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