Premium Japan

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 73 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €5,445
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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 when we are travelling on the train. But please ensure you are still packing light for the trip. You will be expected to transport your luggage through the train stations.

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 from - JPY7150
  • 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 when we are travelling on the train. 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 73 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.

Filter by rating

Jan · Traveled November 2023
This trip was a wonderful introduction to Japan with an excellent Leader, Lulu, and great travel companions. Any concerns about travelling solo were overcome at our first meeting and dinner. I highly recommend both this tour and Intrepid.
Review submitted 16 Nov 2023

Frances Mary · Traveled October 2023
Intrepid were included for Japan as part of our 9 week Trailfinders trip. It was very well organised from the public transport system to the hotels which were excellent. Clean and comfortable. Our guide, Yuko, was extremely helpful and accomadating with a great sense of fun. Would highly recommend them. It was our first time but an immensely enjoyable experience
Review submitted 10 Nov 2023

Joanne · Traveled October 2023
Our Premium Japan trip was a wonderfully entertaining and busy trip. Hiro, our leader was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the whole country and its history. Our group, from 3 different countries was fun and interested in the things we saw. I felt completely safe and entertained the whole time.
Review submitted 07 Nov 2023

Sonia · Traveled October 2023
A fast-paced tour of the prime sites of Japan, giving the travellers a great experience of history, culture & cuisine.
Review submitted 12 Nov 2023

David · Traveled October 2023
Japan fulfilled everything we had been told about the country. It is a delight to visit from the amazing countryside to the clean cities and tasty food. Our guide Eiko was very professional and knowledgeable and nothing was too much trouble for her. She added additional side trips for us and assisted with our return travel. Than you so much Eiko.
Review submitted 08 Nov 2023
Premium Japan
From
EUR €5,445