Tour Overview
Embark on the "Jewels of Japan" tour, a captivating journey through the Land of the Rising Sun. Experience the vibrant blend of modernity and tradition in Tokyo, ascend the majestic Mount Fuji, and explore the poignant city of Hiroshima. Marvel at the serene beauty of the Itsukushima Shrine and the grandeur of Himeji Castle. Discover Kyoto's rich cultural heritage with a traditional tea ceremony and origami lesson. Travel seamlessly across Japan with included domestic transportation, featuring the iconic bullet train. Stay in comfortable accommodations, from the Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Tokyo to the British-style Hotel Monterey in Osaka. This cultural adventure offers guided tours, entrance fees, and Japan visa fees, ensuring a hassle-free exploration of Japan's historical and natural wonders. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, with optional activities like a cable car ride on Miyajima Island. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and then take time to explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historical heritage. After lunch, seek out the tranquillity at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa district, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for panoramic views over the sprawling city below.
Day 4: Meiji Shrine
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with a relaxing wander around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, before driving past the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish. End the day with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay and witness the city lit up at night.
Day 5: Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes
Location: Mount Fuji
Accommodation Name: Fuji Mishima Tokyu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. Upon arrival, ascend 2,000 metres up to Mount Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting) where, with its perfectly conical looming overhead, you can take in the breathtaking views over the landscapes below. After lunch, continue to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the artist's elaborate dyed silk creations and spend some time strolling around the beautiful garden. Also explore Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko.
Day 6: Bullet train to Kyoto
Location: Oshino Hakkai, Mishima, Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Rihga Gran Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai before learning how to make your very own traditional Japanese soba noodles which you will then tuck into for lunch! Later, transfer to Mishima station and journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for 1,000 years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.
Day 7: Explore Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation Name: Rihga Gran Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto starting with a visit to one of Kyoto's delightful temples – the 17th-century Buddhist Kiyomizu. Immerse yourself in the culture by experiencing the sacred rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at origami. Dating back to the 6th-century, the art of 'folding paper' is a cultural symbol of simplicity, beauty and peace. Later, explore the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its remarkable 10,000 red torii gates.
Day 8: Journey to Hiroshima
Location: Kyoto, Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Grand Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. Later, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that needs no introduction.
Day 9: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Location: Miyajima, Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Grand Prince Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy some free time and take an optional ride on the cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy the panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima and take a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and also visit the Orizuru Tower.
Day 10 Himeji Castle
Location: Himeji, Osaka
Accommodation Name: Hotel Monterey Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Himeji to visit its famous castle. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city and is recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate its turbulent past before strolling around Kokoen, the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat. Later, transfer to Osaka for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Fly Osaka to UK
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3* plus to 4* accommodation is included.
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Domestic Transportation
All domestic transportation is included, featuring the iconic bullet train and internal flights.
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Guided Tours
Touring with guides and entrance fees are included.
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Japan Visa Fees
Japan visa fees are included.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included. Although tipping in Japan is not customary, 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.
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless travel with all domestic transportation included, featuring the iconic bullet train and internal flights, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey across Japan.
Accommodation
Stay at the Sunshine City Prince Hotel in Tokyo, offering comfortable en-suite rooms and various dining options. Enjoy the Fuji Mishima Tokyu's contemporary rooms near Mount Fuji. Explore Kyoto from the Rihga Gran Kyoto with its luxurious amenities. Relax at the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima with stunning sea views. Experience British-style interiors at Hotel Monterey Osaka. ...more ...less
Experiences
Learn the Art of OrigamiTake part in a handicraft experience - the traditions and techniques of the intricate art of origami. You'll learn to fold some of the simpler, but still impressive, shapes and designs.
Soba Noodle makingThe buckwheat soba noodle is one of Japan's most famous culinary exports - try your hand at making them from scratch, before feasting on the delicious results for lunch.
Traditional Tea CeremonyExperience the perfect display of Japanese culture as you witness the preparation and
performance involved in the 'Way of Tea', a traditional tea ceremony.
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Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the Jewels of Japan tour?
During the Jewels of Japan tour, you will stay in 3* plus to 4* accommodation. In Tokyo, you'll stay at the Sunshine City Prince Hotel, which offers comfortable en-suite rooms and various dining options. Near Mount Fuji, you'll be accommodated at the Fuji Mishima Tokyu with contemporary rooms. In Kyoto, you'll stay at the Rihga Gran Kyoto with luxurious amenities. In Hiroshima, you'll relax at the Grand Prince Hotel with stunning sea views, and in Osaka, you'll experience British-style interiors at Hotel Monterey Osaka. ...more ...less
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What transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes all domestic transportation, featuring the iconic bullet train and internal flights, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey across Japan.
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Are guided tours included in the Jewels of Japan tour?
Yes, guided tours are included in the Jewels of Japan tour. Touring with guides and entrance fees are part of the package.
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Is the Japan visa fee included in the tour package?
Yes, the Japan visa fees are included in the tour package.
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What activities are included in the Kyoto part of the tour?
In Kyoto, you will enjoy a full day tour starting with a visit to the 17th-century Buddhist Kiyomizu Temple. You will also experience a traditional tea ceremony and try your hand at origami. Additionally, you will explore the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its remarkable 10,000 red torii gates. ...more ...less
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What can I expect during the visit to Hiroshima?
In Hiroshima, you will take a ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine. You will have some free time and can take an optional ride on the cable car up Mount Misen for panoramic views. Back in Hiroshima, you will visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to pay homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and also visit the Orizuru Tower.
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Will I have the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture during the tour?
Yes, you will have several opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture. In Kyoto, you will participate in a traditional tea ceremony and learn the art of origami. Additionally, you will have the chance to make traditional Japanese soba noodles from scratch.
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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
Jewels of Japan
11 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Oshino Hakkai, Mishima, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
295
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
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