Premium Japan

12 Days | Ancient culture, celebrated cuisine and stunning scenery come together in Japan

4.8 out of 5 based on 45 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR 6.430 €
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Experience Japan’s perfect harmony of ancient tradition and modern way of life on a 12-day Premium adventure through the cultural heart of the country. Tokyo’s soaring skyscrapers give way to Hakone’s mountainous hot springs, while Takayama delights with its Edo-era beauty and Shirakawa-go immerses you in charming countryside life. Discover the intriguing cultural diversity of Kyoto and a passion for peace in Hiroshima. Travel with a local leader who will share the rich variety of their country as you visit temples, castles, shrines and holy mountains while mixing with locals and experiencing the real Japan.

Trip overview

Map of Premium Japan including Japan
Start
Tokyo, Japan
Finish
Kyoto, Japan
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Japan
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
Style
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CJPJ
This trip generates 38.41 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.
Premium accommodation

Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service

Premium experiences

All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium

Premium knowledge

Trips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders


Why you'll love this trip
  • Marvel at the city lights of Tokyo during a guided tour, visit the sobering Hiroshima Peace Park and trace the steps of the Geisha around the alleyways of Kyoto.
  • Soak up Japan’s natural beauty in mountainous Hakone and catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji, stroll around the stunning island of Miyajima and be amazed by the Japanese alps in the ancient village of Shirakawa-go.
  • There’s no better way to get around Japan than the country’s famous railway system. Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra-modernity as you zip from place to place with your included 7-day Japan Rail Pass.
  • Enjoy unforgettable Exclusive Experiences, including a sushi making class with a family who have been making the beloved dish for generations, and a guided meditation session with a Zen Buddhist monk.
  • Unwind among the beauty of nature at your Feature Stay accommodation, with mountain views, a traditional ryokan design, modern comforts and a private onsen (thermal pool) for each room.
  • 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.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Japan is best to explore on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering just exploring places on foot! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.
  • This trip travels primarily on public transport, as it is so efficient and convenient in Japan. Fast trains are used to move between cities, as well as public buses and metro. In order to make the travel easy, we have included luggage transfer (one piece of luggage) between destinations. But please ensure you are still packing light for the trip.

Itinerary

Map of Premium Japan including Japan

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, Bullet Train, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nt), Hakone Feature Stay (1 nt)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Tokyo - Welcome dinner
  • Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
  • Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
  • Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
  • Tokyo - Yoyogi Park
  • Tokyo - Shibuya Sky with Drink
  • Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market
  • Tokyo - Sushi Making Class
  • Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
  • Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
  • Takayama - Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling)
  • Takayama - Showa Museum
  • Takayama - Shirakawago Village
  • Takayama - Morning Market visit
  • Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
  • Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Hiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip
  • Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
  • Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
  • Hiroshima - Peace Museum
  • Himeji - Himeji Castle
  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
  • Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  • Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple
  • Kyoto - Zen Buddhism meditation session
  • Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
  • Kyoto - Sake Brewery & tasting
  • Kyoto - Final dinner
Add on activities
  • Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
  • Hakone - Open-Air Museum - JPY1600
  • Hakone – Karakuri Secret Box Museum - Free
  • Miyajima - Mt Misen Cable Car - JPY2000
  • Kyoto - Nara Tour - JPY10000
  • Kyoto - Cooking Class - JPY6000
  • Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY400
  • Kyoto - Nijo Castle - JPY800
  • Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
  • Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple - JPY600

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. It is essential you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. One piece of big luggage is included for transfer from destination to destination on this trip. For any additional luggage to be transferred, additional charges will apply. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains if you plan to take them with you. Luggage over 160–250 cm may require an additional JPY1000 fee per train journey. Luggage over 251 cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains. Please notify your group leader at the welcome meeting if your luggage is over 160–250 cm so they can help you make the necessary arrangements. Please review the Packing section of the ETIs for more details on luggage transfers.
3. We are not able to book airport shuttle service between Kyoto and Kansai Airport at the moment. Your leader will be able to advise on best ways of getting to Kansai Airport in Osaka.
4. A 7-day Japan Rail Pass is included in the price of your trip (validated on Day 4). Currently, we are unable to offer an extension of this pass.
5. For 2023, we are unable to offer a complimentary arrival transfer in Tokyo. Our previous operator is no longer in business, and we haven’t been able to source a reliable alternative supplier. Already booked customers have been refunded, and the current trip price reflects the lack of arrival transfer. Please see the joining point instructions for information on how to get to your hotel.

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 45 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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Keith · Traveled September 2023
A great introduction to the country and its variety and culture. If you want to cover the cities, countryside, transport, religions and history (ancient and modern), this is a great taster!
Review submitted 15 Sep 2023

Mary · Traveled August 2023
I loved the Intrepid Premium Japan trip. The trip had a well planned itinerary, offering a wide range of activities, covering many aspects of Japanese culture. Our guide Hiro is a very knowledgeable, caring and energetic person. Our group was very enthusiastic about Japan, asked many questions and had a lot of requests. Hiro knew everything and catered to everyone, going above and beyond every time. I’m inspired to go back to Japan and would thoroughly recommend this trip, particularly if you’re lucky enough to get Hiro as your guide.
Review submitted 11 Sep 2023

Adam · Traveled August 2023
Loved this trip. The Premium Japan was action packed but still had time to explore solo. Made some great friends and enjoyed the social side of the trip even more than I expected to. Saw so many different sides to Japan. Thanks Yoshi!
Review submitted 02 Sep 2023

Helen · Traveled August 2023
Very hot , umbrella a necessity for rain and sun, good experience do not take this trip if you are not fit to walk
Review submitted 27 Aug 2023

Hugo · Traveled July 2023
A great trip led by a very good tour guide Hiro. Being in a group of only 12 meant the group gelled well and wasn’t too big. It’s a great way to see and experience a different culture and to really enjoy Japan
Review submitted 23 Jul 2023
Premium Japan
From
EUR 6.430 €