Onsen hot spring baths are quintessentially Japanese. Part of a culture and tradition stretching back more than a thousand years, they remain hugely popular today. We have selected here some of the very best of these hot springs combined with stays in Japan’s must-see cities of Tokyo and Kyoto.
From the whirlwind activity of Tokyo, the train will ease you into the heart of the Japan Alps. First stop, the mountain town of Kusatsu; consistently voted Japan's favourite hot spring spa and a fantastic place to relax in therapeutic waters and explore the trails of Mt. Shirane. Steam from the volcanic water fills the air of the town centre like a fine mist and visitors flock here to feel rejuvenated by bathing in the healing waters.
Shibu Onsen is the base for your one night stay in the Yudanaka area, famous for the Japanese Macaque "snow monkeys". We recommend also visiting the Hokusai museum and art gallery here before travelling on Kyoto, Japan's Imperial capital. A treasure trove of World Heritage temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is also a great base for day trips to Nara and Himeji Castle as well as the gorgeous Kurama Onsen located on the rural outskirts of the city.
Known as the "city of water", Matsue makes for a lovely two night stay and features one of Japan's best extant Samurai castles as well as fabulous gardens at the nearby Adachi Museum.
Kinosaki Onsen, north of Kyoto, features old wooden buildings along a willow tree lined river and is the perfect place to hop from bath house to bath house in your geta (wooden shoes) and yukata (bath robe) - provided by your inn of course!
Before returning to Tokyo, you will also stop off in Hakone, the national park area near Mt. Fuji which is rich in onsen, and, in fine weather, enjoys views of Japan's iconic mountain.
By the time the shinkansen 'Bullet Train' sweeps you back toward the capital, your Japan will be one of mountains and valleys, of hidden temples and gardens and of course, the silk- like geothermal waters of Japan's onsen spas - an adventure of a lifetime to be savoured at every turn.
Pricing Information
| 2011 | |||
| Standard Price: | £2800 (Single Price: £3400) | ||
| Upgrade Price: | £4010 (Single Price: £5730) | ||
Extra Nights: |
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Standard Grade |
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| Start: Twin Share pp £65
Single pp £65
End: Twin Share pp £65 Single pp £80 |
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Superior Grade |
|||
| Start: Twin Share pp £90
Single pp £110
End: Twin Share pp £115 Single pp £175 |
|||
| 2012 | |||
| Standard Price: | £2800 (Single Price: £3400) | ||
| Upgrade Price: | £4010 (Single Price: £5730) | ||
Extra Nights: |
|||
Standard Grade |
|||
| Start: Twin Share pp £65
Single pp £65
End: Twin Share pp £65 Single pp £80 |
|||
Superior Grade |
|||
| Start: Twin Share pp £90
Single pp £110
End: Twin Share pp £115 Single pp £175 |
|||
Prices:
2011
Standard:
Twin: £2800 Single: £3400
Upgrade:
Twin: £4010 Single: £5730
2012
Standard:
Twin: £2800 Single: £3400
Upgrade:
Twin: £4010 Single: £5730
2011
Standard:
Twin: £2800 Single: £3400
Upgrade:
Twin: £4010 Single: £5730
2012
Standard:
Twin: £2800 Single: £3400
Upgrade:
Twin: £4010 Single: £5730
What's Included:
- 15 nights accommodation (8 nights Japanese-style)
- Breakfast each morning
- 7 evening meals
- Meet and Greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport
- Most transport between destinations including airport transfers
- Excursion day from Kyoto (using included Japan Rail Pass)
- Hakone Freepass for use in Hakone National Park
- Tokyo transport card with 2500 yen of credit
- 8 hours private guide service in Tokyo & Kyoto
- InsideJapan Tours Info-Pack
- International Flights
- Additional local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination
- 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
Supplements
No seasonal supplement applies
No seasonal supplement applies
Black Out Dates
Please note that during certain Japanese holiday periods, the prices
detailed in this brochure are NOT valid for packages if any of the
nights' accommodation fall within the following dates:
29th December to 4th January New Year
29th April to 5th May Golden Week
9th August to 17th August Obon Festival
Included evening meals are in Kusatsu (2), Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen (1), Kinosaki (1), Matsue (1) and Hakone (2).
BACK TO TOP
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo
Meals: None
Welcome to Japan! You will be met at the arrival to customs by one of our local representatives who will help you buy your tickets and answer any questions you may have. The express train will then whisk you straight to the historical district of Asakusa where you will be beginning your stay in Japan. Your hotel is just a short taxi ride away, situated in the heart of this cultural area, with the multitude of lively market stalls, food vendors and the magnificent Senso-Ji Temple just a walk away. In the evening, why not head to Asakusa Jyakotsuyu bath house with heated dark-tea coloured baths; a real local hang-out where you can get straight into the feel of your holiday!
