Tradition & modernity: semi-guided Japan - Luxury Private

Tradition & modernity: semi-guided Japan - Luxury Private

tourhub | Exoticca | Tradition & modernity: semi-guided Japan - Luxury Private | 17894-67493

Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing

Days 1-5
Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Days 6-7
Osaka

Dotonbori

Days 8-10
Map
15 Views

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Tradition & modernity: semi-guided Japan - Luxury Private

11 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan

Visiting: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Exoticca

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

1 - 9

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

Activities:

Shopping, Sightseeing

Tour Overview

Embark on a luxurious semi-guided journey through Japan, where tradition meets modernity. This exclusive tour takes you to the vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, offering a perfect blend of guided exploration and personal discovery. Begin your adventure in Tokyo, where you'll experience the city's iconic landmarks, from the Meiji Jingu Shrine to the bustling streets of Asakusa. Travel by bullet train to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, and explore its historic temples and serene bamboo groves. Conclude your journey in Osaka, known for its culinary delights and panoramic city views. Enjoy the comfort of luxury accommodations and seamless transfers, with the freedom to explore at your own pace. This unforgettable experience includes international flights, inter-city transfers, and a Japanese SIM card for connectivity, ensuring a hassle-free adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Highlights

  • Kyoto's Gion district, known for its traditional architecture and celebrated geishas.

  • Visit the iconic Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine in Tokyo.

  • Explore the historic neighborhood of Asakusa, home to the Senso-ji Temple.

  • Ascend the Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking views of the city's skyline.

  • Discover the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its famous red torii gates in Kyoto.

  • Visit the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, in Kyoto.

  • Explore the vibrant Kuromon Market in Osaka for fresh local delicacies.

  • Admire Osaka Castle and the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : UK/Ireland - Night on board

Imperial Palace
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
Odaiba, Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market
Akihabara Electric Town

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Arrive at your chosen departure airport in the UK/Ireland and board your international flight* to Tokyo. Overnight on board.*If your outbound or return flight departs early in the morning (before 4:00 a.m.), you must be present at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2 : Tokyo

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
Odaiba, Tokyo
Imperial Palace
Tsukiji Outer Market
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo
Akihabara Electric Town

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo, a dazzling metropolis rich in history and tradition. You will be met at the airport by our representative who will talk you through your itinerary, deliver your travel documents, provide helpful information and recommendations for your free time.Escorted transfer by taxi to the hotel and once you’re settled, the rest of the day is free to start discovering this exciting city of contrasts and its delicious cuisine. We recommend heading to one of the many food markets where you can sample lots of different dishes at bargain prices! Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 3 : Tokyo

Meiji Jingu, Tokyo
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
Odaiba, Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market
Imperial Palace
Akihabara Electric Town

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Today, enjoy a full-day guided tour of Tokyo, led by a private guide and using public transportation (train and metro). Visit the iconic Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, and explore the Imperial Palace area, along with other notable highlights. Next, stroll through the historic neighborhood of Asakusa, home to the Senso-ji Temple, the Kaminari-mon Gate, and the bustling Nakamise shopping street.Later, ascend the Tokyo Skytree, where you can marvel at the breathtaking views of Tokyo's sprawling skyline. Conclude the tour in the vibrant Ginza district, renowned for its luxury brands, stylish boutiques, and cutting-edge architecture. Choose to return to your hotel or spend some free time exploring Ginza at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 4 : Tokyo

Odaiba, Tokyo
Akihabara Electric Town
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo
Imperial Palace
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hilton Tokyo

Meals Included: Lunch

Today, you have a free day to continue exploring your favorite places in Tokyo. Additionally, we recommend joining our optional private day tour to Hakone*. Overnight stay in Tokyo.*Optional private day tour to Hakone: Travel from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Hakone aboard the Hakone Romancecar train, arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station. Experience the Hakone Ropeway, explore the Owakudani volcanic area, and enjoy a scenic sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi. You'll have free time to relax and enjoy lunch at your leisure (not included). Afterward, return to Shinjuku by train.

Day 5 : Tokyo

Imperial Palace
Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
Meiji Jingu, Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market
Odaiba, Tokyo
Akihabara Electric Town

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Today, you have the day free to explore Tokyo at your leisure. You could appreciate its many shopping districts, such as the Akihabara district, famous for its anime culture, video games and electronics offerings. Another option is to stroll around Shibuya and take a photo of the iconic pedestrian crossing after enjoying its varied gastronomic and shopping options. Overnight stay in Tokyo.

