Discover Japan
Discover Japan
Discover Japan
13 Days Starting in UK and ending in UK
Tour operator:
Tour code:
366
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Journey across the Japanese Alps to the cultural centres of Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa on this extensive tour of Japan. On this extraordinary Japan holiday you will of course see modern Tokyo and beautiful Mt Fuji as well as historical Kyoto and Nara.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly To Tokyo
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Tokyo City Tour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, Japan's tallest tower, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to seek out the tranquility of the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest. Next, drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and later stroll through the classical landscapes of Hamarikyu Gardens. This evening, take a relaxed dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for excellent city vistas.
Day 4: Mount Fuji
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take the super-fast bullet train to Odawara. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi for spectacular panoramas of this beautiful area before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway. Next, ascend over 2,000 metres up Mount Fuji to the 5th Station, (weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views over the Fuji Five Lakes area below.
Day 5: Matsumoto Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle.
Stop at a Miso House to learn about the process of making this famous Japanese
seasoning. Travel on to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region, also
known as the Japanese Alps.
Day 6: Explore Takayama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market
and wander past some of the lovely traditional houses. You'll also visit several of the excellent local museums – including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya. Also enjoy some free time in Kamisannomachi Street.
Day 7: Shirakawago And Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get a glimpse of rural Japan at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago which is famous for its farmhouses built in the unique gassho-zukuri architectural style. Continue to Gokayama to have a go at washi paper making, then travel to Kanazawa and meander through the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Day 8: Gold Leaf Making
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day learning the process of making gold leaf. Next, stroll through
traditional Higashi Chaya (Eastern Teahouse District), visiting Ochaya Shima – a historical geisha house. Later, journey to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, until 1879, today Kyoto is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.
Day 9: Explore Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with a visit to Ryoanji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon' and the
famous Kinkakuji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. In the afternoon, head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse and try your hand at origami and enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master.
Day 10: Discover Nara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates. Continue to
Nara, a relaxed and charming town virtually untouched by the ravages of modernity.
Home to many archetypal pieces of early art and architecture, stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, meeting the resident sika deer en-route, before exploring Isuien Garden.
Day 11: Koyasan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The holy mountain of Koyasan is home to over 100 monasteries nestled in a valley enclosed by peaks said to resemble a lotus flower. Arguably the most sacred mountain in all of Japan, Koyasan is the heart of Shingon Buddhism and the resting place of Japan's best known Buddhist, known as both Kukai and Kobo Daishi. Wander around Okunoin – a vast cemetery of 200,000 stupas and enjoy the tranquillity and spectacular views as you discover Kongobuji Temple and the Garan Temple Complex. Later, continue to Osaka.
Day 12: Explore Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day exploring Osaka Castle, which is one of Japan's most famous. Next, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample the local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.
Day 13: Fly Osaka To Uk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day
What's Included
-
Accommodation
3* plus - 4* -
3* plus – 4* accommodation
-
Domestic transportation
-
Touring with guides and entrance fees
-
All meals
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Although tipping in Japan is not customary, if you feel you have received an excellent service, please feel free to tip your guide at your discretion
-
Drinks with Meals
Accommodation
Sunshine City Prince Hotel
The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
Rako Hananoi Hotel
Boasting beautiful views of Suwa Lake, the Rako Hananoi Hotel offers ensuite guest rooms equipped with free Wifi, a flat screen TV and a mini fridge. The hotel features relaxing spa and wellness facilities including a hot spring bath and sauna.
Hida Hotel Plaza
Conveniently located just a 5 minute's walk from Takayama Station and 13 minutes on foot from Takayama's Old Town, the 3* Hida Hotel Plaza offers guests a great stay. The hotel is equipped with its own hot spring baths as well as a restaurant, serving Japanese, Chinese and Western flavours. Your room will include a refrigerator, toiletry as well as an in-room safe plus much more!
Hotel Kanazawa
Close to Kanazawa Train Station, Hotel Kanazawa is conveniently located and offers guests modern accommodation with a choice of dining options. Pico restaurant serves Western dishes while Japanese cuisine can be found at Kitano Shoya restaurant.
