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Small Group Tour ●IJT Classic
Classic Japan (2027)
from AU$8980 per person
Imagine basking in a hot spring bath at the foot of Mount Fuji, drinking tea with an apprentice geisha in Kyoto or exploring tranquil gardens in the heart of the Tokyo metropolis. Classic Japan blends the country's famed “golden route” with the lesser-known beauty of its alpine heartland. Read more >
Discover some of the places that have given Japan its reputation as a land of mysterious spirituality and exquisite aesthetics, as you ride cross-country on the world-famous bullet train and stay in carefully selected three- and four-star accommodation.
In each destination, our Japan specialists have planned a range of experiences, from learning about the history of the magnificent Osaka Castle, to wandering through the thatched farmhouses of Takayama’s Hida no Sato Folk Village.
In Kyoto, you’ll be joined by a local expert guide for a tour of the city and have an exclusive audience with a trainee geisha (maiko). In Tokyo, you’ll stroll through the calm and beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, almost hidden in one of the capital’s skyscraper districts.
Along the way you’ll visit coastal Toyama, home to some of the best seafood in Japan, including the renowned Red Snow Crab (in season September-May). You’ll have a chance to visit the neighbouring port town of Iwase, with its sake breweries, craft breweries and preserved merchant houses. You’ll also visit the Fuji Hakone-Izu national park, where a backdrop view of Mount Fuji sets the scene for a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi and the chance to try eggs boiled in volcanic hot springs.
Your journey will be gastronomic too – sample local specialities from melt-in-the-mouth Hida beef in the alpine regions to super-fresh sushi in Tokyo, quick bites from street vendors in Osaka and soba buckwheat noodles in Matsumoto.
Accompanying you throughout will be your tour leader (Insider), who will introduce history and culture, guide you on excursions, demystify the local etiquette and generally make sure you get the best from your Classic Japan tour.
Is this trip for you?
What's great
- It's a great mix of cultural cities and quieter regional heartlands - you get the best of both worlds
- Hands‑on cultural experiences in rural Japan, including a visit to UNESCO‑listed Gokayama and a traditional washi paper‑making workshop
- An in-depth insight into Japan's traditions and woodworking heritage in Takayama
- The pace - it's an evenly paced tour with two-night stays in all stops, with one last night in Tokyo at the end
- It's one of only three of our tours that go to Osaka - known for its excellent nightlife and streetside food stalls
- Solo travellers will have their own room throughout
Things to consider
- A single supplement is payable for solo travellers
- All accommodation is 3*-4*. This tour uses accommodation with western-style beds throughout.
- With an ‘Active’ activity rating, this tour is for those confident spending a substantial amount time on foot every day.
- You'll need to be able to carry your own luggage.
If this sounds good and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your tour in Japan!
Important Tour Information
Travelling with family? Under 18s get 10% off the tour price.
The accommodation listed is for 2027 departures. Please note that accommodation is subject to change. Final details of the accommodation will be included in your Info-Pack, which will be sent out approximately four weeks before departure. If you would like to know more, please speak to your travel consultant.
Group Size: 4 - 14
Single Supplement: Single rooms are guaranteed at all night stops on this tour through payment of a mandatory single supplement.
Fitness: Even when not using public transport, sightseeing in Japan often involves walking between sights, climbing up steps in temples and being 'on the go' for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness, able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty and able to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the majority of the group.
Check-in: Upon arrival you will probably be tired after a long international flight. Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 3pm.
Hotels in Japan operate strict check-in policies. If you have an early arrival you can either book an extra night for any-time check-in, or the hotel will be happy to securely store your luggage for you whilst you go for a drink or explore the local area.
We recommend booking at least one extra night to check in and relax before the tour begins.
Transport: Please note that most transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. This tour uses a mixture of trains, taxis, public buses, boats, as well as private coaches for some transfers and sightseeing.
Luggage: 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 as you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators or elevators/lifts. 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: Culturally, communal bathing is common practice in Japan. Please note that in some traditional accommodations fully private en suite facilities may not be available. We will do our best to secure rooms on tour with private toilet and sink however some accommodations are not able to offer private bathing facilities. Shared facilities (when included) will always be separated by gender.
