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Japan Unmasked

13 Nights: from £1750 (excluding international flights)
Snow monkeys, a temple stay, bright lights and rural Japan. Japan Unmasked offers fantastic value and a fascinating insight into Japan old and new. This flexible tour, led by one of our experienced staff, allows you to spend as much, or as little, as you want. Visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and more!

Whether it's slurping on a bowl of noodles with suited salarymen at a railway cafe, or splurging on a succulent Kobe beef steak at the finest restaurant in Kyoto, our itinerary is flexible enough to cater for any budget.

The tour begins in the high octane-city of Tokyo, the neon heart of this amazing country. The first of many rides on Japan's Shinkansen bullet train will then whisk us into the Japan Alps, where a magical temple stay in Nagano's most important temple awaits. A chance to see the mischievous snow monkeys as they soak in the natural hot spring pools of Yudanaka Onsen will be followed by a visit to one of Japan's original castles in Matsumoto.

We delve deeper into the mountains to the traditional market town of Takayama, home to folk villages and sake breweries.

In Kanazawa we will have the opportunity to follow the footsteps of geisha and samurai, visit the ninja Temple and witness the pinnacle of Japanese gardens, Kenrokuen.

Back on the Shinkansen, we speed further west to the heartland of Japan where our destination is Hiroshima, a dynamic city offering great food and nightlife, world class art galleries, and the sobering Peace Memorial Park. An optional day trip to the nearby sacred Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate and meet the four legged locals!

The scenic city of Kurashiki brings us a dose of culture, with renowned art galleries and some quaint museums, or if you are feeling energetic you can set out on one of Japan's top bike rides.

We saved the best Shinkansen journey to last as we pass by the base of Mt Fuji and are deposited in Yokohama, where we finish this amazing trip in style.


** New - 5 night Self-Guided add-on package **

Why not spend a few more days in Japan, with our 5-night self-guided extension?

You will have 2 nights in Nikko, to visit some of Japan's most ornate temples and shrines and enjoy the beautiful scenery around Lake Chuzenji. You then head further north to Sendai, a vibrant modern city with a variety of day trip options on offer, so you can tailor your time here to suit your preferences. Coastal scenery at Matsushima, the cliff-top temple complex of Yamadera and the rich history of Hiraizumi all compete for your attention! After 2 nights in Sendai you will travel back to Tokyo for a final night before heading home.

The Pacific coast of the Tohoku region bore the brunt of the tragic earthquake and tsunami of March 2011. The destinations you will visit are all fully recovered, and the hotels, inns, restaurants and local suppliers we work with are keen for our customers to visit. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the recovery of this beautiful region of Japan. 

Twin/Double: £560 per person
Single: £650 per person

Please note that the add-on is treated as a seperate booking to the tour and we will ask for a seperate deposit at the time of booking.

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Price

Tour Price from £1750
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:
  • 13 Nights Accommodation including a temple lodging stay near Zenkoji-ji temple in Nagano and a small family run Japanese minshuku in Takayama
  • All transport between destinations in Japan
  • 14 day Japan Rail Pass - a flexible pass allowing you to make day trips using Japan Rail at no extra cost
  • Tokyo Transport Pass
  • A mix of Western and traditional Japanese style breakfasts everyday
  • 1 beautifully prepared home cooked everning meal in Takayama
  • Full time service of your expert Tour Leader
  • Luggage forwarding Tokyo to Matsumoto
  • Entrance to Nagano Zenkoji Temple
  • InsideJapan Tours' complimentary Info-Pack
What’s NOT Included:
  • International Flights
  • Local transport at destinations
  • Entrance fees to shrines, temples, museums etc
  • Meals other than noted above
  • Baggage handling (except for Tokyo to Matsumoto)

Important Practical Information

Maximum Group Size:
14

Single Supplement: There is no single supplement for this tour. Rooming is on a twin/double share basis. Single travellers will have a single room at the first hotel in Tokyo and at the last hotel (in Yokohama) but will be expected to share with another single group member of the same sex throughout the rest of the tour. Depending on the make up of the group at the shukubo in Nagano, accommodation may be multi-share, with men and women sleeping separately.

Accommodation: All western style hotels have private ensuite. The ryokan accommodation in Takayama, as well as the shukubo temple lodging in Nagano have shared bathroom and toilet facilities.

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

Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 3pm. (You can however securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

 

Day by Day Itinerary


Day 1 Tokyo

Meals: None

The tour begins in Tokyo. If you arrive today, your included Japan Rail Pass will cover your airport transfer.