Rihga Gran Kyoto
Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
Piazza Hotel Nara
The 4-star Piazza Hotel Nara is located within walking distance of many of Nara's tourist attractions, including the national treasure Nara Park. All rooms are air conditioned and include a flat screen TV, ensuite bathroom and free WiFi.
Rihga Royal Osaka
In the heart of Osaka, the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka provides modern guest rooms with air conditioning, a flat screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel features a fitness centre and an impressive 20 dining options, offering a variety of cuisines from French to traditional Japanese.
Experiences
Learn about Washi Paper Making
Discover the traditional process of paper making before getting your hands dirty making 'washi' (Japanese paper) the age-old way.
The Art of Gold Leaf Making
Join a dedicated craftsperson in a small workshop to learn all about the lovely and intricate art of gold leaf making, discover what the gold leaf is then used for and have
a go at doing it yourself!
Learn about Miso Seasoning
Learn all about the traditional production of an essential element of Japanese cooking, the fermented soybean paste 'miso', at an old wooden miso house.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
-
What is the language barrier like?
Japan is a very welcoming place, making it easy to travel around. No matter what part of the country you are visiting, we will always ensure that you have every detail you’ll need to make your way from place to place. If you’ve never travelled to Japan before, the language barrier may be a little daunting, however, this is never a major problem. Often, signs are displayed in the Roman alphabet.
-
Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
-
Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
-
What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
-
Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026
Sunday - Friday
Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025Sunday - Friday
Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025Monday - Saturday
Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025Monday - Saturday
Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Sunday - Friday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Sunday - Friday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Monday - Saturday
Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Monday - Saturday
Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 20, 2025 - May 02, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 20, 2025 - May 02, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 04, 2025 - May 16, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 04, 2025 - May 16, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 11, 2025 - May 23, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 11, 2025 - May 23, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 18, 2025 - May 30, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 18, 2025 - May 30, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Mar 18, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026Wednesday - Monday
Mar 18, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026Friday - Wednesday
Mar 20, 2026 - Apr 01, 2026Friday - Wednesday
Mar 20, 2026 - Apr 01, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 22, 2026 - Apr 03, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 22, 2026 - Apr 03, 2026Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Mar 26, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Mar 26, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 09, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 09, 2026Monday - Saturday
Mar 30, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026Monday - Saturday
Mar 30, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 02, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 02, 2026 - Apr 14, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026Monday - Saturday
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026Monday - Saturday
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026Wednesday - Monday
Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026Wednesday - Monday
Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026Friday - Wednesday
Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 22, 2026Friday - Wednesday
Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 22, 2026Monday - Saturday
Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026Monday - Saturday
Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 16, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Apr 16, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026Monday - Saturday
Apr 20, 2026 - May 02, 2026Monday - Saturday
Apr 20, 2026 - May 02, 2026Monday - Saturday
May 04, 2026 - May 16, 2026Monday - Saturday
May 04, 2026 - May 16, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
May 07, 2026 - May 19, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
May 07, 2026 - May 19, 2026Monday - Saturday
May 11, 2026 - May 23, 2026Monday - Saturday
May 11, 2026 - May 23, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
May 14, 2026 - May 26, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
May 14, 2026 - May 26, 2026Monday - Saturday
May 18, 2026 - May 30, 2026Monday - Saturday
May 18, 2026 - May 30, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
May 21, 2026 - Jun 02, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
May 21, 2026 - Jun 02, 2026Monday - Saturday
May 25, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026Monday - Saturday
May 25, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jun 01, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jun 01, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jun 08, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jun 08, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jun 15, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026Monday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026Monday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Monday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Monday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026Monday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026Monday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026Monday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026Monday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026Monday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026Monday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026Monday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 19, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 22, 2026 - Nov 03, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 22, 2026 - Nov 03, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026Monday - Saturday
Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 02, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 02, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 05, 2026 - Nov 17, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 05, 2026 - Nov 17, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 09, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 09, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026Monday - Saturday
Nov 16, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 19, 2026 - Dec 01, 2026Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 19, 2026 - Dec 01, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.