Splendours of Japan
From CAD $8,640 Was CAD $9,600
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Embrace the timeless tradition and modern spirit of Japan’s iconic sites, from the neon skyline of Tokyo to the foodie hotspot of Osaka. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kotohira, spend the night in a traditional ryokan and contemplate world peace in Hiroshima. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 6 Dinner (D)
Be My Guest
- Kyoto: Meet Nakamura Family for a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese Restaurant near Kyoto and learn about local customs.
Dive into Culture
- Ginza: With the guidance of your professional sushi chef, make your own selection of sushi specialties. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch.
Iconic Experience
- Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
- Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.
- Mt Fuji: Start your day by visiting the small rural village of Oshino Hakkai which is home to eight natural spring water ponds. Next on your travels is a 2,300-meter winding road to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. To end your day, you will ride up to Mt. Tenjo by ropeway and bask in the breath-taking views.
- Takayama: Sample Japanese sake during a walking tour in the Edo-style streets of Takayama Old Town.
- Gokayama: Take some time to admire the peaceful mountain village of Gokayama. Discover their unique homes that have been built without the use of nails and their sloped thatched roofs.
- Kanazawa: Learn about the delicacy of the 16th-century craft gold leaf painting with your Local Specialist.
- Kanazawa: Enjoy a stroll through Omicho market before making your way to the beautiful Gardens of Kenrokuen which have been shaped over the past one hundred years.
- Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
- Kyoto: Your city tour takes you to the orange gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Admire this sacred site before visiting Sanjeusangen-do-Hall, where you can view the 1,001 "thousand-handed" goddesses of mercy statues. Continue your exploration of Kyoto with a walking tour through the Gion district.
- Hiroshima: Admire the islands of the Seto Inland Sea as you travel across the Shimanami Kaido Expressway.
- Hiroshima: Sample the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki.
- Hiroshima: Spend some time admiring the majestic Itsukushima Shrine.
- Osaka: Hop aboard the bullet train to Osaka before visiting the sixteenth century Osaka Castle.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Gokayama: Help support a local business with a visit to a washi paper workshop. You'll watch the family at work and test your paper-making skills for yourself. Your experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima
- Visit the Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall in Kyoto, the Water Temple on Awaji Island, Zentsuji Temple, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and Osaka Castle
- View Mt. Fuji
- See the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama, the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa
Trafalgar Difference
- Kyoto: Enjoy genuine Japanese hospitality at a traditional ryokan in the mountain hot springs village of Kotohira.
Trip Details
Product Code: 28210
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 177.886B
Starts: Tokyo, Japan
Finishes: Osaka, Japan
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8,640 ($665 /day)
Itinerary
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 appetizers.
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
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, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower for panoramic views of the city.
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Meals: Breakfast
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 you’ll learn how to make sushi with a professional sushi chef. Venture to the Five Lakes District next, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCO-listed Mt. Fuji which dominates the landscape.
Accommodation: Fuji Marriott Yamanakako
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five Lakes district, renowned for eight natural spring water ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in its 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.
Accommodation: Associa Takayama Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this afternoon 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. Meet with a local family in one of these houses. Observe local artisans making washi paper and try your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Join a Local Specialist this morning to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf, a delicate craft the Japanese have been perfecting since the 16th century. Continue to the tranquil gardens of Kenroku-en, which took shape over a hundred years to emerge as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your exquisite natural surrounds, you’ll stroll through ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a short walk through the Omicho market next to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Then, visit the Nagamachi District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion.
Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu
Meals: Breakfast
Board an Express train this morning to Kyoto, where you'll connect with locals at a traditional restaurant on your Be My Guest experience. You'll learn about local Japanese customs from your hosts. After lunch, 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.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho Ryokan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 kilometers 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 Omishima Island and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometer highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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 savory pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate.
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Meals: Breakfast, 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.