There is a direct airport train to our hotel, and we will provide you with our very own Info-Pack, which contains faultless instructions on how to arrive there safely! Our hotel is located in the Tokyo’s funky Ikebukuro district. Close by you will find the world’s two largest shopping centres, one of the world’s largest car show rooms and Tokyo’s second largest building, Sunshine City. Sunshine City houses a planetarium, aquarium, oriental museum, a theatre, and the world’s second fastest elevators! Plenty to keep you occupied if you arrive early.

We will have a group meeting in the evening, giving you the chance to meet your fellow group members and Tour Leader. After the meeting, your Tour Leader will head out for an amazing meal at one of the many great restaurants nearby.

Day 2 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

Today your Leader will take you on a day tour. There are so many fantastic things to do and see in this amazing city; museums, gardens, and shrines, and your Tour Leader will organise an itinerary for the day to suit everyone’s taste. Of course, feel free if you want to head out and do your own thing – your Leader will be happy to assist with any plans.

You will also have a Japan Rail Pass, should you wish to make one of the many exciting day trips out of the city.

Day 3 Nagano

Meals: Breakfast

We leave this vibrant city behind in style as we set out by Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet train to Nagano. Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Nagano Prefecture is home to nine of Japan’s twelve highest mountains, and was the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Nagano City’s most famous attraction is Zenko-ji temple (entrance is included). Tonight will be a real highlight as we have the opportunity to stay overnight near this amazing 7th century temple in temple lodgings.

Day 4 Matsumoto

Meals: Breakfast

An early morning today as we will wake up early to watch the monks chanting – a spine tingling experience.

Following this you will have the option to make an excursion to Yudanaka Onsen to visit Japan’s famous Snow Monkeys. These cheeky macaques come down from the surrounding hills to bathe in natural hot springs. We can guarantee plenty of amazing photo opportunities but we'll be sure to call ahead to make sure the monkeys are about. As wild animals this is not always the case.

After lunch we will make the short journey by train to Matsumoto. Home to one of Japan’s most stunning original castles, it is often called ‘Black Crow’ castle owing to it’s unique black colour.

Other attractions in Matsumoto include the Ukiyoe (woodblock print) Museum, and strolling through the old merchant’s district.

Day 5 Takayama

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

We continue on our journey through the Japanese Alps to the market town of Takayama. Due to it’s remote position in the mountains, it was cut off from the rest of Japan for most of its history and thus has maintained a very unique and traditional atmosphere.

We will experience one of our accommodation highlights here, staying in a traditional Japanese minshuku. We will sleep on futons laid out on traditional tatami flooring and be able to experience a steaming hot onsen bath to relax (or recharge – the choice is yours!). And tonight we will have a fabulous meal of home cooked food served at the inn.

There are so many great experiences to be had in Takayama, from strolling through the preserved streets to visiting the museum that houses Takayama’s famous Festival Floats.

Day 6 Takayama

Meals: Breakfast

Today is free to further explore this charming town. First stop should be the lively morning market, offering lots of free tastes of the local fruit and vegetables. The Hida No Sato folk village, an open air museum of traditional Japanese farm houses is not to be missed. Your Tour leader will be on hand to show you around; and will be more than happy to help you cap what is sure to be a fantastic day by taking you for some tastings at the local sake breweries.

Day 7 Kanazawa

Meals: Breakfast

There will be time for some last minute shopping at the morning market before we head off by train to our next destination, Kanazawa.

Located on the Japan Sea Coast, Kanazawa is a showcase of traditional Japan. Take a stroll through the beautifully preserved Nagamachi samurai district or the Chaya geisha district; explore the hidden rooms and secret trap doors in the ninja temple, or just sip a cup of green tea and contemplate life in the stunning Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s top 3 gardens.

Day 8 Hiroshima

Meals: Breakfast

Today we have a chance to truly enjoy the wonder that are Japanese trains, as we take a Limited Express from one coast of Japan to the other, then hit top speed on the Shinkansen as we hurtle along the Sanyo Coast to Hiroshima.

Known for all the wrong reasons, these days Hiroshima is a vibrant city which has chosen not to dwell in the past but to strive ahead for a better future.

The Peace Memorial Museum and surrounding Peace Park manage to convey a sense of hope rather than despair, but are not all that Hiroshima has to offer.

With some truly world class art galleries, a manga library, a beautifully restored castle and Japan’s worst baseball team, your Tour Leader as always will be on hand to help you take in the sights you want to see.

Hiroshima is famous for its local dish Hiroshima-yaki, a kind of as-you-like-it pancake cooked on a grill in front of you, so make sure you join your Leader as he takes you to his favourite restaurant!

Day 9 Hiroshima

Meals: Breakfast

A free day to enjoy all that Hiroshima has to offer. You may choose to take a trip out to the sacred Miyajima island, home to shrines, temples, and deer but best known for one of Japan’s top 3 views – the vermillion red floating torii gate. If cars are more your thing, your Tour Leader can arrange a visit to the Mazda Museum, where you can witness their fully automated production line.

