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    Explore our summer Small Group Tours in Japan

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    Small Group Tour IJT Classic

    Classic Japan

    13 Nights: from US$7063 Trip Code: CJ Activity Rating: AdventureMore infomation about activity rating

    Classic Japan combines the famous cultural sights of Japan with the staggering natural beauty of its mountainous region. You'll visit the “golden route”: Tokyo, Kyoto and Hakone, but also spend four days in the beautiful Japan Alps – including Kamikochi National Park, a place we think is a contender for one of the most stunning on Earth. Read more >

    With our Insider guide connections and know-how, you can see the best of Japan's ancient culture, modern-day cities, and stunning nature - all in a two-week trip.  

    You'll land in the super-charged capital of Tokyo, using Asakusa, the historic entertainment downtown of old Edo, as your base to visit the wider city. In the hot-spring hot spot of Hakone, you'll board a pirate ship to sail across Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji on the horizon, and try eggs boiled in the volcanic hot springs.  

    In Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto, you'll have tea with a maiko (trainee geisha), with a chance to ask questions translated by your Insider - an opportunity so rare, it's almost impossible to organise yourself.  

    And in Osaka, you'll experience the "downtown of Japan" with a nighttime streetfood hop: feasting on okonomiyaki pancakes, takoyaki octopus balls, kusikatsu skewers, and plenty of ice-cold beer. You'll get to pick your own day trip from here, too - we recommend nearby Nara and its famously friendly deer. 

    Heading north into the rural Japan Alps, the traditional town of Takayama offers a living insight into Japan's history and crafting heritage. Surrounded by 3,000-metre-high mountains, Takayama was shielded from endless feudal wars during the Sengoku period: while everyone else was busy fighting, they peacefully honed their crafts, becoming some of Japan's best wood carvers. Today, the town's extensive preserved merchant district covers an area so big you could get lost in it (unlike other towns that offer just a couple of streets). It's famous for its sake, too, and one of the best places to buy unique and tasteful souvenirs. 

    But the true, natural highlight of this trip is Kamikochi.  

    Quite simply, it's one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth. A hub for Japanese hiking, but not so well-known for foreign visitors, it's perfect for summer travels, with fresh, cool air throughout the warmer months. It's completely cut off in winter when snow reaches up to 20 metres high, barricading roads - but our tour dates mean you catch its beauty before winter arrives.  

    Even during the open season (May-Oct) the peaks will be snowcapped, with glacial blue rivers running through the valleys. Trek through the valley, surrounded by deep green trees, and you may even spot a macaque monkey or two. Afterwards, in the small hot spring town of Hirayu Onsen, you can take in your surroundings from an outdoor onsen. 

    Classic Japan is the greatest hits of Japan for both sightseeing and taking in its natural majesty. It's an active tour, but you won't feel rushed. With two nights at every stop, you'll have time to unpack and really soak a place in, before getting back on the road.  

    At the end of your trip, you may find your idea of what makes Japan "classic" may have completely changed.

    Is this trip for you?  

    What's great  

    - It's a great mix of cultural cities and staggering natural beauty - you get the best of both worlds  

    - A full day hiking in Kamikochi - it's great for people who love the outdoors  

    - 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 two 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*. The tour also includes a traditional ryokan stay for 2 nights with a futon bed (on floor level) - for the full Japanese experience 

    - With an Adventure 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 2025 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.

    At a glance

    What's Included >

    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 5,000 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.

    View full price information >

    Tour Price Information

    2025

    • Tour Price: From US$7063
    • Single Supplement: From US$1344

    Extra Nights

    • Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$168 pp Single From US$252 pp
    • Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$336 pp Single From US$504 pp

    2026

    • Tour Price: From US$7063
    • Single Supplement: From US$1512

    Extra Nights

    • Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$147 pp Single From US$210 pp
    • Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$287 pp Single From US$427 pp
    Please note: Prices displayed above are all "From" prices as individual prices vary depending on the tour departure date.

