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The independent traveller tour suited our needs perfectly.  A real plus point was the detailed itinerary and maps we were provided with.  This outline structure meant we were able to spend more time enjoying Japan and less thinking about which train etc. to get next, while also supplying some local insight Overall an amazing trip which was easy to customise, straightforward to book and I still struggle to believe how much we squeezed into the time.  Thanks for providing a formidable service, which Id have no hesitation in recommending.

Andy Gibbard (UK), Independent Traveller, 2010

I had a great time and everything worked like clockwork. Thanks for organizing it all - it could not have gone better. An amazing country and culture.

Jonathon Stott (UK), Independent Traveller, 2011

I enjoyed my trip very much and all the info you sent me was very useful. I loved staying in the ryokan and I would like to return to Japan, and will recommend you to my friends.

Linda Morris (UK), Independent Traveller, 2011

We had a great time and all thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The weather was lovely, lots of bright sunny days and only an hour of rain in Nikko. We found your schedule and tips very comprehensive and the daily directions and train times especially helpful.

Caffyn Family (UK), Independent Travellers, 2010

Japan JourneysTotal Japan - holiday of a lifetime

Essential Japan
Tour for Independent Travellers

Our ‘Essential Japan’ itinerary is a classic 13 night itinerary which includes visits to Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Takayama and Matsumoto

How Our Independent Traveller’s Tours Work

It’s quite straight forward to travel independently in Japan as so much of the signage is in English. Our independent itineraries are available for any departure date (with a few exclusions which coincide with Japanese National Holidays and some weekends). We’ll do all the work for you and provide you with an information pack to make your trip run as smoothly as possible. You can also add guided tours as indicated and if you do want your own personal guide we can arrange this too.

The itinerary below excludes international flights

Essential Japan TourTOUR INCLUDES:

  • Visits to Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Takayama and Matsumoto
  • Travel on Japan’s famous Bullet Train
  • 14 day Japan Rail Pass
  • 13 nights accommodation
  • Dinner included for two nights
  • Breakfast daily
  • Meet and Greet service upon arrival at the airport
  • Airport transfers from/to Narita International Airport

 

 

Essential Japan Tour Location Guide

View the Full Itinerary and optional tours

Kyoto is where you will find the Japan of silent temples nestling in bamboo groves, gardens of finely raked sand and bewitching geishaTokyo

Home to over 12 million people, the vast metropolis of Japan's capital must be seen to be believed. Tokyo embraces the modern and ancient like no other city on earth and offers something for everyone who wants to delve into the Japanese phenomenon: the towering skyscrapers and frenzied neon of Shinjuku, the pop culture and gadget paradise of Akihabara, the sophisticated chic of Ginza, the biggest and liveliest fish market in the world, the old downtown area of Asakusa, and the tranquil, understated beauty of Meiji Shrine. Not to mention superb restaurants and great bars as well as fabulous shopping and museums befitting the capital of the world's second-largest economy.

Kyoto is where you will find the Japan of silent temples nestling in bamboo groves, gardens of finely raked sand and bewitching geishaKyoto

Kyoto is where you will find the Japan of silent temples nestling in bamboo groves, gardens of finely raked sand and bewitching geisha. This city is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, exquisite crafts and some of the best cuisine in the country. In short, Kyoto is the heartbeat of traditional Japan.

Not to be missed are Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji and Kiyomizu temples, although be aware that these do become crowded. For a more peaceful, intimate temple experience we recommend the temple complex of Daitoku-ji, in particular Daisen-in sub-temple, and the Arashiyama area to the west of the city.

Established as a castle town in the 16th century, Takayama has retained its unique charm to the present dayTakayama

Established as a castle town in the 16th century, Takayama has retained its unique charm to the present day. Sights include the Sanmachi district of traditional buildings, the bustling morning markets and dozens of museums, galleries and traditional craft shops. Situated in the Japan Alps, this small city offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and is a good base for exploring the Hida region.

Hakone and Matsumoto

Cruise across lake Ashino on a seventeenth century styled galleonHakone is a popular resort area amongst the Japanese, not far from Tokyo and located in the foothills of Mt Fuji. On a clear day you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Hakone with great views of Mt Fuji. There is plenty to do such as a cruise across lake Ashino on a seventeenth century styled galleon and taking a cable car up Owakudani Valley where you can see constant bubbling and steaming due to the volcanic activity. After a day of sightseeing you can unwind in one of the many onsens (hot springs) in the area.

Matsumoto is considered the gateway to the Japan alps and is famous for its beautiful castle and Nakamichi area where you can see traditional white walled houses many of which have converted into craft shops and cafés. For art lovers there is the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum where you can enjoy a selection of traditional Japanese wood block prints.

 

The Essential Japan Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Japan, Meet & Greet at Narita Airport (Tokyo)
Welcome to Japan! Our friendly Meet & Greet service representative will be waiting in the Arrivals lobby and holding a sign with your name on. The Meet & Greet will direct you to the Narita Express train or limousine bus bound for Shinjuku. Check in to your clean and comfortable 3* hotel in the fantastic neon-filled district of Shinjuku for 3 nights.

 

Day 2: Tokyo
Your options are unlimited in this incredible city. Explore Tokyo’s past in the bustling, traditional Asakusa district, visit the world’s largest fish market at Tsukiji, shop in the fashionable districts of Shibuya and Harajuku and dine on Japan’s finest cuisine. Tokyo is relatively straightforward to navigate, and our Information Pack will make travelling around the city a breeze.

