Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival
Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival
Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival
13 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka
Visiting: Tokyo, Yamanakako, Mt. Fuji, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Awaji Island, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JPHFZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Festival & Special Events, Rail Tours, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Japan's heart and soul with the "Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival" tour. This meticulously crafted experience invites you to explore the vibrant cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, each brimming with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Marvel at iconic sights including the serene Sensoji Temple, the towering Skytree Observation Tower, and the poignant Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. Witness the majestic Mt. Fuji, immerse yourself in the Takayama Festival's lively atmosphere, and stroll through the historic Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama. With luxury air-conditioned coach travel, cherry-picked hotels, and an expert Travel Director to guide you, this tour promises a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and unforgettable festival experiences, making it a perfect choice for those seeking to delve deep into Japan's rich heritage and contemporary allure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Konnichiwa Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Accommodation Name: New Otani Garden Tower Tokyo
Meals Included: No Meals
Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome drink and local appetisers.
Day 2: Explore Vibrant Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Accommodation Name: New Otani Garden Tower Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
We launch our city tour in the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa, where we’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. One of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples, Sensoji has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site. Strolling down Nakamise next, we immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. We’ll ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower for panoramic views of the city.
Day 3: Off To The Five Lakes District
Location: Yamanakako
Accommodation: Fuji Marriott Yamanakako
Accommodation Name: Fuji Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanakako
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our first stop today is the Imperial Palace Plaza from where the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed. We'll have the opportunity to explore the leafy Imperial Palace East Gardens before continuing our city tour. At the Tokyo National Museum browse collections of Japanese art, then continue to the Ginza district where we’ll learn how to make sushi with a Local Specialist. We venture to the Five Lakes District next, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCO listed Mt. Fuji which dominates the landscape.
Day 4: Majestic Mt. Fuji And Timeless Takayama
Location: Mt. Fuji
Accommodation: Associa Takayama Resort
Accommodation Name: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in the clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 meters at the 5th station. Ride up Mt. Tenjo on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway next, for jaw-dropping views (weather permitting) of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Then, journey through the Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama, before enjoying dinner at the hotel. Visit the Takayama Evening festival where you will see the spectacular sight of the floats decorated with lanterns.
Day 5: Join The Locals At The Takayama Festival
Location: Takayama
Accommodation: Associa Takayama Resort
Accommodation Name: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge in a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. After lunch, immerse yourself in the town’s festive atmosphere. Admire the intricately carved yatai (floats) that date back to the 17th century and feature karakuri ningyo (marionettes) which move and dance as their strings are managed by the tsunakata (puppeteers). Later, return to the hotel by coach.
Day 6: Experience Gokayama And On To Kanazawa
Location: Kanazawa
Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu
Accommodation Name: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel Kanazawa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey back in time this morning during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them.
Later observe local artisans making washi paper and trying your hand at making your own. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience contributes to the sustainability of this small business. Then, continue to Kanazawa and take a short walk through the Omicho market and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Next, visit the gardens of Kenroku-en, shaped over a hundred years before continuing with a visit to a Local Specialist to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 7 : Onwards To Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Nikko Princess
Accommodation Name: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
We board an Express train this morning to Kyoto, where we’ll Connect With Locals at a traditional ryokan. We’ll enjoy a Be My Guest lunch and learn about local Japanese customs as our hosts welcome us into their beautiful home. After lunch, we visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple with its famous Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14th-century villa.
Day 8: Discover Enchanting Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide our path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. We continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the minute detail of each of its 1,001 “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy statues, then enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. This evening, we indulge in a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.
Day 9 : Cross The Seto Island Sea To Awaji Island
Location: Awaji Island
Accommodation: Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho Ryokan
Accommodation Name: Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we leave Japan’s main island Honshu behind, crossing the world’s largest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Enjoy free time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. One of the most striking features is the ‘100 Stepped Garden’ — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread over several levels. Visit the Water Temple and admire the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters.
Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira where our accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional Japanese ryokan. We’ll have some time this evening to climb the steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later perhaps take a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at our hotel.
Day 10: Spiritual Kotohira And Onwards To Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Accommodation Name: Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometres and was traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to complete. It is still done by many people today although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles.
Continue to Oshima Island and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometre highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 11: Set Sail For Miyajima Island Dive Into Culture
Location: Miyajima Island
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Accommodation Name: Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
We travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island, where we’ll see the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate that stands majestically in the sea. After some free time for lunch and to explore the island’s spiritual sanctuaries, we return to Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that followed the world’s first atomic explosion in 1945 as you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area and an expression of hope for world peace. This evening, we’ll indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate.
Day 12: High Speed Bullet Train To Osaka
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako
Accommodation Name: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Dotonbori Street area. Visit Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13: Sayonara Osaka
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our encounter with Japan’s centuries-old traditions and modern cityscapes 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
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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver to guide you through your journey.
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Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
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Gratuities and Taxes
All porterage and restaurant gratuities, as well as all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are taken care of.
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Meals
Enjoy breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals, including special welcome and farewell dinners.
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Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, with optional experiences and free time to explore.
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Flexible Sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury Transportation
Travel in luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered, providing you the opportunity to explore local cuisines on your own.
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Optional Experiences
Any optional experiences or excursions that are not listed as inclusions.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, are not included.
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Visa Fees
Any applicable visa fees are not included.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival tour visit?
The tour visits Japan.
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What type of accommodation is provided on the Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival tour?
The tour provides cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
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What type of transportation is provided on the Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
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What are the highlights of the Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival tour?
The highlights of the tour include exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima; visiting the Sensoji Temple, the Skytree Observation Tower, the Edo Tokyo Museum in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sanjusangen-do Hall in Kyoto, the Water Temple on Awaji Island, Zentsuji Temple, the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima and Osaka Castle; viewing Mt. Fuji; and seeing the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa.
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What is the ending location of the Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival tour?
The ending location of the tour is Osaka.
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Are meals included in the Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival tour?
Yes, breakfast is included daily and up to half of your evening meals, including special welcome and farewell dinners.
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Are there any exclusions I should be aware of for the Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival tour?
Yes, exclusions include international flights to and from the start and end points of the tour, travel insurance, some meals, any optional experiences or excursions not listed as inclusions, items of a personal nature including souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, and any applicable visa fees.
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What is the starting location of the Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival tour?
The starting location of the tour is Tokyo.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
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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.
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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.
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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.
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