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Overall, it was good. However, I am questioning a few things that can be improved. First and foremost, I have to say that the group size was not what I signed up for. It was supposed to be a smaller group and we ended up with 32 people. Very disappointing for me. Not sure why that was allowed..... Also I would have liked to spend more time at the sites to explore more fully, like at Osaka castle or Hiroshima Museum or even at a temple. As far as I am concerned, some visits were not necessary, like the 100 Stepped Garden or going to the guide's favourite bookstore. Why???? To fill up time???? This was a most interesting trip with its full-packed itinerary. I truly enjoyed the hands-on experiences like making sushi and washi paper postcards, taking local transportation (Shinkansen), experiencing onsen, sampling local delicacies, visiting temples, and, of course, seeing cherry blossoms.... All things so much part of the Japanese culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
Very busy itinerary hosted by an excellent guide *Personal information removed by Feefo*.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2025
Howard O. - Traveled, April 2025
We had a great time. Our first time to Japan and it was more than we could imagine. We were on the go every day and were able to see and visit so many historical sites in Japan. We also had fun participating in activities like sushi making, making cards from crafted paper, with our travel guide *Personal information removed by Feefo*. She was so knowledgeable about the country and culture. And on top of that she did an amazing job of taking care of everybody on the tour. And I don't want to forget out tour bus drivers. Some of the hardest working people in the organization. I commend them for handling all of the very large luggage and the excellent driving making the trip enjoyable for the tour group. Thank you, Trafalgar, for a great visit to Japan and to our tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* for a memorable trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
A very enjoyable experience. Really enjoyed seeing the sites of Japan. The accommodation at each stopover was very comfortable. When we had to find our own evening meals we were able to quite easily. We had plenty of bottled water supplied to us each day as it did get warm some days. Any queries we had were easily answered. Our Tour Guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information about each area we were visiting as well as general knowledge of her own country. This was our first Trafalgar tour to date. It was a great experience with most things going as they should. The weather was against us at Mt Fuji, however our Guide *Personal information removed by Feefo* made a call for us to get to see Mt Fuji the evening we stayed over. We woke up to fresh snow the next morning. For an Aussie this was just an amazing experience. She had some challenging issues along the way also, but handled them very well. Our accommodation at each stopover was comfortable and sometimes full of surprises. My husband and I really enjoyed this tour and would highly recommend Trafalgar Tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2025
Trafalgar Japan - Traveled, March 2025
Trafalgar Japan. Well organized and ran smoothly. The hotels were nice and all very clean. The tour was well organized and ran smoothly. *Personal information removed by Feefo*was an amazing group guide. She was very obliging and could not do enough for all of us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
Excellent Introduction to Japan. Very well-organized, and everything went smoothly. The itinerary is a good mix of urban and rural areas, and a good mix of temples/shrines, gardens, and neighborhoods. Our guide, *Personal details removed by Feefo*, was excellent: smart, funny, kind, helpful, and very informative. The hotels were all comfortable and well-appointed. An excellent tour!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2025
Garry Louis Duncan - Traveled, March 2025
We paid extra for a small tour of about 20 people and had 32 which slowed all movements down considerably. Our guide was a nice person but her English was well below required for an international group of people. There was way too much focus on visiting shrines, temples and shopping with very little free time available. We had a visit to paper making and gold leaf but nothing on calligraphy, silk screen making, general artwork, wood turning or pottery. It’s now doubtful we will ever return to Japan. Thanks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2024
Historical accounts of various cities and shrines were excellent. Tour guide was excellent. However, Trafalgar pre-trip info stated that one should bring a water bottle to be refilled in Japan. This was misinformation as we were supplied fresh water daily on our bus as well as in the hotels. The tour was a step into the culture of Japan and history but also touched much of the important larger cities and shrines. Tour director gave many one to one answers to all their questions. I would recommend however, that seats on the bus be rotated daily so that everyone gets prime seats.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2025
Pamela Koot - Traveled, March 2024
Awrsome memorable Japan! Super organized,all hotels and buses were clean,good serviceVery organized,all staff were very efficient,kind,helpful.It was a busy trip but happy with all the areas we touched on.*Personal information removed by Feefo* ,tour guide was phenomenal,great histprian,very helpful to all members in group.She made sure everyone was able to participate no matter what their abilities were.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2025
*Personal information removed by Feefo*, our tour guide was amazing Was soo considerate to all of our needs and questions..explained everything as throughly as possible..we had a great group too!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/30/2025
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