Optional guided excursion
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing by coach in Tokyo, with lunch included. Your guide will show you the highlights of this vast metropolis, from the Imperial Palace and serene Meiji Shrine to the 'Electric City' of Akihabara.

 

Day 3: Tokyo
Enjoy a further day of exploring in Tokyo, or use your Japan Rail Pass to venture further afield to Kamakura, a former capital of Japan.

Optional guided excursion
Join a fantastic guided excursion to Nikko, a beautiful temple town in the mountains north of Tokyo. You will visit Toshogu Shrine, a mausoleum to one of Japan’s most famous shogun, and drive through the picturesque countryside to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall before heading back to Tokyo.

 

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone
It's time to say goodbye to Tokyo for a few days as you speed on the Bullet Train to Hakone, a beautiful resort set in the foothills of Mt Fuji. For the next two nights you will stay in a very comfortable 4* hotel with its own private hot spring baths.

 

Day 5: Hakone
Hakone is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Today you can enjoy wandering in the peaceful, beautiful surroundings of this resort town.  You might like to visit some of the surrounding attractions such as the Open Air Sculpture Park, Lake Ashi and Owakudani (literally ‘Great Boiling Valley’).

 

Day 6: Hakone to Kyoto
Board the Bullet Train again and head to Kyoto which is blessed with many temples and shrines. The journey takes less than 3 hours, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the late afternoon in Kyoto, where we recommend a stroll around the lovely side streets. You will stay in a comfortable, superbly located 3* hotel in the heart of Kyoto for 4 nights.

 

Day 7: Kyoto
A rich history of religion, art and craft have combined to make this glorious city a spiritual home for the Japanese. For temples we recommend Kiyomizu-dera and Ginkaku-ji in the hills to the east of the city. Nijo Castle is also well worth a visit, and make sure you allow yourself plenty of time for the wonderful craft shops and delightful streets of Gion, the old geisha quarter.

Optional guided excursion
Join a guided coach tour. As well as visits to Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Temple), Sanjusangendo Temple and Kiyomizu Temple, today's tour includes a delicious buffet-style lunch.

 

Day 8: Nara at leisure
Whilst smaller than Kyoto, Nara is no less rich in attractions, with 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sights. The most outstanding of these is Todai-ji temple, the largest wooden building in the world and home to the Great Buddha statue – Japan's biggest. Other essential sights include Yakushi-ji and Horyu-ji temple, whose buildings include some of the world's oldest wooden structures.

 

Day 9: Kyoto/Osaka at leisure
Spend another day in Kyoto or alternatively use your JR Pass to explore the surrounding area. Japan’s lively second city, Osaka, is only a short train ride away. Hiroshima is also possible as a day excursion.

 

Day 10: Kyoto to Takayama
Leave Kyoto and transfer by Bullet train to Takayama, a lovely town in the Japan Alps.
Takayama’s charming streets, museums and folkcrafts make it a great place to discover rural Japan. It is also a superb base for exploring the surrounding Hida district and National Park. The town hosts the spectacular Takayama Festival (April and October) which attracts over half a million visitors.

For 2 nights you will stay in a lovely minshuku (inn) with Japanese style rooms. A delicious dinner is included both nights.

 

Day 11: Takayama, Furukawa
 Further sightseeing in Takayama might include Hida no Sato, an open-air museum of traditional architecture and crafts. Another excursion we recommend is Furukawa, a lovely village less than 20 minutes from Takayama. If you’re around in April you might be lucky enough to catch the Naked Man Festival!

 

Day 12: Matsumoto
Travel by coach to Matsumoto, where you will arrive around lunchtime. Spend the afternoon at Matsumoto Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Japan, and enjoy strolling around the pretty, laidback streets of this mountain town. You will stay one night in Matsumoto.

 

Day 13: Tokyo
After breakfast board the Bullet train and head back to Tokyo. Return to your hotel in Shinjuku for your final night in Japan. You might like to catch a kabuki play or splash out on a fabulous farewell meal at one of Tokyo’s Michelin star restaurants.

Day 14: Depart Japan
Transfer from your hotel to Narita International Airport (Tokyo). 
Return to the UK (arrive same day).

 

Price Includes

Not included in Price

PRICE: from £1,555 per person on a sharing basis
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT: £325

OPTIONAL GUIDED EXCURSIONS:
Tokyo city tour: £101
Nikko: £146
Kyoto: £109

Upgrade to 4* or 5* accommodation available: contact us for details

To make a booking, a deposit of £200 per person is required.
The balance of the price of the trip must be made 12 weeks prior to departure.
Full terms and Conditions
 All price estimates are based on current rates of exchange and are subject to availability.

TO BOOK NOW: CLICK to download a reservation form
CALL 020 7766 5267
EMAIL info@japanjourneys.co.uk

INSURANCE
Travel can be a great experience, but it can also be fraught with problems, so when going anywhere it is essential you are properly covered with good travel insurance. You should be protected against cancellation, curtailment and loss or damage to your belongings as well as medical emergencies and have peace of mind if the unexpected happens.

Japan Journeys in association with Holiday Extras, is now able to offer excellent low cost cover to their customers.

Please click on the image below for a quote.

Holiday Insurance

TO BOOK NOW, CALL 020 7766 5267, OR EMAIL info@japanjourneys.co.uk
The balance of the price of the trip must be made 12 weeks prior to departure.

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