Day 2 Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
Today you will have a full day of touring with an expert local guide. The itinerary is free for you to decide, so you can discover those areas which have always fascinated you, or just relax and follow along as your guide takes you around the many fantastic sights and spectacles of this amazing city. You will be travelling on the remarkably clean and reliable public transport; travelling as the Tokyoites themselves do, allowing you to really get a feel for the workings of this exhilarating metropolis. You also have the chance to ask all those questions you wanted to know the answers to about Japan, so get questioning!
Day 3 Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
A further full day today in Tokyo, where there are endless activities to fill your time. If you’re an early bird; rise before dawn to head over to the Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can watch the hoards of frozen tuna being frantically auctioned for thousands of pounds. You may like to head to the business and shopping district of Shibuya, where you can cross over the famous intersection with the mass of Tokyoites. Or if you fancy something a little more serene, take an amble through the Yoyogi Park neighbourhood, ending up at the wonderfully tranquil Meiji Shrine. For those who like some nightlife before relaxing in the tub, there are numerous areas that you can party in till dawn.
Day 4 Kusatsu
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Leaving the skyscrapers of Tokyo behind, you will head up in to the Japanese Alps today, deep into the rural Japanese countryside. Kusatsu is consistently voted Japan’s favourite hot spring spa, where the high quality spring water is said to cure every illness except lovesickness. You’ll be staying in traditional Ryokan accommodation in the centre of town – surrounded by the volcanic steam which fills the air, and shadowed by the slopes of Mt. Shirane, 1200 metres above sea level. Known as an Onsen resort for many centuries, this is a fantastic place to relax in therapeutic waters and explore the trails of the mountainous environment.
Day 5 Kusatsu
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
You can remain relaxing in the numerous hot spring resorts around town today, or, depending on the season, there are plenty of hiking trails or skiing runs to be explored in this area. A number of hiking trails offer varying terrain and spectacular views including the sulphurous baby blue Yugama Crater Lake nestling among the volcanic peaks of Mount Shirane. In the evening, head down to the centre of town in your Yukata, to the Yubatake or ‘hot water field’ where you can see the 70° C water bubbling up to the surface at an output of 5000 litres per minute – Japan’s single most productive hot spring source.
Day 6 Yudanaka
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
You will continue exploring the spa towns of the Japanese Alps today travelling on to Shibu Onsen just outside of Yudanaka. As well as its great waters, this small onsen is famous for its population of Japanese Macaque monkeys. Nicknamed "snow monkeys" for their love of the hot spring baths during the white season they make for some great photographs! The area also has an interesting museum dedicated to Hokusai, Japan's greatest woodblock print artist.
Day 7 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
From the heights of the Alps to the lowlands of Kansai; you’ll be transported back to the city by express train and Shinkansen for the next three nights. The ancient capital of Japan is a treasure trove of World Heritage temples, shrines and gardens, making it an incredible place to explore, as well as the perfect base for trips further afield. From the glistening temple of the golden Kinkakuji temple to the atmospheric back streets of Gion, Kyoto is an essential stop for any trip to Japan. You’ll be staying at a comfortable business hotel in a great location, perfect for sightseeing. It also boasts a top-floor bathhouse where you can unwind in the tub, overlooking fantastic views of the city skyline!
Day 8 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Today you once again have the services of one of our excellent local guides, who will show you the highlights and hidden sights of what this captivating city has to offer. The itinerary is once again at your disposal, so feel free to use your guide to discover those areas which have always fascinated you, or just sit back and allow them to exhibit their wealth of experience. There are almost limitless attractions in Japan’s capital of history and culture, with ancient temples hidden around every corner and glimpses of Geisha balancing gracefully on high wooden sandals as they walk between appointments.
Day 9 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Your third day in Kyoto is a chance to catch up on what you’ve not yet seen, or venture out of the city to the surrounding mountains and cities. Nara, the eastern most point of the Silk Road, boasts diverse cultural influences from the Buddhist ideals of India to the religions of Iran. Much of its heritage remains untouched by the ravages of the past, making it the perfect place to view ancient Japanese history. Alternatively you can speed down the western seaboard to the contrastingly modern and rejuvenated city of Hiroshima, a poignant symbol of the devastation of war.