Day 6 : Tokyo - Kyoto

Gion District
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Fushimi Inari Shrine

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Today, enjoy an escorted transfer from your hotel to the Tokyo train station to board a bullet train to Kyoto, the capital of the Japanese Empire for 11 centuries. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with the train reaching speeds of up to 186 mph! (Please note there will be no guide during the train ride).After arriving and settling in Kyoto accompanied by a guide, we recommend exploring the iconic Gion district, renowned for its traditional architecture and celebrated geishas. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 7 : Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Gion District
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: Hotel New Otani Osaka

Meals Included: Lunch

This morning, embark on a private Kyoto Highlights tour using public transportation (bus and metro) to explore Japan's stunning and historic "cultural capital." Begin your adventure at Fushimi Inari, the most important shrine dedicated to Inari, the deity of good harvest and success, famous for its iconic red torii gates.Next, visit Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, where the top two floors are covered entirely in gold leaf. Conclude your tour with a visit to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, surrounded by immense natural beauty.Enjoy free time for lunch (not included) and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Day 8 : Kyoto - Osaka

Universal Studios Japan
Osaka Castle

Location: Osaka

Accommodation Name: Hotel New Otani Osaka

Today, accompanied by your guide, take a local train to Osaka (your guide will travel with you during the train journey). Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day exploring this vibrant city at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Kuromon Market, known for its fresh local delicacies, and the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building, offering unforgettable panoramic views of the city. Overnight stay in Osaka.

Day 9 : Osaka

Universal Studios Japan
Osaka Castle

Location: Osaka

Today you can enjoy a self-guided tour of Osaka. You will be provided with an Osaka Metro & Bus card to get around the city on your own and see its lively shopping and dining districts at your own pace. Also included is admission to Osaka Castle,surrounded by the beautiful Nishinomaru Garden, to admire this great fortress and learn more about the history of one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Overnight in Osaka.

Day 10 : Osaka - Night on board

Osaka Castle
Universal Studios Japan

Location: Osaka

Sadly it's time to say goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun. On this day, you will be accompanied by taxi to the Osaka airport*. Night on board.*Private transfer only included for flights departing after 11AM.

Day 11 : UK/Ireland

Location: United Kingdom

Arrive at your destination in the UK/Ireland and end this extraordinary adventure!

What's Included

  • Departures from major airports in the UK/Ireland

    Departures are available from major airports in the UK and Ireland.

  • International flights

    International flights are included from the UK/Ireland to Tokyo and from Osaka to the UK/Ireland.

  • Inter-city transfers

    Inter-city transfers include the Tokyo-Kyoto bullet train and Kyoto-Osaka local train, along with a 72-hour metro pass in Tokyo and a 24-hour bus and metro pass in Kyoto.

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What's Not Included

  • Optional tours

    Optional tours, such as the private day tour to Hakone, are not included.

  • Meals not specified

    Meals that are not specified in the itinerary are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as shopping and additional activities are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel seamlessly with international flights from the UK/Ireland, inter-city bullet and local trains, and metro passes in Tokyo and Kyoto, ensuring a smooth journey across Japan's iconic cities.

Accommodation

Experience luxury with 8 nights in top-tier hotels, including Hilton Tokyo, Hotel Granvia Kyoto, and Hotel New Otani Osaka, offering exceptional comfort and amenities throughout your stay in Japan.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 8 nights in luxury category hotels.

  • Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, there are guided tours in Tokyo and Kyoto. In Tokyo, a full-day guided tour includes visits to the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, the Imperial Palace area, Asakusa, and the Tokyo Skytree. In Kyoto, a private tour covers Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

  • Is transportation between cities included in the tour?

    Yes, inter-city transfers are included. This includes a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto and a local train from Kyoto to Osaka.

  • Will there be any assistance upon arrival in Japan?

    Yes, there is a meet and greet service at the arrival airport, and you will be met by a representative who will provide your itinerary, travel documents, and recommendations.

  • Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?

    Yes, there are several days with free time to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka at your leisure.

  • What is included in the transportation within the cities?

    The tour includes a 72-hour metro pass in Tokyo, a 24-hour bus and metro pass in Kyoto, and an Osaka Metro & Bus card for exploring Osaka.

