Premium Japan
Experience Overview
Experience Japan’s perfect harmony of ancient tradition and a modern way of life on this 12-day Premium adventure through the cultural heart of the country. You’ll start among Tokyo’s soaring skyscrapers, making your way to Hakone’s mountainous hot springs and find the meaning of relaxation in a cloud of fragrant steam. Then, head to Takayama, which delights with its Edo-era beauty. Shirakawa-go immerses you in charming countryside life before you discover the intriguing cultural diversity of Kyoto. Find a passion for peace in Hiroshima, take a sushi-making class with an expert, soak away your worries in an onsen and travel with a local leader who will share the rich variety of their country as you visit temples, castles, shrines and holy mountains.
Highlights
- Soak up some quintessentially Japanese Exclusive Experiences, including a sushi making class and a guided meditation session with a Zen Buddhist monk.
- Unwind among the beauty of nature at your Feature Stay accommodation in the hot springs town of Hakone – with mountain views, a traditional ryokan design, modern comforts and a private onsen (thermal pool) for each room, you’ll find relaxation here!
- Visit the sobering Hiroshima Peace Park and be reminded of this city’s history with a guided tour. Learn about how the city is recovering and is now dedicated to promoting world peace.
- Soak up Japan’s natural beauty – with stays in mountainous Hakone, glimpses of Mt Fuji, a stroll around the stunning island of Miyajima and the views of the Japanese alps in the ancient village of Shirakawa-go.
- Take a half-day tour of Tokyo – wander Asakusa (the temple district), explore the buzzing Shibuya area, find a treat in a depachika (underground food hall), chill out in Yoyogi Park, discover the thriving Harajuku district and get a birds-eye view of the city from Tokyo Skytree.
- 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: 1713
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Boat,Public Bus,Cable Car,Ferry,Metro,Bullet Train,Train
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: CJPJ
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Kyoto, Japan
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (1), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (10 nt),Hakone Feature Stay (1 nt)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8,640 ($720 /day)
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in the country’s lively capital, Tokyo, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. If you get to the city early, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from history museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole in the wall eateries and bars. After your meeting, join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Tokyo’s food scene is undoubtedly one of the world’s best, and the city truly celebrates the art of eating well. Sample a range of regional and seasonal delights, including handmade soba noodles, crispy tempura and yakitori. After dinner, you may like to experience Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife and head to a local izakaya.
Included Activities:
- Tokyo - Welcome dinner
Accommodation:
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Bursting with contemporary urban culture and historic temples and shrines, Tokyo has so much to uncover. Exploring the world’s largest city alone can be a daunting task, but today your leader will introduce you to the old and new Tokyo on a half-day tour. Begin in the Asakusa area, one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo, 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. Then, jump on the metro to explore the buzzing Shibuya area. Check out one of the busiest intersections in the world before heading into a depachika (underground food hall) for a tempting array of Japanese treats. Before diving into Harajuku district, the home of quirky youth pop culture. Then get a birds-eye view of Tokyo from Tokyo Skytree which rises to an incredible 634m above the city.
Included Activities:
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Tokyo - Yoyogi Park
- Tokyo - Tokyo Skytree
Optional Activities:
- Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum (1000 JPY)
Accommodation:
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, get ready for a delicious experience at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, where fresh seafood from Tokyo's largest wholesale fish market (recently relocated to a new site at Toyosu) is delivered and ready to sample daily. Your leader will provide insight into the underwater treasures that go into the local cuisine, then you’ll take a sushi making class to learn about the art and history of this Japanese cuisine that's loved across the world. Learn how to make nigiri sushi, hand-rolled sushi or temari sushi, then enjoy your fresh creations for lunch. After learning some valuable skills to take home with you, you can join your leader for a short walking tour in the Ginza area and then enjoy a free afternoon in the city. Maybe check out the Yayoi Kusama Museum for its amazing exhibits by the avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama (advance reservation required), browse high-end shops in Ginza, experience the theatre of a kabuki play, or create your own entertainment with some karaoke.
Included Activities:
- Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market
- Tokyo - Sushi Making Class
Accommodation:
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Say sayonara to Tokyo this morning and board a train bound for the mountainous onsen (hot spring) town of Hakone. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone offers tranquillity among stunning natural scenery. In the afternoon, take a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani, followed by a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake. Enjoy spectacular views, and on a clear day, you’ll even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance. Later, check in to the Susukinohara Ichinoyu, your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Here, you’ll experience the design and ambience of a traditional Japanese ryokan without sacrificing modern comforts. Each room comes with a private onsen, and there are also larger public indoor and outdoor onsens that overlook the surrounding greenery. Tonight, you’ll have dinner at the on-site restaurant which serves up a feast of classic Japanese dishes. Then, spend a blissful evening relaxing in your onsen.
