Classic Japan
Experience Overview
A tale of four iconic cities and two former capitals—your epic journey through Japan blends old and new, with soul-stirring visits to ancient centers and modern cities. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
- Nara: Lunch with a local farmer's family who own a traditional tea plantation in the Nara area.
Dive into Culture
- Tokyo: Spend some time learning the art of Taiko Drumming with your Local Specialist. Once used in temples and battlefields, this tradition is all about energy and rhythm. After a demonstration, it’s your turn to get hands-on—discovering the techniques and coordination behind this instrument.
Iconic Experience
- Tokyo: Visit Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II.
- Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
- Tokyo: Bask in the stunning skyline of Tokyo as you embark on your Sumida River Cruise.
- Mt Fuji: Admire the stunning countryside at Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
- Tokyo: Jump aboard the high-speed Bullet Train towards the cultural hub of Kyoto.
- Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
- Kyoto: Take a walk through the beautiful landscapes of the Arashiyama District.
- Nara: Discover the tame deer as you explore Nara Park.
- Kyoto: Learn the art of Okonomiyaki making and savor your own creations for lunch.
- Miyajima: Discover the majestic Itsukushima Shrine and learn a new skill when you join a Local Specialist to practice making Momiji Manjyu.
- Hiroshima: Discover the rich history when you visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park.
- Osaka: Embark on an orientation drive through the city of Osaka.
- Osaka: Discover Osaka's beautiful city landmarks as you embark on your Okawa River Cruise.
- Osaka: See the wonderful Tsutenkaku Tower, the Tusyunoten Shrine which holds the love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei, and then take the time to bask in the spectacuar views as you visit the Floating Garden Observatory.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Kyoto: Support the craft of Kiyomizu pottery artisans with a visit to their workshop. Your participation directly contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka
- Visit Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Gion District and Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Nara Park and Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, and Tsuyunoten Shrine and the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka
- See the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama
- Scenic Cruise along the Sumida River in Tokyo and the Okawa River in Osaka
Trip Details
Product Code: 28166
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 413.1105B
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Osaka, Japan
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7,766 ($706 /day)
Itinerary
Tokyo’s futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan’s modern centers and ancient capitals. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a drink with appetizers.
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Rub shoulders with the locals this morning as you wander through Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II. Continue to the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa to visit the Sensō-ji Buddhist Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Take a stroll down Nakamise shopping street with some free time for lunch. Dive into Culture with a Local Specialist and learn the mesmerizing rhythmic art of Taiko drumming, one of Japan’s most popular cultural icons. Board a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo’s modern skyline, the traditional neighborhoods of old Edo and beautiful Hama-rikyū Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner at a Sumo-themed izakaya restaurant.
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The slopes of snow-capped Mt. Fuji welcome you as you journey from Tokyo to this UNESCO-listed site. Admire views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a vantage point at 2,300 meters (weather permitting). After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. On a clear, still day, you may even catch the perfect reflection of Mt. Fuji mirrored in the lake’s calm waters—a picture-perfect moment.
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Leave Tokyo, traveling by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Visit Kinkakuji Temple, whose glittering golden pavilion is widely regarded as the symbol of Kyoto, before returning to the hotel for an evening of leisure.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Visit one of Kyoto’s highlights—the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring and its stunning landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then spend some free time at Nishiki Market, a traditional food market known to locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry.” Return to your hotel or consider joining an optional Japanese tea ceremony experience.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Start the day off with a visit to Sumiyama Village and discover the stunning Kiyomizu Pottery which originated about 500 years ago in central Kyoto. Learn about the work of the craftsmen and about how they had to move out of the city and into a more rural area due to concerns from the local citizens about air pollution. Next 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch with a local farmer at his home. Gain insights into the life of his family while sampling fresh tea and indulging in a delicious home-made meal, then visit his tea plantation. This afternoon delve into the ancient history of Nara, the first permanent capital city of Japan. Here you’ll visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Take a stroll around Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming tame deer before returning to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century’s devastation. Your first stop is to a local restaurant where you’ll join our Local Specialist for an Okonomiyaki making experience. Mix your ingredients to make your own savory pancake and cook it on a hot plate before enjoying your creation for lunch. This afternoon, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialties, shaping your steamed bun as a maple leaf and filling it with sweet red bean paste. You’ll have an opportunity to sample your work before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Take a moment to contemplate its symbolic expression of hope for world peace. Spend the afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, take the high-speed bullet train to Osaka. On arrival embark on an orientation drive of the central city and your first glimpse of sights including the incredible Umeda Sky Building before checking in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako
