Classic Japan





Kyoto, Koya-san and more on a cultural crusade
Steeped in centuries of tradition and full of culinary prowess, Japan is awash with sights to see and histories to uncover. From Kyoto to Tokyo, spend 11 days exploring the heart of Japan, with memories of the Edo era, sobering warfare sites, lush natural landscapes and eclectic neighbourhoods to discover. Be tempted by tempura, savour your sushi and sip some sochu as you discover the endless variety and diversity of Japan with your small group, all headed by a local leader who knows all of the best places to go. What’s stopping you embarking on a cultural escapade to the home of geisha, torii, sake and nori?
4.8
112 reviewsStart: Kyoto, Japan
End: Tokyo, Japan
- Duration
- 11 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Comfort
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer, Rail
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Discover Japan's most iconic city sights, from walking the Geisha district and seeing the cultural landmarks of Kyoto to touring the temple district and cruising past all the contemporary highlights of Tokyo.
- Learn more about the sobering past of Hiroshima at the memorial park, the museums and the monuments dedicated to the memory of the victims – they now also advocate for world peace and serve as a reminder of the devastation of war.
- Feast on okonomiyaki – Japan’s signature savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood – at an included dinner in Hiroshima at a special local restaurant.
- Meet the locals over a home-cooked dinner during your stay in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) in the mountain town of Tsumago – the historic medieval village preserved from the Edo period.
- Spend a night in Koya-san’s Shukubo Temple and learn about the customs of traditional Japanese accommodation as you share vegetarian meals with the monks who run the lodgings.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto, Japan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you have some free time, step out onto the streets for your first taste of this beautiful city. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally 'tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in AD794, Kyoto had its golden age during the imperial court's heyday from 794 to 1185. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years (the name means Capital City) but the emperor and government are now located in Tokyo. After the meeting tonight, perhaps head out for your first taste of traditional Japanese food. As the millennium-long home of the imperial kitchen, Kyoto is known as the centre of Japanese culinary tradition, so you’re sure to begin this trip with a delicious meal.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
You’ll begin the day with a visit to some of Kyoto’s more important sights. Visit the opulent Nijo Castle – home to the Tokugawa Shoguns who had power over the country during the Edo period. Check out the ‘nightingale floors’ of Ninomaru Palace, which squeak to warn of intruders (like otherwise-silent ninjas). From the castle, it’s a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji – perhaps Japan’s most famous Zen garden – where carefully placed rocks sit in an immaculately raked sea of gravel. Located also nearby is the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel 'The Golden Pavilion'. This evening, take a step back in time on a walk through the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district, an entertainment district and the centre of geisha culture, coming alive at night. If you’re lucky you might spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up. If you’ve got the budget, perhaps attend a tea ceremony at one of the district's teahouses, or splash out on a kaiseki meal in a ryotei (small restaurants serving traditional multi-course cuisine).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden
- Kyoto - Nijo Castle
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
Tea ceremonies in Japan tend to get fully booked well in advance. If you are interested in experiencing one, we highly recommend making your booking directly as early as possible to secure your spot.
