15 days: Grandeur of Japan

• Tokyo: (3 nights)
• Hakone (2 nights) - Ryokan & Spa
• Mt Fuji - Lake Ashi
• Kyoto: (3 nights)
• Nara
• Tea Ceremony
• Takayama (2 nights) - Ryokan
• Shirakawago
• Kiso - (1 night) Japanese style room
• Magome -Tsumago
• Matsumoto (1 night)
• Tokyo (1 night)
• Fully Guided Small Group tour
• Quality Ryokan, Spa & Hotels
• Optional:Sumo Tournament & Geisha performance
• Departures available for Takayama Festival

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Tour Details at a Glance

Day 1
Depart from your preferred airport for your flight to Tokyo. Meals on board.

Day 2 Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo, where you are met by our driver and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Tokyo. The rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time difference.

Stay 3 nights at the highly regarded Villa Fontaine Shiodome Hotel.

Day 3 Tokyo (Breakfast)
After breakfast in your hotel, meet your Tour Leader and profession Tour Guide who will look after you during your tour and travel with you throughout.

Today we explore Tokyo and our first stop is to the Tsukiji Fish Market which is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and famous for the tuna and sword fish trading which frantically takes place in the early mornings.

We then visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. The massive east gardens are part of the inner palace, designed during the Meiji era and include traditional Japanese gardens, tea-ceremony rooms, guard houses and the stone remains of Edo Castle. Later we visit the Tokyo National Museum which contains many of Japans and Asia's most precious and historic sculptures, paintings and archaeological objects. Our final stop will be Tokyo's most colourful and popular Buddhist Temples, the famous and bustling Asakusa Kannon Temple. Afterwards we exchange our JR coupon to obtain our 7 day Rail pass at Tokyo Station.

Return to our hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy free time in Tokyo. Your Tour Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.

Day 4 Tokyo (Breakfast)

Today, we use our rail pass to travel around Tokyo with our Tour Guide to explore more must-see sights of Tokyo. Our tour includes visiting the iconic Tokyo Government Office building, which provides some of the best views across Tokyo. Afterwards we travel to the impressive Meiji Shrine which is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort. Pass through the huge Shinto Torii gates and take a leisurely walk in the peaceful forest leading to the Shrine, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo. Later we explore Harajuku and Omotesando Districts of Tokyo which is the centre of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles where many teenagers dress up in crazy costumes to resemble animation characters and punk musicians etc. Harajuku and Omotesando also offers great shopping opportunities and historic sights to explore.

Afternoon is free for you to explore Tokyo on your own. As always, your Tour Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.

Tokyo's Sumo Tournament is held during May & September. If your tour departs within the tournament period, we can arrange your match tickets at various tickets seat prices. Ask for details...

Day 5 Tokyo - Hakone (Breakfast & Japanese Buffet Dinner)
In the morning you are free to explore Tokyo before gathering in the hotel lobby at midday to meet your Tour Guide and transfer together to Hakone by express train.

To make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer your large luggage directly to Hakone.

Upon arrival in Hakone, we walk to our Ryokan and spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hot spring spa. Later we enjoy a traditional Japanese buffet dinner served in your Ryokan.

Accommodation at the superb Tenseien Ryokan (2 nights). Tenseien Ryokan offers gorgeous scenery and indoor and outdoor Onsen hot spring spa baths. It also adjoins a beautiful garden which is home to two waterfalls and Tamadare Shrine.

Day 6 Hakone (Breakfast & Japanese Buffet Dinner)
Enjoy Breakfast in your Ryokan. Today we explore the scenic areas of Hakone, which on a clear day provides great views of Mt Fuji. Together with our guide we take a Ropeway Ride to Owakudani and explore the volcanic Owakudani Valley. We then take a Ropeway Ride to Lake Ashi, where we board a boat to cruise the still waters of Lake Ashi. Later we visit the recently restored Hakone Sekisho, which was an important check point established by the Tokugawa shogun.

We return to our Ryokan in late afternoon and relax in the hot spring spa, before enjoying a buffet Dinner in your Ryokan. (Western style room)

Day 7 Hakone - Kyoto (Breakfast)
After breakfast served at our Ryokan, we make our transfer by bullet train to Kyoto with our tour guide.

To make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer your large luggage directly to Kyoto.

In the afternoon we take a walking tour of Kyoto to visit the impressive and must-see Kiyomizu Temple built perched on the hillside overlooking Kyoto. We then walk though Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka on one of Kyoto's most beautiful walks, which takes us down into the Gion area of Kyoto, famous for Geisha's. Enjoy walking down narrow streets lined with old wooden houses, traditional shops and restaurants. On our way we will visit Kodaiji Temple located in a beautiful part of Kyoto sitting atop a hill. Built in 1605 the temple contains absolutely stunning Zen Gardens, bamboo grove, tea houses and is one of the most beautiful Zen temples in Japan.

