Sometimes, a holiday should just be a holiday: a chance to relinquish all responsibilities, make no decisions, and worry about absolutely nothing. On All-In Japan, you'll do just this. Leaving every aspect of your trip to us, from your lunch to your luggage, you'll be free to concentrate on immersing yourself in Japanese culture - safe in the knowledge that you don't have a penny to pay on the ground.
This tour is an exhilarating journey through Japan's history and traditions, from the refined geisha houses of Kyoto to Tokyo's exuberant taiko drumming workshops. Tour the ancient temples of Kyoto and Nara, visit the biggest original castle in Japan at Himeji, and experience zazen meditation at a beautiful temple deep in the forests of Fukui Prefecture.
All-In Japan is all about comfort and peace of mind, but don't let that fool you - this is all-inclusive as you've never seen it before: full-on, fast-paced, and packed full of action.
Read below for an itinerary summary or come into our branch to discuss the tour in more detail.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo and enjoy a welcome dinner
On arrival at one of Tokyo’s two Airports, you will be picked up for your shared shuttle back to your hotel in the heart of the city. Your tour leader will be waiting to meet you and answer any questions, and this evening you’ll be able to begin getting to know your group over a delicious welcome meal at the hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Tokyo and an evening river cruise
With a private coach at your disposal, today you’ll take in a number of Tokyo’s most famous sights. Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, get a glimpse of the city’s past at the fascinating EdoTokyo Museum, and explore the old-world streets and market stalls of the Asakusa district and the city’s oldest temple - Senso-ji. A taiko lesson this afternoon will introduce you to the energetic movements of Japan’s traditional drumming. This evening you’ll board a boat on the Sumida River for a yakatabune dinner cruise beneath the twinkling lights of the city.
Day 3: Shoot cross-country on the bullet train to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park
This morning we’ll hop on the shinkansen, Japan’s world-famous bullet train, for a speedy journey westwards to Hiroshima. For lunch we’ll sample the typical fare of the Japanese traveller – an ekiben “station lunchbox”. On arrival in Hiroshima, we’ll travel by private coach from the station to our hotel before we head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn a little more about the events of 6th August 1945. This evening, we’ll lighten the mood with a bit of cookery: learn how to make okonomiyaki, the cabbage or noodle-based pancake typical of this part of Japan.
Day 4: Enjoy a relaxing day trip to the beautiful Miyajima island
On day four, we’ll jump on a boat at the Peace Park for the 55 minute journey across Hiroshima Bay to the island of Miyajima, a beautiful island on the Seto Inland Sea. Miyajima is most famous for its World Heritage Shrine and “floating” torii gate, but you’re also sure to enjoy the traditional town centre, friendly local deer, and cable car ride to the top of Mount Misen.
Day 5: Stop at Kurashiki canal area and Himeji castle en route to Kyoto
This morning we’ll leave Hiroshima behind and head east toward Kyoto. Travelling by private coach, we’ll stop off along the way for lunch in Kurashiki, a lovely little town famous for its beautiful, willow-lined canal district. After we’ll journey on to our next stop: Himeji Castle. Himeji is one of just a handful of original feudal castles left in Japan, and it’s the biggest of all. Finally, arriving in Kyoto, we’ll check in to our hotel and have the rest of the evening at leisure. Dinner is included at the hotel restaurant tonight.
Day 6: Kyoto sightseeing and a special meeting with a Geisha
On day six we’ll have a full day of sightseeing in Kyoto, giving you an in-depth introduction to this historic city. Travelling by private minivan, we’ll stop at sites such as the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji and the Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple. The day’s highlight is sure to come this afternoon, when we’ll travel to a teahouse for a private audience with a geisha or maiko (trainee). Finally, to round off our first day in Kyoto, we’ll head out this evening to GEAR – an exciting, non-verbal theatre show that will provide an interesting modern counterpoint to Kyoto’s more traditional arts.
Day 7: Visit another of Japan’s historic capitals - Nara
On day seven, we’ll leave Kyoto and make the short journey by train to Nara, another former capital of Japan with an impressive cultural heritage. Today’s sightseeing will include visits to forested Nara Park, Issuien Garden, the great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple and the vermilion shrine of Kasuga Taisha.
Day 8: Travel to Kaga onsen via Tojinbo Cliffs and Eiheiji temple
On the way to Kaga Onsen, we’ll stop off at the partially reconstructed ruins of Ichijodani Castle Town, see the impressive Tojinbo Cliffs on the Japan Sea coast, and stop off at the beautiful temple of Eihei-ji. While at Eihei-ji, we’ll enjoy a lesson in zazen meditation under the tutelage of a temple priest. This evening we’ll spend the night at a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, with an included dinner of fine kaiseki cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try out the hot-spring baths – an integral part of any ryokan stay!
