Australia
USA
Small Group Tour IJT Classic
Classic Japan
13 Nights: from US$6292 Trip Code: CJ
Activity Rating: Adventure
Imagine basking in a hot spring bath at the foot of Mount Fuji, drinking tea with an apprentice geisha in Kyoto or experiencing the quieter side of Tokyo with a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. This tour collects the best of Japan's classic cultural and natural locations. Read more >
Discover some of the locations 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 some lovely traditional accommodations.
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 multi-course kaiseki feasts in Takayama.
In each destination you'll enjoy an expertly planned 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.
Take a tour of Kyoto with an expert local guide, enjoy the exclusive audience with a trainee geisha, and stroll through the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, hidden in the heart of Tokyo's skyscraper district.
Along the way you'll visit two stunning national parks: Chubu Sangaku (Japan Alps) and Fuji-Hakone-Izu. The former is home to Japan's most magnificent mountain scenery and a thriving population of Japanese macaque monkeys, whilst the latter offers a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi and the chance to boil eggs in volcanic hot springs.
Accompanying you throughout will be your tour leader, 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.
If this sounds good and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your tour in Japan!
The tour leader will be staying at the first hotel for two nights before the tour starts so they will be available for advice if you choose to book pre tour nights. We recommend booking at least one extra night to check in and relax before the tour begins.
Important Tour Information
The accommodation listed is for the 2024 departures.
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.
The tour leader will be staying at the first hotel for two nights before the tour starts so they will be available for advice if you choose to book pre tour nights. 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 we will not be able to offer a double in every hotel on this tour.
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
- Full-time services of your InsideJapan tour leader
- 13 nights' accommodation
- Breakfast every day and eight evening meals
- Your InsideJapan Info-Pack
- IC transport card with 4,500 yen credit for city transport
- Three-day Hakone Free Pass for transport in the Hakone region
- Private coach from Takayama to Japan Alps; bus & trains from Japan Alps to Tokyo
- Full day private guide in Kyoto with private bus
- Afternoon tea with a maiko in Kyoto
- Entrance to Kiyomizu Temple & Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto
- Entrance to the Hida no Sato folk village in Takayama
- Entrance to Osaka Castle
- Tickets to Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
- Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Osaka & from Takayama to Tokyo
- Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip
- Arrival and departure transfers by shared shuttle bus
- All transport between destinations
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 Information
2024
- Tour Price: From US$6292
- Single Supplement: From US$741
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$143 pp Single From US$208 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$169 pp Single From US$221 pp
2025
- Tour Price: From US$7020
- Single Supplement: From US$1248
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$156 pp Single From US$234 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$312 pp Single From US$468 pp
Tour Highlights
- Cruise across Lake Ashi in the Hakone national park
- Stroll in the peace of Tokyo's Hamarikyu Gardens
- Step inside samurai era history at Osaka Castle
- If all this sounds great and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your stay in Japan!
- Meet a trainee geisha in Kyoto's Gion district
- Visit Kamikochi, one of Japan's most beautiful regions
- Explore traditional houses at the Hida No Sato folk museum
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
What, where, when and how...
Classic Japan - 14 Days
Classic Japan - 14 Days - Day by Day
Classic Japan - 14 Days - Accommodation
Classic Japan - 14 Days - Booking
Single supplement from US$741
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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 the tenth most populous city in the world. 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, where your tour leader will be waiting to meet you in the lobby. 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: Gracery Asakusa Hotel
-
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 (famous for the giant, neon “Glico running man” and huge animatronic crab) and sample a bit of the local 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 we will have a private coach available for today's sightseeing. You will be joined by an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader and will visit some of the temples and shrines mentioned above – as well as other highlights such as the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Yasaka Shrine or the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei
-
Day 9-10
Admire thatched-roof farmhouses, eat succulent Hida beef, wander traditional streets 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 included at your Japanese-style inn.
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: Tanabe Ryokan
-
Day 11-12
Hike along the Azusa River and marvel at the spectacular views in Kamikochi, one of Japan's most beautiful national parks.
Next you will continue your adventure deep into the Japanese alps. A private coach this morning will take you to the Shinhotaka Ropeway, a unique ‘double-decker' cable car. During the ride you will be treated with wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding mountain scenery before continuing to the small hot spring town of Hirayu Onsen for an optional hike to a beautiful waterfall before checking in and enjoying the hot spring baths. A delicious dinner with your group at the accommodation is included tonight.
