Classic Japan

(11 reviews)

From:

CAD $7270

11 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Steeped in centuries of tradition and full of culinary prowess, Japan is awash with sights to see and histories to uncover.

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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 13 Jun 2027

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Experience Overview

Steeped in centuries of tradition and full of culinary prowess, Japan is awash with sights to see and histories to uncover. From Tokyo to Osaka, you’ll spend 11 days exploring the heart of Japan. Take in Tokyo’s cityscape during a cruise down the Sumida River, learn about the sobering history of Hiroshima and immerse yourself in Kyoto’s culture during a tea ceremony. Veer off the tourist track with visits to Minobu and Gero. Stay in a temple in the shadow of Mt Fuji, relax in an onsen and feast on a kaiseki dinner. Encounter secluded temples, traditional villages and tasty street food as you explore the endless diversity of Japan with your small group and a local leader who knows all the best spots.

Highlights

Be immersed in the heritage and traditions of Kyoto. Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple, then take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
Spend a night in a centuries-old temple in Minobu. Try a typical meal of shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine), maybe take a moment to meditate in the crisp mountain air or witness the morning prayer ceremony.
Soak your worries away at a ryokan hotel in Gero, famous for its onsens, and feast on a kaiseki (multi-course) meal. Visit the local market and step back in time in Gassho Village, full of traditional thatched-roof houses.
Take in the eclectic charm of Tokyo and Osaka. Cruise down Tokyo’s Sumida River and explore the neon-lit Dotonbori District in Osaka.
Learn more about the sobering past of Hiroshima at the memorial park, museums and monuments dedicated to the victims – these sites now advocate for world peace, serving as a reminder of the devastation of war.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 1711

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Comfortable

Transport: Public Bus, Subway, Bullet Train, Train, Boat

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Explorer, Rail & Cruises, Budget

Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel

Supplier Code: CJKJ

Starts: Tokyo, Japan

Finishes: Osaka, Japan

Duration: 11 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Average

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (10), Dinner (3)
Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights), Temple Stay (1 night), Ryokan (1 night)

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7270 ($661 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have some free time, step out onto the streets for your first taste of this beautiful city. Bursting with urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, including its historical museums, world-class shopping (there’s some great vintage finds here!), bustling energy and futuristic architecture. You might like to visit the expansive grounds and moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, or one of the many parks and gardens that are particularly exquisite in spring when the cherry trees and azaleas are in bloom. After the meeting tonight, perhaps head out for your first taste of traditional Japanese food.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Tokyo

Take a full-day tour of the city today, beginning in the historic Asakusa area. This is one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo – it’s often called the temple district. Here, you’ll stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple. At Nakamise shopping street, browse the many interesting stalls filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs. You’ll also experience a different view of Tokyo as you relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River. You’ll pass the Skytree Tower, Asahi Beer Hall, Sumo Stadium and the former Tsukiji Fish Market complex. Disembark at the Hama Rikyu gardens and stroll along paths where the Shoguns once hunted ducks in the feudal era. Later, make your way to the luxurious shopping district of Ginza. Depending on the theatre schedule, you may have the chance to see a short performance of Kabuki. Or, visit the depachika (basement-level food hall) of a department store to see the huge range of produce on display.

Included Activities:

Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden
Tokyo - Sumida River Cruise

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Minobu

Wave goodbye to frenetic Tokyo and slip into the quieter pace of Minobu today. You’ll take a train to this small town near Mt Fuji, arriving around midday. Settle into your shukubo (temple stay) for the night – a sub-temple of Minobu’s main temple, Kuon-ji. More than 500 years old, Kuon-ji has a serene garden and hosts a range of activities like sutra copying (a Buddhist practice involving Japanese calligraphy) and meditation – speak to your leader if you’d like to opt into any of these activities during your free afternoon today. Or you could get out and about to start exploring this small yet charming town. Maybe climb the 287 steps to reach Kuon-ji or take the Minobusan Ropeway for a great view of the town and an unobstructed view of Mt Fuji on a clear day. For dinner at the temple tonight, you’ll tuck into traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine called shojin ryori.

