10-Nights Classic Japan from $5,805

Trafalgar

OFFER ID 1494522

Classic Japan
A tale of four iconic cities and two former capitals – your epic journey through Japan blends old and new, with soul-stirring visits to ancient centers and modern cities. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.

Dining Summary

10 Breakfast (B)
2 Dinner (D)
4 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Nara: Lunch with a local farmer's family who own a traditional tea plantation in the Nara area.

Dive Into Culture

Tokyo: Visit Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II.

Iconic Experience

Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
Tokyo: Spend some time learning the art of Taiko Drumming with your Local Specialist.
Tokyo: Bask in the stunning skyline of Tokyo as you embark on your Sumida River Cruise.
Mt Fuji: Admire the stunning countryside at Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
Tokyo: Jump aboard the high-speed Bullet Train towards the cultural hub of Kyoto.
Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
Kyoto: Take a walk through the beautiful landscapes of the Arashiyama District.
Nara: Discover the tame deer as you explore Nara Park.
Kyoto: Learn the art of Okonomiyaki making and savor your own creations for lunch.
Miyajima: Discover the majestic Itsukushima Shrine and learn a new skill when you join a Local Specialist to practice making Momiji Manjyu.
Hiroshima: Discover the rich history when you visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park.
Osaka: Embark on an orientation drive through the city of Osaka.
Osaka: Discover Osaka's beautiful city landmarks as you embark on your Okawa River Cruise.
Osaka: See the wonderful Tsutenkaku Tower, the Tusyunoten Shrine which holds the love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei, and then take the time to bask in the spectacuar views as you visit the Floating Garden Observatory.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Kyoto: Support the craft of Kiyomizu pottery artisans with a visit to their workshop. Your participation directly contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka
Visit Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Gion District and Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, the bamboo groves in Arashiyama, Nara Park and Todaiji Temple in Nara, Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and Tsuyunoten Shrine and Umeda Sky Building in Osaka
See the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama
Scenic Cruise along the Sumida River in Tokyo and the Okawa River in Osaka

Whats Included

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
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

10 nights from $5,805 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Trafalgar Tours: Classic Japan

Day 1 - Konnichiwa Tokyo
Tokyo’s futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan’s modern centers and ancient capitals. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome drink with appetizers.
Accommodations: New Otani Garden Tower

Day 2 - Explore Vibrant Tokyo Dive Into Culture
Rub shoulders with the locals this morning as you Dive Into Culture and wander through Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II. Continue to the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa to visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, which has been rebuilt countless times since its founding in 628, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Take a stroll down Nakamise shopping street with some free time for lunch, then join a Local Specialist and learn the mesmerizing rhythmic art of Taiko drumming, one of Japan’s most popular cultural icons. Board a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo’s modern skyline, the traditional neighborhoods of old Edo and beautiful Hamarikyu Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner at a Sumo-themed izakaya restaurant.
Accommodations: New Otani Garden Tower
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Majestic Mt. Fuji and Owakudani
The towering slopes of snow-capped Mt. Fuji loom in the distance as you journey from Tokyo to this celebrated UNESCO-listed site. Admire spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a magnificent vantage point at 2,300 meters (weather permitting). After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll continue to Owakudani to see the volcanic activity. Consider sampling the local black eggs boiled in geysers, then head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Accommodations: New Otani Garden Tower
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Continue to Kyoto
Leave Tokyo, traveling by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Visit Kinkakuji Temple, whose glittering golden pavilion is widely regarded as the symbol of Kyoto, before returning to the hotel for an evening of leisure.
Accommodations: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Discover Enchanting Kyoto
Visit one of Kyoto’s highlights—the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring and its stunning landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then spend some free time at Nishiki Market, a traditional food market known to locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry.” Return to your hotel or consider joining an optional Japanese tea ceremony experience.
Accommodations: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Admire Ancient Nara Make Travel Matter
Start the day off with a visit to Sumiyama Village and discover the stunning Kiyomizu Pottery which originated about 500 years ago in central Kyoto. Learn about the work of the craftsmen and about how they had to move out of the city and into a more rural area due to concerns from the local citizens about air pollution. Next 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch with a local farmer at his home. Gain insights into the life of his family while sampling fresh tea and indulging in a delicious home-made meal, then visit his tea plantation. This afternoon delve into the ancient history of Nara, the first permanent capital city of Japan. Here you’ll visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Take a stroll around Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming tame deer before returning to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.
Accommodations: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 - Bullet Train to Hiroshima Dive Into Culture
This morning, board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century’s devastation. Your first stop is to a local restaurant where you’ll join our Local Specialist for an Okonomiyaki making experience. Mix your ingredients to make your own savory pancake and cook it on a hot plate before enjoying your creation for lunch. This afternoon, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialties, shaping your steamed bun as a maple leaf and filling it with sweet red bean paste. You’ll have an opportunity to sample your work before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
Accommodations: Rihga Royal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 - Experience Hiroshima
This morning, head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Take a moment to contemplate its symbolic expression of hope for world peace. Spend the afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.
Accommodations: Rihga Royal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Onwards to Osaka
Today, take the high-speed bullet train to Osaka. On arrival embark on an orientation drive of the central city and your first glimpse of sights including the incredible Umeda Sky Building before checking in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Sheraton Miyako
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - See the Sights of Osaka
Gain a different perspective of Osaka’s landmark city sights, starting your day with a cruise on the ‘aqua-bus’ along Okawa River. Sail past the Japan Mint, City Hall, Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Visit the downtown district of Shinsekai to see the Tsutenkaku Tower, then continue to the Dotonbori Street area for some time at leisure. Delve into the star-crossed love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei during your visit to the Tsuyunoten Shrine in Umeda, associated with the Edo-period play ‘The Love Suicides of Sonezaki, which tells of the tragic double suicide that took place at the shrine in 1703. To this day, visitors write their prayers for success in love on special wooden plaques called ema, many of which bear the image of Ohatsu and Tokubei. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open-air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Later join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Sheraton Miyako
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 - Sayonara Osaka
Your journey revealing Japan's past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Osaka

