Experience Japan
Experience Japan
Experience Japan
11 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Nagano, Matsumoto, Mount Fuji, Kamakura, Tokyo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1985
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Experience Japan" tour, a cultural adventure that takes you through the heart of Japan's most iconic destinations. Begin in the vibrant city of Osaka, where you'll explore the historic Osaka Castle and cruise the Yodogawa River. Discover the serene beauty of Nara Park and the majestic Todaiji Temple. Wander through the enchanting Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto and partake in traditional tea ceremonies and origami classes. Witness the playful snow monkeys in Nagano and savor the flavors of miso and sake in Matsumoto. Marvel at the grandeur of Mt. Fuji and the Kamakura Grand Buddha, and immerse yourself in Tokyo's dynamic blend of history and modernity. With fully guided tours, inclusive meals, and comfortable accommodations, this 9-night adventure promises an enriching exploration of Japan's rich cultural tapestry.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka! Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover Nara
Location: Nara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River. After
lunch, continue to Nara and enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Gardens before returning to Osaka.
Day 4: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Start with a visit to Togetsukyo Bridge located in the heart of the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen
garden and the famous 'Golden Pavilion' Kinkakuji Temple. Enjoy some free time this
afternoon to further explore the city.
Day 5: Experience Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a visit to one of Kyoto's most famous sites – Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates and follow a forested hillside pathway passing numerous shrines along the way. Later, enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master, and try your hand at origami. After lunch, your immersive experience continues with a fan painting class where you will learn the technique of this highly refined and sought-after visual art.
Day 6: Search For Snow Monkeys
Location: Nagano
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning travelling by bullet train to Nagoya and then journey on the limited express train to Nagano. Upon arrival, head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen and walk through a picturesque, forested valley to the hot pools where you can search for the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) - sighting not guaranteed. Also visit the 7th-century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most popular Buddhist temples, before continuing by road to Matsumoto.
Day 7: Miso And Sake Tasting
Location: Matsumoto
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as 'Crow Castle', due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. After lunch, visit a sake brewery and enjoy a tipple or two! There will be some free time this afternoon to further explore Matsumoto.
Day 8: Mount Fuji
Location: Mount Fuji
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel by road to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th Station to view
Mt Fuji (weather permitting). Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway to enjoy the breathtaking scenery below. Continue to Mishima and stay overnight.
Day 9: Kamakura Grand Buddha
Location: Kamakura
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Kamakura, a popular coastal city located south of Tokyo. Visit Kotokuin Temple, which houses Japan's second tallest bronze buddha statue, followed by a stroll through Komachi Street which is lined with pretty little shops before visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura's most important shrine. After lunch, continue to Tokyo and enjoy a leisurely walk though Hamarikyu Gardens.
Day 10: Discover Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day by ascending to the observation deck at the Tokyo Skytree, Japan's tallest tower, for panoramic views over the city below. Next, head to the old district of Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple, before browsing the stalls on Nakamise shopping street. After lunch, explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historical heritage. End the day with a cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and enjoy dinner from the perfect vantage point to
admire the supercharged lights of the city.
Day 11: Fly Tokyo To Uk
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights in 3+/4 star hotels are included in the tour package.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are included.
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is covered.
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Country Entry Visas
Country entry visas are included in the tour package.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various attractions are included.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided.
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International Travel
International travel is included in the package.
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Local Taxes
Local taxes are included in the tour cost.
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Meals – Full Board
The tour includes full board meals: 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners.
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Fully Inclusive
The tour is fully inclusive, covering touring with guides and entrance fees.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included, but you may tip your guide at your discretion if you feel you have received excellent service.
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Drinks with Meals
Drinks with meals are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with all domestic transportation included, featuring bullet trains and express trains, ensuring a smooth journey across Japan's iconic destinations.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights in comfortable 3+ to 4-star accommodations, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures in Japan.
Experiences
Japanese Fan Painting
Visit an historic Kyoto-fan house to try your hand at the art of Japanese fan painting, practised for over a thousand years and still alive today.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Stroll through the scores of vast torii gates to the 800-year-old Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, a beautiful structure dedicated to the god of samurai in the heart of Kamakura.
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Explore the fascinating cultural heritage of Tokyo, learn what shaped this most impressive city and get a glimpse of what life was like through the ages at theTokyo-Edo Museum.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights in 3+ or 4-star accommodations.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour is full board with 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners included.
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Is tipping expected during the tour in Japan?
Tipping in Japan is not customary, but if you feel you have received excellent service, you may tip your guide at your discretion.
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Will there be opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a tea ceremony with a tea master and a fan painting class, providing an immersive experience in traditional Japanese culture.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Kyoto?
In Kyoto, you will visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, participate in a tea ceremony, try origami, and attend a fan painting class.
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Will we have a chance to see snow monkeys during the tour?
Yes, there is an opportunity to search for Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, although sightings are not guaranteed.
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What is included in the visit to Mount Fuji?
The visit to Mount Fuji includes a road ascent to the 5th Station, a cruise on Lake Ashi, and a ride on the Komagatake Ropeway for scenic views.
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What can we expect during the visit to Tokyo?
In Tokyo, you will visit the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views, explore the Asakusa district and Sensoji Temple, visit the Tokyo National Museum, and enjoy a cruise on Tokyo Bay.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.