On day twelve, a short bus ride from the accommodation will take you into Kamikochi, in the heart of the Chubu-Sangaku national park. The Kamikochi plateau is about 1,500m (4,920ft) above sea level, so the weather here will be notably cooler than in other destinations in Japan – even in summer. Your Insider will be leading a hike starting at the tranquil Taisho Pond for a walk of approximately 6km to the Myojin Pond, home to an ethereal Shinto shrine in the mountainous forested environs. There is an opportunity to break off along the way for those who prefer a shorter hike. Traversing the mostly flat route along the river through the valley, you may even spot some of the area's resident wild monkeys! Another dinner is included tonight.Overnight: Hirayukan
-
Day 13-14
Visit Matsumoto's “Black Crow” castle and toast the end of a great trip with a final night meal in Tokyo's vibrant Shinjuku district.
Today you will return to Tokyo by bus and train, stopping on the way to visit the impressive “Black Crow” samurai castle of Matsumoto – one of the best original castles in Japan.
You will arrive in Tokyo's buzzing Shinjuku skyscraper district in the afternoon, allowing a little time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or to fit in one last sightseeing stop. As your tour comes to an end, join your tour leader and travel companions for the included farewell meal, for one last night of good food and drink before heading home.
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: Millenium Mitsui Garden
-
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 the tenth most populous city in the world. 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, where your tour leader will be waiting to meet you in the lobby. 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: Gracery Asakusa Hotel
-
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 (famous for the giant, neon “Glico running man” and huge animatronic crab) and sample a bit of the local 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 we will have a private coach available for today's sightseeing. You will be joined by an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader and will visit some of the temples and shrines mentioned above – as well as other highlights such as the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Yasaka Shrine or the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei
-
Day 9-10
Admire thatched-roof farmhouses, eat succulent Hida beef, wander traditional streets 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 included at your Japanese-style inn.
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: Tanabe Ryokan
-
Day 11-12
Hike along the Azusa River and marvel at the spectacular views in Kamikochi, one of Japan's most beautiful national parks.
Next you will continue your adventure deep into the Japanese alps. A private coach this morning will take you to the Shinhotaka Ropeway, a unique ‘double-decker' cable car. During the ride you will be treated with wonderful panoramic views of the surrounding mountain scenery before continuing to the small hot spring town of Hirayu Onsen for an optional hike to a beautiful waterfall before checking in and enjoying the hot spring baths. A delicious dinner with your group at the accommodation is included tonight.
On day twelve, a short bus ride from the accommodation will take you into Kamikochi, in the heart of the Chubu-Sangaku national park. The Kamikochi plateau is about 1,500m (4,920ft) above sea level, so the weather here will be notably cooler than in other destinations in Japan – even in summer. Your Insider will be leading a hike starting at the tranquil Taisho Pond for a walk of approximately 6km to the Myojin Pond, home to an ethereal Shinto shrine in the mountainous forested environs. There is an opportunity to break off along the way for those who prefer a shorter hike. Traversing the mostly flat route along the river through the valley, you may even spot some of the area's resident wild monkeys! Another dinner is included tonight.Overnight: Hirayukan
-
Day 13-14
Visit Matsumoto's “Black Crow” castle and toast the end of a great trip with a final night meal in Tokyo's vibrant Shinjuku district.
Today you will return to Tokyo by bus and train, stopping on the way to visit the impressive “Black Crow” samurai castle of Matsumoto – one of the best original castles in Japan.
You will arrive in Tokyo's buzzing Shinjuku skyscraper district in the afternoon, allowing a little time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or to fit in one last sightseeing stop. As your tour comes to an end, join your tour leader and travel companions for the included farewell meal, for one last night of good food and drink before heading home.
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: Millenium Mitsui Garden
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Classic Japan
Read more >Amy Tadehara in CO was super helpful in planning our trip. We also appreciated the quick responses of the office in Japan when we needed help during our self-guided add-on…
Small Group Tour Classic Japan
Read more >Very efficient service both before and during the tour. Clear instructions made the holiday enjoyable.
Tour Gallery
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Classic Japan
Read more >Amy Tadehara in CO was super helpful in planning our trip. We also appreciated the quick responses of the office in Japan when we needed help during our self-guided add-on…
Small Group Tour Classic Japan
Read more >Very efficient service both before and during the tour. Clear instructions made the holiday enjoyable.
4.8 out of 5 from 61 reviews Show all Classic Japan Reviews
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