This large, bustling port is the starting point for tours to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Nara, the cultural fountainheads of classical Japan. Kyoto's Old Imperial Palace and the shogunal Nijo Castle remain glorious symbols of the power the city held for over 1,000 years. Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan, filled with elegant timber buildings and, perhaps more than any other Japanese city, imbued with Kami, the divine spirit. You'll sense it everywhere, for there are hundreds of Shinto shrines and over a thousand Buddhist temples, as well as sacred treasure-houses of religious sculpture, painting and exquisite gardens. Nara, City of the Seven Great Temples, lies in an idyllic setting.

Excursions

Kobe - Osaka Day Tour

Hiroshima

Nara

Kyoto

Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan, presents a different view at every turn. It's one of the world's main economic centers and its most populous agglomeration. The business of Tokyo is business, but you can still find harmony and small-scale gardens on back streets. Around the corner from neon and concrete, you may find the bonsai-lined courtyard of a traditional inn.

Tokyo was nearly destroyed by bombs and fires during World War II, and by earthquakes at other times, but it has always rebuilt itself. As a result, there is little left of Old Japan in the city, but there's plenty of New Japan to take its place.

The streets are a confusing maze, so a map is essential. The transit system is excellent, however, and there are kobans (police boxes) throughout the metropolis, as well as a populace generally willing to answer questions.

Visitors to Tokyo represent both business and leisure travelers. And despite its past reputation, Tokyo is no longer fearsomely expensive. It's relatively easy to visit Tokyo on a budget.

Excursions

Shinjuku - Night in The City - 4 Hours

Wheeling Your Way Through Tokyo - 6 Hours

Forget the bus, get out of the car, and by no means take the subway – experience Tokyo by bicycle a seemingly unusual way to explore one of the world’s largest megalopolises. But once on your bike and pedaling through the city’s many and varied neighborhoods you will experience Tokyo in a truly unique way.

You will transfer to Chuo-ku, Tokyo where you choose your bicycle and try it out before setting off. Once ready and under the supervision of your cycling guide set off for the Tour de Tokyo pedaling your way through some of the distinctive districts that make Tokyo so memorable:–
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Tsukishima (traditional market area famed for its monjayaki savoury pancake) and Tsukiji Outer Market the largest seafood market in the world.
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Ginza (Tokyo’s chic shopping district – the city’s “Fifth Avenue”)
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Shinbashi Station (Japan’s oldest railway station)
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Azabu Juban Village (eclectic, eccentric and exciting – where trendy meets traditional)
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Roppongi, Aoyama and Harajuku & Omotesando (iconic architecture and fashion forward for today’s Tokyo)
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Yoyogi Park (site of the 1964 Olympic Village – weather permitting enjoy a picnic lunch)
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The New National Stadium (site of the 2020 Opening Ceremonies)
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Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo’s revered Shinto Shrine set within a verdant forest park)
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Yoyogi National Stadium (Tange Kenzo’s stunning design for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games)
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Jingu Gaien Mall (the beautiful Gingko lined Avenue)
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Akasaka Palace (the magnificent State Guest House)
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Parliament House (the site of the National Diet)
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Imperial Palace Grounds (The Iconic Nijubashi Bridge and the moat)
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Tokyo Station + KITTE (Marunouchi Minami Exit side)
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15:00: Arrive at Chuo-ku, Tokyo – the end of this Tokyo tour

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

12/16/2024 - 12/26/2024

from $5,805 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $5,805 per person

Length

10 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1494522

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