15 day/14 night Small Group Tour from
$19,219
per person share twinFlying Air New Zealand
Majestic Japan
With a range of high-end accommodations, included meals and a knowledgeable tour leader to guide you, this Small Group Tour provides a great introduction to Japan's fascinating culture, history and stunning landscapes. From an exclusive audience with a trainee geisha, visiting the sobering Hiroshima Peace Park and enjoying the natural hot springs at Kinosaki Onsen, this is a tour not to be missed!
Deal Includes
✔ Return Economy airfares flying Air New Zealand from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to Tokyo
✔ Return Airport transfers
✔ 14 nights accommodation
✔ Breakfast daily
✔ Six lunches and six evening meals
✔ An experienced Inside Japan tour leader with you all day, every day to make sure everything goes to plan.
✔ IC transport card with 2,500yen credit for city transport
✔ Hamarikyu Gardens visit
✔ Visit the local artisans of the Kyotango Peninsula
✔ Once in a lifetime experience sipping afternoon tea with a maiko (trainee geisha)
✔ 2 Day Hakone Free Pass giving you access to Hakone Open-Air Museum and enabling you to explore the Hakone area
✔ Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima and Hiroshima back to Tokyo
✔ Shared portable Wifi access through out
15 days/14 nights
From $19,219 per person share twin
Based on Set Departure Dates: 07, 12, 14, 19, 21 May 25
Ask us about other travel dates.
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Tokyo
Today you will touch down in Tokyo, Japan's capital and the tenth most populous city in the world. On arrival in Tokyo you'll be met by your driver and make your way by private taxi to your hotel in the vibrant Ginza district of the city, where your tour leader will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby.
This evening you will join your group for an orientation meeting before heading out to one of the area's excellent restaurants for a first-night meal – a great introduction to Japanese food and dining etiquette.
The second day will begin with a leisurely stroll through the lovely Hamarikyu Gardens - a real oasis of calm amongst the skyscrapers. The afternoon will include visits to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, and Meiji Jingu, the capital's most venerated Shinto shrine.
Overnight: Gate Hotel Tokyo
Day 3-4: Kanazawa
This morning, you will leave the bright lights of Tokyo behind and take the bullet train to Kanazawa on the Japan Sea Coast. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa was spared bombing during World War II thanks to its impressive collection of religious sites and important cultural assets. Today it is therefore one of Japan's best-preserved historical cities. The region is renowned for its great seafood, so why not join your tour leader for a fabulous sushi or fish meal tonight? You will be joined by a local guide, as well as your tour leader, for an extensive tour of Kanazawa's best sights. This is sure to include the wood-panelled geisha district of Higashi Chaya, the preserved houses of the samurai quarter, a traditional gold leaf workshop and, of course, Kanazawa's top attraction, Kenrokuen. This sublime landscape garden is lauded as one of Japan's top three, so we will ensure you have sufficient time to appreciate its full beauty. Additionally, if you have the energy after a busy tour, you might wish to visit the local market or the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Overnight: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Day 5-7: Kyoto
If Tokyo is Japan's beacon of modernity, Kyoto is its repository of history. Serving as imperial capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is home to a staggering 17 World Heritage Sites and a litany of ancient shrines, temples and gardens. After a wonderful express train ride along the shores of Lake Biwa, we will arrive in Kyoto with time to start exploring some of these attractions. Nishiki Food Market and the incredible Kyoto station complex are two alternative options that are not to be missed! Later in the day you'll join your tour leader and head to Gion, the heart of Japanese geisha culture. Here you'll have the chance to take part in a traditional tea ceremony, performed by a genuine Gion maiko (trainee geisha). On day six you will be joined by a local Kyoto expert and board a private coach to visit some of Kyoto's most famous sights: wander through the Arashiyama district, the impressive rock Garden at Ryoanji, the opulent Golden Pavillion of Kinkakuji, or alternatively the Silver Pavillion of Ginkakuji. Kyoto has so much to offer that it would take you years to see it all, but with your local guide on hand you'll certainly see a great selection of famous sites and lesser-known locations. On day seven, you will have the choice to either continue exploring Kyoto, or head out of the city on an excursion to one of the many exciting destinations within easy reach by rail. Your tour leader will be available for suggestions and advice – perhaps the ancient capital of Nara, with its giant Buddha and friendly deer. Your tour leader will be happy to help you make arrangements for the day.
