Classic Japan

11 days4.885 reviews
Explorer
Rail
From
CHF  4,650

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?

Map of Classic Japan including Japan
Trip code: CJKJ
Start
Kyoto, Japan
End
Tokyo, Japan
Destinations
Japan
Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 dinners
Transport
Public Bus, Subway, Bullet Train, Train, Boat
Accommodation
Hotel/Ryokan (9 nights), Temple Stay (1 night)
Days
11
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer, Rail
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Orginal: 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: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Comfort
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
This trip generates 64 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

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.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Classic Japan including Japan

Inclusions and activities

Meals

10 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Transport

Public Bus, Subway, Bullet Train, Train, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel/Ryokan (9 nights), Temple Stay (1 night)

Included activities
  • 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

Optional activities
  • 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) - JPY2500

Is this trip right for you?

  • 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.

Dates and availability

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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.

Essential Trip Information

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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 85 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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John · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 12 Nov 2024

Mary · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 26 Oct 2024

Graham · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 26 Oct 2024

Veronica · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 02 Nov 2024

Andrew · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 24 Oct 2024
Classic Japan
From
CHF  4,650