Classic Japan

  • Duration : 14 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto

This tour of Japan takes you to Tokyo, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Hiroshima and the sacred island of Miyajima.

Included in this self-guided tour : accommodation, Japan Rail Pass, airport transfers, pocket Wifi and a complete mini-guide.

Japan Experience's added bonus: in Kyoto, a night visit of the geisha district included, with an English speaking guide. Immersion in Japanese culture guaranteed !


14-day itinerary 

  • Departure city/Airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
  • Tokyo (4 nights)
  • Hakone - Mount Fuji (1 night)
  • Osaka (2 nights)
  • Hiroshima (2 nights)
  • Kyoto (4 nights)
  • Return city/Airport : Osaka (Kansai International Airport : KIX)

Please find below the itinerary details.

Tour length : 13 nights / 14 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)

PLEASE NOTE: The departure and end dates shown on this page only apply to your stay in Japan. You must therefore leave Europe the day before the first day of your tour. The date of your return flight and that of your return to Europe are identical due to the time difference.

Example : 

  • Departure from Europe : January 1st
  • Arrival in Tokyo (= the date to be selected in the calendar when booking) : January 2nd
  • Return flight from NRT or HND airport / Return to Europe : January 15th

Please note that flights are not included in the price of your tour.

This tour information was last updated on April 30, 2024.


Like this tour but are also drawn to the Japanese Alps ? Instead, we recommend our tour Highlights of Japan.


Why this trip to Japan ?

  1. Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
  2. Head to the edge of Mount Fuji for an unforgettable dinner and overnight stay in a ryokan
  3. Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima and visit the sacred island of Miyajima
  4. Go to Kyoto, where a night-time guided tour of the Gion district awaits you
  5. Take advantage of your transport passes : Hakone Free Pass, prepaid transport card...
  6. Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
  7. If needed, contact our bilingual Japanese/English-speaking assistance team available 7/7
  8. A number of guided days or other optional activities are available
  9. On the final day, a shuttle bus will take you from your accommodation to the airport
  10. Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan.

 

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Wake up in Tokyo 東京

    Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).
    Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!

    Welcome through customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.
    Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

    The transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

    If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.

    Check in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

  • Day 2 : First steps in the capital

    What to do in Tokyo on your first day

    We recommend that you start your visit to Tokyo slowly by visiting the following districts:
    - Harajuku, the avant-garde district ; 
    - Meiji Jingû, the imperial sanctuary ;
    - Takeshita-Dôri, a must-see street in the capital ; 
    - Omotesandô, Tokyo's Champs-Élysées ; 
    - Shibuya and its impressive crossroads.

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9am to 5pm).

    End your day in style with an evening stroll through Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's most important districts.
    Meet your guide at 7 p.m. for an unique walk lasting around 2 hours, during which you will pass through Kabukichô and the Golden Gai, among others. 
    More details on the exact day and meeting place in your travel diary.

  • Day 3 : The big loop

    For this second day of sightseeing in Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".

    Start at Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then head off to visit :
    - Ginza, Tokyo's chic district ;
    - Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market ;
    - Hama-rikyû, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings ;
    - Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by cruise on the Sumida river ;
    - Sensô-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the Japanese capital ;
    - Tokyo Sky Tree, 643 metres high, with its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunset.

    Between Hama-rikyû Garden and Asakusa, why not enjoy a cruise on the Sumida River ?

  • Day 4 : Follow the guide

    There are still many places to discover according to your taste ! Ueno, Yanaka, Odaiba...

    Don't hesitate to book an English-speaking guide for the day (optional) to visit Tokyo off the beaten path!

    Make the most of our many optional activities:
    - Are you looking more for fun? Ghibli Museum, Disneyland or Hello Kitty Park are waiting for you!
    - Do you prefer a themed activity? Book a visit on an architecture tour, gardens, home cooking or Noh's theatre.
    - Chasing thrills? Let yourself be tempted by a helicopter ride or a sumo tournament (in season)!

  • Day 5 : At the heart of the Japanese soul

    In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Osaka (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) so that you can travel light for your night in Hakone.

    Go to Shinjuku station to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train for Hakone Yumoto (1h30 journey, details in your travel guide, included in your package). The train leaves the Japanese megalopolis and gradually winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Hakone in the late morning. Reach Ichinoyu Shinkan ryôkan or equivalent to drop off your small bag and explore the region.