Please note that in Japan, twin rooms are very much the norm, and there are far fewer double rooms available. Please understand that on this tour we are not able to offer double rooms at any of the locations.
International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo, Narita or Haneda. Please note that the included meet-and-greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available from these two airports.
What's included
Your comprehensive InsideJapan Info-Pack
Arrival and departure transfers by shared shuttle bus
IC transport card with 5,000 yen credit for city transport
Hakone Free Pass for local transport in Hakone
Full time services of your expert InsideJapan tour leader
13 nights' accommodation
Breakfast every day, seven evening meals and one lunch
Selected entrance fees & local transport at most destinations
Entrance to Osaka Castle
Audience with an apprentice geisha at a Kyoto teahouse
Full day private guide in Kyoto with private bus
Entrance to Takayama Hida Folk Village
Entrance to the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Entrance to Iwaseke House and Folklore Museum in Gokayama
Traditional paper making experience in Gokayama
Return trip to Iwase port town by river cruise and light rail from Toyama
Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout the trip
Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Osaka and from Takayama to Tokyo
What's NOT included:
International flights
Any local transport unless covered by the included transport passes
Any entrance fees (including temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified - you will be expected to carry your own luggage.
- Tour Price: From AU$8980
- Single Supplement: From AU$2300
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From AU$260 pp Single From AU$500 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From AU$380 pp Single From AU$700 pp
View full price information
Tour Price Information
2027
Extra Nights
Tour Highlights
- Take in the peace of Tokyo's Hamarikyu Gardens, encircled by towering skyscrapers
- Optional day trip to Nara: visit the famous “Big Buddha” at Todai-ji Temple and meet the friendly local deer
- Explore the thatched roof gassho-zukuri houses of UNESCO-designated Gokayama village
- Sail across Lake Ashi by pirate ship in Hakone
- Explore Kyoto, the “city of a thousand temples” and meet a trainee geisha
- Visit Hakone's mountain-side Open-Air Museum, featuring pieces by Henry Moore and Picasso
- Zip across the country by Shinkansen bullet train
- Try your hand at traditional washi Japanese paper-making
- Eat your way through street-food capital, Osaka. Try takoyaki (deep fried octopus balls), yakitori meat skewers and okonomiyaki – a delicious savoury pancake
- Take a river cruise to the port town of Iwase – explore merchant houses, sake breweries and traditional sweet shops
Ready to plan your trip?
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 2104 5561
What, where, when and how...
Classic Japan (2027) - 14 Days
Classic Japan (2027) - 14 Days - Day by Day
Classic Japan (2027) - 14 Days - Accommodation
Classic Japan (2027) - 14 Days - Booking
Single supplement from AU$2300
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Day 1-2
Explore Japan's capital city, from the serenity of Hamarikyu Gardens to the high energy of the Shibuya district.
Today you will touch down in Tokyo, Japan's capital and one of the most populous metropolitan areas on the planet. On arrival you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel by shared shuttle bus to your hotel in the Asakusa district of the city. This evening you will convene with your group for a welcome meeting before heading out to a local restaurant for an introductory meal – the perfect way to begin getting to know your group.
Tokyo is an international byword for hyper-modernity, so you may be surprised to find that there are still little pockets of history left for those who look. Asakusa is one of these pockets, where bustling low-rise market stalls line the approach to Senso-ji – Tokyo's oldest temple.
After exploring this area, on day two your tour leader will take you on a guided tour of some of the city's other famous sites – from the madness of Shibuya's scramble crossing to the towering neon arcades of Akihabara and plenty in between. The day concludes with a cup of green tea in the beautiful oasis of Hamarikyu Gardens.Overnight: Asakusa View Annex Rokku
-
Day 3-4
Admire Mount Fuji and explore the open-air museum in Hakone, one of Japan's most popular national parks.
