Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
10 Days Starting in Tokyo, Japan and ending in Osaka, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JPCLZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan with the "Classic Japan" tour, exploring the vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Sensoji Temple, Mt. Fuji, and the Peace Memorial Park. Experience the cultural richness of Japan with a Taiko drumming lesson, a cruise along the Sumida River, and a visit to the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Enjoy a unique "Be My Guest" lunch with a local farmer's family in Nara and support sustainable practices by visiting Kiyomizu pottery artisans in Kyoto. Travel in comfort with luxury transportation and stay in cherry-picked hotels, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. With expert guidance and flexible sightseeing options, this tour offers a perfect blend of must-see highlights and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Konnichiwa Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Accommodation Name: New Otani Garden Tower
Tokyo’s futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan’s modern centers and ancient capitals. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome drink with appetizers.
Day 2: Explore Vibrant Tokyo Dive Into Culture
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Accommodation Name: New Otani Garden Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rub shoulders with the locals this morning as you Dive Into Culture and wander through Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II. Continue to the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa to visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, which has been rebuilt countless times since its founding in 628, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Take a stroll down Nakamise shopping street with some free time for lunch, then join a Local Specialist and learn the mesmerizing rhythmic art of Taiko drumming, one of Japan’s most popular cultural icons. Board a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo’s modern skyline, the traditional neighborhoods of old Edo and beautiful Hamarikyu Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner at a Sumo-themed izakaya restaurant.
Day 3: Continue To Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leave Tokyo, traveling by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the center of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Visit Kinkakuji Temple, whose glittering golden pavilion is widely regarded as the symbol of Kyoto, before returning to the hotel for an evening of leisure.
Day 4: Discover Enchanting Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Nikko Princess
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit one of Kyoto’s highlights—the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees that bloom in spring and its stunning landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then spend some free time at Nishiki Market, a traditional food market known to locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry.” Return to your hotel or consider joining an optional Japanese tea ceremony experience.
Day 5: Admire Ancient Nara Make Travel Matter
Location: Nara
Accommodation: Nikko Princess
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Lunch
Start the day off with a visit to Sumiyama Village and discover the stunning Kiyomizu Pottery which originated about 500 years ago in central Kyoto. Learn about the work of the craftsmen and about how they had to move out of the city and into a more rural area due to concerns from the local citizens about air pollution. Next 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch with a local farmer at his home. Gain insights into the life of his family while sampling fresh tea and indulging in a delicious home-made meal, then visit his tea plantation. This afternoon delve into the ancient history of Nara, the first permanent capital city of Japan. Here you’ll visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Take a stroll around Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming tame deer before returning to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.
Day 6: Bullet Train To Hiroshima Dive Into Culture
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Nikko Princess
Accommodation Name: Rihga Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century’s devastation. Your first stop is to a local restaurant where you’ll join our Local Specialist for an Okonomiyaki making experience. Mix your ingredients to make your own savory pancake and cook it on a hot plate before enjoying your creation for lunch. This afternoon, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialties, shaping your steamed bun as a maple leaf and filling it with sweet red bean paste. You’ll have an opportunity to sample your work before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.
Day 7: Experience Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Accommodation Name: Rihga Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Take a moment to contemplate its symbolic expression of hope for world peace. Spend the afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.
Day 8: Onwards To Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Miyako
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, take the high-speed bullet train to Osaka. On arrival embark on an orientation drive of the central city and your first glimpse of sights including the incredible Umeda Sky Building before checking in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 9: See The Sights Of Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Miyako
Meals Included: Dinner
Gain a different perspective of Osaka’s landmark city sights, starting your day with a cruise on the ‘aqua-bus’ along Okawa River. Sail past the Japan Mint, City Hall, Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Visit the downtown district of Shinsekai to see the Tsutenkaku Tower, then continue to the Dotonbori Street area for some time at leisure. Delve into the star-crossed love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei during your visit to the Tsuyunoten Shrine in Umeda, associated with the Edo-period play ‘The Love Suicides of Sonezaki, which tells of the tragic double suicide that took place at the shrine in 1703. To this day, visitors write their prayers for success in love on special wooden plaques called ema, many of which bear the image of Ohatsu and Tokubei. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open-air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Later join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 10: Sayonara Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your journey revealing Japan's past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
Day 11: Sayonara Osaka
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey revealing Japan's past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
-
Optional Experiences and free time
Optional Experiences and free time are included.
-
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
-
International Airfare
International airfare to and from the start and end of your tour is not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Some Meals
Not all meals are covered, providing you the opportunity to explore local cuisines on your own.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, room service, and other personal items are not included.
-
Optional Experience Costs
Costs for optional experiences, unless stated as included, are not covered.
-
Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included.
Dining Summary
10 Breakfast (B)2 Dinner (D)4 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
Tokyo: Visit Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique cultural experiences are included in the Classic Japan tour?
The tour includes a Taiko drumming lesson in Tokyo, an Okonomiyaki making experience in Hiroshima, and a visit to a Kiyomizu pottery workshop in Kyoto. Additionally, there is a 'Be My Guest' lunch with a local farmer's family in Nara.
-
How does the Classic Japan tour support sustainable tourism?
The tour supports sustainable tourism by visiting a Kiyomizu pottery workshop in Kyoto, which contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the Classic Japan tour?
The tour uses luxury air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi and includes high-speed bullet train journeys for certain segments.
-
Are meals included in the Classic Japan tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, up to half of the evening meals, and four lunches. Some meals are not included, allowing travelers to explore local cuisines independently.
-
What is the accommodation like on the Classic Japan tour?
The tour provides accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, ensuring comfort and quality throughout the journey.
-
What are some of the key highlights of the Classic Japan tour?
Key highlights include exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, visiting iconic sites like Sensoji Temple, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Kinkakuji Temple, and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, as well as scenic cruises along the Sumida and Okawa Rivers.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.What are travellers saying about Tourhub
Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is held in a dedicated client account until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."