spots in Kanazawa. At 130m, it is also the tallest hotel on the Japan Sea side of the country. The hotel has a wide variety of restaurants as well as a pool, fitness centre, sauna and jacuzzi.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Kyoto

Superior Hotel

Located at Kyoto Station in what is most of the amazing buildings you will see anywhere in the World, the Granvia has a reputation as being amongst the best hotels in the city offering modern style and luxury along with first class service. The rooms are a good size and the interiors stylish and well designed. The location at the bustling hub of Kyoto Station is an ideal base from which to explore the city as all city buses and the subway come to Kyoto Station, as well as being the perfect location when making a day trip outside the city.

Hyatt Regency Hakone

Hakone

Deluxe Hotel

This is a brand new luxury hotel in a great location in Hakone National Park. The rooms are beautifully designed with modern touches as well as great views out over the national park. The hotel boasts both top quality Japanese and French restaurants as well as the largest spa in the area. The hot spring baths are a great way to relax at the end of a busy days sightseeing and this will be a great base for your stay in the area. Don't miss free drinks in the beautiful lounge area available for a couple of hours every day!

Century Southern Tower

Tokyo

Superior Hotel

Located just 5 minutes walk from JR Shinjuku Station on the southern terrace opposite Takashimaya Times Square department store, the Southern Tower makes for the perfect base from which to explore not just Shinjuku but the whole of the central Tokyo and beyond. The hotel lobby is to be found on the 20th floor of a building which also houses Microsoft's Japan HQ. The lobby offers great views of the city and on clear days you can see Mt Fuji towering up in the distance. All rooms are stylishly decorated with modern earthy tones and high quality bed linen. The bathrooms have a range of beauty products provided and rooms come with flat screen TVs, direct dial phones and a free high speed internet connection. In the evenings you will have a choice of dining in the hotel with a superb Tepanyaki restaurant, an excellent Chinese, a French influences restaurant and a cafe bar for light refreshments.

Tour Dates
Tour Starts	Tour Disbands	Price	Status
2013
27 Oct 2013	10 Nov 2013	Ł3800	SOLD OUT
03 Nov 2013	17 Nov 2013	Ł3800	NOW BOOKING
2014
05 Apr 2014	19 Apr 2014	Ł3800	NOW BOOKING
05 May 2014	19 May 2014	Ł3800	NOW BOOKING
25 Oct 2014	08 Nov 2014	Ł3800	NOW BOOKING
2015
Currently there are no departures available for this year. Please contact us using the enquiry form or call us - UK (0)117 370 9740 / USA 303 952 0379 / AUS 028 011 3229

What’s Included:

14 nights accommodation including a deluxe ryokan (Japanese style inn) in Nikko
All transport between destinations in Japan including bullet train rides and airport transfers on arrival and departure
Meet and Greet upon arrival at Narita Airport
A mix of Western and traditional Japanese style breakfasts everyday
7 sumptuous evening meals
Sumida River boat cruise & Hamarikyu gardens in Tokyo
Tokyo transport card
'Miyako Odori', 'Kamogawa Odori' or 'Gion Odori' Geisha dance tickets
Selected entrance fees and local transport
Luggage forwarding between Tokyo & Karuizawa and Kyoto to Tokyo
Full time expert IJT Tour Leader
InsideJapan Tours' complimentary Info-Pack
7 Day Japan Rail Pass - a flexible pass allowing you to make optional day trips using Japan Rail at no extra cost
Expert local guide in Nikko and Kanazawa

What’s NOT Included:

International flights
Some Baggage handling

Important Information

Maximum Group Size: 14

Single Supplement: This tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour.

Accommodation: All accommodation on this tour has full ensuite bathroom facilities. The accommodation in Hakone and Karuizawa also offer shared natural hot-spring baths for your enjoyment.

International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport or at Tokyo Haneda Airport.

Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 2pm. (You can however securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).