Classic Japan

11 Days | Kyoto, Koya-san and more on a cultural crusade

4.8 out of 5 based on 71 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
EUR €4,266
View dates and book

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?

Trip overview

Map of Classic Japan including Japan
Start
Kyoto, Japan
Finish
Tokyo, Japan
Theme
Explorer, Rail
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
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CJKJ
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.

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.
  • 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 mat floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more western-style hotels and beds. This is an important thing to consider if you have problems with your back or knees, as the surface is really 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/
  • Be prepared to pack light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas. At some destinations, larger luggage will be forwarded on ahead of you, so it'll be easier to get around if you have a smaller overnight/day pack.

Itinerary

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

Map of Classic Japan including Japan

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Transport

Public Bus, Subway, Bullet Train, Train, Boat

Accommodation

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

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
Add on 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

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at many of our properties.

2. At some destinations, larger luggage will be forwarded on ahead of you, so ensure you also have a smaller overnight/day pack with you for essentials. Please check itinerary for details.

3. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your Welcome Meeting if your luggage is from 160cm to 250cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.

4. We are currently unable to book pre or post trip accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through your booking agent.

5. We are currently unable to book airport transfers in Japan. Japan has an extensive and efficient public transport system and the joining and finishing point instructions are listed in the Essential Trip Information.

6. Please note that there are generally less double rooms in Japanese hotels, even those in Western style. While every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests, this may not always be possible.

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 71 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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Louisa · Traveled August 2024
This was my second Intrepid trip, and it did not disappoint. Shimon was a friendly, calm, and very knowledgeable tour leader who helped us to really get to know Japan in a way I never would have managed on my own. The itinerary was packed with amazing places and experiences and I have so many highlights. Staying in the Buddhist temple at Koya-san is something I will never forget, and the visit to the Peace Memorial at Hiroshima was incredibly moving. Our group was so much fun and I didn't want to leave when it was over. Be prepared for a lot of walking and bring a hat if it's August, but I cannot recommend this trip highly enough, especially for the quality of the tour leaders (Shimon was excellent!) and the amount that you will do and see.
Review submitted 09 Sep 2024

Yvonne · Traveled August 2024
This was the first time I have used Intrepid Travel and I wasn’t disappointed. If you are looking for adventure, knowing you will be well looked after then this company is for you. I will be looking forward to visiting another part of this wonderful world with this tour operator.
Review submitted 30 Aug 2024

Tony · Traveled August 2024
Intrepid’s Classic Japan tour was one of the best holidays we have had. Our guide Shimon was attentive, organised, exceptionally knowledgeable from a historical perspective and ensured that we got the absolute best out of the experience.
Review submitted 30 Aug 2024

Andrew · Traveled July 2024
An immensely enjoyable trip with a great group of people and an absolutely wonderful guide. A good mix of cities and countryside, managed time and free time. I'd heartily recommend this trip for anyone thinking about visiting Japan.
Review submitted 15 Aug 2024

Cherie · Traveled July 2024
Intrepid with a great itinerary, Classic Japan along with our wonderful Tour Leader Susumu opened Japan up to us as a place we will return to again and again. Great overview of Japan for 11 days. We were in a group of 10 like minded people who were a great team to explore this fabulous Country. Loved the food and the bullet trains were an experience. Well recommended.
Review submitted 17 Aug 2024
Classic Japan
From
EUR €4,266