Today is a full free day and there’s so much for you to explore. With its many cultural landmarks and historical sites, and the abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is also a city that lends itself to walking, and there are a number of paths available. Recommended is a gentle stroll through the nearby eastern hills along the ‘Path of Philosophy’ that links Ginkaku-ji – the Temple of the Silver Pavilion – with Nanzen-ji Temple. This walk can be extended south through well-preserved Old Town areas to Kiyamizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) from where there is an acclaimed view across a wooded gorge toward Kyoto. Also recommended, for those visiting in spring, is a visit to the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (the Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geishas). Close to Kyoto station, you'll also find the architecturally impressive Higashi Honganji Temple and the almost surreal Sanjusangendo, home to 1001 statues of Kannon. In the late afternoon you might like to return to the Kawaramachi or Shijo Dori area of central Kyoto to browse the shops or enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants that occupy this exciting area.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kyoto - Cooking Class from - JPY8800
- Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from - JPY1200
- Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) - JPY500
- Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple - JPY600
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
Spot the 120 temples dotted around Koya-san as you take the train into an important region for Shingon Buddhism. Founded in the eighth century by the Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi, Koya-san has been a centre for religious activities for over 1200 years. The last leg of the journey takes you through some of Japan’s finest scenery, on a mountain road rising through the clouds, 915 m above sea-level. The most impressive sight on Mount Koya is the massive and mysterious Okunoin cemetery, the resting place of many of Japan's most famous people. Some 200,000 stone statues, wooden totems and sometimes bizarre memorials (a rocket marks the site of a mausoleum interring the workers of an aerospace company) lie throughout this moss-laden forest. After visiting the more interesting of the mountain’s sights, make your way to the comfortable Shukubo Temple Lodging for the night. Here you might interact with some of the monks that run the lodgings, learn about the customs of traditional Japanese accommodation and enjoy some monastic vegetarian cuisine.
- Temple Stay (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Koya-san - Okunoin Cemetery
- Koya-san - Kongobu-ji Temple - JPY1000
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Hiroshima for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your stay in Koya-san as you will not have access to your luggage again until Day 5.
Return by cable railway to Gokurakubashi and make your way to Osaka to board your first bullet train, heading to Hiroshima. Travelling by shinkansen is an absolute buzz, as you’ll reach speeds of up to 270 km per hour. As you speed south, stop to visit Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji. The building, which has survived earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, was restored to its full glory in 2015. The moats, baileys, towers and walled alleyways were ingeniously designed to trick attackers – perhaps so intimidatingly that they were never in fact tested. Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families and look out over the grounds and the city below from the seventh floor. Continue on to Hiroshima and enjoy dinner together, feasting on Japan's signature savoury pancake - okonomiyaki.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Himeji - Himeji Castle
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning you’ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both of which stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated so it was able to retain its shape – the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing means it serves as a reminder and symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims, education on what lead to the bomb’s use, as well as advocating world peace. In the afternoon you'll head for the serene, enchanting island of Miyajima, reached after a short ferry ride across the Inland Sea. The island is home to the venerable Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, famous for its huge bright orange gate (torii) that rises majestically out of the sea. At high tide it is considered to be one of the most beautiful sights in Japan. The size and physical landscape of Miyajima makes it an ideal place for walking. There is the lovely Momiji Park (known as Maple Valley), from where it is possible to walk or take a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen. Return to Hiroshima for the night and maybe try one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – your leader will have some great suggestions!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
Board a bullet train to Nagoya, then change to an express train and continue north to the mountainous centre of Japan. You’ll spend a memorable night in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) near the medieval village of Tsumago. Once a post town (where travellers could rest on their journey around the country) during the days of the Shogun, Tsumago is the best preserved of the many staging posts along the Edo period Nakasendo Highway. The highway once connected Tokyo with Kyoto and was immortalised in the famous woodblock prints of Hiroshige. Cars are prohibited in the main street and cables run underground in order to maintain the medieval atmosphere of the town. You’ll have the opportunity to walk along a short section of the old Nakasendo Highway, walking from the post town of Magome along the highway to your accommodation at Tsumago, enjoying some great views across the valley along the way. In tonight’s ryokan, rooms are equipped with thin futon mattresses that are spread on tatami mats for a comfortable night's sleep. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner cooked in the ryokan.
- Ryokan (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Tsumago - Nakasendo Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Tokyo for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your stays in Tsumago and Matsumoto, as you will not have access to your luggage again until Day 9.