Just a short ride on the bullet train will bring you to Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and one of Japan's most popular hot spring towns. Here you'll be staying in a large Japanese-style hotel very close to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which you'll be visiting with your group today. With works by Picasso, Miro, Rodin and Henry Moore set amid stunning mountain scenery, this is sure to be a real highlight for any art fans.
Besides art, Hakone has a wealth of attractions to offer. Quaint traditional buildings, a pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi – not to mention spectacular views of Mount Fuji when the weather is clear! You'll have the chance to do all this and more on day four as your tour leader shows you some of the area's finest spots.
Dinner will be included on both nights of your stay in Hakone – a lovely kaiseki-style spread featuring a multitude of dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients. Don't forget to try out the hot spring baths, too – this is an integral and very enjoyable part of Japanese culture, and Hakone boasts some great bathhouses.Overnight: Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika
-
Day 5-6
Sample superb street food in Osaka and make a day trip to one of the many fantastic destinations just a train ride away from the city.
Today you will make your way by local train and shinkansen bullet train to Osaka, an exciting, modern city known for its superb street food (takoyaki octopus balls and okonomiyaki savoury pancake are firm favourites – trust us!) and the down-to-earth attitude of its inhabitants.
This afternoon you will begin your exploration of the city by visiting Osaka Castle, a huge reconstruction of the original building, housing a great museum about the castle's origins. Later on you will be free to do your own thing, or to head out with your tour leader to explore the vibrant Dotonbori district known for the iconic Glico Running Man, the famous animatronic crab, and some of Osaka's best street food.
On day six you will have a free day to do whatever you choose. Himeji Castle or the ancient imperial capital of Nara all make excellent day trips from Osaka – your tour leader will be heading to one of these great destinations, but will also be able to advise you should you decide to branch off somewhere else.Overnight: Cross Hotel Osaka
-
Day 7-8
Explore Kyoto, “City of Ten Thousand Temples” and capital of Japan for over a millennium.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over one thousand years between 794 and 1869, an illustrious history that has left it with an incredible collection of historical landmarks.
It's not for nothing that Kyoto is known as the “City of Ten Thousand Temples”, as it boasts dozens of major attractions. The tour leader will be able to put together the best itinerary based on the season, weather conditions, and of course the group's interests.
In the evening of day seven you'll head to Gion, Kyoto's traditional wood-panelled geisha district, for a private afternoon tea with a maiko. Later on you will join your tour leader and group for an included meal at one of the city's many fantastic restaurants.
On day eight, a private coach will be at your disposal for sightseeing around Kyoto. You'll be joined by an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader and will visit Sanjusangendo, famed for its hall of 1,001 statues of Kannon, along with several other fascinating locations throughout the city.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei
-
Day 9-10
Wander traditional streets, eat succulent Hida beef, and pop into sake breweries in the alpine craft town of Takayama.
On day nine you will make the journey from Kyoto high into the Japanese Alps to the mountain town of Takayama, historically renowned for producing exceptional craftsmen. You will have the afternoon to begin exploring the area, perhaps making time to visit the craft shops and sake breweries of the old town district. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant in town selected by your Insider.
Day ten offers a full day in Takayama, and there is plenty to see and do to keep you busy. Begin the day by visiting the riverside morning market, then we will head to the Hida no Sato folk village, an open-air museum showcasing the region's traditional thatched farmhouses.
Those looking for an unusual alternative to the traditional sights can also choose to visit the world headquarters of the Sukyo Mahikari cult, a vast shrine that dominates the Takayama skyline and features a giant fish tank at its altar!
Dinner is not included this evening, so we recommend heading out for a taste of Hida beef – just as tasty as its famous Kobe cousin!Overnight: Hotel Wood
-
Day 11-12
A gentle two day immersion in Toyama reveals a quieter side of Japan, from a UNESCO listed mountain village to a scenic river cruise and time to wander a beautifully preserved coastal port town.
On Day 11 we'll travel by private bus into rural Toyama Prefecture, stopping en route in the UNESCO-designated Gokayama region. We'll step inside Iwaseke, the largest gassho-zukuri thatched roof house in Japan, offering a fascinating insight into traditional mountain life.