Day 9: Meet local artisans in Yamanaka Onsen before travelling to Kanazawa
After a morning in the small town of Yamanaka Onsen, meeting the local artisans and having a go at traditional crafts (including paper-making and wood-turning), we’ll move on via private coach to Kanazawa. Kanazawa retains some of Japan’s best-preserved old-town districts, and is known throughout the country for its rich artistic traditions. This afternoon we’ll explore Nagamachi, the old samurai district, including a visit to the well preserved Nomura Samurai House.
Day 10: Stroll around Japan’s top landscape garden in the city of Kanazawa
This morning, you’ll have the chance to have a go at making wagashi – delicate Japanese confectionary – with a local expert before we continue with a full day of sightseeing. Highlights will include visiting Kenrokuen, widely considered to be Japan’s most beautiful landscape garden, the Higashichaya old-town district, and the outstanding 21st Century Art Museum. After all this culture, this evening we’ll have a chance to relax as we head to the local bowling alley for a few beers and a bit of fun.
Day 11: Board the bullet train back to Tokyo and afternoon of sightseeing
On day 11 it’s time to jump back on the bullet train for the return journey to Tokyo, where you’ll spend your final two nights in Japan. Arriving around lunchtime, we’ll have plenty of time for an afternoon of sightseeing by public transport and on foot – including the lovely Hamarikyu Garden, Tokyo Tower, the upmarket Ginza district and Zozoji Temple.
Day 12: Enjoy a final day in Tokyo with a special farewell dinner
With a final full day in Tokyo, you can either spend your morning at leisure (giving you time to do a bit of last-minute shopping or fit in anything you haven’t yet had time to do) or you can join your tour leader with a visit to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. This afternoon you’re in for another afternoon of sightseeing by public transport and on foot, taking in Shinjuku Park, the atmospheric Meiji Shrine, and the amazing architecture of the Aoyama and Omotesando. Finally, your last dinner of the tour will take place Gonpachi – the restaurant that starred in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill.
Day 13: Depart Japan or extend your stay with a self-guided add-on
Alas your tour must come to an end on day 13, and you will be taken by shared shuttle back to the airport for your flight home. If you would prefer to extend your time in Japan we can arrange extra nights or self-guided add-ons.
If this sounds like the perfect introduction to Japan for you, come inside or give us a call to discuss this tour with our staff.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
What’s included?
- Full-time services of your tour leader
- 12 nights’ accommodation
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day and a selection of drinks at every meal
- All transport between destinations in Japan, including airport transfers
- IC transport card with 2,500 yen credit for local transport
- Luggage handling between all destinations
- Extra local guides in Tokyo and Kyoto
- Entrance fees for all excursions described in the day-by-day itinerary
- Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip
What’s not included?
- International flights
- Any extra transport, entrance fees, activities or meals not mentioned in the day-by-day itinerary
- Other items of a personal nature (souvenirs, laundry etc.)
Fitness: Even when not using public transport, sightseeing in Japan often involves walking between sights, climbing up steps in temples and being 'on the go' for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness, able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty and able to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the majority of the group.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on every full day of your tour, plus dinner on your first day and breakfast on your last day. At lunch one drink is included, at dinner two drinks will be included (or an all-you-can-drink option in some locations). You will be able to choose from a selection of beverages. If you wish to purchase extra beverages you will have to pay for them locally.
Dietary requirements: Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes. However, please be aware that restaurants or ryokan (Japanese-style inns) will not always be able to alter their menus to fully exclude specific allergens or to cater for strict dietary requirements.
Flexibility: On this tour, there is a set itinerary for each day, allowing you to relax and enjoy an action-packed programme of activities. Nevertheless, if you would like to break away from the group and do something different on any day, your tour leader will be available to give you advice, and help you plan your day.
Accommodation: All accommodation on this tour has full ensuite bathroom facilities. The accommodation in Kaga Onsen and Kanazawa also offers shared natural hot-spring baths for your enjoyment.
International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport or at Tokyo Haneda Airport. International flights are not included by please ask if you would like assistance with these.
If you have any questions about this tour or would like to secure your places, please call us or visit our store.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- All-Inclusive 12 night Small Group Tour of Japan
- All meals, entrances fees and transport in Japan are included
- Includes stays in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kaga onsen and Kanazawa
- 4* hotels throughout with one night spent at a ryokan (Japanese inn) where you can relax in the hot spring baths
- Visit iconic destinations such as Japan's largest original feudal castle in Himeji and the beautiful island of Miyajima
- Enjoy a number of exciting and exclusive experiences, from a private audience with one of Kyoto's geisha to some energetic taiko drumming in Tokyo
DATES: 7 departures throughout the year. Please ask in store for more details.
GROUP SIZE: Maximum size of 20 people
TOUR DURATION: 12 nights
GUIDE PRICE:
From £4,850 per person (not including international flights) based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Single supplement: For solo travellers this tour has a single supplement which guarantees a single room throughout.
Guide price per person,
based on the details shown in the Itinerary. Excluding international flights.
Prices start from £4,850
Subject to availability and change. Terms and conditions apply.
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Or call us for further information
01206 508888 |
Holiday Name : All-In Japan
Reference : IJ
Reference : IJ