This morning you’ll have time to explore Tsumago and browse the local shops. You’ll then board a train and continue north to the picturesque castle town of Matsumoto. Matsumoto’s atmosphere is surprisingly cosmopolitan, while maintaining its historic charm and traditional streetscapes. This afternoon you'll stroll through the former merchant district of Nakamachi, lined with well preserved old buildings, where you can find local crafts, treasures and great restaurants. You’ll also have the option of visiting the city’s most famous site, the Matsumoto Castle, formerly known as Fukashi Castle. The regal-looking building has an elegant black roof and walls, and is sometimes nicknamed Crow Castle due to its resemblance to the bird spreading its wings. As the oldest original castle in the country (begun in 1592), it’s also one of Japan’s four castles listed as national treasures. You’ll spend the evening here in Matsumoto. Perhaps try the local soba noodles (some of the best in the country) and be sure to get some wasabi-based treats – the pristine waters from the alps make it grow particularly well here.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Matsumoto - walking tour
- Matsumoto - Matsumoto Castle - JPY700
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
In the morning, make your way by express train to Japan’s amazing capital – Tokyo – and to the hotel where you’ll be based for the next few days. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, including fascinating museums, world-class shopping, bustling energy and futuristic architecture, as well as a gentler side of neighbourhood backstreets where citizens often reveal themselves – particularly outside of working hours – to be some of the friendliest of any capital city in the world. There are many vestiges of the past, with historic temples and shrines still to be found in some of the most unexpected places, as well as an abundance of parks and gardens – particularly exquisite in spring when the cherry trees and azaleas are in bloom. After you arrive, you have free time to explore – perhaps visit the expansive grounds and moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, then enjoy the myriad food options for dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Today you’ll undertake a varied, full-day tour of the city, beginning in the historic Asakusa area. This is one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo, and is often called the temple district. Here you’ll stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple – founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. Browse the many interesting stalls – filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs – that line the shopping street of Nakamise dori. After lunch you’ll enjoy an alternative view of Tokyo as you relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River. You’ll pass significant buildings like the Sky Tree Tower, Asahi Beer Hall with its distinctive roof-top sculpture, the Sumo Stadium and the former Tsukiji Fish Market complex, gliding under bridges that bisect the river before alighting at the delightful urban oasis of the Hama Rikyu gardens. Here you’ll have time to stroll along paths that were once the sole preserve of the Shogun, who would hunt ducks here in the feudal era. Later you can make your way to the luxurious shopping district of Ginza where, depending on the theatre schedule, you may have the chance to see a short performance of Kabuki, one of Japan’s more spectacular performing arts, or visit the food depachika basement floor of a department store to see the huge range of produce exquisitely displayed.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Sumida River Cruise
- Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden
Your Japan adventure comes to an end today. With no activities planned, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
- Breakfast
- Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
- Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
- Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
- Tokyo - Samurai Museum - JPY3300
- Tokyo - Studio Ghibli Museum (advance bookings required - from) - JPY1000
Inclusions and activities
10 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Public Bus, Subway, Bullet Train, Train, Boat
Hotel/Ryokan (9 nights), Temple Stay (1 night)
- Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden
- Kyoto - Nijo Castle
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
- Koya-san - Okunoin Cemetery
- Himeji - Himeji Castle
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
- Tsumago - Nakasendo Walk
- Matsumoto - walking tour
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Sumida River Cruise
- Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden
- Kyoto - Cooking Class from - JPY8800
- Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from - JPY1200
- Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) - JPY500
- Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple - JPY600
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
- Koya-san - Kongobu-ji Temple - JPY1000
- Matsumoto - Matsumoto Castle - JPY700
- Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
- Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
- Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
- Tokyo - Samurai Museum - JPY3300
- Tokyo - Studio Ghibli Museum (advance bookings required - from) - JPY1000
This trip generates 60 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
- In some destinations, you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn. It's a great taste of tradition; however, not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more Western-style hotels. This is an important thing to consider if you have problems with your back or knees, as the surface is firm and there may be no other furniture (eg chairs) in the room. Read more about ryokans here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/
- Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning. Some of such properties will only give 1 key for each room so you can leave the key at the reception so that you and your roommate won't have to conform to the same schedule when you are out exploring.