Day 10 Matsue
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Heading out of the city on the Shinkansen today, you will then wind your way over to the West coast, to the scenic town of Matsue. Referred to as the ‘City of Water’, sitting between the banks of Lake Shinji and the shores of the Sea of Japan, Matsue is a great place to explore, as well as a base to visit the fantastic Adachi Museum’s stunning gardens. The town has an abundance of history, with a number of samurai residences and Japan’s oldest Shinto Shrine – Izumo Taisha - as well as one of the few remaining original forts in Japan.
Day 11 Matsue
Meals: Breakfast
This morning is the perfect opportunity to visit the nearby Adachi Museum, known for its striking landscape gardens which have won accolades from around the world and are an absolute must-see. Don’t miss also the fantastic collection of contemporary Japanese paintings within the museum itself. You may like to spend the afternoon taking a canal boat ride for an alternative approach, or enjoy the excellent seafood down by the lagoon. The impressive castle offers some beautiful views of the surrounding area, while the local streets are lined with pine trees, old samurai residences and tea houses.
Day 12 Kinosaki Onsen
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
This small attractive onsen town will allow you to experience true Japan without the crowds and tourists you may find elsewhere. Located north of Kyoto on the coast of the Sea of Japan, Kinosaki Onsen features old wooden buildings along a willow tree lined river and is the perfect place to hop from bath house to bath house, making the most of the rejuvenating powers of the water. In the evening, join the locals by strolling around in your geta (wooden shoes) and yukata (bath robe) visiting the main seven baths. You can enjoy the finest and freshest Japanese seafood dinner at your ryokan this evening.
Day 13 Hakone
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
From one Onsen resort to a very different one today; you’ll be heading to Hakone National Park, famed throughout Japan for its bubbling volcanic waters and striking views of the sacred Mt. Fuji. You’ll be staying in one of the oldest spa ryokans in Hakone for the next couple of nights, a pioneer of the region, opened in 1630. This will be a quintessential Japanese ryokan experience, with excellent food and wonderful natural hot spring baths to be used privately if you wish.
Day 14 Hakone
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
With all local transport included, you have the chance to discover the volcanically active Fuji-Hakone park centred around Lake Ashi today, with its mountain buses, cable cars, funiculars and ‘pirate ship’ cruise. The spectacular scenery, Great Boiling Valley and picturesque Jinja Shrine make this an ideal location to enjoy the natural great outdoors of Japan. When skies are clear, the dominating and unfailingly astounding Fuji-san towers over the surrounding foothills, reminding you exactly where you are!
Day 15 Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
From the luscious mountains of Hakone to the distinctive urban jungle of Shinjuku; today you will take the ‘Romance Car’ limited express train right into the nucleus of the action. This is where it all happens in Tokyo, from the business district of Shibuya with its famous crossing to the young fashions of Harajuku. Your hotel will be ideally located close to the towering skyscraper district and only 5 mins away from the vibrant vicinity of East Shinjuku. This will be a distinctly divergent contrast, without doubt finishing off your trip in style!
Day 16 Depart
Meals: None
Unfortunately it is time to head back to the real world and board your plane home. You will take the Airport Limousine Bus to Narita Airport ready for your flight.
Photos
Accommodation
Standard
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.
Ryokan Matsumuraya
Kusatsu
Ryokan (JP)
The Matsumuraya is a traditional ryokan with just 12 rooms and some lovely hot spring baths to relax in. This ryokan is located just a few minute's walk from the "Yubatake" hot-spring fields in the centre of town.
Yudanaka Shibu Onsen Hotel
Yudanaka
Standard Ryokan (JP)
The Shibu Hotel is a Japanese style hotel situated within the narrow streets of the Shibu Onsen hot springs area of Yudanaka. The ryokan hotel has Japanese style rooms with tatami and futon as well as en-suite bathrooms. Shibu Hotel has a number of hot spring baths to use, but you may prefer to don the provided yukata and stroll around the village stopping at the famous public onsen baths along the way. The meals here are excellent and the staff are very friendly to help you enjoy your stay.
Karasuma Kyoto Hotel
Kyoto
Moderate Hotel
The Karasuma Kyoto Hotel is located right in the centre of Kyoto and enjoys easy access to all of the city's main sights. There are also numerous shops and restaurants on the doorstep here. Rooms are moderately sized but clean and comfortable and fully en-suite. The hotel features its own restaurant, Starbucks coffee shop and bar. English speaking staff are usually available.
Terazuya
Matsue
Minshuku (JP)
This is a welcoming minshuku, offering traditional Japanese style rooms. It is located on a quiet side street a short walk from both Matsue station and the banks of Shinji-ko Lake. The minshuku has just 7 rooms, so you are sure of a personal service from the friendly owners.