  • Are there any optional tours available during the trip?

    Yes, there is an optional private day tour to Hakone from Tokyo, which includes travel on the Hakone Romancecar train, the Hakone Ropeway, and a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi.

  • Is there internet access provided during the tour?

    Yes, a Japanese SIM card with up to 3GB of internet is provided per person.

  • Where can I check the latest Travel Restrictions?

    It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding government embassies and/or consulates as appropriate.

  • What recommendations should I follow before traveling?

    Passport validity: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding embassies and/or consulates as appropriate. Requirements change so please check the up-to-date requirements in advance of your departure date. In many cases, countries now require that passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from their borders.

  • How can I upgrade my flight?

    If you would like to make an upgrade to your flight or ask for a quotation, please contact us with all the information. Our customer success agents will answer your request as soon as possible.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes of flights and related services are not permitted after the booking is confirmed. If you wish to make any significant amendment affecting the flights, you will need to cancel it as per the terms & conditions applicable to your booking and make a new booking. If you require more information about your cancellations policy please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section). If you would like to proceed with the cancellation or require assistance please contact us.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The COVID-19 pandemic not only created an unparalleled impact on health and economy globally, but it has also changed fundamental behaviors with regards to traveling. In response to such changes, Exoticca provides extra peace of mind for all reservations made from 18th January, 2022 onwards by including Covid 19 Protection. Testing positive for COVID-19: If you or anyone else traveling with you on your booking cannot travel due to testing positive for COVID-19 you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive 100% of the trip value in Exoticca travel credit. **Proof of infection must be provided in the form of an official COVID-19 positive test result. For more information on the details of the Covid 19 Protection Policy, please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section).

  • Travelling to the USA or Canada?

    Traveling to the United States: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system, developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before authorizing them to board a plane or ship bound for the United States. Starting on the 12th of January 2009, any person entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have an approved ESTA travel authorization. This includes travelers who travel to the United States to catch a connecting flight. An ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determine the admissibility of travelers upon arrival. For more information click here. If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (09.11.2022, Countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria), the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States. Traveling to Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air. This includes travelers who travel to Canada to catch a connecting flight. An eTA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, depending on which of these two scenarios occurs first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents to determine whether you are admissible to enter Canada. For more information click here. Traveling to a Schengen member country (Europe): Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) The ETIAS travel authorization will be needed to enter a Schengen member country by air, land, or sea. From November 2023, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will be able to register with ETIAS. ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement. The ETIAS for Europe will grant travelers authorization to visit the ETIAS countries that are all members that compose the Schengen zone. The ETIAS visa waiver has been designed for short-term stays of up to 90 days. For more information click here.

  • COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and other vaccines?

    It is the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. Check with the migration and health authorities for the country of origin, destination, and stopover to learn more about vaccination requirements.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once your purchase is complete, you will receive confirmation by email and all your travel documents will be uploaded on to your booking and the Exoticca customer account (which you'll be provided details of). These will include: transport details, hotels, itinerary, important notes, and insurance policy (if applicable).

Reviews of this operator

Nigel Curtis (Google Reviewer)  

This is the first time...

26-Mar-2023

This is the first time that we have used Exoticca and we were not disappointed. The holiday was well planned and we felt looked after at every stage of our South American adventure. The guides were knowledgeable, cheerful and friendly. They were able to answer all our questions with ease and good humour. The hotels were of a high standard and offered excellent food and comfort. Our travel group was well matched and we always had plenty of room in the vehicles selected for each stage of our journey. We will no hesitation in booking with Exoticca again in the future.

Jane S  

South America with Exoticca

04-Jun-2023

Most of the time we were travelling as a couple although we kept bumping into others in a simialr situation. Wherever we went there was someone there to welcome us and take us to our hotel, tell us about arrangements for the next few days and to generally look after us. Guides always turned up as expected and were all of a very high standard. We never felt concerned about what was due to happen the next day - it always did! Tours were always of interest. Accommodation which was charm class was perfectly acceptable and if not in the centre of town, taxis were always easy to use and safe whether a white pick up van in the Galapagos or a tuk tuk in Peru. I had a slight accident while there and I have to say that Exoticca guides etc could not have been more helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend Exoticca to anyone thinking of using them. We had an amazing experience in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647e07eb706f837cb1f86880
Diana Gwynn  

Imperial Cities and Desert

20-May-2023

Really excellent way to see Morocco. Our first experience of Exoticca and we were impressed with all the arrangements and attention to detail. The local guides were excellent and our driver Ayoub the absolute best - helpful, kind, knowledgeable and funny. What an outstanding young man! We are definitely recommending Exoticca to our friends and are interested in exploring other countries with you. Many thanks!