Tonight you can hit the town, as your Tour Leader takes you on a tour of Hiroshima’s best bars.

Day 10 Kurashiki

Meals: Breakfast

A short trip on the Shinkansen and local train takes us to the charming canal town of Kurashiki. Today you have the option of joining the tour leader for an optional bike ride on the Kibi Plains, one of the most beautiful and historical paved bike rides in Japan. You will pass through ancient burial mounds, rice fields, local temples and Buddhist cemeteries. Alternatively, have a day free to explore some of the quaint local museums and renowned art galleries. Or maybe you can sit at one of the cafes lining the canals, sipping on a hot green tea as you ponder on the town’s fascinating history.

Day 11 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

Our next destination is Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto, a short train ride away. There is a host of things to do and see in Kyoto and, as always, your Tour Leader will be on hand to assist.

Day 12 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

A free day in Kyoto to explore this classic city. Bursting with temples, shrines, World Heritage sites, gardens, museums, geisha and everything that you ever associated with Japan, you Tour Leader will lead an optional tour of some of the famous sites and hidden gems. Of course, if you want to explore solo, than your Leader will be pleased to advise.

Day 13 Yokohama

Meals: Breakfast

Today we take our final journey as we take the Shinkansen to our last destination, Japan’s second city, Yokohama. We will speed past the iconic Mt Fuji, and if she is feeling bold, we may catch a glimpse!

Yokohama is the perfect place to end what will have been a truly memorable holiday. Definitely the most scenic of Japan’s big cities, our hotel is located a short walk from the picturesque waterfront. Today’s options include visiting the very unique ramen noodle museum, munching on dumplings and sipping bubble tea in Japan’s largest Chinatown, or heading to the top of Japan’s tallest building, Landmark Tower.

Your Tour Leader will take you out for one last amazing dinner, a chance to reminisce with your fellow group members over all the amazing experiences you have packed into the last 2 weeks.

Day 14 Depart

Meals: Breakfast

Sadly, it is time to bid sayonara – for now!

You can take the direct airport train from Yokohama station, located a short walk from our hotel, to Narita Airport. If you arrived on Day 1 of the tour than your Japan Rail Pass will cover this journey.

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Photos


Onsen Monkeys in Yudanaka

Traditional farmhouses in Takayama

Lunch time in Hiroshima!

Kinkakuji - The Golden Pavillion, Kyoto

Tha canals and white wall storehouses in Kurashiki

The stunning nightview of Yokohama

Pricing Information

2012
Tour Price: £1750
Extra Nights  
Pre-Tour: Twin Share pp £40     Single pp £60 
Post-Tour: Twin Share pp £40    Single pp £60
2013
Tour Price: £1750
Extra Nights  
Pre-Tour: Twin Share pp £40     Single pp £60 
Post-Tour: Twin Share pp £40    Single pp £60
 

Accommodation


Toyoko Inn Ikebukuro Kita-guchi 1

Tokyo

Business Hotel

The Toyoko Inn in Ikebukuro is a reliable business hotel in a great location for this exciting area of Tokyo. Numerous restaurants and bars are on your doorstep and the Sunshine City shopping centre if just a short walk away. Located on the JR Yamanote Line, Ikebukuro has great links to all of Tokyo. the hotel has a coin laundry available and free internet PCs in the lobby. Rooms are compact but fully en-suite, clean and comfortable.

Zenkoji Tokugyobou

Nagano

Shukubo (JP)

The Tokugyobou is a temple lodgings connected to Nagano's famous Zenkoji temple. This is a great place to stay with traditional Shojin Ryori vegetarian Buddhist meals available and the chance to join in the morning ceremony as well. Rooms are traditional Japanese style with bathing at the shared bath house (single sex). The monks are very friendly and delighted to have foreign guests staying at their beautiful temple.

Toyoko Inn Matsumoto eki-mae

Matsumoto

Business Hotel

This Toyoko Inn hotel is conveniently located next to Matsumoto station and a short walk from the magnificent castle. Rooms are compact but comfortable and the hotel has a coin laundry as well as free interent.

Iwata-kan

Takayama

Minshuku (JP)

The Iwata-kan is a friendly, family-run inn. Located a 10 minute walk from the Yatai Kaikan exhibition hall and the morning market along the Miyagawa river, this minshuku makes for a great base in Takayama. Free of charge rental bikes are also available to help you get around. The minshuku also features a natural hot spring bath house and fine home cooked food.

