Classic Japan
Experience Overview
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?
Highlights
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1711
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Public Bus,Subway,Bullet Train,Train,Boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: CJKJ
Starts: Kyoto, Japan
Finishes: Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel/Ryokan (9 nights),Temple Stay (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,860 ($624 /day)
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto, Japan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you have some free time, step out onto the streets for your first taste of this beautiful city. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally 'tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in AD794, Kyoto had its golden age during the imperial court's heyday from 794 to 1185. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years (the name means Capital City) but the emperor and government are now located in Tokyo. After the meeting tonight, perhaps head out for your first taste of traditional Japanese food. As the millennium-long home of the imperial kitchen, Kyoto is known as the centre of Japanese culinary tradition, so you’re sure to begin this trip with a delicious meal.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
You’ll begin the day with a visit to some of Kyoto’s more important sights. Visit the opulent Nijo Castle – home to the Tokugawa Shoguns who had power over the country during the Edo period. Check out the ‘nightingale floors’ of Ninomaru Palace, which squeak to warn of intruders (like otherwise-silent ninjas). From the castle, it’s a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji – perhaps Japan’s most famous Zen garden – where carefully placed rocks sit in an immaculately raked sea of gravel. Located also nearby is the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel 'The Golden Pavilion'. This evening, take a step back in time on a walk through the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district, an entertainment district and the centre of geisha culture, coming alive at night. If you’re lucky you might spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up. If you’ve got the budget, perhaps attend a tea ceremony at one of the district's teahouses, or splash out on a kaiseki meal in a ryotei (small restaurants serving traditional multi-course cuisine).
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden
- Kyoto - Nijo Castle
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a full free day and there’s so much for you to explore. With its many cultural landmarks and historical sites, and the abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is also a city that lends itself to walking, and there are a number of paths available. Recommended is a gentle stroll through the nearby eastern hills along the ‘Path of Philosophy’ that links Ginkaku-ji – the Temple of the Silver Pavilion – with Nanzen-ji Temple. This walk can be extended south through well-preserved Old Town areas to Kiyamizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) from where there is an acclaimed view across a wooded gorge toward Kyoto. Also recommended, for those visiting in spring, is a visit to the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (the Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geishas). Close to Kyoto station, you'll also find the architecturally impressive Higashi Honganji Temple and the almost surreal Sanjusangendo, home to 1001 statues of Kannon. In the late afternoon you might like to return to the Kawaramachi or Shijo Dori area of central Kyoto to browse the shops or enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants that occupy this exciting area.
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Cooking Class from (8800 JPY)
- Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from (1200 JPY)
- Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) (500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple (600 JPY)
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera (500 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spot the 120 temples dotted around Koya-san as you take the train into an important region for Shingon Buddhism. Founded in the eighth century by the Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi, Koya-san has been a centre for religious activities for over 1200 years. The last leg of the journey takes you through some of Japan’s finest scenery, on a mountain road rising through the clouds, 915 m above sea-level. The most impressive sight on Mount Koya is the massive and mysterious Okunoin cemetery, the resting place of many of Japan's most famous people. Some 200,000 stone statues, wooden totems and sometimes bizarre memorials (a rocket marks the site of a mausoleum interring the workers of an aerospace company) lie throughout this moss-laden forest. After visiting the more interesting of the mountain’s sights, make your way to the comfortable Shukubo Temple Lodging for the night. Here you might interact with some of the monks that run the lodgings, learn about the customs of traditional Japanese accommodation and enjoy some monastic vegetarian cuisine.
Included Activities:
- Koya-san - Okunoin Cemetery
Optional Activities:
- Koya-san - Kongobu-ji Temple (1000 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Temple Stay (Number of Nights: 1)
Return by cable railway to Gokurakubashi and make your way to Osaka to board your first bullet train, heading to Hiroshima. Travelling by shinkansen is an absolute buzz, as you’ll reach speeds of up to 270 km per hour. As you speed south, stop to visit Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji. The building, which has survived earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, was restored to its full glory in 2015. The moats, baileys, towers and walled alleyways were ingeniously designed to trick attackers – perhaps so intimidatingly that they were never in fact tested. Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families and look out over the grounds and the city below from the seventh floor. Continue on to Hiroshima and enjoy dinner together, feasting on Japan's signature savoury pancake - okonomiyaki.