    You'll be charmed by the beautiful scenery of this spa resort, Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (on a clear day!). Not forgetting the Owakudani volcanic site, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car and funicular) is included in your package.
    If you wish to be accompanied during this day, one of our English-speaking guides can help reveal the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional).

    Come back to your ryôkan at the end of the afternoon, as your traditional Japanese dinner will be waiting for you at around 6.30pm, before enjoying a Japanese-style night!

    More details below on the features of the night in a ryôkan.

  • Day 6 : First steps in the capital of Kansai

    Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

    Head to Hakone Yumoto station and then Odawara station to board one of the fastest trains in the world : the Shinkansen ! Shinkansen journey to Osaka (direct, approx. 2h, including reserved tickets).

    Check-in at Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda or similar category 3* hotel (rooms available from 3pm).

    What is there to do in Osaka in 2 days ?

    We recommend that you start your visit to Osaka slowly, in the northern and eastern districts :

    - Osaka's medieval castle, with its park full of plum and cherry trees ;
    - The city centre and Nakanoshima Island, with its rose park surrounded by buildings ;
    - Utsubo Park, a cool oasis in the business district ;
    - Visit Umeda, the temple of Japanese shopping ;
    - Finish off with the Umeda Sky building at dusk for a 360° view of Kansai (including Kyoto on a clear day!).

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Osaka (optional, from 9am to 5pm). 

  • Day 7 : Gastronomic introduction

    For your second day in Osaka, we recommend the following itinerary :

    - Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium in terms of volume ;
    - The Tennôji district and its Shitennô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Japan ;
    - Spa World, Japan's largest thermal baths (onsen) ;
    - Shinseikai, with its retro charm ;
    - DenDen machi, the technologeek village ;
    - Finish off with Dôtonbori, the liveliest district in Japan.

  • Day 8 : Make way for history

    Take the shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 2 hours, included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass) and arrive in the city in the early afternoon.

    Check-in at Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar category 3* hotel.

    Visit the park and the Peace memorial, the castle and its park full of cherry trees before tasting one of Hiroshima's specialities: okonomiyaki!

  • Day 9 : The Sacred Island

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    A short 30-minute train and boat journey to Miyajima Island, its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and the great Ôtorii gate built into the sea.

    Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay awaits you!

    Return to Hiroshima in the late afternoon.

  • Day 10 : The former capital

    Breakfast at the hotel.

    Take the shinkansen to Kyoto (about 2h30, included in your Kansai Hiroshima pass) and check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS or equivalent (rooms available from 3pm).

    You have 3 days to visit Kyoto.
    Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district, close to your accommodation :
    - Kiyomizu-Dera, the impressive water temple ;
    - The historic lanes of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka ;
    - Kôdai-ji, Kyoto's temple of maple trees and bamboo.

    Finish your day with a stroll through the Gion district and enjoy the sunset.
    Meet your guide at 7 p.m. to start your evening walk around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.
    More details on the exact day and meeting point can be found in your travel guide.

    At the end of this 1h30 walk, your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat dinner!
    Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historic district of Gion.

  • Day 11 : Gold and Silver Treasures

    For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:
    - The Zen garden of Ryôan-ji ;
    - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ;
    - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
    - The enchanting Philosopher's Path ;
    - Nanzen-ji temple;

    One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9am to 5pm).

  • Day 12 : Now for some activity...

    Continue your visit to Kyoto by heading west:
    - Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market;
    - Nijô Castle, former residence of the shogun;
    - Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and monkey mountain.

    This is your last full day to visit Kyoto, so why not make the most of our many optional activities :
    - Want to enjoy nature? Discover our cycling activities along the Kamo-gawa river or hiking in the Takao gorges!
    - If you're more into the Japanese arts, you'll love our tea ceremony, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens!
    - If you're in the mood for the Japanese countryside, let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara or oour popular activity: on the Tea Road!

  • Day 13 : Between temples and deer

    For the last day, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, included in your package.

    Visit Nara, Japan's first fixed capital in the 8th century.
    Discover :
    - The Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine and its thousands of lanterns
    - Tôdai-ji, with its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate ; 
    - Kôfuku-ji temple and its delightful pagoda.

    Return to Kyoto and stop to see the sunset at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine of 10,000 torii.

    If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional).

  • Day 14 : Sayonara, and see you next time!

    Take a direct transfer to  Kansai International Airport (included but not accompanied).

