Overview
Itinerary
Freedom of Choice:
- Explore Tokyo in depth on a tour of your choice. You can experience the incredible energy and efficiency of Tokyo's vast underground metro – one of the most extensive rapid transit networks in in the world – as you delve into the buzzing districts of Shibuya and Harajuku, or perhaps discover the beauty of the Japanese gardens at Hamarikyu and the Imperial Palace East Gardens, or you might like to learn more about the history of Japan at the Tokyo National Museum.
Signature Experiences:
- Take part in a sushi-making class and learn to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi) and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish) before enjoying your homemade delights for lunch.
Depart for Hakone following breakfast and catch glimpses of iconic Mount Fuji if it's a clear day. Your first stop is at Hakone Shrine, a beautiful, historic Shinto shrine nestled in the forest by the shores of Lake Ashi. Enjoy a cruise on the picturesque lake and arrive at Togendai before taking in the scenery on the way to the volcanic valley of Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway.
Follow the walking trails around the bubbling pools and steam vents and perhaps try one of the famous black eggs boiled in the area's natural hot springs. Head to your luxury hotel, which boasts access to a naturally heated onsen, and enjoy dinner with your fellow guests this evening. Stay: Hakone, Kowakien Ten-yu (B/L/D)
Signature Experiences:
- Try your hand at creating some traditional cuisine today with a soba buckwheat noodle cooking lesson and enjoy your creations for lunch.
Signature Experiences:
- Enjoy a Sarubobo-making workshop. An amulet particularly common in Takayama and the nearby Hida region, Sarubobo are red dolls with no facial features. Learn how to make the dolls and discover why these amulets are believed to bring good luck.
Today you'll visit the World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go en route to Kanazawa. Some of the village's famous gassho-zukuri farmhouses date back more than 250 years, and you'll stop at Kanda House to gain a deeper insight into the traditional homes before strolling around the peaceful village.
Continue to Kanazawa and visit the marvellous Kenroku-en garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Later, visit the Nagamachi Samurai district and the traditional Nomura Samurai House. Enjoy your choice of restaurant for dinner this evening. Stay: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (B/D)
Freedom of Choice:
- Choose between Japanese or French food for your delicious dinner this evening.
Signature Experiences:
- Relish a gold leaf-making experience, decorating a small lacquer plate with this fragile and precious product.
An exciting day of sightseeing lies ahead. Set out for Arashiyama this morning, climbing aboard a rickshaw for a ride past the Nonomiya Shrine and the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Following your rickshaw experience, visit the World Heritage-listed Tenryuji Temple, one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto, which was founded in 1339.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the famous Kinkakuji temple, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion for its gold-leaf-covered upper floors. You'll then visit historic Nijo Castle before returning to your hotel and spending the evening at your leisure. (B/L)
Freedom of Choice:
- This afternoon, choose one of three diverse tours around Kyoto. You can embark on a Nishiki Market and sake-tasting tour, you can set out on a walking tour of Ginkakuji and the Philosopher's Path, or you can discover how whisky is made on a Suntory Distillery tour.
- For dinner, you can choose to dine on French cuisine at Fortune Garden Kyoto or enjoy local Japanese food at Tempura Endo Yasaka.
- Delve into traditional Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony experience. Learn all about tea varieties and the importance and process of serving tea to guests in Japan. Enhance your experience by taking part in the ceremony wearing an exquisite kimono and gain a better understanding of the variety of kimonos worn at different occasions.
After breakfast, board a private coach for the nearby town of Nara, once the capital of Japan for 74 years in the eighth century. Visit the incredible Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden structures and home to the country's largest statue of Buddha. Stroll through the fascinating temple before exploring the surrounding Nara Park, which is freely roamed by a large population of friendly deer who will generally bow their heads for a treat.
Next, visit Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which was established in 768 AD. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time this afternoon before savouring a special Signature Experience for dinner. (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
- A special night of private entertainment with a maiko or geisha awaits. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and drinks and have the chance to learn more about geisha and their daily lives, all accompanied by music played on a shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument.
Welcome to Tokyo. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel.
Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner at your hotel, savouring Japanese flavours with a modern flair. Stay Three Nights: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel (D)
Freedom of Choice:
- Explore Tokyo in depth on a tour of your choice. You can experience the incredible energy and efficiency of Tokyo's vast underground metro – one of the most extensive rapid transit networks in in the world – as you delve into the buzzing districts of Shibuya and Harajuku, or perhaps discover the beauty of the Japanese gardens at Hama Rikyu and the Imperial Palace East Gardens, or you might like to learn more about the history of Japan at the Tokyo National Museum.
Signature Experiences:
- Take part in a sushi-making class and learn to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi) and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish) before savouring your homemade delights for lunch.
Depart for Hakone following breakfast and catch glimpses of iconic Mount Fuji if it's a clear day. Your first stop is at Hakone Shrine, a beautiful, historic Shinto shrine nestled in the forest by the shores of Lake Ashi. Enjoy a cruise on the picturesque lake and arrive at Togendai before taking in the scenery on the way to the volcanic valley of Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway.
Follow the walking trails around the bubbling pools and steam vents and perhaps try one of the famous black eggs boiled in the area's natural hot springs. Head to your luxury hotel, which boasts access to a naturally heated onsen, and delight in a kaiseki-style dinner, a traditional multi-course meal, this evening. Stay: Hakone, Kowakien Ten-yu (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice:
- In Matsumoto, you can choose to visit the spectacular Matsumoto Castle. One of Japan's most complete original castles, the structure dates back to the 16th century, and you'll have the chance to tour the castle and its pristine grounds. Alternatively, visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art to admire fantastic works from artists born in the city or inspired by its surroundings, including iconic contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama.