Included Activities:
- Himeji - Himeji Castle
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both of which stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated so it was able to retain its shape – the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing means it serves as a reminder and symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims, education on what lead to the bomb’s use, as well as advocating world peace. In the afternoon you'll head for the serene, enchanting island of Miyajima, reached after a short ferry ride across the Inland Sea. The island is home to the venerable Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, famous for its huge bright orange gate (torii) that rises majestically out of the sea. At high tide it is considered to be one of the most beautiful sights in Japan. The size and physical landscape of Miyajima makes it an ideal place for walking. There is the lovely Momiji Park (known as Maple Valley), from where it is possible to walk or take a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen. Return to Hiroshima for the night and maybe try one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – your leader will have some great suggestions!
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Board a bullet train to Nagoya, then change to an express train and continue north to the mountainous centre of Japan. You’ll spend a memorable night in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) near the medieval village of Tsumago. Once a post town (where travellers could rest on their journey around the country) during the days of the Shogun, Tsumago is the best preserved of the many staging posts along the Edo period Nakasendo Highway. The highway once connected Tokyo with Kyoto and was immortalised in the famous woodblock prints of Hiroshige. Cars are prohibited in the main street and cables run underground in order to maintain the medieval atmosphere of the town. You’ll have the opportunity to walk along a short section of the old Nakasendo Highway, walking from the post town of Magome along the highway to your accommodation at Tsumago, enjoying some great views across the valley along the way. In tonight’s ryokan, rooms are equipped with thin futon mattresses that are spread on tatami mats for a comfortable night's sleep. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner cooked in the ryokan.
Included Activities:
- Tsumago - Nakasendo Walk
Accommodation:
- Ryokan (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll have time to explore Tsumago and browse the local shops. You’ll then board a train and continue north to the picturesque castle town of Matsumoto. Matsumoto’s atmosphere is surprisingly cosmopolitan, while maintaining its historic charm and traditional streetscapes. This afternoon you'll stroll through the former merchant district of Nakamachi, lined with well preserved old buildings, where you can find local crafts, treasures and great restaurants. You’ll also have the option of visiting the city’s most famous site, the Matsumoto Castle, formerly known as Fukashi Castle. The regal-looking building has an elegant black roof and walls, and is sometimes nicknamed Crow Castle due to its resemblance to the bird spreading its wings. As the oldest original castle in the country (begun in 1592), it’s also one of Japan’s four castles listed as national treasures. You’ll spend the evening here in Matsumoto. Perhaps try the local soba noodles (some of the best in the country) and be sure to get some wasabi-based treats – the pristine waters from the alps make it grow particularly well here.
Included Activities:
- Matsumoto - walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Matsumoto - Matsumoto Castle (700 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning, make your way by express train to Japan’s amazing capital – Tokyo – and to the hotel where you’ll be based for the next few days. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, including fascinating museums, world-class shopping, bustling energy and futuristic architecture, as well as a gentler side of neighbourhood backstreets where citizens often reveal themselves – particularly outside of working hours – to be some of the friendliest of any capital city in the world. There are many vestiges of the past, with historic temples and shrines still to be found in some of the most unexpected places, as well as an abundance of parks and gardens – particularly exquisite in spring when the cherry trees and azaleas are in bloom. After you arrive, you have free time to explore – perhaps visit the expansive grounds and moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, then enjoy the myriad food options for dinner.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll undertake a varied, full-day tour of the city, beginning in the historic Asakusa area. This is one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo, and is often called the temple district. Here you’ll stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple – founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. Browse the many interesting stalls – filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs – that line the shopping street of Nakamise dori. After lunch you’ll enjoy an alternative view of Tokyo as you relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River. You’ll pass significant buildings like the Sky Tree Tower, Asahi Beer Hall with its distinctive roof-top sculpture, the Sumo Stadium and the former Tsukiji Fish Market complex, gliding under bridges that bisect the river before alighting at the delightful urban oasis of the Hama Rikyu gardens. Here you’ll have time to stroll along paths that were once the sole preserve of the Shogun, who would hunt ducks here in the feudal era. Later you can make your way to the luxurious shopping district of Ginza where, depending on the theatre schedule, you may have the chance to see a short performance of Kabuki, one of Japan’s more spectacular performing arts, or visit the food depachika basement floor of a department store to see the huge range of produce exquisitely displayed.
