Japan for Solo Travellers
Japan for Solo Travellers
Japan for Solo Travellers
13 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kyoto, Nara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1JP
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$7581 (USD) including Flights from the UKTourhub Members Discount - Sign In
Tour Overview
Looking to travel solo in Japan? Discover the unique beauty, culture and heritage of the 'Land of the Rising Sun' on our fascinating dedicated solo traveller holiday, which combines the highlights and hidden gems of this truly mesmerising destination.Â
Japan is a country steeped in the tradition of majestic emperors and ruthless martial arts, balanced with tranquil gardens and a Buddhist outlook on life. These treasured cultural traditions are complemented by the advanced technology, futuristic architecture and quirky gadgets that vie for your attention in Japan's neon-lit cities. It's a remarkably diverse country just waiting to be discovered, combined, of course, with the incredibly polite and respectful Japanese hospitality.Â
Our carefully crafted solo traveller itinerary covers three of Japan's key cities: the bustling capital of Tokyo, cultural Kyoto and Nara, Japan's first capital, dating back to the eighth century. Journey past Mt. Fuji on an iconic bullet train, take in the tranquillity of Kyoto's Zen gardens and temples, experience the poignant history of Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and learn about Japan's traditional past in Nara.
What's more, as this bucket list holiday in Japan is specially created for solo travellers, there are extra touches along the way. On day two, there will be a welcome dinner and drinks for you to get to know your like-minded travelling companions as you embark on a Japanese adventure. Immerse yourself in this incomparable culture of contrasts, where the bright lights of huge hi-tech cities live in harmony with ancient rituals, shrines and springs.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: No Meals
You arrive at the airport for your overnight direct flight to Tokyo.Â
Day 2
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
On our arrival you will be met at the airport for a transfer to our hotel, the excellent four-star superior New Otani, for three nights with breakfast. Perfectly located in the heart of Tokyo, close to the Japanese parliament, the nearest metro stop is just a couple of minutes’ walk allowing you explore at ease (all station names are given in English). This afternoon we have our first taste of Tokyo with a short orientation walk in the surrounding area, with rest of your first day to relax after the flight.
This evening we will have a welcome drinks reception and evening meal to get to know each other better.
Day 3
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we commence the exploration of Japan’s capital and largest city. At first glance, Tokyo might seem similar to other great Asian cities like Singapore or Shanghai, with its gleaming glass skyscrapers and busy, fashionable shops. But you’ll soon begin to notice some of the many fascinating differences – like the spotlessly clean and surprisingly quiet streets. There’s no beeping of horns here, that would be far too impolite!
Our first stop is the famous Shinto Meiji shrine, dedicated to one of its past emperors. Set in outstandingly lush parkland, this is a working religious site where you may be lucky enough to see a typical Japanese marriage underway. Then we move on to some of Tokyo’s most renowned quarters, including Omotesando Street, Tokyo’s ‘Rodeo Drive’, full of luxury brand shops. Then there’s the Harajuku area where teenagers sport the latest outrageous fashions and the Akihabara electronic town, home to one of the first stores devoted to personal robots.
We savour some Japanese cuisine at our included lunch.
Day 4
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we visit Tokyo’s Asakusa district. Full of traditional small houses and shops, it’s a unique insight into the Tokyo of a hundred years ago. We will then transfer by boat down the Sumida River to Ginza, widely recognised as one of the world’s most luxurious shopping destinations. It’s brimming with ultra-modern department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses.
Your afternoon is free to shop, explore, or perhaps indulge in some fascinating people-watching. Another option is to head to the Tokyo National Museum, just a few stops on the metro. Here you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Japanese art, with pottery, painting and prints, textiles, fashion and oriental antiquities.
Day 5
Location: Mount Fuji, Hakone
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Saying goodbye to Tokyo we drive towards Mount Fuji, probably Japan’s most instantly recognisable sight. Fringed by thick forests and a crescent-shaped ring of shimmering lakes, we are presented with one of the world’s greatest and most spectacular views. We visit two of these beautiful lakes to give you the best chance of appreciating and enjoying the stunning panorama from two different angles – and some of life’s most amazing photo opportunities.
Our first stop is at Lake Kawaguchi, well known to the Japanese but as yet undiscovered by most foreign visitors. Next we head south to explore the fascinating mountain resort of Hakone. Descending to the smooth dark blue waters of Lake Ashi, we take a cruise on a rather unusual Japanese version of an early 19th-century pirate ship. From here, especially on a clear day, the views of Mt Fuji are one of the world’s greatest panoramas.