After an included lunch at a local restaurant, take part in a hands-on washi paper making experience before continuing to Toyama City, where we'll check in before enjoying an included dinner at a local restaurant.
On day 12 we'll board a leisurely cruise travelling towards the coast. We'll disembark at Iwase, a beautifully preserved port district that once played an important role in the region's trade. Today, the area is known for its relaxed atmosphere, lined with small shops, cafés, sake breweries, and traditional sweet shops.
In the mid-afternoon, we'll return to Toyama city centre by light rail where the remainder of the afternoon is free, with the option to explore the pleasant grounds of Toyama Castle or simply relax at your own pace and with a free evening for dinner. Toyama's coastal location means that seafood lovers will be in their element.Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama
-
Day 13-14
Return to Tokyo for a last hurrah in the big city and some time to check off any last-minute bucket-list experiences.
TThis morning we'll return to Tokyo by direct shinkansen bullet train, arriving in just over two hours. The afternoon is free for any last-minute sightseeing, shopping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the city before the journey home.
As our tour draws to a close, we'll come together for an included farewell dinner - a final opportunity to enjoy good food and drink with your Insider and fellow travellers, and to reflect on the experiences we've shared across Japan.
On the morning of day 14 it's time to say goodbye to your travelling companions and take the shared shuttle bus service that is included, to get you to the airport in good time for your flight home.Overnight: Shinjuku Prince Hotel
-
Day 1-2
Explore Japan's capital city, from the serenity of Hamarikyu Gardens to the high energy of the Shibuya district.
Today you will touch down in Tokyo, Japan's capital and one of the most populous metropolitan areas on the planet. On arrival you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel by shared shuttle bus to your hotel in the Asakusa district of the city. This evening you will convene with your group for a welcome meeting before heading out to a local restaurant for an introductory meal – the perfect way to begin getting to know your group.
Tokyo is an international byword for hyper-modernity, so you may be surprised to find that there are still little pockets of history left for those who look. Asakusa is one of these pockets, where bustling low-rise market stalls line the approach to Senso-ji – Tokyo's oldest temple.
After exploring this area, on day two your tour leader will take you on a guided tour of some of the city's other famous sites – from the madness of Shibuya's scramble crossing to the towering neon arcades of Akihabara and plenty in between. The day concludes with a cup of green tea in the beautiful oasis of Hamarikyu Gardens.Overnight: Asakusa View Annex Rokku
-
Day 3-4
Admire Mount Fuji and explore the open-air museum in Hakone, one of Japan's most popular national parks.
Just a short ride on the bullet train will bring you to Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and one of Japan's most popular hot spring towns. Here you'll be staying in a large Japanese-style hotel very close to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which you'll be visiting with your group today. With works by Picasso, Miro, Rodin and Henry Moore set amid stunning mountain scenery, this is sure to be a real highlight for any art fans.
Besides art, Hakone has a wealth of attractions to offer. Quaint traditional buildings, a pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi – not to mention spectacular views of Mount Fuji when the weather is clear! You'll have the chance to do all this and more on day four as your tour leader shows you some of the area's finest spots.
Dinner will be included on both nights of your stay in Hakone – a lovely kaiseki-style spread featuring a multitude of dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients. Don't forget to try out the hot spring baths, too – this is an integral and very enjoyable part of Japanese culture, and Hakone boasts some great bathhouses.Overnight: Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika
-
Day 5-6
Sample superb street food in Osaka and make a day trip to one of the many fantastic destinations just a train ride away from the city.
Today you will make your way by local train and shinkansen bullet train to Osaka, an exciting, modern city known for its superb street food (takoyaki octopus balls and okonomiyaki savoury pancake are firm favourites – trust us!) and the down-to-earth attitude of its inhabitants.
This afternoon you will begin your exploration of the city by visiting Osaka Castle, a huge reconstruction of the original building, housing a great museum about the castle's origins. Later on you will be free to do your own thing, or to head out with your tour leader to explore the vibrant Dotonbori district known for the iconic Glico Running Man, the famous animatronic crab, and some of Osaka's best street food.