Included Activities:
- Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
- Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Accommodation:
- Susukinohara Ichinoyu (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, travel to Takayama via shinkansen (bullet train), with a few changes along the way. Takayama is a charming Edo-period town located in the Japanese alps. Renowned for its traditional inns, sake breweries and tranquil atmosphere, this riverside jewel of central Honshu may well be one of the most enjoyable stops on your trip. When you arrive, head out on a walking tour with your leader who will point out examples of traditional architecture as you explore the old part of town. Learn how the town’s isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene. The area is particularly famous for Hida beef, which comes from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed that has been raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Stop off on your tour to sample delicious Hida beef sushi or skewers. Then pay a visit to the Takayama Showa-kan Museum. This is not your average museum – here you’ll find a celebration of pop culture from the turbulent period of Emperor Hirohito’s six-decade reign.
Included Activities:
- Takayama - Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling)
- Takayama - Showa Museum
Accommodation:
- Hotel Around Takayama or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a visit to the Takayama morning market. The Gifu region is known for its production of high-altitude vegetables, and local women have been travelling in from the countryside to sell their produce for more than 600 years. Your leader will guide you through the market stalls selling colourful pickles, bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices and the delicious marshmallow treat of owara tamaten. After some time to peruse the local treats, hop on a public bus and head to the village of Shirakawa-go – home to charming thatched-roof cottages built in the gassho-zukuri style. Learn about ancient countryside life with your leader and explore the village with the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps. Enjoy some free time in Takayama after you return in the afternoon. If you like, you can also check out Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall which has an excellent array of festival floats on display.
Included Activities:
- Takayama - Shirakawago Village
- Takayama - Morning Market visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel Around Takayama or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll travel by train to Hiroshima – a cosmopolitan city with a tragic past. Today, the city is full of distinctive cuisine, tightknit communities and a focus on promoting world peace. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with the city. After working up an appetite, head to a local restaurant for dinner and try some of Hiroshima’s signature dishes. The city is renowned for its fantastic oysters and okonomiyaki – a delicious savoury pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood.
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
- Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Your leader will share the devastating story of the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was attacked by atomic warfare. The dome was just metres from the atomic site and was able to retain its shape – serving as a reminder of the attack and now symbol of peace. The memorial park serves a similar 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. After your visit, take a short ferry ride to the island of Miyajima. The island is home to the Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, known for its huge bright orange gate (torii) that rises majestically out of the sea. Miyajima is an ideal place for walking. There is the lovely Momiji Park from where it is possible to walk or take a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen.
Included Activities:
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip
- Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Optional Activities:
- Miyajima - Mt Misen Cable Car (2000 JPY)
Accommodation:
- Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
As you speed north to Kyoto on shinkansen, you’ll stop on the way at 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. Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families, learn about their lives and look out over the castle grounds and the city below. Arrive in Kyoto mid-afternoon. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally 'tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto had its golden age during the imperial court's heyday from 794 to 1185. Join your leader and walk around Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, and learn about the history of geisha culture as you explore old wooden teahouses and exclusive restaurants. You might want to return here in the evening when it really springs to life. You may also spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up on their way out to events.
Included Activities:
- Himeji - Himeji Castle
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
Accommodation:
- The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin your day with a city tour around some of Kyoto’s sights. Visit the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel 'The Golden Pavilion'. After, visit Daitokuji Temple – the head temple of the Daitokuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism built about 800 years ago. Take part in a short, guided meditation session, then enjoy a cup of green tea while you speak to a monk about the philosophy of Zen Buddhism and the art of meditation. This spiritual experience will reveal a side of Japan that most visitors don’t get to see and is sure to be one of the lasting memories of your journey. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy – perhaps grab a bite to eat at the Nishiki Market, called ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’ by the locals.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple
- Kyoto - Zen Buddhism meditation session
Accommodation:
- The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head to Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you’re feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views. Continue with a short train ride and walk to a renowned sake brewery. Your visit to the brewery covers every aspect of sake creation – with full-scale historical artefacts in abundance and a chance to taste different types of sake at the end of your visit. In the evening, celebrate the end of your adventure over dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant sharing the authentic flavours of Kyoto.