Arriving at the four-star Hakone Hotel, we stay for one night with breakfast and dinner. The entire area here is geo-thermally active, and provides the perfect opportunity to try one of Japan’s unmissable experiences – bathing in an ‘onsen’, a hot spring at our very own hotel.
Day 6
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we travel to Hiroshima on Japan’s iconic gleaming white bullet train. With reclining seats, plenty of legroom, air conditioned comfort and speeds up to 189 mph, this is an incomparable way to travel.
Arriving at lunchtime, we’re on our way to one of the country’s most distinctive views on the nearby small island of Miyajima. A huge red ‘Torii’ gate sits just offshore; widely celebrated, at high tide it appears to float between the sea and sky. This popular little island is easy to explore on foot. It has a relaxed holiday atmosphere, lots of interesting shops and a covered market.
Returning to Hiroshima, we stay for two nights at the four-star RIHGA Royal Hotel, with breakfast.
Day 7
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
There’s a sobering reminder of the horrors of war this morning as we visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum, displaying the remains of the only building to survive the atomic bomb blast of August 1945. The city has been completely rebuilt and there are no signs left of the devastation of that fateful day. Yet you may notice a small digital counter indicating the number of days since the last atomic test – it’s surprisingly recent. Your afternoon is at leisure to experience this charming city.
Day 8
Location: Okayama
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Hiroshima by coach, we head towards the old imperial capital of Kyoto. En route we’ll visit the superb Korakuen garden at Okayama – built in 1700 and renowned as one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, with lawns, lakes, wooden bridges and shrines and teahouses! We use good, centrally located four-star hotels for your four-night stay with breakfast in Kyoto.
Day 9
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is one of the real highlights of the tour as we explore some of the overwhelming treasures of Japan’s most revered city. First is the spectacular and beautiful Golden Pavilion, dating from the classical Muromachi age of Japanese temple design, perfectly overlooking its lake and garden. The whole of the upper floors, covered in gold leaf, glow in the morning light with an almost blinding intensity. Nearby is the Ryoan-ji temple, or the Temple of the Dragon at Peace, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden, consisting of fifteen rocks surrounded by white gravel carefully raked by monks daily.
As a complete change, we then move on to the amazing Arashiyama bamboo forest – experiencing an almost other-worldly feel as the light streams through the tall green columns of bamboo, up to 30 feet high! Yet another iconic Kyoto monument is next – Nijo Castle. Set at the heart of the city and built in the 17th century, it’s famous for its wooden floors remarkably designed to creak like a nightingale’s song, thus warning its occupants of any impending stealthy attack!
Finally we take a walking tour through Kyoto’s Gion district. Here is the classic image of Japan; streets of wooden houses, the unmistakable sound of wooden sandals reverberating on the  avements, bright, silk-clad geishas, cherry trees and a host of traditional restaurants. We also experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony’
Day 10
Location: Nara, Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Capital city before Kyoto, Nara is just a few miles south. Firstly we see one of the country’s most iconic shrines, made from thousands of red Torii gates forming two extraordinary vermilion-coloured wooden tunnels up a hillside. Arriving at Nara you’ll be greeted by the dozens of tame deer considered for centuries to be messengers of the gods. The main sight though is the amazing Todai-ji temple, astonishingly the world’s largest wooden structure. Housing a huge bronze Buddha, this is a truly inspiring sight and just one of Nara’s several UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Day 11
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’re free today to explore and discover the many delights and attractions of Kyoto. There are still more enchanting temples to see - like the 15th century Silver Pavilion and the even older Eikando temple, marvels of architectural and garden design within an easy walk of each other along the charming Philosopher’s Path.
Day 12
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
After a last free morning at leisure, we take our bullet train to Tokyo staying overnight at the four-star Excel Tokyu near the airport.
Day 13
Location: Tokyo
We fly directly back to the UK, arriving later the same day, with memories of an incomparable tour full of the most extraordinary insights and experiences that Japan has to offer.
What's Included
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The price for this holiday is based on one person staying in a;twin or double bedded room for sole occupancy. Price includes:; Eleven nights’ accommodation Daily breakfast and four meals, including welcome dinner and drinks Direct return flights Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person All touring as mentioned All local accommodation taxes All airport/flight taxes The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
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Accommodation
Eleven nights’ accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Entrance Fees
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Local Taxes
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Meals
Daily breakfast and four meals, including welcome dinner and drinks
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 22, 2024 - Sep 03, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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