Garden Hotel Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Moderate Hotel

The Garden Hotel offers a very warm welcome just a short walk from Kanazawa station. Downtown for Kenrokuen Gardens and the Samurai district is easily accessed by a 10 minute bus or taxi ride. Rooms are well sized and modern and the front desk staff are able to offer all sorts of tourist info and advice.

Toyoko Inn Hiroshima Heiwa Odori

Hiroshima

Business Hotel

This Toyoko Inn is located on Heiwa Dori - Peace Street - which is Hiroshima's main thoroughfare. Just a short distance from the Peace Park and Museum and in amongst countless shops and restaurants, this is a fun place to stay in this vibrant city. Rooms are compact but clean and modern and the hotel offers a free shuttle bus ride to Hiroshima station.

Hotel Resol Kurashiki

Kurashiki

Moderate Hotel

The Hotel Resol Kurashiki is a western style hotel located an eight minute walk from Kurashiki station and just a ten minute walk from the Ohara Museum and the scenic old canal area of Kurashiki.

Toyoko Inn Gojo Karasuma

Kyoto

Business Hotel

The Toyoko Inn Gojo Karasuma is a business hotel located in central Kyoto and convenient for sightseeing in this historic city. The hotel is on the Kyoto subway line and numerous bus lines and has compact but clean and comfortable rooms. Coin laundry and free internet PCs are available.

Toyoko Inn Yokohama Sakuragi-cho

Yokohama

Business Hotel

The Toyoko Inn in Sakuragi-cho is a nicely located business hotel near the Minato-mirai waterside area. China Town and the Landmark Tower are also close at hand. Convenient for the subway and with compact but functional rooms this is a great base for exploring Yokohama.

Tour Dates
Tour Starts Tour Disbands Price Status
2012
17 Jun 2012 30 Jun 2012 £1750 NOW BOOKING
24 Jun 2012 07 Jul 2012 £1750 NOW BOOKING
22 Jul 2012 04 Aug 2012 £1750 NOW BOOKING
05 Aug 2012 18 Aug 2012 £1750 NOW BOOKING
19 Aug 2012 01 Sep 2012 £1750 NOW BOOKING
02 Sep 2012 15 Sep 2012 £1750 NOW BOOKING
16 Sep 2012 29 Sep 2012 £1750 SOLD OUT
30 Sep 2012 13 Oct 2012 £1750 SOLD OUT
11 Nov 2012 24 Nov 2012 £1750 NOW BOOKING
25 Nov 2012 08 Dec 2012 £1750 NOW BOOKING
2013
11 Feb 2013 24 Feb 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
11 Mar 2013 24 Mar 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
15 Apr 2013 28 Apr 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
13 May 2013 26 May 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
03 Jun 2013 16 Jun 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
24 Jun 2013 07 Jul 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
29 Jul 2013 11 Aug 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
12 Aug 2013 25 Aug 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
09 Sep 2013 22 Sep 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
30 Sep 2013 13 Oct 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING
25 Nov 2013 08 Dec 2013 £1750 NOW BOOKING

What’s Included:
  • 13 Nights Accommodation including a temple lodging stay near Zenkoji-ji temple in Nagano and a small family run Japanese minshuku in Takayama
  • All transport between destinations in Japan
  • 14 day Japan Rail Pass - a flexible pass allowing you to make day trips using Japan Rail at no extra cost
  • Tokyo Transport Pass
  • A mix of Western and traditional Japanese style breakfasts everyday
  • 1 beautifully prepared home cooked everning meal in Takayama
  • Full time service of your expert Tour Leader
  • Luggage forwarding Tokyo to Matsumoto
  • Entrance to Nagano Zenkoji Temple
  • InsideJapan Tours' complimentary Info-Pack
What’s NOT Included:
  • International Flights
  • Local transport at destinations
  • Entrance fees to shrines, temples, museums etc
  • Meals other than noted above
  • Baggage handling (except for Tokyo to Matsumoto)

Important Practical Information

Maximum Group Size:
14

Single Supplement: There is no single supplement for this tour. Rooming is on a twin/double share basis. Single travellers will have a single room at the first hotel in Tokyo and at the last hotel (in Yokohama) but will be expected to share with another single group member of the same sex throughout the rest of the tour. Depending on the make up of the group at the shukubo in Nagano, accommodation may be multi-share, with men and women sleeping separately.

Accommodation: All western style hotels have private ensuite. The ryokan accommodation in Takayama, as well as the shukubo temple lodging in Nagano have shared bathroom and toilet facilities.

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

Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 3pm. (You can however securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

 
Inside Japan Tours - Independent British Travel Awards 2011 - Best Tour Operator To East and Central Asia
The Guardian, The Observer - Travel Awards 2010 Winner - Best tour operator (small)
Inside Japan Tours - Silver at the British Travel Awards 2009