Included Activities:
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
- Kyoto - Sake Brewery & tasting
- Kyoto - Final dinner
Optional Activities:
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera (500 JPY)
- Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
- Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple (600 JPY)
- Kyoto - Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace (1300 JPY)
Accommodation:
- The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for the day and you’re free to depart at any time after check out. If you’re departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. If you’d like to extend your stay in Kyoto, and it’s recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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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
Wendy - Traveled, March 2024
This comfort tour of japan was wonderful. Not only because of the amazing places we visited but because of our guide Hiro. She made the trip come alive and we felt like true locals. She taught us so well that we were able to navigate public transport on our own
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Dom - Traveled, March 2024
Our first group organised tour, which was highly successful and enjoyable, fundamentally due to our great hosts, and fellow travellers. Plenty of walking, average 15-20k steps per day. Visited many interesting cities, and towns. A great way to grab a first taste of Japan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Jessica - Traveled, March 2024
I would highly recommend this trip. Our tour leader Hiro was brilliant and ensured we had everything we needed and taught us a lot about Japanese culture and history. There is a lot of walking on this trip, so bring your trainers. The hotels are great and you even get the opportunity to stay in a traditional Japanese hotel. So many sites and activities are included, you’ll get to see a lot in just 12 days!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Peter - Traveled, March 2024
Our tour was excellent, well planned and organised, our guide Lulu presented historical knowledge of culture, religion, respect and environment and we felt part of the Japanese experience, not just as observers. Our timetable for transport and excursions and meals was 100% spot on and our group became very much a small family as opposed to a collective of strangers, all mothered by our guide. Side trips and ongoing travel also managed by our guide and never felt uncertain of outcomes , well done Intrepid and all thanks to Lulu our guide. Ps your guides require better Intrepid ID uniforms so you advertise yourselves to the world and also if larger groups get lost/separated, we had 8 and also our guide had contingency meeting places with time if required. Again well done we are already recommending you to our friends, cheers Peter and Trudi
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Adrienne - Traveled, March 2024
This trip had a bit of everything. Comfortable accommodation, amazing food options, multiple means of travel, weather variations and historical sights. Everything was like clockwork - plenty to see and do if you chose to do all the activities. Lulu provided loads of options for shopping and eating out, and her assistance in any way was quite valuable. Japan was a fabulous destination and the trip went without a hitch.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Sarah - Traveled, March 2024
Fantastic fast paced trip. I loved taking public transportation everywhere as it was another layer to truly experiencing and appreciating Japan. The accommodations were all great and our guide was excellent. I now feel inspired to come back to Japan on my own to explore more while being empowered with the knowledge I gained on this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Kim - Traveled, March 2024
Yuki was very friendly to everyone answering all our questions taking us to great places
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Ricky - Traveled, March 2024
We wouldn’t hesitate to have our guide Yuki in our future tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Nicola - Traveled, March 2024
This is a great trip to have a taster of both modern and traditional Japanese culture. Our tour guide Yuki was wonderful and made the trip really special.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Anne - Traveled, March 2024
The Intrepid Premium trip gave us a great appreciation of the culture, religions, and history of Japan. We visited key cities and locations, travelled on the bullet train and local buses, sampled Japanese cuisine, and experienced many aspects of Japanese life. Truly a trip worth taking!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Triandafillos - Traveled, April 2023
Yuji Kanemaru lead a superb tour of Japan where I enjoyed an immense variety of z scenic destinations and rich history all delivered with passion and humour. Would urge others to do this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Susan - Traveled, July 2024
A wonderful introduction to Japan with lots of fabulous destinations. We used many types of transport to travel everywhere. We had a fantastic trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2024
Johnathon - Traveled, July 2024
Incredible well organised tour of Japan with many wonderful new experiences with a fantastic guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2024
Jennifer - Traveled, July 2024
A great introduction to Japan. Chiko San, our guide, really went the extra mile to make our trip memorable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2024
Diana - Traveled, July 2024
A great introduction to Japan. What a magnificent country, and so much history to appreciate. Beautiful scenery, interesting customs , great food. Fast efficient travel. A great journey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2024
Neville - Traveled, July 2024
A very compact and informative tour. Our guide was excellent. I would stress that there is a lot of walking, so if you haven’t got a reasonable level of fitness or are over 70 be aware.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2024
Rajendra - Traveled, March 2024
Though this tour is called Premium, this a dirt cheap trip. The customer is treated like dirt. Wrong information about hotels, pathetic, incompetent tour leader and a support team that takes pride in being rude and unresponsive. I will never use Intrepid after this disaster.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Jane - Traveled, March 2024
A fabulous trip with a friendly and very knowledgeable guide. An experience I certainly won’t forget and I hopefully will travel with Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Adrienn - Traveled, March 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable introduction to Japan. I have wanted to visit for many years and I really felt during this trip immersed into Japanese daily life (especially on public transport). Lulu our guide was great, very approachable and knowledgeable. Our group of 9 from 4 countries really bonded and laughter was a constant friend. Brilliant time - recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
Susan - Traveled, March 2024
Well planned trip. Be prepared for a LOT of walking and very little free time, but overall, very enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2024
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