• Tokyo: (3 nights)
• Matsumoto (1 night)
• Azumino - Sake brewery & Wasabi farm
• Yudanaka Onsen - Snow Monkeys (1 night Ryokan)
• Kiso - Nagano (2 nights) Japanese style room
• Magome -Tsumago
• Kyoto: (3 nights)
• Nara
• Tokyo (1 night)
• Tea Ceremony
• Fully Guided Small Group tour
• Quality Ryokans, Spa & Hotels
• Optional:Sumo Tournament & Geisha performance

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 at your hotel)
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.

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 at your hotel)

Today, we 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.

Day 5 Tokyo - Matsumoto (Breakfast)

After breakfast we gather in the hotel lobby to meet our Tour Guide and make our transfer to Matsumoto by Train. After checking into our hotel, 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).

To make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer your large luggage directly to Kiso. Prepare a small bag for your time in Matsumoto & Yudanaka.

Accommodation at the Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu.

Day 6 Matsumoto - Azumino (Nagano) - Yudanaka (Breakfast & Buffet Dinner)
Today we take a private coach for a sightseeing tour of Nagano prefecture. We travel to Azumino and visiting a Traditional Sake Brewery, where we learn about the brewing process and hopefully try a 'little tipple'. Afterwards we visit the Daio Wasabi Farm and see how the 'firey' green Wasabi paste is produced.

Later we drive to Nagano city and visit the Zenkoji Temple, which is one of the most visited temples in Japan, founded 1400 years ago and stores, what many believe to be the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. We continue on our coach Journey to Yudanaka Onsen and visit the Ganshoin Temple along the way, which is famous for a ceiling painting of a phoenix by famed artist Hokusai. We arrive at our Ryokan late afternoon and relax and enjoy the hot spring spa before having a Japanese set dinner made with fresh seasonal ingredients.

Accommodation at the Issano Komichi Biyuno Yado Ryokan with indoor and outdoor Onsen spa bath facilities.

Day 7 Yudanaka - Snow Monkeys- Kiso (Breakfast & Buffet Dinner)
After Breakfast at your Ryokan we visit the Snow Monkey park with our guide. Enjoy watching the red faced Japanese snow monkeys, which often can be seen bathing and relaxing in the volcanic hot springs. We return to our ryokan and depart Yudanaka around midday for Nagano by express train, where we have free time for lunch before boarding our train to Nagiso.

Upon our arrival at Nagiso in late afternoon, we transfer to our hotel in Kiso by Shuttle bus. Buffet dinner is served at our Hotel.

Accommodation at the Kisoji Hotel staying in Japanese style room with Tatami mats and futon beds.

Day 8 Kiso - Magome - Tsumago - Kiso (Breakfast & Buffet Dinner)
After Breakfast at your hotel we transfer to Magome by local bus 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. Return to Kiso and have buffet dinner at your hotel.

Accommodation at the Kisoji Hotel staying in Japanese style room

Day 9 Kiso - Kyoto (Breakfast)
Today we take the Kodama bullet train to Kyoto via Nagoya. Upon arrival we take a short walk to our Hotel to check in.

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

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 10 - 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 11 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 early afternoon and the rest of the day is free for you to explore Kyoto on your own. As always your Tour Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.

*** 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 12 - Kyoto - Tokyo (Breakfast)

This morning we use the subway system to visit Nijo Castle, commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. 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.

In the afternoon we transfer with our tour guide to Tokyo by bullet train. Upon our arrive at Shinjuku we transfer to the Shiodome Hotel by subway.

To make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer your large luggage directly to Tokyo, arriving the same day.

Stay 1 night at the Villa Fontaine Shiodome Hotel.

Day 13 -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 - £2705 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	£2705
30th March	29th March	Spring Blossom	£2705
6th April	5th April	Spring Blossom	£2705
13th April	12th April	Spring Blossom	£2705
12th October	11th October	Early Autumn colours	£2705
19th October	18th October	Autumn Leaves	£2705
2nd November	1st November	Autumn Leaves	£2705
9th November	8th November	Autumn Leaves	£2705

*** 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 12, 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, 3 Evening Meals.
• Free luggage transfer from hotel to hotel (1 piece per person) between Tokyo to Kiso, Kiso to Kyoto and Kyoto to Tokyo. (Therefore no large luggage at Matsumoto, Yudanaka and 1st night Kyoto, 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 changingmid to late October to early to mid November. * Snow monkeys are wild animals and therefore their activities can not be guarranteed.

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.