- Try your hand at creating some traditional cuisine today with a soba buckwheat noodle cooking lesson and relish your creations for lunch.
Start off the day with a visit to the Miyagawa morning market, one of the largest in Japan. All the market's traders are independent farmers and craftspeople from the region, so it's the perfect opportunity to try some of the area's best produce. You'll also take a stroll through Takayama Jinya, a beautifully preserved 17th-century building built for a noble family and the Tokugawa shonugate.
Following your Signature Experience, wander along the stunning streets of the city's old town on the way to the Festival Floats Museum, where you'll admire the ornamental floats of the Takayama Festival. For dinner, you'll have the chance to try the region's famous Hida beef at a local restaurant. (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
- Enjoy a Sarubobo-making workshop. An amulet particularly common in Takayama and the nearby Hida region, Sarubobo are red dolls with no facial features. Learn how to make the dolls and discover why these amulets are believed to bring good luck.
Freedom of Choice:
- Choose between Japanese at Benkay or European cuisine at La PLAGE, both within the hotel, for your delicious dinner this evening.
Freedom of Choice:
- For dinner, you can choose to dine on French cuisine at Le Un or savour local Japanese food at Chiriri.
- Relish a gold leaf-making experience, decorating a small lacquer plate with this fragile and precious product.
An exciting day of sightseeing lies ahead. Set out for Arashiyama this morning, climbing aboard a rickshaw for a ride past the Nonomiya Shrine and the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Following your rickshaw experience, stop off at the World Heritage-listed Tenryuji Temple, one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto, which was founded in 1339. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the famous Kinkakuji temple, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion for its gold-leaf-covered upper floors. You'll then visit historic Nijo Castle before returning to your hotel and spending the evening at your leisure. (B/L)
Freedom of Choice:
- This afternoon, choose one of three diverse tours around Kyoto. You can embark on a Nishiki Market and sake-tasting tour or take part in a sweets workshop learning how to make wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) before visiting the Kyoto Confectionary Museum. Alternatively, set out on an E-bike cycling tour, where you'll ride through the Miyagawacho and Gion geisha districts, stop off at the Imperial Palace Park and cycle along the Shirakawa Canal and Kamogawa River.
- Delve into traditional Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony experience. Learn all about tea varieties and the importance and process of serving tea to guests in Japan. Enhance your experience by taking part in the ceremony wearing an exquisite kimono and gain a better understanding of the variety of kimonos worn at different occasions.
After breakfast, board a private coach for the nearby town of Nara, once the capital of Japan for 74 years in the eighth century. Visit the incredible Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden structures and home to the country's largest statue of Buddha. Stroll through the fascinating temple before exploring the surrounding Nara Park, which is freely roamed by a large population of friendly deer who will generally bow their heads for a treat.
Next, see Nara's most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which was established in AD768. Return to the hotel with free time this afternoon before savouring a special Signature Experience for dinner. (B/D)
Signature Experiences:
- A special night of private entertainment with a maiko or geisha awaits. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and drinks and have the chance to learn more about geisha and their daily lives, all accompanied by music played on a shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument.
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning with a transfer to Osaka's Kansai International Airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Take part in a sushi-making class and learn to prepare different types of sushi before enjoying your homemade delights for lunch
- Enjoy a Sarubobo making workshop, learning how to make the traditional dolls and discover why these amulets are believed to bring good luck
- Relish a gold leaf-making experience, decorating a small lacquer plate with this fragile and precious fine-layered gold
- Delve into traditional Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony and kimono-wearing experience
- Savour a special night of entertainment with a private dinner and drinks alongside a maiko or geisha
- Experiences in eight destinations
- Freedom of Choice Inclusions in three locations
- Prices include airport transfers and gratuities
- 25 included meals over the course of your trip.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- An overnight bag will be required to be packed for days four and seven
- Double beds are limited within hotels in Japan and are on a request basis and may not be able to be guaranteed in which case we will inform you of a Twin / Hollywood Twin Room confirmation instead
- Cherry Blossom season in Japan usually lasts from late March to May, however due to changeable weather, blooms cannot be guaranteed, even during spring months
- Prices are for land/rail only. International Flights are not included
- Extend Your Journey - Why not begin your holiday in South Korea? Travel further into Japan on the Cultural and Art of Japan holiday or add a South Korean discovery on the Ancient Kingdoms of Japan and South Korea journey. Refer Tour Codes: JA17 or JAS21
- Take part in a sushi-making class and learn to prepare different types of sushi before enjoying your homemade delights for lunch
- Enjoy a Sarubobo making workshop, learning how to make the traditional red dolls and discover why these amulets are believed to bring good luck
- Relish a gold leaf-making experience, decorating a small lacquer plate with this fragile and precious fine-layered gold
- Delve into traditional Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony and kimono-wearing experience
- Savour a special night of entertainment with a private dinner and drinks alongside a maiko or geisha
- Experiences in 11 destinations
- Freedom of Choice inclusions in five locations
- Prices include airport transfers and gratuities
- 24 included meals over the course of your trip.
- Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
- An overnight bag will be required to be packed for days four and seven
- Double beds are limited within hotels in Japan and are on a request basis
- Cherry Blossom season in Japan usually lasts from late March to May, however due to changeable weather, blooms cannot be guaranteed
- Extend Your Journey - Travel further into Japan on the Cultural and Art of Japan holiday, or why not begin your holiday in South Korea on our Ancient Kingdoms of Japan and South Korea tour. Refer Tour Codes: JA17 or JAS21
- Some hotels provide shower over bath only
- Prices are for land/rail only. International Flights are not included unless specified
Brochure
APT Japan & South Korea (2024)
Availability
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
