Destinations:
Tokyo
| Kamakura
| Hakone
| Kyoto
| Tokyo
The tour begins and ends in Japan's vibrant capital Tokyo where you can enjoy the many contrasts of this exciting city. The tour has been upgraded to include a 7 day Japan Rail Pass and an excursion day from Kyoto, allowing you to check out any one of a number of extra destinations. We will be spending the first couple of nights in Asakusa, an area of the city which is dominated by the atmospheric Senso-ji temple whilst at the end of the tour we will be based in the exciting Shinjuku district where a plethora of neon, restaurants, bars and shopping awaits.
£150 per person discount for all new bookings departing in July and August 2012 (book by March 31st).
A fantastic mix of ancient and modern
From Tokyo the tour will move on along the route of the old Tokaido Highway (now traversed by the 'Bullet' Train) taking in the old capitals of Kamakura and Kyoto and the mountainous hot-spring resort of Hakone along the way. In Kamakura we will stay in a locally run pension style hotel and enjoy an artfully presented and tasty 'kaiseki' dinner whilst in Hakone we'll enjoy a stay in a Japanese style guesthouse where relaxing hot spring baths await. And, if we are lucky with the weather, then a glimpse of the often elusive Mt Fuji may be on the itinerary too!
The penultimate stop on the itinerary will be Kyoto, Japan's cultural heartland where you'll find an alluring array of temples, shrines and gardens. Hidden treasures lie around nearly every corner as Japan's rich culture of Buddhism and Shinto can be experienced at close quarters, offering a window into a very different past. Kyoto is of course most famous for its Geisha, and our unique tour of the Gion district will give you the chance to catch a glimpse of a Geisha in her traditional home.
Excursion day
On your third day in Kyoto you have the option of spending more time in this fascinating city or of taking an excursion using the included 7 day Japan Rail Pass. This will give you the chance to visit Hiroshima, Himeji Castle, the gardens of Kanazawa or indeed anywhere within day-tripping distance of the old capital! Your Tour Leader will be more than happy to assist you in planning your special day.
A ride back to Tokyo on the super-fast 'Bullet' Train completes what will truly be an unforgettable experience of Japan ancient and modern. This is the classic Japan tour.
** 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.
| 2011 | |
| Tour Price: | £1550 |
| Extra Nights | |
| Pre-Tour: | Twin Share pp £50 Single pp £60 |
| Post-Tour: | Twin Share pp £70 Single pp £110 |
| 2012 | |
| Tour Price: | £1550 |
| Extra Nights | |
| Pre-Tour: | Twin Share pp £50 Single pp £60 |
| Post-Tour: | Twin Share pp £70 Single pp £110 |
Prices are excluding international flights.
Important Practical Information
Max Group Size: 14
Single Supplement: This tour does NOT have a single supplement. Single travellers are guaranteed a single room in western style accommodation. However, singles will be asked to share a room in some accommodation with a group member if the same sex (Kamakura, Hakone & Kyoto - 6 nights total).
Transport: Please note that all 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 small case or bag or best of all, a rucksack, are most appropriate for this tour. Clothes washing machines are available in Tokyo and Hakone for a small fee.
Accommodation: The hotels in Tokyo and Kamakura and the ryokan in Kyoto are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet). The Fuji Hakone Guest House has its own natural hot-spring baths and shower which can be used privately but does not have baths or toilets attached to the rooms.
International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport.
Please note that the included meet-and-greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available up to 2 days in advance of the tour and if you are staying extra nights pre-tour it is only available if those nights are booked through InsideJapan Tours.
Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 4pm. (You can however securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).