Overnight: Hotel Higashiyama
Day 8-9: Kinosaki Onsen
Today you will enjoy a leisurely morning before taking the train to Kinosaki Onsen. Kinosaki Onsen is one of Japan's premier hot-spring towns and is home to the seven mystic onsen. Visitors to the area will often try to bathe in all seven to feel the benefit from the sacred waters. You will have the afternoon to walk around the picturesque town before enjoying a kaiseki dinner at the ryokan. Today you will take a private coach to the East and in to the heart of the Kyotango peninsula. The peninsula is home to some breath-taking scenery and a hub for local artisans. You'll visit a swordsmith who specialise in katana and an artisan who weaves mother-of-pearl in to intricate designs for kimono. After lunch, you'll visit Amanohashidate which is considered to be one of Japan's ‘top three scenic views'. The impressive sandbar spans the Miyazu bay and is thought to be a ‘staircase to heaven'. You'll the chance to cross the bay by boat, foot or bicycle before taking the private bus back to the ryokan for dinner.
Overnight: Nishimuraya Shogetsutei
Day 10-11: Hiroshima
This morning we'll hop on a private coach bound for Himeji to see the World Heritage castle. It is a short walk from the station and is arguably Japan's best preserved feudal castle. Afterwards, we'll jump on the bullet train to Hiroshima, home to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum where visitors can learn about the events of 6th August 1945. On day 11, after visiting the Peace Memorial Museum, we'll jump on a boat at the Peace Park for the 45-minute journey across Hiroshima Bay to the island of Miyajima, a beautiful island on the Seto Inland Sea. Though Miyajima is most famous for its World Heritage Shrine and “floating” torii gate, you're sure to enjoy the traditional town centre and its friendly local deer.
Overnight: Hilton Hiroshima
Day 12-13: Hakone
Today you will jump aboard the bullet train and speed east to Hakone, a beautiful national park just a stone's throw from Tokyo. Today we have included tickets to the outstanding Hakone Open-Air Museum, where you'll have the chance to wander amongst masterpieces by artist such as Moore and Rodin, set against a stunning mountainous backdrop. A top-quality evening meal will be included in your tour tonight.
On day 13 you will have a full day to enjoy everything that Hakone has to offer. Hitch a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi, eat a black egg boiled in volcanic hot spring waters, take a cable car up the mountainside and bask in some of the area's famous hot spring baths. Best of all, Hakone is the home of Mount Fuji – and if the weather is favourable you will be treated to truly spectacular views of Japan's most famous mountain.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hakone
Day 14-15: Tokyo
On day 14 it's time for one final train journey – back to Tokyo. Use this time in the capital to head into the pumping heart of Tokyo's shopping and entertainment scene, Shinjuku. You might like to use this time in the capital to get some last-minute shopping done at one of the district's many department stores, or stroll the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen Park. Whatever you choose to do, Tokyo is bound to provide you will a fantastic final afternoon in Japan.
This evening you'll join your tour leader and group for an included final-night meal at one of the city's superb restaurants – the perfect way to toast the end of your trip in style.
On your final morning it's time to say sayonara to Japan as you return to the airport by private car in time for your flight home.
Overnight: Century Southern Tower
Our packages are based on dynamic pricing which means you get the best available rates of the day at the time of booking. Pricing is subject to current availability and pricing may change without notice.
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Terms and Conditions
Valid for new bookings only until 4pm on 29 Oct 24 or until sold out. Advertised prices are correct as at 09 Oct 24 but may vary due to exchange rates. Pricing is subject to availability at the time of booking confirmation and may change without notice. • Advertised prices are per person share twin in NZ dollars for cash or eftpos purchase only. Credit card fees will apply. • Twin share is two people doing the same travel arrangements and sharing a room, using existing bedding. • Advertised packages are based on Return flights Economy Class flying Air New Zealand from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to Tokyo. If additional accommodation is required due to flight schedules this is at customers own expense • Full payment is required at time of booking. • Some surcharges, closeouts, flight, routing and accommodation restrictions apply • No refund for unused services • Please ask your House of Travel consultant for full details. HOT Code:CMPJPN1410
