Spring is one of the finest times to tour Japan, as the winter chill makes way for warm sunny days. With this of course comes the excitement that accompanies the annual hanami or Japanese cherry blossom-viewing celebrations as cherry trees across the country burst into bloom!

This tour of Japan reveals a country of contrasts; huge, buzzing cities dominate the east coast yet inland, mountain towns and villages provide a completely different picture of modern Japanese life as neon cityscapes are replaced by soaring mountain peaks and an altogether slower pace of life.

The Tokyo metropolis is where we'll start and finish the tour. It's a fascinating city, full of things to see and do, constantly alive and buzzing with activity. During our stay in Tokyo there will be the chance to make a day excursion to one of the surrounding attractions. The pleasant seaside town of Kamakura, home to the Big Buddha or the stunning World Heritage sites at Nikko are two of the most popular options.

Festival - Spring Geisha Dances (Miyako Odori)
All departures include reserved seat tickets for the Spring geisha dance festival - a unique chance to see the geisha of Kyoto performing in their own theatre.

Stunning Japan Alps
In between our stays in Tokyo we'll enjoy some of the gentler sides of life in Japan. Situated in the shadow of the awe-inspiring peaks of the Japan Alps the towns of Matsumoto - with its impressive feudal castle - and Takayama, a town of old narrow streets and craftsmen's residences, will provide a pleasant contrast to the chaos of the capital. In Matsumoto a comfortable, centrally-located business hotel will be our home for the night, whilst in Takayama a two-night treat awaits us with a stay in a classic ryokan (Japanese-style inn) including a wonderful dinner of finest local cuisine on the first night. From Takayama we head back down to sea level and the small, pleasant city of Kanazawa with its beautiful Kenroku-en garden, one of the finest in all Japan.

We will be spending three nights in Kyoto - Japan's capital of history and culture, giving you plenty of time to explore the temples and shrines which cast you back in time to a very different Japan. Our unique guided walking tour of the famous Gion district will give you the chance to catch a glimpse of geisha along the beautiful Kyoto backstreets.

Excursion day from Kyoto
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 temples and shrines of Nara, or indeed anywhere within day-tripping distance of the old capital!

After Kyoto we climb aboard the famous bullet train and speed towards the mountainous hot-spring region of Hakone with its stunning views of Mt. Fuji. We will have a two-night stay in the opulent surroundings of the Fujiya Hotel, one of Japan's first and finest western-style hotels with a guest-list to prove it!

We finish this tour of Japan in spring by returning to Tokyo and spend a night in the ultra-modern district of Shinjuku. We'll be sure to enjoy one last night of great food and great entertainment before saying our farewells.

With your Tour Leader always on hand to point you in the right direction for all the sights, restaurants, bars, museums and special events, the Spring Elegance Japan tour is a never-to-be-forgotten Japan experience.

** 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: Ł560 per person
Single: Ł650 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.

Judy - Spring Elegance, Apr 2012

Christoph… - Spring Elegance, Apr 2012

Judy - Spring Elegance, Apr 2012

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Price

Tour Price from Ł2650

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 2 nights at a traditional ryokan in Takayama and 2 nights at one of Japan's most famous hotels the Fujiya in Hakone
All transport between destinations in Japan including airport transfers on arrival and departure and 7 Day Japan Rail Pass
Meet and Greet upon arrival at Narita Airport
A mix of Western and traditional Japanese style breakfasts everyday
4 evening meals including a beautifully prepared Kaiseki Ryouri meal (traditional banquet of individual dishes) in Kyoto
Tokyo Transport Pass
Sumida River boat cruise in Tokyo & Entrance to Hamarikyu gardens
Hakone Free Pass to cover local transport in Hakone region
Geisha district evening walking tour in Kyoto
Tickets for Spring Geisha Dance performance
Luggage forwarding between Tokyo & Takayama, Takayama & Kyoto and Kyoto & Tokyo
Full time services of your Tour Leader
InsideJapan Tours' complimentary Info-Pack
7 day Japan Rail Pass

What’s NOT Included:

International flights
Additional local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination (except if those covered by transport passes in Hakone and Tokyo)
Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip except where Luggage Forwarding is included

Important Practical 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 all transfers on this Japan tour 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 or elevators/lifts.

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 with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour. You will also need a small overnight back-pack (for up to two nights) for use when we forward our main bags to the next location.