Meals: Breakfast
Gain a different perspective of Osaka’s landmark city sights, starting your day with a cruise on the ‘aqua-bus’ along Okawa River. Sail past the Japan Mint, City Hall, Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Visit the downtown district of Shinsekai to see the Tsutenkaku Tower, then continue to the Dotonbori Street area for some time at leisure. Delve into the star-crossed love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei during your visit to the Tsuyunoten Shrine in Umeda, associated with the Edo-period play ‘The Love Suicides of Sonezaki, which tells of the tragic double suicide that took place at the shrine in 1703. To this day, visitors write their prayers for success in love on special wooden plaques called ema, many of which bear the image of Ohatsu and Tokubei. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open-air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Later join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a dinner in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your journey revealing Japan's past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
FEEDBACK! VERY WELL ORGANIZED. ALTHOUGH SOME VALUABLE TIME WASTED. THE GREEN TEA EXCURSION, THE POTTERY FACTORY AND THE COOKING LESSON WERE A WASTE. THAT TIME SHOULD BE USED IN OTHER INTERESTING THINGS. SOME WASTED VALUABLE TIME.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/07/2025
S.S.S. Rajan - Traveled, April 2025
Recommend! Not to miss this trip if within one's budget. Should include aquarium as part of the tour or optional. After Tokyo hotel, Kyoto hotel was congested; a bit of letdown.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2025
Susana Trejo - Traveled, April 2025
Personally I enjoyed this company I traveled before and very organized and on time for everything which is great. Was perfect everything and weather cooperate hotels location was good too I really enjoyed this vacation travel guide knew each landmark to tell all the groups the only thing would be nice if as group introduced each other so get to know and have fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
A fantastic experience! Our tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was phenomenal! He was knowledgeable, great sense of humor, patient, tireless and he catered to the individual needs of each person in our group. He even checked our flight plans for our trip back home and noticed an error made by AMEX. If not for *Personal information removed by Feefo*, we would have missed our connecting flight home! Marvelous trip. Perfectly planned itinerary. We truly enjoyed our immersion into Japanese culture and history. One suggestion: We would have liked to have had the option to see Kabuki Theater.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/15/2024
Maurianne Williams - Traveled, October 2024
A brilliant tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* made everything easy fun and memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2024
Lina Garcia - Traveled, April 2025
Unimpressed! The tour was not well organized. All the other tour companies that I’ve travel with have had much better communication and daily information.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Great Tour Director! Great Tour Director *Personal information removed by Feefo*. Good experience but too short stay in Kyoto. Super excellent service by Tour Director *Personal information removed by Feefo*. Courteous, professional, funny, knowledgeable, goes out of her way especially to help a wheel chair bound tourist member of group. Keeps group together & on time touring. Shared a lot of stories & jokes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2025
Lori Larson - Traveled, April 2025
Classic Japan! Anytime I had questions booking or preparing for the trip, Trafalgar representatives were very helpful; However, there were inaccuracies in information sent prior to the trip. Example…The travel director would contact us a few days before the trip. When I called to say we hadn't heard from travel director, Trafalgar representative said no contact is made prior to the meet and greet for Japan trip. Our travel director Saiko was excellent. She was knowledgeable and handled the group well, even in challenging times. The travel itinerary was not accurate for day one from Tralfagar. It did not list the meet and greet included dinner. Day 3 was a 12 hour day, mostly on the bus on a Sunday with peak tourist and locals, so we experienced long wait times due to traffic jams and wait times to park the bus, seeing the cloud covered Mt Fuji and visiting the active volcano was not worth the 12 hour day. The hotels and breakfast buffets were excellent as well as the other included lunch and dinner meals provided by Tralfagar minus buffet lunch on day 3.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2025
Perri Brackett - Traveled, April 2025
Missed Mt. Fuji, instead spent 10 hours on the coach. The Japanese are wonderful people. I am unable to rate this trip with 5 stars. Our tour included, weather permitting, a trip to Mt. Fuji. That never happened. What did happen was a full day - 10 hours or more - on the coach in traffic on a toll road with bad weather. What could have happened was a decision by our tour director to exit the toll road and either take a different route to Mt. Fuji or at least not sit on a bus. We were only 30 minutes from Mt. Fuji when we suddenly exited the toll road and turned around. Evidently, the bus driver was getting close to some sort of limit on hours driving - decision wasn't made based on 'us'. It was disappointing, we would have loved to see Mt. Fuji even in the clouds and rain, but it was not to be. Japan is a lovely country full of wonderful people, just wish there was a better decision made that day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2025
Ricky Ogurek - Traveled, April 2025
Dream come true. Great service, knowledgeable tour guide. *Personal information removed by Feefo* was the best!!!!! Always on time, clean transportation, excellent hotels, fantastic tour guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2025
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