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647ccf3f81ea8608ae6d5e06
sky unidentifiedstorm (Google Reviewer)  

I booked a two week...

21-Mar-2023

I booked a two week trip with Exoticca in February 2023 to Morocco and Egypt. I went solo, had a great time traveling and site seeing to planned excursions and some extra excursions as well. Stayed at several hotels from 5star to 3star standards. All where safe and comfortable. Bus tours where comfortable and I always felt safe wherever we went. Tour guides, bus operators and guards where friendly and respectful. All the sites we visited had me in awe. At one point we got stuck in the mountains due to snow and rain. The roads where cut off. We where set up in hotels for the night and the following day we where back on the road in once a road was cleared. My tickets to Cairo where reschedule and so was my excursions do to the delay. All was taken care with Exoticca I didn't have to do anything, which I greatly appreciated. Exoticca does hire tour agencies in the country you visit. I really like the agencies that where hired. There are usually one or two stops a day to go to a specific craft seller for certain goods, like rugs, paintings, ceramics etc. throughout the tours.

S A (Google Reviewer)  

Exoticca was a great experience....

11-Apr-2024

Exoticca was a great experience. Very well planned itinerary and our tour driver Leo was excellent. We were lucky to get good weather for the most parts and were given good guidance about local attractions. The hotels were well located and of a good quality. Overall a very pleasant experience. We will travel with Exoticca again.

Kimberly Penna (Google Reviewer)  

I very much enjoyed my...

10-Apr-2024

I very much enjoyed my trip to Portugal with Exoticca. I love that you're able to book the flight at the same time as the vacation booking because you won't get stuck with a bunch of layovers like other tour companies spring on you at the last minute. I felt like the trip was very organized and well-planned. I also like that I was back in my hotel room everyday prior to 6:00 p.m. so I had the whole night to myself to do whatever I wanted rather than being stuck on a bus for hours. I will definitely be booking with Exoticca again.

Yevgeniy (Google Reviewer)  

If you are planning a...

04-Jan-2025

If you are planning a trip to Morocco Book a trip with Abdelali Filali He will take care of you from Start to Finish and will accommodate you in every possible way,so you don't have to do it yourself. Trust me 100% this is the ONLY Tour Guide for Morocco. Must Try!!!

JB  

Saw most of what was on the itinerary…

04-Jun-2023

Saw most of what was on the itinerary… Saw most of what was on the itinerary but not the best guide (our Exoticca guide in Ecuador was great but ones since then less so). More free time would have been good ( we didn't even get the free time listed on the itinerary) especially at lunchtimes. Beautiful scenery ranging from the sand dunes to the snow capped mountains. Date of experien

https://uk.trustpilot.com/users/642ae4e995d55f0014af4543
Sue Linford (Google Reviewer)  

I travelled to Jordan in...

28-May-2023

I travelled to Jordan in May with a friend. Exoticca admin was very efficient and the Qatar airways flights were very good. A local representative was on hand to fast track us through the airport in Amman, arriving and departing. We booked 3* accommodation in Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum, which were all fine. The pre-arranged tours were run by a local company and the guides were extremely knowledgeable. Our only issue was with the coaches we had for our first four days which were not to the standard of others we had for the remaining time. Both Jordan and Beyond and Exoticca have acknowledged the points that we raised with them and have said this issue would be addressed so we hope that will be the case. That apart, we very much enjoyed the tour and the company of fellow travellers.

XQ Tong (Google Reviewer)  

The tour of 'Essence of...

12-Apr-2024

The tour of 'Essence of Patagonia & Cultural Capitals - Argentina & Chile' was a great experience and good value for the money. It gave us plenty of free time at most locations to explore on our own. The full day guided tours in Patagonia on both Argentina and Chile sides were great.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    Exoticca allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exoticca, 0 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exoticca requires a minimum deposit of 60% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exoticca charges.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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