On day six you will have a free day to do whatever you choose. Himeji Castle or the ancient imperial capital of Nara all make excellent day trips from Osaka – your tour leader will be heading to one of these great destinations, but will also be able to advise you should you decide to branch off somewhere else.Overnight: Cross Hotel Osaka
-
Day 7-8
Explore Kyoto, “City of Ten Thousand Temples” and capital of Japan for over a millennium.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over one thousand years between 794 and 1869, an illustrious history that has left it with an incredible collection of historical landmarks.
It's not for nothing that Kyoto is known as the “City of Ten Thousand Temples”, as it boasts dozens of major attractions. The tour leader will be able to put together the best itinerary based on the season, weather conditions, and of course the group's interests.
In the evening of day seven you'll head to Gion, Kyoto's traditional wood-panelled geisha district, for a private afternoon tea with a maiko. Later on you will join your tour leader and group for an included meal at one of the city's many fantastic restaurants.
On day eight, a private coach will be at your disposal for sightseeing around Kyoto. You'll be joined by an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader and will visit Sanjusangendo, famed for its hall of 1,001 statues of Kannon, along with several other fascinating locations throughout the city.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei
-
Day 9-10
Wander traditional streets, eat succulent Hida beef, and pop into sake breweries in the alpine craft town of Takayama.
On day nine you will make the journey from Kyoto high into the Japanese Alps to the mountain town of Takayama, historically renowned for producing exceptional craftsmen. You will have the afternoon to begin exploring the area, perhaps making time to visit the craft shops and sake breweries of the old town district. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant in town selected by your Insider.
Day ten offers a full day in Takayama, and there is plenty to see and do to keep you busy. Begin the day by visiting the riverside morning market, then we will head to the Hida no Sato folk village, an open-air museum showcasing the region's traditional thatched farmhouses.
Those looking for an unusual alternative to the traditional sights can also choose to visit the world headquarters of the Sukyo Mahikari cult, a vast shrine that dominates the Takayama skyline and features a giant fish tank at its altar!
Dinner is not included this evening, so we recommend heading out for a taste of Hida beef – just as tasty as its famous Kobe cousin!Overnight: Hotel Wood
-
Day 11-12
A gentle two day immersion in Toyama reveals a quieter side of Japan, from a UNESCO listed mountain village to a scenic river cruise and time to wander a beautifully preserved coastal port town.
On Day 11 we'll travel by private bus into rural Toyama Prefecture, stopping en route in the UNESCO-designated Gokayama region. We'll step inside Iwaseke, the largest gassho-zukuri thatched roof house in Japan, offering a fascinating insight into traditional mountain life.
After an included lunch at a local restaurant, take part in a hands-on washi paper making experience before continuing to Toyama City, where we'll check in before enjoying an included dinner at a local restaurant.
On day 12 we'll board a leisurely cruise travelling towards the coast. We'll disembark at Iwase, a beautifully preserved port district that once played an important role in the region's trade. Today, the area is known for its relaxed atmosphere, lined with small shops, cafés, sake breweries, and traditional sweet shops.
In the mid-afternoon, we'll return to Toyama city centre by light rail where the remainder of the afternoon is free, with the option to explore the pleasant grounds of Toyama Castle or simply relax at your own pace and with a free evening for dinner. Toyama's coastal location means that seafood lovers will be in their element.Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama
-
Day 13-14
Return to Tokyo for a last hurrah in the big city and some time to check off any last-minute bucket-list experiences.
TThis morning we'll return to Tokyo by direct shinkansen bullet train, arriving in just over two hours. The afternoon is free for any last-minute sightseeing, shopping, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the city before the journey home.
As our tour draws to a close, we'll come together for an included farewell dinner - a final opportunity to enjoy good food and drink with your Insider and fellow travellers, and to reflect on the experiences we've shared across Japan.
On the morning of day 14 it's time to say goodbye to your travelling companions and take the shared shuttle bus service that is included, to get you to the airport in good time for your flight home.Overnight: Shinjuku Prince Hotel
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+ 61 7 3186 8800