Included Activities:

Minobu - Temple Stay
Minobu - Temple Shojin Ryori (Buddhist Cuisine)

Optional Activities:

Minobu - Kuon-ji Temple - Free
Minobu - Mt. Minobu Ropeway (return) (1600 JPY)

Accommodation:

Temple Stay (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Gero

If you’re up for an early start today, you can opt to observe the morning prayer ceremony at the temple. After breakfast, leave Minobu and travel to Gero, a centuries-old onsen town. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and head out on an orientation walk with your leader. For the next two nights, you’ll be staying in a ryokan hotel with both indoor and outdoor onsens. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the much-loved Japanese tradition of soaking your worries away in these steaming pools. Your leader will teach you about wearing a yukata and other etiquette for using the onsen. In the evening, enjoy a kaiseki feast (a traditional, multi-course meal featuring soup, sashimi, steamed and grilled courses, sides and freshly steamed rice).

Included Activities:

Gero - Kaiseki dinner
Minobu - Temple Morning Prayer Ceremony

Accommodation:

Ryokan Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Gero

This morning, visit the market, where you’ll learn about local ingredients and produce. You might also like to browse the stalls selling handcrafted ceramics and locally made specialties like sake. Next, head to Gassho Village – an open-air museum showcasing 10 preserved thatched-roof houses, including the historic Odo House. Recognised as an Important Cultural Property, this house displays agricultural tools used in silk production, giving you a glimpse at what agricultural life was like here in the mountains. You might also visit the Iwasaki House to see a collection of folkloric crafts or the Enkukan, which contains carved statues of Buddha. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Your leader will be ready with some great suggestions if you need help planning your day.

Included Activities:

Gero - Gasso Village
Gero - Morning Market

Accommodation:

Ryokan Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto by train. Originally called Heian-kyo (literally 'peaceful and tranquil capital'), Kyoto was named the national capital by Emperor Kammu in AD794. The city had its golden age as Japan’s capital for over 1000 years before the emperor and government were moved to the new capital of Tokyo. When you arrive, drop off your luggage and head straight to the famous red torii (gates) of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Thousands of these gates line a path up Mt Inari – make sure your phone or camera is charged for this classic Kyoto photo op! Return to your hotel in the afternoon, then set off on an orientation walk with your leader. Early this evening, regroup and 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 geiko culture, Gion comes alive at night. If you’re lucky, you might spot geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) in their elaborate dress and make up.

Included Activities:

Kyoto - Gion District Walk
Kyoto - Fushimi Inari - Taisha

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Kyoto

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel 'The Temple of the Golden Pavilion'. This temple is partially covered in gold leaf and has features of both the Shinden and Bukke architectural styles. Next, take part in a quintessential Kyoto experience – a tea ceremony. Learn about the rituals and tools involved in this ancient tradition and immerse your senses in the sounds, smells as flavours of the art form. Enjoy a free afternoon. Kyoto is a city that lends itself to walking – it’s highly recommended you take a gentle stroll through the nearby eastern hills along the Philosopher’s Path 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 Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Pure Water) from which there’s an acclaimed view across a wooded gorge toward Kyoto.

Included Activities:

Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto -Tea Ceremony

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)

Day 8: Hiroshima

Travel by shinkansen (high-speed bullet train) to Hiroshima this morning. 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 tested. Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families and look out over the city from the seventh floor. When you arrive in Hiroshima, visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both of which memorialise the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. Today, the dome serves as a reminder of the devastation of nuclear warfare and a symbol for world peace. At the memorial park, you’ll see museums and monuments in memory of the victims and learn about the events leading up to the bombing. Tonight, join your group for a dinner of okonomiyaki (Japan’s signature savoury pancake made of batter, cabbage, egg, customisable toppings like seafood, meat or vegetables and the traditional Hiroshima-style addition of yakisoba noodles).

Included Activities:

Himeji - Himeji Castle
Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Hiroshima

Hop on a ferry this morning for a short ride to the enchanting island of Miyajima. The island is home to the floating Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its bright orange torii (gate) that rises dramatically out of the sea. Miyajima’s an ideal place for walking – maybe check out Momiji Park (AKA Maple Valley), where you can take a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen. The rest of your day is free. The Shukkeien Garden, with its teahouses and waterfalls, is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to relax and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Included Activities:

Hiroshima - Miyajima Island

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Osaka

Board a train this morning, headed for Osaka – Japan’s unofficial culinary capital. Osaka is credited with the first kaiten-zushi, or conveyer belt sushi restaurants. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk, then explore the city at your own pace. Maybe seek out one of the city’s typical tachinomi (standing bars) for some snacks like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat, vegetables or seafood) or doteyaki (slow-cooked beef with miso). Join your group this evening to explore the Dotonbori District – full of neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous Glico Running Man and Kani Doraku crab – and celebrate the last night of your trip.

Included Activities:

Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Osaka

With no activities planned for today, your Japan adventure comes to an end. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

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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