New - Samurai Japan
15 day semi independent tour of traditional & rural Japan at a great price....

• Tokyo: Guided city tour (3 nights)
• Nikko (optional tour)
• Matsumoto (1 night)
• Bullet trains
• Tsumago (1 night stay in a Minshuku)
• Takayama (2 nights)
• Kyoto: Guided city tour (3 nights)
• Nara Guided tour
• Hakone (2 nights) Ryokan & spa
• Mt Fuji views
• Tokyo (1 night)
• Guaranteed departure

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1
Depart from your preferred airport for a scheduled flight to Tokyo.

Day 2 Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo, you are met by your tour assistant and transferred to your hotel for a 3 night stay. The rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time difference.

Day 3 Tokyo
Morning guided tour of Tokyo visiting a number of the main highlights of this magnificent City. The tour includes a visit to the Tokyo Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views across the city from the observation tower. We proceed to the peaceful picturesque setting of the Meiji Shrine, set in thick woodland and considered to be one of the finest examples of Shinto Architecture. Next we visit the 'Akasaka Guest House' for a photo opportunity. The Guest House is a magnificent 'Western Style Palace' built in the Baroque Architectural style. We then drive alongside the imposing National Diet Building, which is home to the Japanese House of Parliament. Our tour continues across Tokyo to the Imperial Palace East Garden, where we enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, which is filled with scenic and historic beauty. (Alternatively for tours on Monday & Friday we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double bridge instead of the East Garden, including a visit to the inner moat and towering Palace walls surrounded by pine trees). Our tour will continue with a drive and stroll along Ginza high street, the famous shopping area of Tokyo. Our tour will disband at Ginza giving you the opportunity for shopping.We also recommend you visit the Sony Centre building to see the futuristic electronics on display. Ginza is also convenient for the subway to explore further.

Afternoon - free at leisure or take optional afternoon city tour, which includes Asakusa Kannon Temple and Sumida river cruise. (ask for details at time of booking).

Day 4 Tokyo - (Nikko optional tour)
Free day to explore Tokyo at your leisure or purchase an optional full day tour to Nikko (ask for details at time of booking).

The optional professionally guided tour involves taking a Deluxe motor coach to Nikko National park, a designated World Cultural Heritage site. Nikko is a gem of natural beauty and home to some of the most spectacular examples of ancient architecture in Japan. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent Toshogu shrine, which houses the Mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. We also visit the stunning Tamozawa Imperial Villa, constructed in 1899 and which served as the Tokyo residence of the Tokugawa family and later a summer retreat for the Imperial Family. Afterwards we visit the spectacular Kirifuri waterfall. Japanese style Lunch included. The tour disbands on arrival in Ginza & Shinjuku at around 7-8pm.

Day 5 Tokyo - Matsumoto

Today take the Express train from Shinjuku station to Matsumoto and upon arrival proceed to your accommodation. During your free time in Matsumoto we recommend visiting 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 stroll around the traditional old quarter (Nawate Dori).

For your convenience and due to luggage restriction on the bullet train, we have arrange free luggage transfer to take your large luggage directly to Takayama (1 bag per person). Prepare a light carry bag for your stay in Matsumoto & Tsumago.

Day 6 Matsumoto - Tsumago (Dinner)

Transfer by train to Nagiso train station and take the local bus (fare not included, approx 9 min journey) to the old postal town of Tsumago. Once at Tsumago check into your accommodation.

During your time in Tsumago we recommend walking the Magome-Tsumago Trail. The trail leads through the hilly countryside and passes right alongside the houses and fields of local residents. 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. Overnight in traditional Japanese Minshuku staying in a Japanese style bedroom sleeping on futon beds.

Day 7 Tsumago - Takayama (Breakfast)
Today you will self transfer to Takayama by Express and local trains. Upon arrival at Takayama make your own way to your accommodation.

Day 8 Takayama
Day free to explore Takayama at your leisure and visit the many attractions. We recommend visiting the Morning Market, and Takayama Jinya, a former Government Outpost of the Shogun. The Hida folk village is also a must, as is Kamisannomachi street situated in the old area of Takayama and reminiscent of ancient times when Samurai wandered the streets. Alternatively you can visit nearby Shirakawago a World Heritage designation, which is like stepping back in time, with uniquely crafted traditional wooden farmhouses (Gassho-Zukuri) set in a beautiful mountainous landscape.

Day 9 Takayama - Kyoto

Today take the Bullet train to Kyoto via Nagoya. Upon arrival at kyoto take a short walk to your accommodation situated close by. The rest of the day is free at leisure in Kyoto.

For your convenience and due to luggage restriction on the bullet train, we have arrange free luggage transfer to take your large luggage directly to Kyoto (1 bag per person). Prepare a light overnight bag, as your luggage will arrive the next day.

