Japan by Land & Sea
Japan by Land & Sea
$11660
Japan by Land & Sea
23 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Nagano, Mount Fuji, Kobe, Kochi, Hiroshima, Kitakyushu, Sasebo, Busan, Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Niigata, Akita, Aomori, Japan, Nikko
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2568
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Japan by Land & Sea" tour, a captivating blend of cultural exploration and scenic cruising. Begin your adventure in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where modernity meets tradition. Discover the city's historic temples, master the art of sushi making, and experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Venture to Jigokudani Monkey Park to witness snow monkeys in their natural habitat, and marvel at the majestic Mount Fuji. Transition from land to sea as you board the Azamara Pursuit in Kobe, setting sail to explore Japan's coastal gems. From the historic streets of Hiroshima to the serene landscapes of Kanazawa, each port offers unique experiences. Cross into South Korea with a stop in vibrant Busan before returning to Japan's picturesque shores. Conclude your journey with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nikko, before returning to Tokyo, enriched by the diverse wonders of Japan.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly To Tokyo
Location: Tokyo, Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Japan's capital, and one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly To Tokyo
Location: Tokyo, Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Japan's capital, and one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo. On arrival at the airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Explore Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you'll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Sensoji, the city's oldest temple before ascending the Tokyo Sky Tree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Make a photo stop at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing then explore Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Day 4: Snow Monkeys
Location: Nagano
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, walking through the forest to reach the hot spring pool where a community of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bath in the warm waters. Visit the 7th-century Zenkoji before transferring to Nagano, where you can try out the Japanese tradition of onsen – hot spring baths – and enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan accommodation.
Day 5: Mount Fuji
Location: Mount Fuji
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel by road to Mount Fuji area. Pause at Oishi Park for incredible views (weather dependent) before a mini cruise on the picturesque Lake Ashi. Fly up to the heights of Mount Komagatake by cable car for more beautiful views. Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Kyoto!
Day 8: Board The Azamara Pursuit
Location: Kobe
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to Kobe's cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Day 9: Cruise - Kobe
Location: Kobe
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend today ported in Kobe; relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer.
Day 10: Cruise – Explore Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Port at Kochi. A surfer hang out with a UNESCO Global Geopark coastline, plentiful great outdoors and bags of rustic charm, Kochi is a wonderful place to while away a day.
Day 11: Cruise - Explore Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive at Hiroshima. Best known as the first city in the world to feel the power of the atomic bomb in 1945, Hiroshima has emerged from the ashes as a cosmopolitan and peaceful place. Visit the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past.
Day 12: Cruise - Explore Kitakyushu
Location: Kitakyushu
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the north coast of the island of Kyushu, Kitakyushu is the gateway to plentiful natural beauty, historic sights, and some wonderful local food.
Day 13: Cruise - Explore Sasebo
Location: Sasebo
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Port at Sasebo, a hub of local culture and a city famous for its beautiful bay, dotted with over 200 rocky islands and islets. Enjoy any of a range of excursions at your own expense, bookable on your cruise reservation.
Day 14: Cruise - Explore Busan
Location: Busan
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Japan and arrive in South Korea, porting at the bustling city of Busan. Boasting mountains, beaches, and hot springs, this is a city full of small-town charm.
Day 15: Cruise - Explore Sakaiminato
Location: Sakaiminato
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Back in Japan, port at Sakaiminato. This small fishing town is the birthplace of anime legend Shigeru Mizuki, so is a pilgrimage site for manga lovers, as well as being surrounded by spectacular nature.
Day 16: Cruise - Explore Kanazawa
Location: Kanazawa
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive in the historic town of Kanazawa, where you can get a flavour of old-world Japan exploring classical architecture and traditional Japanese gardens, including Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Day 17: Cruise - Explore Niigata
Location: Niigata
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On the shores of the Sea of Japan, Niigata is a city of ancient traditions, best known for its rice and sake.
Day 18: Cruise - Explore Akita
Location: Akita
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Surrounded by mountains, forests and plentiful hot springs, Akita also offers a glimpse at the samurai way of life in historic Kakunodate.