    This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.

    If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private Taxi to Airport" option.

    Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

    Don't hesitate to extend your trip by a few days, in Kansai or elsewhere... Get in touch and we would be happy to advise you!

    Included in your self-guided tour

  • Accommodation

    - 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport

    - 1 night in a 3* ryokan in Hakone Mount Fuji, traditional half-board

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Osaka, close to public transport

    - 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Hiroshima, between the train station and the Peace Memorial Park

    - 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Kyoto, close to public transport

    The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.

  • Transport

    - Airport transfer to Tokyo HND or NRT

    - Return airport transfer Kyoto > Kansai International Airport KIX

    - Prepaid public transport card

    - Hakone Free pass for 2 days

    - Shinkansen Odawara (Hakone) > Osaka, seats reserved in standard class

    - Kansai Hiroshima pass for 5 days

  • Experiences and meals

    - Airport meet and greet 

    - Traditional dinner and breakfast included at the ryôkan in Hakone

    - Discounts at many of Hakone tourist sites

    - The 2 breakfasts in Hiroshima

    - Night guided tour of Shinjuku, Tokyo and Gion, Kyoto

  • Additional services

    - Unlimited internet access with Pocket WiFi

    - Complete digital travel guide sent before your departure

    - Luggage transfer between your hotels in Tokyo > Osaka

    - Telephone assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese bilingual. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. This phone number is valid for telephone calls and also for Whatsapp.

  • Not included in the price of your trip

    - Flights Europe <> Japan

    - Optional insurance

    - Personal expenses, including meals (breakfasts can sometimes be added as an option at your hotel reception, see details). For other meals, you will find addresses selected by us in your travel pack.

    - Public transport once your transport cards have run out (see details)

    - Everything not mentioned in the section "Included in your tour".

More about your trip

Your tour :

  • The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
  • Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
  • Children and babies accepted. From 3 to 11 years old a child rate is offered. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be offered to them, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. From 0 to 2 years old inclusive, a "baby" rate is offered. This price corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of the accommodation of the chosen circuit. However, we cannot guarantee a baby cot in each accommodation.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
  • Your travel documents will be given to you as follows:
    • Travel diary by email before departure, and other electronic documents 
    • Paper documents (airport transfer ticket, transportation card, Japan Rail Pass voucher) and Pocket WiFi upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant.
  • N.B.: No ticket for airport transfers from Kansai airport. The reservation is registered in the name of the tour reservation.
  • N.B.: In very rare cases, mostly in very high season, steps might be reversed. You will be informed in your mini travel-guide. Thanks for your kind understanding.

Your accommodation :

  • Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about £1.37/1.93$) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
  • Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is compact, 3-star luxury hotels are of very good quality but the rooms are often quite narrow (12 to 20m2/129 sq ft to 215 sq ft) depending on the hotel. Please note the size of the single room, between 10 and 16m2 (107sq ft and 172sq ft). For more comfort, you can choose our luxury 4* accommodation upgrade option. (This option is only valid for the hotel in Tokyo, not for the traditional accommodation in Kyoto).
  • Double room: Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together. As an option, you can select a double room instead of a twin if you prefer a double bed.
  • Single room: People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants. Please note that if you request more than two people in a single room, the single room supplement will be applied to all accommodation except for the ryokans (3 and 4*). In fact, as this is traditional accommodation, people with the same reservation are grouped together in spacious rooms for up to 5 people.
  • 3-person room: If there are 3, 5 or more of you and you do not select the single supplement, a triple room will be allocated to you.
  • In the case of a group order (> 5 people), it is possible, depending on hotel availability, that not all members of the group will be accommodated in the same hotel. Nevertheless, we aim to keep you close. 
  • Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.
  • In the ryôkan, guests sleep on comfortable futons placed on the tatami mat. The room has a private sink and toilet. As is customary in Japanese ryôkan, the onsen bathroom is shared (not mixed) unless you take the "private bathroom in the room" option.
    OPTIONAL: Enjoy a private Japanese bathroom (traditional or modern onsen) in your room. This option is recommended for mixed couples, families, people who are modest or have visible tattoos.
    The 4* ryôkan (see 4* option) have comfortable futons raised on either western beds in a traditional tatami room. The bathrooms and toilets of the 4* ryôkan are private.

