11 day private escorted tour of Japan
Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara
| Duration | 10 nights and 11 days |
| Departs | Any day that suits you |
| Price (land only) | From $4,995 per person (based on twin share – 4 or more travellers)
From $6,585 per person (based on twin share – 2 travellers) *Price is determined by the time you visit and hotel availability. |
The Gold Experience is an 11 day private escorted tour of Japan. With a focus on all things Japan, you’ll enjoy origami lessons, kimono wearing, Zen meditation, a traditional tea ceremony and the traditional Hakone Yosegi zaiku (wooden mosaic work). Book now for this outstanding Japan experience.
You can customise this itinerary to suit your wishes.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Tokyo
Upon arrival at Narita/Haneda Airport, clear customs and immigration. Your meeting assistant will escort you to your private taxi with chauffeur to take you direct to your accommodation in Tokyo. Hotel rooms will be available from 3pm. For early arrivals, you can store your luggage at the hotel and have a look around Tokyo.
Accommodation: Hotel in Tokyo – 4 nights
Day 2: Tokyo (B)
After breakfast your Japan journey begins with a full day of sightseeing in Tokyo (9am – 5pm). Your guide will take you to some of the major sights including Tsukiji Outer Market, Sensouji Temple – Tokyo’s most famous Buddhist Temple – and Nakamise Shopping Street for those little souvenirs, Meiji Shrine and then a stroll around the fashionable Harajuku. Today you’ll ave a lesson in origami.
Day 3: Tokyo (B, L)
Enjoy a private guided sightseeing tour of Tokyo by public transport (9am – 5pm). Your guide will take you to Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace Plaza, Akihabara (electric-land) and the Ginza shopping district. For lunch you’ll have a sushi creation lesson and then enjoy your own hand-made sushi for lunch
Day 4: Tokyo – Hakone – Tokyo (B)
Take a private guided sightseeing tour of Hakone by public transport (8am – 8pm). Visit the Owakudani Boiling Valley, ride the Hakone Ropeway, then take a leisurely cruise at Hakone’s Lake Ashi for a spectacular view of Mt Fuji. In Hakone, you’ll have the experience of making Yosegi-Zaiku.
Day 5: Tokyo – Kanazawa (B)
Transfer to Tokyo Station by public transport with your guide. Travel to Kanazawa by bullet train. Upon arrival at Kanazawa Station, take a short sightseeing trip in the city by public transport. Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s 3 most beautiful gardens, the Nomura Samurai Family Residence and then stroll through Higashi Chaya-gai, Kanazawa’s geisha district.
*Note, that heavy luggage is transferred from your accommodation in Tokyo to Kyoto. Please pack your clothes and toiletries for a two night stay into an overnight bag or backpack.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kanazawa– 1 night
Day 6: Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama (B, L, D)
Take a private guided tour of Shirakawago and Takayama (9am – 6pm). Head to Shirakawago by public transport to see the idyllic scenery of Shirakawago from the Ogimachi observation deck, view the traditional thatched-roof “Gassho-style” farmhouses and then head to Takayama. In Takayama, your guide will show you the Takayama Yatai Kaikan (Festival Floats Exhibition Hall). Lunch will be held at a local restaurant in Shirakawago, with dinner at the ryokan in Takayama.
Accommodation: Ryokan in Takayama – 1 night
Day 7: Takayama – Kyoto (B, L)
Start the day with a private half day guided tour of Takayama. Stroll through the Morning Market and the Sanmachi traditional building preservation area before discovering something unique at Takayama Jinya. After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll then travel to Kyoto with your guide.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kyoto – 4 nights
Day 8: Kyoto (B)
Private guided sightseeing tour of Kyoto (9am – 5pm) by public transport. Explore Nijo Castle, Ryoanji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple (the Golden Pavillion) and Heian Shrine. Today you’ll be able to dress up in a traditional kimono.
Day 9: Kyoto (B)
Private guided sightseeing tour of Kyoto (9am – 5pm) by public transport. Marvel at the wooden structure of the Kiyomizu-no-Butai (Kiyomizu Stage) at Kiyomizudera Temple and stroll along the slopes of Ninen-Zaka and Sannen-Zaka, take a walk through the thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Your Japan Experience today includes a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and Zazen meditation.
Day 10: Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto (B)
After breakfast, depart for Nara on a private guided excursion (8:30am – 4:30pm). See the world’s largest wooden building at Todaiji (which houses the great bronze Buddha). Walk through Nara Park, home to over a thousand friendly deer, and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Head back to Kyoto and then in the evening, visit the Gion geisha district. Enjoy a touch of traditional Japanese entertainment such as bunraku (puppet theatre) and kyogen (comedy theatre).
Day 11: Osaka – Kansai International Airport (B)
Your escorted tour finishes after breakfast. Transfer on your own to Kansai International Airport and head off to your next destination.
We can also arrange late check out, post-tour accommodation and any other arrangements if you wish to extend your stay in Japan after the tour concludes.
Highlights:
– Traditional Japan Experience
– Ancient cities Kyoto & Nara
– Tokyo, Hakone and food and culture city Osaka
– Historic samurai towns Kanazawa & Takayama
– Traditional farmhouses in Shirakawago
Package Details:
| Duration | 10 nights and 11 days |
| Departure Dates | Any day that suits you |
| Route | Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara |
| Tour Type | Fully escorted private tour of Japan |
Package inclusions:
– 9 nights accommodation in a standard room in 3-4 star hotels, 1 night in a Ryokan
・ 4 nights in a hotel in Tokyo
・ 1 night in a hotel in Kanazawa
・ 1 night in a ryokan in Takayama
・ 4 nights in a hotel in Kyoto
– Guide – English-speaking guide except for Day 1 and Day 11
– Meeting Assistant – English-speaking meeting assistant on Day 1
– Transport – Private taxi from Tokyo airport to Tokyo accommodation. Bullet trains on Days 5 and 7, public transport except for Day 1 and Day 11.
– Meals
・ 10 breakfasts (daily)
・ 3 lunches (Days 3, 6 & 7)
・ 1 dinner (in Takayama)
– Luggage Delivery
・ 1 piece per person from Tokyo to Kyoto
Package exclusions:
– Flights: We will book your flights to match your itinerary.
*If you have already booked your flight, please provide us with your flight details or send us copies of e-tickets when you book/enquire.
– Meals: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Personal expenses
– Travel insurance (contact us for a discounted rate)
– All other expenses unless mentioned in Package inclusions
Notes:
*A fair amount of walking is involved on this tour.
*Hotels are subject to change of the same category
*Daily schedule is subject to change due to weather, transport or any other unforeseen circumstances.
*Child reduction prices are also available, please contact us.
*Double rooms can be requested upon booking. Request-based only.
*Non-smoking rooms may not be available at some properties, in which case the rooms will be deodorised.
*Please note that some of the properties/restaurants on this tour may not be able to cater for special dietary requirements.
*The locations visited may involve a considerable amount of walking and climbing stairs. We recommend that travellers with disabilities be accompanied by their own assistant, capable of providing all necessary assistance.
*Please read our term and conditions.