Day 10 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto (Lunch)
Full day guided sight-seeing tour of Kyoto & Nara including a visit to the Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavilion) centred around one of the best examples of a Japanese Zen garden in the world.Then to Nijo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa Shogun. Built in 1603, Nijo Castle is noted for its Ornate interior and 'nightingale floor' designed to sing when stepped upon to warn of Ninja assassins.(When closed visit Ryoanji temple). We then travel to the Old Kyoto Imperial Palace (on Sat/Sun & national holidays visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine or Hagashi Honganji temple instead). Finally we explore the Kyoto Handicraft Center where we enjoy demonstrations of Japanese traditional arts and crafts. Buffet lunch is provided at the Kyoto handicraft centre. After lunch we travel to the ancient capital of Japan, Nara. Our tour includes a visit to Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden buildings housing the Great Buddha. We proceed to the Kasuga Shinto Shrine the most famous and beautiful Shinto shrine in Nara with 3,000 antique stone and bronze lanterns. Finally we explore Nara Deer Park with more than 1,000 deer roaming freely around the 1,250 acres park. Return to your hotel in Kyoto.

Day 11 Kyoto
Day free at Leisure to explore the fascinating city of Kyoto or purchase an optional afternoon tour to the colourful Heian Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall, a renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues that date back to the 13th century and finally the magnificent Kiyomizu Temple with spectacular views across the entire city and 'not to be missed'. (This highly recommended afternoon tour can be prearranged at time of booking).

Day 12 Kyoto - Hakone (Dinner)
Today take the bullet train to Odawara station (near Hakone). You will be met at the station where we have arranged private transfer to take you to your Ryokan in Hakone. The rest of the day is free at leisure to enjoy your Ryokan with indoor and outdoor Onsen spa facilities before enjoying freshly prepared Japanese style dinner served in your Ryokan.

For your convenience and due to luggage restriction on the bullet train, we have arrange free luggage transfer to take your large luggage directly to Tokyo (1 bag per person). Prepare prepare a light carry bag for your stay in Hakone.

Day 13 Hakone (Breakfast & Dinner)
After breakfast in your Ryokan, the day is free for you to explore the many museums and attractions around Hakone. Enjoy walking in the picturesque national park and we recommend taking a boat trip on Lake Ashi for great views of Mt Fuji. Dinner is served in your Ryokan.

Day 14 Hakone - Tokyo (Breakfast)

Today our driver will take you to Odawara train station, where you board the bullet train back to Tokyo. Upon arrival in Tokyo make your own way to your hotel accommodation.

Day 15 Tokyo - UK
Take airport bus from your hotel directly to Narita airport for your departure flight.

Flexible Departure Dates (Prices Land-only) (£)

Ref	Month	Land Only (twin share) £
SJ	Jan, Feb, June, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec	2770
SJ	Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov	2820

We are happy to provide your flight tickets with the airline and departure airport of your choice - Flights from £550pp with full ATOL Protection...

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

• Airport to hotel transfers on arrival & departure.
• English speaking meeting assistance at Narita airport upon arrival.
• Private return transfer from Odawara station to Ryokan in Hakone.
• Sightseeing tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Entrance fees to all attractions as stated in itinerary, during guided tours (Not during free time).
• Selections of quality accommodation in well furnished hotel rooms with private facilities.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Free luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo - Takayama, Takayama - Kyoto and Kyoto - Tokyo (1 item per person).
• All Train tickets as specified in the itinerary, Ordinary class reserved seats.

Price Does Not Include

• International Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.

• Local bus or taxi from Nagiso station to Tsumago (9min journey)
  
• Travel Insurance.
• Optional tours.

Why choose to travel with Magical Japan?
From the moment you talk to our travel consultants, who have all travelled extensively in Japan, our experience ensures you will have a magical holiday. Our service includes meet & greet at airport and free luggage transfer from hotel to hotel etc. There are no additional entrance fees or transportation costs on any sightseeing tours that are already listed in our programme. Your tours are with officially qualified professional English speaking tour guides. Airport transfers and guided city tours are by air-conditioned deluxe coach and you will have time to enjoy each sightseeing place on foot. The tour itineraries are regularly checked and provide an ideal length of time to show you the sights, with free time to explore according to your own interests. Most importantly we Guarantee departure.

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 Carefully selected quality accommodation in ideal locations, with upgrade to deluxe level available.

Your Meals Meals are as specified in the itinerary above. Daily Breakfast at all hotels can be booked in advance or purchased in Japan on a daily basis. Alternatively, there are many places around the hotels where you can buy meals.

Other details of our tour arrangements Upon arrival at Tokyo Airport, you will be met by one of our assistants and directed to the limousine bus terminal. On days where you have a guided tour, you will be met by our English speaking guides at your hotel for the escorted tours. Train transfers between destinations are included, however transfer is unassisted.

To ensure our travellers have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, a hotel to hotel overland luggage transfer service (1 piece of luggage per person) is provided as stated in itinerary due to luggage restrictions on some trains. Please leave your luggage in the designated areas with the hotel porters on the day of your checkout by 7:30am.

This tour is suitable for travellers of all ages, who are reasonably fit and healthy. Add on tours and city extensions are available, for details visit optional tours page.

Nijo Castle (Kyoto) is closed (Tue in Jul & Aug), therefore if your tour falls on these dates, we will visit Ryoanji Temple instead. Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed at weekends and on national holidays, we will visit Kitano Tenmangu, or Ryoanji Temple instead. Hiroshima & Miyajima optional tour usually operates Mon - Wed, Frid -Sunday.

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.