Day 19: Cruise - Explore Aomori
Location: Aomori
Accommodation Name: Azamara Pursuit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A delightfully sleepy seaside resort that boasts access to world class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Aomori is a charming city to explore.
Day 20: Cruise - At Sea
Location: Japan
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coast.
Day 21: Arrive In Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Relax and enjoy everything that your cruise ship has to offer as you sail along Japan's coast.
Day 22: Explore Nikko
Location: Nikko
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel out of Tokyo to ancient Nikko, a compact and culture-filled city. Stop for photos at the scenic Shinkyo Bridge and enjoy a 'yuba' lunch. Then, visit Japan's most lavish shrine, Toshugu, set in the glorious surroundings of Nikko National Park, and the peaceful, forest-swathed Taiyuinbyo, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Return to Tokyo.
Day 23: Fly Tokyo To Uk
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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English-speaking guide
You will be met by an English-speaking guide upon arrival in Tokyo and transferred to the hotel.
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Sushi making masterclass
Enjoy a sushi making masterclass and dine on your creations for lunch in Tokyo.
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Visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park
Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the snow monkeys bathing in the hot spring pool.
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Kaiseki dinner
Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan accommodation in Nagano.
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Mini cruise on Lake Ashi
Experience a mini cruise on the picturesque Lake Ashi.
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Bullet train to Kyoto
Board a bullet train and be whisked off to Kyoto.
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Cruise on Azamara Pursuit
Board the Azamara Pursuit cruise ship and explore various destinations.
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Visit to Nikko
Travel to Nikko, visit Toshugu Shrine and Taiyuinbyo, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
What's Not Included
Excursions during the cruise are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes an overnight flight to Tokyo, transfers to the hotel, road travel to various locations, a bullet train to Kyoto, and a cruise on the Azamara Pursuit.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour information.
Experiences
Learn to make Sushi
Discover the history and etiquette of making and appreciating sushi with a hands-on lesson before sitting down with your instructing chef to enjoy Japan’s most famous cuisine. It’s the taking part that counts!
Enjoy a Kaiseki
The embodiment of 'omotenashi' (wholehearted hospitality), a kaiseki dinner is a meticulously prepared and exquisitely served multicourse meal that showcases a chef's skills at a range of intricate skills and techniques. More piece of art than plate of food, you'll be served this must-try culinary experience to enjoy (and admire) while in Kyoto.
Discover Nikko
Visiting Nikko is like stepping into the Edo period, so wonderfully preserved are the city's shrines, temples and sensibilities. Spend a day here, discovering UNESCO World Heritage Sites amongst the towering cedar trees of Nikko National Park, and lunch on delicious local dishes featuring 'yuba', the layer that forms on top of soy milk when it is boiled. Trust us, it tastes better than it sounds!
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect upon arrival in Tokyo?
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
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What activities are included in the Tokyo exploration?
During the Tokyo exploration, you will visit Sensoji, the city's oldest temple, ascend the Tokyo Sky Tree for views, participate in a sushi-making masterclass, and explore the Meiji Jingu Shrine. There will also be a photo stop at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park?
The highlight of the visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park is walking through the forest to reach the hot spring pool where a community of Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bathe in the warm waters.
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What can I do during the cruise on the Azamara Pursuit?
During the cruise on the Azamara Pursuit, you can explore the ship's facilities and participate in a range of excursions available at each port, which are bookable on your cruise reservation and at your own expense.
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What is special about the visit to Hiroshima?
In Hiroshima, you will visit the tranquil Peace Park to learn about and reflect on the past, as Hiroshima is known as the first city in the world to experience the atomic bomb in 1945.
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What can I explore in Kanazawa?
In Kanazawa, you can explore classical architecture and traditional Japanese gardens, including Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, to get a flavour of old-world Japan.
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What is unique about the city of Niigata?
Niigata is a city of ancient traditions, best known for its rice and sake, located on the shores of the Sea of Japan.
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What is the significance of Nikko in the itinerary?
Nikko is significant for its cultural and historical sites, including the scenic Shinkyo Bridge, Japan's most lavish shrine Toshugu, and the peaceful Taiyuinbyo, all set in the glorious surroundings of Nikko National Park and recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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