Accommodation: All hotels and ryokan used on this tour are equipped with full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet).

Clothes washing machines are available at the hotels in Matsumoto and Kanazawa for a small fee. There are laundry services at most of the western style hotels.

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 3pm. (You can however securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

BACK TOP TOP

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Tokyo

Meals: Dinner

The tour begins today in Tokyo, Japan's electric capital city. Your Tour Leader will be there to meet you on your arrival at Narita International Airport. 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, up to two days before the tour starts we will still have someone at the airport to meet you. The Tour Leader will supply you with a Tokyo Transport "PASMO" Card allowing you to move around the city easily on the subways and train systems like a real Tokyoite! Our hotel is situated in the Asakusa area, the former downtown and entertainments district of Edo, as Tokyo was formally known. This friendly district still maintains a traditional atmosphere and is home to Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple. Tonight we will be indulging in a first night's dinner of your tour leader's choice. Options include Okonomiyaki - a kind of savoury pancake, or at an Izakaya (Japanese style pub). Food is on us so this is a great chance to start getting to know the other members of the group.

Day 2 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast today we will embark on a tour of the city using our "PASMO" cards. We'll cruise down the Sumida River, take a relaxing stroll through Hamarikyu tei-en, a tranquil garden that is just a few minutes walk from the lively Ginza shopping district, explore the precincts of Meiji Shrine and check out the amazing view of Tokyo to be had from the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. Of course if exploring independently is more your thing then that is no problem at all! Perhaps you might like to take a ride on the new elevated light-railway which sweeps out into and across Tokyo bay affording stunning views of the Tokyo skyline; or perhaps head down to the Ginza for some shopping and a look at the latest electronic wizardry. Whatever it is you want to do your Leader will help you out. Tonight dinner isn't included so we recommend heading out to indulge in some of the myriad of culinary delights available.

Day 3 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

Today you will have the option of an excursion day from Tokyo. There are many day trip options within easy access of Tokyo, whether it be the lovely seaside town of Kamakura or the World Heritage sites of Nikko then it will be a great opportunity to get out of the city. Your Tour Leader will give you transport instructions for any day trips you wish to take. Alternatively, stay in Tokyo and explore more of the city’s attractions at your own pace using your "PASMO Card" – the choice is yours!

Day 4 Matsumoto

Meals: Breakfast

We will forward our large bags to Takayama and take overnight bags to Matsumoto. The journey to Matsumoto will take about 3 and a half hours in total so we'll be leaving Tokyo at 9am. We will have a chance to visit Matsumoto's premier attraction, the black castle. This is one of the finest examples of an original castle still surviving in Japan, escaping as it has the ravages of fire and war which have destroyed so many of Japan's other feudal castles. For dinner you might like to try a meal of soba noodles (made with buckwheat), the speciality food of the region.

Day 5 Takayama

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Today it's on by highway bus to Takayama. The journey takes just over 2 hours and we'll be arriving late morning. After leaving our bags at the ryokan we will have a chance to start exploring this intriguing mountain town. Whilst strolling down the pleasant side-streets you might like to drop by one or two of the local sake breweries to see how this famous Japanese tipple is produced – and taste the finished product of course! Dinner will tonight be served at our inn and this is sure to be one of the culinary highlights of the trip as we indulge in a classic Japanese ryokan meal.

Day 6 Takayama

Meals: Breakfast

After experiencing a traditional Japanese breakfast at our Ryokan, its time to head out into Takayama. There are loads of things to see and do in this wonderful town. Perhaps start at the morning markets, where fresh produce is brought in daily from the surrounding fields by local farmers. Move on to one of the traditional merchant residences for a look at life in Takayama in years gone by. Don’t miss the Hida-Takayama folk village, a fantastic outdoor museum made up of a collection of old traditional-style houses from all around the Hida region. This is a rare chance to catch a glimpse of what life was like for ordinary Japanese before industrial advancement was undertaken by the new Meiji regime in 1868. In the afternoon you may also like to take in some of the local shrines and temples, or perhaps would prefer simply to return to your ryokan and enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot-spring baths! Dinner is not included tonight so you may like to head out to sample some of the region's famous beef or visit one of the town's lively local eateries! Your Tour Leader is always on hand to offer advice.