Kinosaki Onsen Mikuniya Ryokan
Kinosaki Onsen
Standard Ryokan (JP)
In Kinosaki Onsen you will stay at the Mikuniya, a wonderful traditional ryokan, dating back to the late 19th Century. The ryokan has only a handful of rooms, so you are sure of a warm welcome and personal service from the friendly staff, some of whom speak English. As you would expect in an onsen town, the ryokan has a range of its own hot-spring baths, including some that can be used privately. Relaxing massage facilities are also available if you would like to really indulge! Guestrooms each have an ensuite toliet. The Mikuniya prides itself on its seasonal cuisine and mealtime here will be a treat to look forward to. Indeed food is such a speciality here that the ryokan owner aso owns the Kiku Japanese restaurant in London's Mayfair. The ryokan is in a great central location making it easy to get out and about in your yukata and geta sandals to explore the neighbourhood onsen.
Ichinoyu Honkan
Hakone
Ryokan (JP)
This is an inn with a rich history dating back to 1630 when the inn opened as a pioneer in the hot spring industry of Hakone. The Honkan (literally 'main building') featured in the famous series of Ukiyoe prints of the region produced by Ando Hiroshige and has been welcoming guests for the best part of the past 400 years. The Ichinoyu holds true to the traditional values of service for which Japan is famed. Being a famous onsen area the Ichinoyu has large communal baths for you to enjoy, some of which can be used privately.
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.
Upgraded
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. The hotel has a pool and fitness centre (extra charge applies).
Kusatsu Hotel
Kusatsu
Superior Ryokan (JP)
The Kusatsu Hotel a lovely Japanese style place with its own beautiful hot spring baths. The hotel is located close to the "Yubatake" hot-spring fields in the centre of town.
Kokuya (Shibu Onsen)
Yudanaka
Deluxe Ryokan (JP)
Surrounded by mountains, the Kokuya is a small intimate traditional Japanese style hotel with just 9 guest rooms. With a rich 400 year history of providing guest rooms and hot spring baths, the present owner is the 16th generation of masters.
Each uniquely furnished room with simple but elegant decor includes beautifully designed outdoor hot spring baths made of wood and stone.
The hotel boasts an impressive 6 different types of hot spring baths both inside and out with each bath fed by 100% natural hot spring water with health giving properties.
The exquisite evening meals consist of 9 or more dishes and are prepared from fresh season local Nagano ingredients.
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.
Minamikan
Matsue
Superior Ryokan (JP)
The Minamikan is Matsue’s top ryokan and is surrounded by beautiful Japanese style sand gardens. It is a modern building but has a very traditional feel to it with fantastic service. The food is of the highest quality and the menu changes to reflect what is seasonally available. The Japanese Garden Journal 2005 actually rated the garden here as no. 11 in its list of top Japanese Gardens. The rooms are all Japanese-style with en-suite bathroom and toilet.
Nishimuraya Honkan
Kinosaki Onsen
Superior Ryokan (JP)
The Nishimuraya Honkan is a stunning traditional Japanese ryokan in the heart of the hot springs which first opened its door more than 100 years ago. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and with a range of hot spring baths to enjoy, a stay here is a real treat. The wooden buildings were designed in part by renowened architect Masaya Hirata and each room has its own personal flourish. Sumptuous kaiseki meals compliment the elegance around you.
Taiseikan Ryokan
Hakone
Superior Ryokan (JP)
The Taisekan is a quality ryokan located close to the Miyanoshita area of the National Park. The ryokan is accessed from th emain road via the inn's private funicular railway which takes you down into the valley. The rooms are beautiful and the inn serves high quality kaiseki cuisine for dinner. Both indoor and open air hot spring baths are available.
Hilton Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo
Superior Hotel
The 5 Star Hilton Hotel is located amidst Shinjuku's sparkling skyscrapers and makes for a fantastic base for a stay in the capital city. The bright lights and excitement of Shinjuku are just a short walk (or complimentary shuttle bus ride) away and the excellent transport links make for quick access to all of Tokyo - the hotel is directly connected to a subway stop. The spacious rooms, which feature nice Japanese touches such as shoji screens, have stunning views over the city and are all newly refurbished. The hotel boasts a choice of seven top quality restaurants and bars as well as a 24/7 fitness centre (extra fee applies) with indoor swimming pool and roof top tennis courts. The hotel is renowned for its service with English speaking staff on hand to offer advice and recommendations for your time in Tokyo.
