Classic Japan Adventure - 14 days

Classic Japan Adventure - 14 days

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Classic Japan Adventure - 14 days

14 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan

Visiting: Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama, Japanese Alps, Kamikochi

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 14

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

6-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Hiking

Tour Overview

Embark on a 14-day Classic Japan Adventure, exploring the vibrant cities and serene landscapes of Japan. Begin in Tokyo, where you'll experience the bustling Shibuya, historic Asakusa, and tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens. Journey to Hakone for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. In Osaka, discover the iconic Osaka Castle and the lively Dotonbori district. Kyoto offers the enchanting bamboo groves of Arashiyama and the golden Kinkaku-ji. Experience the traditional charm of Takayama and the stunning Japanese Alps, with a ride on the Shinhotaka Ropeway and a hike in Chubu-Sangaku National Park. Conclude your adventure in Tokyo, with a visit to Matsumoto's "Black Crow" castle. Travel seamlessly with private coaches, local trains, and the iconic shinkansen bullet train, while enjoying comfortable stays in 3-4 star hotels and the guidance of a knowledgeable tour leader.

Highlights

  • Explore the bustling Shibuya, historic Asakusa, and the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo.

  • Enjoy views of Mount Fuji, relax in hot springs, and visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum in Hakone.

  • Visit the iconic Osaka Castle and explore the vibrant Dotonbori district in Osaka.

  • Discover the bamboo groves of Arashiyama and the golden Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto.

  • Experience the Hida no Sato folk village and the charming old town district in Takayama.

  • Ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway and hike in Chubu-Sangaku National Park in the Japanese Alps.

  • Visit the iconic "Black Crow" castle in Matsumoto.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1-2: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: Gracery Asakusa Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

On arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted at the airport by our driver and taken to your hotel in Asakusa. Your tour leader will be waiting for you in the lobby, where you will gather with the group for a welcome meeting before enjoying a meal at a local restaurant. Asakusa offers a glimpse of the city's history, with its traditional market stalls leading to the ancient Senso-ji temple, Tokyo's oldest.





On day 2, we embark on a tour of Tokyo's iconic sites, from Shibuya's bustling scramble crossing to the vibrant arcades of Akihabara. End the day with a relaxing cup of green tea at the serene Hamarikyu Gardens. Tokyo may be a symbol of modernity, but it still holds pockets of history for those willing to explore.





Accommodation: Gracery Asakusa Hotel or similar

Day 3-4: Hakone

Location: Hakone

Accommodation Name: Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Tokyo - Hakone. Marvel at the beauty of Mount Fuji and discover the Hakone Open-Air Museum in Hakone, known as one of Japan's most popular national parks.





Conveniently accessible by bullet train, Hakone is located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is renowned for its hot springs. During your visit, you will be accommodated in a traditional Japanese hotel near the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The museum showcases works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Miro, Rodin, and Henry Moore, set against the backdrop of picturesque mountain landscapes.





In addition to the art exhibits, Hakone offers a variety of attractions including charming traditional buildings and a leisurely pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, with stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Your tour leader will guide you to explore these highlights and more on day 4 of your trip.





Each evening, enjoy a delicious kaiseki-style dinner featuring local and seasonal ingredients included in your stay. Be sure to take advantage of the relaxing hot spring baths, a beloved tradition in Japanese culture, while in Hakone, where you will find top-notch bathhouses to unwind in.





Accommodation: Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika or similar

Day 5-6: Osaka

Location: Osaka

Accommodation Name: Cross Hotel Osaka or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hakone - Osaka. On day 5 we journey via local train and shinkansen bullet train to Osaka, a bustling and modern city celebrated for its delicious street food offerings such as takoyaki octopus balls and okonomiyaki savoury pancake.





Upon arrival, we kick off our exploration by visiting Osaka Castle, an impressive reconstruction with a museum showcasing the castle's history. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore at your own pace or join your tour leader to wander through the lively Dotonbori district, home to iconic sights like the illuminated "Glico running man" and a large animatronic crab. Don't miss the chance to sample some local street food delicacies.





Day 6 is free to pursue activities of your choosing. Consider taking a day trip to Himeji Castle or the ancient imperial city of Nara, both easily accessible from Osaka. Our tour leader will provide guidance on these options or offer suggestions for alternative excursions.





Accommodation: Cross Hotel Osaka or similar

Day 7-8: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Osaka - Kyoto. Capital of Japan from 794 to 1869, Kyoto is home to a wealth of historical sites and landmarks. The city's numerous temples and shrines offer a glimpse into its vibrant past. Your tour leader will design a customized itinerary based on the season, weather, and group preferences.





Experience the traditional charm of Kyoto's Gion district on day 7 with a private afternoon tea with a maiko, followed by a group dinner at a local restaurant. On day 8, explore the city's highlights, including the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Yasaka Shrine, and the iconic Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide as well as our tour leader.





Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei or similar

Day 9-10: Takayama

Location: Takayama

Accommodation Name: Tanabe Ryokan or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kyoto - Takayama. On day 9, we journey from Kyoto to Takayama in the Japanese Alps. The city is known for its exceptional craftsmen. Take the afternoon to wander through craft shops and sake breweries in the old town district before enjoying dinner at our Japanese-style inn.





Day 10 in Takayama offers a full day of exploration, starting with a visit to the riverside morning market. Next, we venture to Hida no Sato folk village to see traditional thatched farmhouses. For a different experience, consider visiting the Sukyo Mahikari cult's world headquarters, a unique shrine with a giant fish tank at its altar. Dinner is not included, so we recommend trying the delicious Hida beef for a taste of local cuisine.





Accommodation: Tanabe Ryokan or similar

Day 11-12: Japanese Alps

Location: Japanese Alps

Accommodation Name: Hirayukan or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Takayama - Japanese Alps. Our adventure continues as we take a private coach to the Shinhotaka Ropeway on day 11. This unique "double-decker" cable car offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After the ride, we visit the quaint hot spring town of Hirayu Onsen. Here, you can take an optional hike to a beautiful waterfall. Later, you can relax and enjoy the hot spring baths before tucking into a delicious dinner at the accommodation.





On day 12, a short bus ride brings us to Kamikochi, located in the Chubu-Sangaku National Park. The plateau sits at an elevation of about 1,500m (4,920ft) above sea level, providing cooler weather compared to other parts of Japan, even in the summer. Our tour leader will lead a hike starting at the serene Taisho Pond and continuing for approximately 6km to the Myojin Pond, which houses a mystical Shinto shrine nestled among the mountainous forest. Along the mostly flat route, you may have the chance to see wild monkeys in the area, and there is an option to cut the hike short for those not wanting to complete the full excursion. Dinner is included once again this evening.





Accommodation: Hirayukan or similar

Day 13-14: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Accommodation Name: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Japanese Alps - Matsumoto - Tokyo. Explore Matsumoto's iconic "Black Crow" castle before heading back to Tokyo by bus and train on day 13. Our final evening will be spent in the lively Shinjuku district, enjoying an included farewell meal with the tour group. The next morning, say goodbye to your fellow travelers and catch the included shuttle to the airport for your flight home.





Accommodation: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku or similar

What's Included

  • 13 breakfasts & 8 dinners

    Enjoy 13 breakfasts and 8 dinners included in your tour package.

  • 13 nights 3-4 star hotels

    Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels for 13 nights during your tour.

  • Escorted by a tour leader

    The tour is escorted by a knowledgeable tour leader throughout the journey.

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What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.

  • Local transport not covered by passes

    Local transport not covered by the included passes is not included.

  • Entrance fees for shrines, temples, and museums

    Entrance fees for shrines, temples, and museums are not included unless specified.

  • Baggage handling and luggage forwarding

    Baggage handling and luggage forwarding are not included unless specified.

Age Policy

Minimum age: 6 years, accompanied by an adult

Mode of Transport

Travel through Japan with ease using a combination of private coaches, local trains, and the iconic shinkansen bullet train. Arrival and departure transfers are provided by shared shuttle bus, and a transport card with 4,500 Yen credit is included for city transport.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays in 3-4 star hotels throughout Japan, including the Gracery Asakusa Hotel in Tokyo, Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika in Hakone, Cross Hotel Osaka in Osaka, Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei in Kyoto, Tanabe Ryokan in Takayama, and Hirayukan in the Japanese Alps.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses a combination of private coaches, local trains, and the iconic shinkansen bullet train. Arrival and departure transfers are provided by a shared shuttle bus, and a transport card with 4,500 Yen credit is included for city transport.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels throughout Japan, including the Gracery Asakusa Hotel in Tokyo, Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika in Hakone, Cross Hotel Osaka in Osaka, Mitsui Garden Shinmachi Bettei in Kyoto, Tanabe Ryokan in Takayama, and Hirayukan in the Japanese Alps.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes 13 breakfasts and 8 dinners.

  • Is there a tour leader accompanying the group?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a knowledgeable tour leader throughout the journey.

  • What activities are included in Kyoto?

    In Kyoto, you will experience a private afternoon tea with a maiko, explore the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, visit Yasaka Shrine, and see the iconic Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, all accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide and the tour leader.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 6 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Is there Wi-Fi access during the trip?

    Yes, shared portable Wi-Fi access is available throughout the trip.

  • What is the luggage policy during the tour?

    Luggage forwarding service is provided from Tokyo to Osaka and from Takayama to Tokyo.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

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Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Beth Richardson (Google Reviewer)  

I have toured with On...

14-Mar-2025

I have toured with On The Go three times now. Overall I have found the tours and guides have been excellent. Hotels and transport are usually good. On my most recent tour I enjoyed my time overall but there was an unexpected change to the itinerary part way through. The change wasn’t ideal, but more importantly for me it proved difficult to get transparent information out of them and work out an alternative plan. We reached a compromise in the end but I wouldn’t travel with them again on this basis. They will likely reply to this review citing their Ts&Cs, which will tell you everything you need to know!

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit for future tours

    On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person 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 on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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