Splendours of Japan
Snapshot
- 13 Days
- Guided Tour
- Tokyo to Osaka
- Multiple departures
From
$8,705*
per person, Save $1189
Overview
13-Day Japan Tour from Tokyo to Osaka via Hiroshima
Known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’, Japan is a world apart – a cultural Galapagos where exists an eclectic mélange of sumo wrestling, geishas, sake, karaoke bars, traditional onsen (hot springs), ryokan (tatami-matted inns), curious capsule hotels and pachinko parlors. A combination of neon-drenched modernity, austere shrines, ancient gardens and spiritual mountains makes for a jarring, yet mesmerizing contrast. From the neon skyline of Tokyo to the foodie hotspot of Osaka. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kotohira, spend the night in a traditional ryokan and contemplate world peace in Hiroshima. Visit Japan for the first time, and you'll be wondering why you didn't come sooner.
Sightseeing highlights
Explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima
Visit the Sensoji Temple, the Skytree Observation Tower, the Edo Tokyo Museum in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sanjusangen-do Hall in Kyoto, the Water Temple on Awaji Island, Zentsuji Temple, the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima and Osaka Castle
View Mt. Fuji
See the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama, the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa
Departs May - December 2024
*Pricing based on 18th December 2024 departure. Already inclusive of savings
Receive an extra 5% off with past passenger discount
Inclusions
Inclusions
- 13 days, 1 country and 9 cities
- 12 nights accommodation
- 12 Breakfasts, 1 Be My Guest, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner
Travel highlights
- 12 nights accommodation
- 12 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 1 Be My Guest, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners, 1 Regional Dinner, 2 Farewell Dinners
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
Itinerary
Day 1 - Konnichiwa Tokyo
Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetizers.
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower Tokyo
Included Meals: Welcome Reception
Day 2 - Explore Vibrant Tokyo
We launch our City Tour in the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa, where we’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. One of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples, Sensoji has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site. Strolling down Nakamise next, we immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. We’ll ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower for panoramic views of the city, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or on an Optional Experience where a professional stylist will dress you in a traditional Japanese kimono.
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower Tokyo
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Off to the Five Lakes District
Our first stop today is the Imperial Palace Plaza from where the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed. We'll have the opportunity to explore the leafy Imperial Palace East Gardens before continuing our City Tour. At the Edo-Tokyo Museum, we delve into the history and culture of Tokyo’s Edo era, then continue to the Ginza district where we’ll learn how to make sushi with a Local Specialist. We venture to the Five Lakes District next, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCO listed Mt. Fuji which dominates the landscape.
Accommodation: Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanakako
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Majestic Mt. Fuji and Timeless Takayama
Visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five Lakes district, renowned for eight natural spring water ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in its clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 meters at the 5th station. Ride up Mt. Tenjo on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway next, for jaw-dropping views (weather permitting) of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Then, journey through the Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama, before enjoying dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa
Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this afternoon during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them. Next, meet a local family in one of these houses to observe local artisans making washi paper and trying your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel Kanazawa
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Traditional Kanazawa
Join a Local Specialist this morning to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf, a delicate craft the Japanese have been perfecting since the 16th century. Continue to the tranquil gardens of Kenrokuen, which took shape over a hundred years to emerge as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your exquisite natural surrounds, you’ll stroll through ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a short walk through the Omicho market next to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town.
Then, visit the Nagamachi District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion.
Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel Kanazawa
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Onwards to Kyoto
We board an Express train this morning to Kyoto, where we’ll Connect With Locals at a traditional ryokan, built in 1932 to serve as the second residence of Emperor Akihito’s uncle. We’ll enjoy a Be My Guest lunch and learn about local Japanese customs as our hosts welcome us into their beautiful home. After lunch, we visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple with its famous Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14th century villa.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
Included Meals: Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 8 - Discover Enchanting Kyoto
The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide our path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. We continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the minute detail of each of its 1,001 “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy statues, then enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. This evening, we indulge in a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 9 - Cross the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island
This morning we leave Japan’s main island Honshu behind, crossing the world’s largest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Enjoy free time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. One of the most striking features is the ‘100 Stepped Garden’ — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread over several levels. Visit the Water Temple and admire the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters.
Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira where our accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional Japanese ryokan. We’ll have some time this evening to climb the steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later perhaps take a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at our hotel.
Accommodation: Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho Ryokan
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Spiritual Kotohira and Onwards to Hiroshima
This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometers and was traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to complete. It is still done by many people today although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. Continue to Omishima Island and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometer highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 - Set Sail for Miyajima Island
We travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island, where we’ll see the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate that stands majestically in the sea. After some free time for lunch and to explore the island’s spiritual sanctuaries, we return to Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that followed the world’s first atomic explosion in 1945 as you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area and an expression of hope for world peace. This evening, we’ll indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Included Meals: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Day 12 - High Speed Bullet Train to Osaka
Board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Dotonbori Street area. Visit Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 13 - Sayonara Osaka
Our encounter with Japan’s centuries-old traditions and modern cityscapes at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport, or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
Included Meals: Breakfast
* Term and conditions apply – please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
Prices subject to change with availability.
Save up to 20% on select 2023 departures as featured on trafalgar.com as “Black Friday plus receive a $400 air credit exclusive to Phil Hoffmann Travel. Deal is made up of 15% Black Friday discount and 5% Frequent Traveller Discount. New bookings only. Must book and pay in full between November 15, 2022 and December 5, 2022. If guests change to another tour or date not on sale, they are responsible to pay the difference and adhere to different payment conditions. Savings are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices displayed are per person, based on double occupancy and are in AUD Dollars for select departure dates only. May be combined with 5% Past Guest discount only, not combinable with group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount or any other discount or promotion. Other conditions may apply.