Included Activities:
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Sumida River Cruise
- Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your Japan adventure comes to an end today. With no activities planned, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
Optional Activities:
- Tokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen (500 JPY)
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
- Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum (1000 JPY)
- Tokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
- Tokyo - Samurai Museum (3300 JPY)
- Tokyo - Studio Ghibli Museum (advance bookings required - from) (2500 JPY)
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Kimberley - Traveled, March 2024
This is a real taste of Japan! I loved it! You will go to places you wouldn't dream up if you were planning yourself! And all stress free as you just follow your tour leader! Mt.fuji isn't part of the trip you may get lucky to see if from the train to Tokyo or not but consider staying on past the tour to do it yourself if you want to see! Love intrepid tours and second time for me - will always go again as its amazing to meet people who are like minded! I recommend this trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Brigitte - Traveled, March 2024
The tour was very well organized, with a lovely mixture of hotels, homestays and special locations. The small group of 7 was fun and Hiso our guide was a darling! Well organized, no rush and plenty of time for the amazing sites. Also some free time for personal interests, always with suggestions by Hiso what to do. Even bad weather did not impact the fanatcstic experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Paul - Traveled, March 2024
This is Japan 101. If you haven't been to Japan and thinking what tour to do then it's this one! After you do this tour then perhaps checkout the other tours for a better appreciation of Japan!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
James - Traveled, March 2024
Classic Japan is just that! It gives you an open-jaw of the main sights and sounds of Japan and gives you a taster of key cultural corner stones. If you haven't been to Japan and want to experience what Japan has to offer this is a useful tour for you. I'd suggest a few days before and after though if you can to see Osaka, Nara Park, and then a few of the key cities in Tokyo's vast metropolis!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Anna - Traveled, March 2024
This was a phenomenal trip with excellent variety in destinations! Our days in Koya-san and the Northern Alps were my favorites, and probably areas we wouldn't have explored had we not done this tour. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
Pam - Traveled, November 2023
Our Classic Japan tour was amazing & beyond expectations. We were so fortunate to have a group & leader who socialised so well - lots of laughs, no whinging & punctual. Our leader went beyond expectations with advice & assistance post tour as well. The experience leaves everyone wanting to return to Japan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Ruth - Traveled, November 2023
Amazing amazing trip. Great tour leader and fabulous group of people in the tour. I thought this would be a one of trip to Japan but now I know I’ll definitely be back. Amazing country!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Paul - Traveled, November 2023
Japan can be intriguing and also bewildering.Our Classic Tour gave us a really wide view of this country with something different every day.As our fellow travellers all agreed, we saw so many things that as individuals we would not see(or do)Wonderful tour leader made it very special
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Czesia - Traveled, October 2023
The classic Japan tour Offered by Intrepid was One of the best trips I have taken. It was well organized, provide a good overview of Japanese culture and life. Our guide, Susumu was excellent. He was supportive in very way, responded to all questions and never hesitated to look up any information we needed or were curious about. He also provided time for us to explore on our own while at the same time ensuring there was an easy place for us to find to reconnect as a group. The use of public transport was an enriching experience in of itself.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/11/2023
Rosalyn - Traveled, October 2023
Great trip! Our tour leader Toshimi was outstanding. The itinerary included a good mix of big cities and small mountain towns including a visit to Koya-san. Our transportation was almost entirely on Japan's excellent public transportation system including the Shinkansen. A wonderful introduction to Japan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2023
Andrea - Traveled, October 2023
Great trip for first time visitors to Japan. Having a Japanese speaking guide Toshimi, was the best. We spent more time doing rather than organising and he was such a fun person to be around. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/04/2023
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