Day 7 Kanazawa

Meals: Breakfast

This morning we send our luggage on to Kyoto and take an overnight bag to Kanazawa. We'll make the two hour journey by bus to Kanazawa, home of Kenroku-en, one of Japan's 'top three' gardens. After spending some time here, perhaps we'll check out the Ninja temple and Samurai houses before heading out for a spot of dinner. Our accommodation, the Kanazawa APA Hotel is conveniently situated in the downtown area of this charming city that retains a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the bigger cities on the East coast.

Day 8 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

In the late morning we'll take a limited express train from Kanazawa to Kyoto for our three-night stay in this famous city. Kyoto is a great city to explore on foot. There are several walking tour routes, each with different places of interest along the way. Your Leader will accompany the group along a chosen route. This afternoon you we will have an included walk through the Gion Geisha district with a local expert who will give you a truly unique insight into this hidden world. You will have tickets to the famous Spring Geisha Dances, followed by dinner at a local Japanese restaurant. It’s sure to be an exciting day!

Day 9 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

A full day to explore some of Kyoto’s wealth of sights. Check out some temples and shrines such as the exquisite hilltop Kiyomizu-dera or the Golden Pavilion or perhaps contemplate a Zen garden. A river trip on the Kameoka River through the gorge to Arashiyama is a popular option and a good to chance to see some of the countryside surrounding the city.

Day 10 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast

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

Day 11 Hakone

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Today we forward our bags to Tokyo and pack our small bags for the 2 night stay in Hakone. Today is the day we get to enjoy a trip on the bullet train as we make our way (at speeds approaching 300km per hour!) to the Hakone National Park at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The total journey takes just under 4 hours, including local transport. Included in the tour price is a "Hakone Free Pass". This allows you unlimited travel on nearly all of the local transport in the Hakone region; buses, rail, funicular railway, cable car, ropeway, and even the sightseeing boat that crosses Lake Ashi from where if you're lucky and the skies are clear, you will get a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. There are lots of things to see and do in Hakone and we'll make sure you have all the necessary maps and information. Our accommodation in Hakone is the beautiful Fujiya Hotel. As one of the first western-style hotels in Japan the Fujiya Hotel is a classic establishment with beautiful wooden interiors, spacious rooms and top-level service all in a setting of outstanding natural beauty. This will be one of the accommodation highlights of the tour and a real treat! Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant just round the corner from the hotel.

Day 12 Hakone

Meals: Breakfast

A full day to explore Hakone. 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. The Open Air Sculpture Museum features pieces by many world-renowned artists all set against a stunning mountain backdrop. There is an assortment of museums to visit and of course one of Hakone's famous wooden marquetry "trick boxes" would make for a great souvenir.

Day 13 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast

Today it’s back to Tokyo. In contrast to our initial stay in old-world Asakusa, will be staying in Shinjuku, the busiest and most modern district of the city. Shinjuku station is the world's busiest, handling a startling 3 million passengers a day with crowds pouring in and out of the department stores, electronics retailers and restaurants that proliferate throughout the district. This is your chance to do all that last-minute shopping and to check out the sights you missed first time round. We will stay at the new Shinjuku Suroute Plaza Hotel, allowing you to end your trip in style! In the evening we hope that everyone will join us for a last meal together and a few drinks before we all head our separate ways after what we hope will have been a real holiday experience to treasure.

Day 14 Depart

Meals: Breakfast

Today we all say our goodbyes and head our separate ways. Your transfer back to the airport is included by train or direct airport bus, allowing you to relax knowing that you will be in good time for checking in. 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

2012
Tour Price:	Ł2650
Single Supplement:	Ł250
Extra Nights
Pre-Tour:	Twin Share pp Ł50 Single pp Ł60
Post-Tour:	Twin Share pp Ł80 Single pp Ł110

2013
Tour Price:	Ł2650
Single Supplement:	Ł250
Extra Nights
Pre-Tour:	Twin Share pp Ł50 Single pp Ł60
Post-Tour:	Twin Share pp Ł80 Single pp Ł110

Accommodation

Asakusa Blue Wave Inn

Tokyo

Moderate Hotel

The Blue Wave Inn is located just a stone's throw from Sensoji Temple, the oldest and most venerated in Tokyo. Rooms are modern and bright and fully en-suite. The Ginza and Asakusa subway lines are just a short walk away meaning access to the rest of Tokyo is easy and the nearby Tobu line provides direct trains to Nikko.