Accommodation at New Miyako Hotel or similar (3 nights)

Day 8 - Kyoto (Breakfast)

We enjoy a full day of sight seeing with our tour Guide. We take our own private coach to visit the famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple) and Ryoanji Temple, which has Japan's most famous Zen rock garden. We then have a great opportunity to experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony, where we learn about the traditions associated with this ancient ritual.

In the afternoon we use public transport to visit Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion) and take a scenic walk along the Path of Philosophy which passes by many temples and shrines and follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees, which explode into colour during Spring, making this one of the city's most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots.

Day 9 Kyoto -Nara - Kyoto (Breakfast)

Today we take a short train journey to Nara where we explore the ancient capital city of Japan. Enjoy strolling in the Deer Park and exploring the impressive Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha. Return to Kyoto by train early afternoon.

Return to Kyoto early afternoon where we visit Nijo Castle, commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate and completed in 1626. One of the most intriguing features is the "nightingale floors" designed to squeak like birds when anyone walks on them and designed to warn occupants of sneak attacks by Ninja assassins. Later we visit the shopping district of Kawaramachi and Nishiki Food Market which is lined with over one hundred shops and restaurants, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". This lively market specialises in all things food related, like fresh seafood, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find Kyoto specialities including Japanese sweets, dried seafood and sushi.

*** To complete your Japan experience we can arrange an 'Optional' Geisha Special Dance & performance by an Authentic Geisha and Maiko. Ask for prices & details***

Day 10 Hakone - Takayama (Breakfast & Japanese Set Dinner)
After breakfast we transfer to Takayama with our Tour Guide by train, arriving around midday.

To make the train transfer more enjoyable we have arranged for each persons large luggage to be transferred by van to Kiso in the morning (skipping Takayama). Therefore prepare a small carry bag for your stay Takayama.

After checking into our Ryokan, we take a walking tour of Takayama, which includes visiting the House of Yoshijima constructed circa 1907 and former home of a prosperous merchant engaged in the production of sake. Afterwards we visit Yatai Kaikan Exhibition Hall to see the historic floats used during Takayama's yearly Festival.

We return to our Ryokan in time for a wonderful set Japanese dinner made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Our wonderful Ryokan offers a choice of two luxurious outdoor spa baths and even a foot bath with views over Takayama.

* For tours departing during Takayama festival period - We will have a day celebrating and enjoying the special events in Takayama as the precession of colourful floats take to the streets.

Accommodation is at the Hoshokaku Ryokan staying in a Japanese style room. (2 nights)

Day 11 Takayama - Shirakawago - Takayama (Breakfast & Japanese Set Dinner)
Enjoy Breakfast in your Ryokan and then we take a walking tour of Takayama, where we visit the Morning Market. Afterwards we visit the Takayama Jinya, a former Government Outpost of the Shogun. Our next stop is Kamisannomachi street which is in the old area of Takayama and reminiscent of ancient times when Samurai wandered the streets.

Early afternoon we leave for Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Sites nestled into a valley surrounded by stunning forests and mountains. Shirakawago is well known for the unique architectural style of the village houses, known as gassho-zukuri. The Gassho-zukuri style of house is characterised by a thatched steeply slanting roof resembling two hands joined in prayer. Upon arrival we visit a typical Gasho-zukuri House and take a leisurely walk around Shirakawago Village. Afterwards we transfer back to our Ryokan in Takayama in time for evening dinner.

Accommodation at Hoshokaku Ryokan staying in a Japanese style room.

Day 12 Takayama - Magome - Tsumago - Kiso (Breakfast & Buffet Dinner)
Today we transfer to Kiso in Nagano prefecture using express train, arriving at our Ryokan in Kiso in the early afternoon.

In the afternoon we visit Magome and take a scenic walk along the old Nakasendo trail to Tsumago. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The two towns of Magome and Tsumago were once postal towns connected by the Magome - Tsumago Trail. The trail leads through the hilly countryside and passes right alongside the houses and fields of local residents and takes about 9km, 3hour walk to complete. This was a trail which formed part of the Nakasendo postal route between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).

The town of Magome has been beautifully restored in contrasts with the striking authenticity of neighbouring Tsumago. Tsumago is known today as one of the best preserved historical towns in Japan and walking along its car free streets is like stepping back in time to the early Edo Period, where Samurai walked the streets.

Accommodation is in a Japanese style room at Hotel Kisoji with indoor and outdoor Onsen spa bath facilities.

Day 13 Kiso - Matsumoto (Breakfast)
Morning is free to relax at your Ryokan until we transfer to Matsumoto by train with our guide.

To make todays train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer your large luggage directly to Tokyo. Therefore prepare a small carry bag for your time in Matsumoto.

In the afternoon we enjoy a walking tour of Matsumoto and visit Matsumoto castle, known as 'crow castle' due to its unique black exterior. Matsumoto castle is one of only four castles designated as National Treasures of Japan and is stunningly beautiful. Afterwards we continue our tour around Matsumoto and stroll around the traditional old quarter (Nawate Dori).

Accommodation at the Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu.

Day 14 Matsumoto - Tokyo (Breakfast)

After breakfast we gather in the hotel lobby to meet our Tour Guide for the train journey back to Tokyo, where we transfer to our Hotel.