Your transport :

  • Flights are not included in this tour. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
  • The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and will also leave from Tokyo. You will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 6:30pm at the latest to make the most of the airport services of your tour (welcome and transfer to Tokyo). The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference, with a departure time of 9am at the earliest. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
  • If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us organize your welcome and airport transfer.
  • Airport Transfers: The shared limousine bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop within 1-15 minutes walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will drive you to the platform to pick up the airport transfer. The transfer to the hotel is unassisted. If you wish to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception, please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer". This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other clients leaving for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers leave between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival and stops can be made before your hotel. If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option. Please note: due to the many changes in flight schedules by the airlines, if the airline notifies you of a change in arrival time less than 72 hours before your departure, and if it exceeds 45 minutes, we cannot guarantee your airport shuttle. You will then have to take a taxi at your own expense, requesting a refund from your airline for abusive schedule changes. The same applies to your return journey: 72 hours before your return flight, we cannot change the shuttle schedule. Similarly, you will have to take a taxi booked with the hotel, at your own expense, with reimbursement procedures with the airline company being the only solution. Japan Experience is not responsible for last minute schedule changes. On the way back, the shared shuttle bus leaves from your hotel or very close by to take you directly to the Kansai KIX airport in 1 hour 30.
  • Included in your tour is a pre-charged transport prepayment card of ¥ 1,500 (around £10.30 / 14.54$) (suica or Pasmo brand); a transport pass for the Tokyo Shinjuku -> Hakone route and all transport in the Hakone region (excluding taxis) and a 5-day Kansai Hiroshima pass. These 3 cards should cover a large part of your trips during the stay. Upon expiry of the 1,500¥ Transport Prepayment Card, or if the line you are travelling on is not covered by your Japan Rail Pass, any travel will be at your own expense by recharging your prepaid transport card (at vending machines in all stations and metro stations). 

Your activities :

  • Airport reception is in English. Your airport assistant will be waiting for you at the customs exit holding a sign with the name of the reservation. They will give you your travel documents and take you to your airport transfer. They will not accompany you to Tokyo (this is possible, but optional).
  • The Shinjuku tour is a guided group tour lasting around 2 hours and departing at 7pm. Please note that the tour will be conducted in English if your group is made up of travellers of different nationalities. More details on the meeting point in your travel pack. Dinner is not included, but your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat.
  • The guided tour of Gion lasts around 2 hours and departs at 7pm. Please note that the tour will be conducted in English if your group is made up of travellers of different nationalities. More details on the meeting point in your travel pack. Dinner is not included, but your guide will be able to recommend the best places to eat.

Your meals :

  • Breakfasts which are not included in your package can be added at the reception when you arrive at the hotel. However, you will find many cafés near your hotel serving copious breakfasts, often tastier than those in the hotels, which sometimes have tight schedules and are predominantly savoury. However, if you would like to add breakfast to your offer when you make your reservation, you can select it as an option.
  • Traditional Japanese dinner and Japanese breakfast (mostly savoury) are included in your Hakone tour. Do not hesitate to indicate any dietary requirements you may have, we will pass them on to the ryôkan so that they can take them into account when planning the meals. If the ryôkan does not take any of these dietary requirements into account, we cannot be held responsible and no compensation will be issued.

Your additional services:

  • A pocket wifi is included in your tour. It allows unlimited high-speed internet access. Your Pocket WiFi will be given to you at the airport of arrival.
  • It comes with a small booklet to operate your device (don't panic: simple operation) and a prepaid envelope to return your device at the end of your stay. Your pocket wifi will work naturally until the last day of your trip to Japan.
  • A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to a pocket wifi (phone, tablet, computer).
  • A single pocket wifi is provided for a circuit order of 1 to 5 people. For an order of 6 people or more, a second pocket wifi will be added automatically and at no extra cost to your reservation.

When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:

Japan Experience Flex : 
Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.

Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions. 

 

Frequently asked questions

Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe No. 1 travel in Japan

  • The guarantee of the first tour operator specialised exclusively in Japan for 40 years
  • A wide range of products to let you Experience Japan from the inside
  • Competitive prices thanks to a single team in UK, Europe, USA and Japan, with no intermediaries
  • Assistance available in Japan throughout your trip
  • specialised team is available 7 days a week by phone or email
  • The best advice thanks to the 3,500 articles available on our website

Classic Japan

From
$1,635 / pers - 14 days

Optional services

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