Richmond Hotel Matsumoto

Matsumoto

Business Hotel

Located in the centre of Matsumoto just a short walk from the station and 10 minutes stroll from the castle, the Richmond Hotel Matsumoto is an excellent business hotel. The rooms are large and many of the rooms on the higher floors offer views of the surrounding mountains. All of the rooms are en-suite and offer cable television and free high-speed internet as well as the usual facilities such as direct dial telephones and air conditioning. A restaurant is available on the ground floor and PCs with internet are available free of charge in the lobby.

Tanabe Ryokan

Takayama

Superior Ryokan (JP)

A short walk or even shorter taxi ride from Takayama Station, this is a high quality traditional inn located in the old town area of the city close to the morning markets and within easy walking distance of the temple area and the town museum. You will be sleeping on thick futons placed directly on the tatami matted floors. The rooms all have attached bathroom facilities but the inn also boasts really nice large communal baths which are great for relaxing in after a day out sightseeing. The owners Mr. and Mrs Tanabe are gracious hosts and will do their very best to ensure you have a fabulous stay.

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.

Hotel Sunroute Kyoto

Kyoto

Moderate Hotel

The Sunroute in Kyoto is a welcoming western style hotel in a great spot just a short walk from the Gion geisha district and the Minamiza theatre. Rooms are compact but have everything you need and the hotel has a particularly good buffet breakfast. There is a nice cafe downstairs and free internet is available throughout the hotel.

Hakone Fujiya Hotel

Hakone

Deluxe Hotel

The Fujiya is one of Japan's most famous hotels and has a history going back over 100 years. Foreign dignatories and, most famously, John Lennon and Yoko Ono have all stayed here. The rooms although a little frayed around the edges exude the style and charm of a bygone era and the lobby and restaurants are classic and elegant spaces with period furniture. Cooked to order breakfast is a real treat and the hotel has its own baths and swimming pool as well. Well connected for all of the national park this is a fantastic place to enjoy Hakone from.

Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza

Tokyo

Moderate Hotel

The Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza is conveniently located on the south side of Shinjuku station and opened in late 2007. The building has a sleek and modern design throughout, from the spacious lobby area to the well-appointed guestrooms, which offer flatscreen TV with video-on-demand and spacious bathrooms. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar and also a guest lounge providing internet access and complimentary hot drinks. The hotel is in a fantastic location in the lively Shinjuku district of Tokyo, with an endless choice of shopping, dining and entertainment options within a few minutes' walk. The hotel is also just two minutes on foot from Shinjuku station, offering easy access to other areas of the city.

Tour Dates
Tour Starts	Tour Disbands	Price	Status
2012
Currently there are no departures available for this year. Please contact us using the enquiy form or call us - UK (0)117 370 9740 / USA 303 952 0184
2013
24 Mar 2013	06 Apr 2013	Ł2650	NOW BOOKING
31 Mar 2013	13 Apr 2013	Ł2650	NOW BOOKING
07 Apr 2013	20 Apr 2013	Ł2650	NOW BOOKING
14 Apr 2013	27 Apr 2013	Ł2650	NOW BOOKING

What’s Included:

13 nights accommodation including 2 nights at a traditional ryokan in Takayama and 2 nights at one of Japan's most famous hotels the Fujiya in Hakone
All transport between destinations in Japan including airport transfers on arrival and departure and 7 Day Japan Rail Pass
Meet and Greet upon arrival at Narita Airport
A mix of Western and traditional Japanese style breakfasts everyday
4 evening meals including a beautifully prepared Kaiseki Ryouri meal (traditional banquet of individual dishes) in Kyoto
Tokyo Transport Pass
Sumida River boat cruise in Tokyo & Entrance to Hamarikyu gardens
Hakone Free Pass to cover local transport in Hakone region
Geisha district evening walking tour in Kyoto
Tickets for Spring Geisha Dance performance
Luggage forwarding between Tokyo & Takayama, Takayama & Kyoto and Kyoto & Tokyo
Full time services of your Tour Leader
InsideJapan Tours' complimentary Info-Pack
7 day Japan Rail Pass

What’s NOT Included:

International flights
Additional local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination (except if those covered by transport passes in Hakone and Tokyo)
Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip except where Luggage Forwarding is included