    Tour Highlights

    • Take in the peace of Tokyo's Hamarikyu Gardens, encircled by towering skyscrapers
    • Visit Hakone's mountain-side Open-Air Museum, featuring pieces by Henry Moore and Picasso
    • Optional day trip to Nara: visit the famous “Big Buddha” at Todai-ji Temple and meet the friendly local deer
    • Zip across the country to traditional Takayama by Shinkansen bullet and express train
    • Stay in a traditional ryokan inn, complete with multi-course kaiseki meal
    • Take in stunning views from the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway cable car
    • Sail across Lake Ashi by pirate ship in Hakone
    • Eat your way through street-food capital, Osaka. Try takoyaki (deep fried octopus balls), yakitori meat skewers and okonomiyaki – a delicious savoury pancake
    • Explore Kyoto, the “city of a thousand temples” and meet a trainee geisha
    • Wander beside wooden-fronted, thatched roof houses at the Hida-no-Sato Folk Village
    • Visit Kamikochi, one of Japan's most beautiful regions and hike along the river
    • Soak in onsen hot springs in the Japan Alps town of Hirayu Onsen

    For more information email us: [email protected] or call: 303 952 0379

    What, where, when and how...

    • Map & Destinations
    • Day by Day
    • Accommodation
    • Experiences
    • Dates & Booking
    • Reviews

    Classic Japan - 14 Days

    Map for Classic Japan

    Destinations

    • Tokyo
      Tokyo

      Read more >

    • Hakone
      Hakone

      Read more >

    • Osaka
      Osaka

      Read more >

    • Kyoto
      Kyoto

      Read more >

    • Takayama
      Takayama

      Read more >

    • Japan Alps
      Japan Alps

      Read more >

    Classic Japan - 14 Days - Day by Day

    • Day 1-2 Tokyo
      Day 1-2 Tokyo
    • Day 3-4 Hakone
      Day 3-4 Hakone
    • Day 5-6 Osaka
      Day 5-6 Osaka
    • Day 7-8 Kyoto
      Day 7-8 Kyoto
    • Day 9-10 Takayama
      Day 9-10 Takayama
    • Day 11-12 Japan Alps
      Day 11-12 Japan Alps
    • Day 13-14 Tokyo
      Day 13-14 Tokyo
    View all days Close all days

    Classic Japan - 14 Days - Accommodation

    • Gracery Asakusa Hotel
      Tokyo
      Gracery Asakusa Hotel

      Moderate

    • Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika
      Hakone
      Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika

      Superior

    • Cross Hotel Osaka
      Osaka
      Cross Hotel Osaka

      Moderate

    • Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei
      Kyoto
      Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei

      Superior

    • Tanabe Ryokan
      Takayama
      Tanabe Ryokan

      Superior

    • Hirayukan
      Japan Alps
      Hirayukan

      Moderate

    • Millenium Mitsui Garden
      Tokyo
      Millenium Mitsui Garden

      Superior

    Classic Japan - 14 Days - Experiences

    • Insider Experience: Osaka street food
      Insider Experience: Osaka street food

      Read more >

    • Private audience with a <i>maiko</i>
      Private audience with a maiko

      Read more >

    • Full day private guide service in Kyoto
      Full day private guide service in Kyoto

      Read more >

    • Chubu-Sangaku National Park
      Chubu-Sangaku National Park

      Read more >

    • Ryokan dinner
      Ryokan dinner

      Read more >

    • Open-air sculpture park
      Open-air sculpture park

      Read more >

    Classic Japan - 14 Days - Booking

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      24 May 2025

      US$7770

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    Single supplement from US$1344

    • Day 1-2

      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

      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

      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

      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

      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

      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

      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

    View all days
    • Day 1-2

      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

      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

      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

      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

      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

      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

      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

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    Tour Reviews

    (12 month average based on 72 reviews)

    • Small Group Tour Classic Japan

      Excellent

      What an adventure. We were more like travellers than tourists with our wonderful tour guide. We were so well looked after.Faultless service.

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    • Small Group Tour Classic Japan

      Excellent

      I had an excellent experience from my first contact via email through my tour. Everyone was professional and friendly.

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    Tour Reviews

    • Small Group Tour Classic Japan

      Excellent

      What an adventure. We were more like travellers than tourists with our wonderful tour guide. We were so well looked after.Faultless service.

      Read more >
    • Small Group Tour Classic Japan

      Excellent

      I had an excellent experience from my first contact via email through my tour. Everyone was professional and friendly.

      Read more >

    (12 month average based on 72 reviews)

    4.8 out of 5 from 72 reviews Show all Classic Japan Reviews

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