AVAILABILITY
The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
ONSENS
We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
Hotel Wing International Kyoto Shijo-karasuma
319 Honeya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, 京都府京都市下京区烏丸西入骨屋町319
Kyoto
600-8425
JAPAN
Phone: +81 752840111
Description
Hotel Wing International Kyoto-Shijo Karasuma is located in the central downtown area of Kyoto, approx. 500m away from Shijo Street with its many shops as well as Nishiki Market. There are many convenient bus stops, cafes and restaurants, supermarkets and department stores in the immediate neighbourhood. The Gion district, Kamogawa River and Higashiyama temple precinct are also accessible by foot and around 1.5km from the hotel.
Instructions
There are two international airports servicing Kyoto. Itami Airport (ITM) is 50kms/30miles southwest of Kyoto. Kansai Airport (KIX) is 100kms/60miles southwest of Kyoto. Taxis are available but cost upwards of USD250.
If you have any concerns on arrival in Japan, please call our Osaka-based team on +81 70 1771 5588.
Arrival at Kansai Airport (KIX)
From Kansai Airport (KIX) you can reach Kyoto Station via express train or limousine bus. From Kyoto Station, you can take a taxi or the subway to Agora Kyoto Shijo. If your flight arrives before 6am or after 9pm, be sure to check departure times of your chosen service.
The express train from Kansai Airport is called the Haruka Airport Express. It costs approximately JPY3600 and takes 75 minutes.
Alternatively, the limousine bus service costs approximately JPY3000 and takes 90 minutes.
Arrival at Itami Airport (ITM)
From Itami Airport (ITM) you can reach Kyoto Station via limousine bus. From Kyoto Station, you can take a taxi or the subway to Agora Kyoto Shijo. If your flight arrives before 8am or after 8pm, be sure to check departure times of your chosen service. The limousine bus service costs approximately JPY1500 and takes 60 minutes.
On arrival at Kyoto Station, a taxi to the hotel will cost approximately JPY1000. Alternatively, you can take the subway, travelling on the Karasuma line to Shijo Station. Please refer to the transport details on the hotel’s website: https://www.hotelwing.co.jp/kyoto-shijo-karasuma/en/
Alternate joining point
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
08 Oct 2025 (CJKJ251008)
Park Hotel Kyoto
180 Nishiyoko-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Koromonodana-dori Oike,
Kyoto
604-0023
JAPAN
Description
Park Hotel Kyoto Oike is located in the heart of Kyoto, an ideal location for exploring Kyoto. It is just minutes from the World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle and a 3-minute walk from the nearest train station, Karasuma Oike Station. It is the perfect environment to enjoy Kyoto, a city full of fascinating sights and attractions.
Instructions
There are two international airports servicing Kyoto. Itami Airport (ITM) is 50kms/30miles southwest of Kyoto. Kansai Airport (KIX) is 100kms/60miles southwest of Kyoto. Taxis are available but cost upwards of USD250.
If you have any concerns on arrival in Japan, please call our Osaka-based team on +81 70 1771 5588.
Arrival at Kansai Airport (KIX)
From Kansai Airport (KIX) you can reach Kyoto Station via express train or limousine bus. From Kyoto Station, you can take a taxi or the subway to Agora Kyoto Shijo. If your flight arrives before 6am or after 9pm, be sure to check departure times of your chosen service.
The express train from Kansai Airport is called the Haruka Airport Express. It costs approximately JPY3600 and takes 75 minutes.
Alternatively, the limousine bus service costs approximately JPY3000 and takes 90 minutes.
Arrival at Itami Airport (ITM)
From Itami Airport (ITM) you can reach Kyoto Station via limousine bus. From Kyoto Station, you can take a taxi or the subway to Agora Kyoto Shijo. If your flight arrives before 8am or after 8pm, be sure to check departure times of your chosen service. The limousine bus service costs approximately JPY1500 and takes 60 minutes.
On arrival at Kyoto Station, a taxi to the hotel will cost approximately JPY1600. Alternatively, you can take the subway, travelling on the Karasuma line to Karasuma Oike Station. Please refer to the transport details on the hotel’s website: https://www.parkhotelgroup.com/park-hotel-kyoto
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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