Afternoon is free for you to explore Tokyo on your own. As always, your Tour Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.

Stay 1 night at the Villa Fontaine Shiodome Hotel.

Day 15 -Tokyo (Breakfast)
Today we say Sa-yo-na-ra. Transfer by Airport Shuttle service to Narita Airport for your departure flight homewards.

2012/2013 Tour Price - £3195 per person based on Twin share

2012 Arrival Date in Tokyo	2013 Arrival Date in Tokyo	Special Tour Details	Prices
23rd March	22nd March	Spring Blossom	£3195
30th March	29th March	Spring Blossom	£3195
6th April	6th April	Takayama Festival	£3195
7th April	7th April	Takayama Festival	£3195
13th April	12th April	Spring Blossom	£3195
11th May	10th May	Sumo Tournament	£3195
14th September	20th September	Sumo Tournament	£3195
1st October	1st October	Takayama Festival	£3195
2nd October	2nd October	Takayama Festival	£3195
12th October	11th October	Early Autumn colours	£3195
19th October	18th October	Autumn Leaves	£3195
2nd November	1st November	Autumn Leaves	£3195
9th November	8th November	Autumn Leaves	£3195

*** Arrive date in Tokyo is Day 2, Departure date from UK and any other western countries is usually the day before, ie day 1***

 

Buy your flight tickets Now and save £££s on your holiday! (Flight Prices from £550pp incl TAX)

Price Includes (The prices shown above are 'per person')

• Driver meeting service and airport to hotel transfer on arrival.
• Experienced professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day 3 to 14, who will accompany you throughout your tour.
• Quality selection of hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
• All transfers and entrance fees included.
• Daily Breakfast, 5 Evening Meals.
• Free luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece per person) between Tokyo to Hakone, Hakone to Kyoto, Kyoto to Kiso and Kiso to Tokyo. (no large luggage at Takayama and Matsumo, please prepare a small bag to carry with you for these days).
• No hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
• Guided tours by private coach, trains and public transport all included.
• Airport transfer on departure.

Price Does Not Include

• International flights. These can be provided with Full ATOL Protection
• Optional tours. Sumo Tournament tickets & Geisha Dance tickets.
• Travel Insurance.

Why choose to travel with Magical Japan?
As a specialist Tour Operator providing tours to Japan for nearly 10 years, we have the expertise & experience to ensure you have a magical holiday. By travelling with Magical Japan on our small group guided tours, we can ensure you see the true beauty and culture of Japan.

About our Small group Tours?
Our small group tours are designed to ensure you have the best holiday and cultural experience possible. All entrance fees and transfers are included, with no hidden extras. We even include separate luggage transfers between hotels as luggage space on trains is limited and carrying large luggage is difficult. This enable you to relax and enjoy your transfers as well as your tours. Leave your large luggage at the designated areas in the morning of luggage transfers.

Transport will be by train, including Bullet train, private coach and public transport (all included in the tour price). The tour involves some walking and therefore reasonable level of fitness is required, however it is suitable for all ages.

Our tour is arranged on a small group basis, average 6-8 people per group, as we feel this gives our travellers more flexibility and enjoyment. By reducing the group size our experienced guide can show you the true beauty of Japan.

Our itineraries are designed at a sensible pace with a combination of escorted sightseeing and some free time. The tour price is calculated based upon a minimum of 6 travellers in 1 group. In the unlikely situation where the number is less than 6, we will either offer an alternative date which is as close to the original departure date as possible, or travellers can pay for a private tour.

Flights If you require international flights, as an agent for many airline consolidators, we can obtain flights in various classes with reputable airlines such as ANA, BA, Virgin, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair etc. For the cheapest deal we recommend you book your international flights at time of booking, as this can save you pounds off your final holiday price. Full ATOL Protection Available.

Your Accommodation for this tour Please refer to the itinerary for hotel and Ryokan names and details. Our superb choice of hotel and Ryokan accommodation are all well tested and in good locations, with great facilities. We are confident of our quality and selection and many of our Hotels & luxurious traditional Ryokans include Onsen (Hot Spring spa facilities) and all provide excellent dining experiences. Click here to understand more about Ryokans & Onsens. Western rooms in Ryokans can be provided if requested at booking stage (Subject to availability). Hotel selection is sometimes dependant upon room availability at time of booking, particularly during festival periods.

*Cherry Blossom blooming and Autumn leaf changing periods are both natural events occurring over relatively short duration's and are affected by seasonal variations and climate. Therefore they can not be 100% guaranteed at time of your visit. Historically the peak cherry blossoms viewing typical in Japan is late March & early April and autumn leave changing mid to late October to early to mid November.

Our itinerary is designed according to the most up to date information available at the time. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. In regards to expected transfer times and train times these may vary as they are subject to schedules and availability controlled by the various railway companies. It is extremely rare that itineraries ever need changes and we will always act in your best interest to handle any amendments if this did occur. However we reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary if required, for example occasionally the tour sequence and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.