Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
JPHOZN18-177
Start City:
Tokyo
End City:
Osaka
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
13 days
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Mar 03, 2024 | Friday, Mar 15, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Mar 10, 2024 | Friday, Mar 22, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
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Group benefits and applicable discounts apply to Scheduled Departure and Exclusive Departure groups only, booked on the same booking number. Group benefits and discounts do not apply to Custom Groups, flight segments, train vacations, cruises, extensions or any pre/post-trip additions. Group Benefits are not available on all trips and/or departure dates and are not combinable with Limited Time Offers. Please refer to your group’s contract for further details. Other conditions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
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.
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Day 1
Konnichiwa TokyoYour 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
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Day 2
Explore Vibrant TokyoWe 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, we immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. We’ll ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower for panoramic views of the city, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or on an optional experience where a professional stylist will dress you in a traditional Japanese kimono.Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Off to the Five Lakes DistrictOur 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 we’ll learn how to make sushi with a Local Specialist. We 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 -
Day 4
Majestic Mt. Fuji and Timeless TakayamaVisit 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 -
Day 5
Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa Dive Into Culture Make Travel MatterImmerse 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. Next, meet a local family in one of these houses to observe local artisans making washi paper and trying your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 6
Traditional KanazawaJoin 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 Kenrokuen, 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 -
Day 7
Onwards to Kyoto Connect with LocalsWe board an Express train this morning to Kyoto. We’ll Connect With Locals at a traditional ryokan and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch, learning about local Japanese customs from our hosts. After lunch, we 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: Nikko Princess, The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
Discover Enchanting KyotoThe 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: Nikko Princess, The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 9
Cross the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island Stays With StoriesThis 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 -
Day 10
Spiritual Kotohira and Onwards to HiroshimaThis 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 -
Day 11
Set Sail for Miyajima Island Dive Into CultureWe 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 -
Day 12
High Speed Bullet Train to OsakaBoard 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 -
Day 13
Sayonara OsakaOur 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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Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Be My Guest
- Kyoto: Enjoy a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese ryokan near Kyoto where you will learn about local customs.
Dive Into Culture
- Takayama: Sample Japanese sake during a walking tour in the Edo-style streets of Takayama Old Town.
- Hiroshima: Sample the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki.
Iconic Experience
- Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
- Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
- 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.
- 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.
- Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.
- 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.
Must-see Highlights
- : Explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima
- : Visit the Sensoji Temple, the Skytree Observation Tower, the Edo Tokyo Museum in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sanjusangen-do Hall in Kyoto, the Water Temple on Awaji Island, Zentsuji Temple, the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima 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.
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 and surprise extras
- : 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.
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 and surprise extras
- 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.
Health and Safety Protocols for Trafalgar Tours
Trafalgar has introduced these enhanced hygiene protocols – for you and team members.
You can travel with Trafalgar and be assured that their team has put numerous new measures in place to elevate their hygiene standards and protocols. The well-being of guests and team has always been, and always will be, their primary concern.
In this new, fast changing Covid-19 era, Trafalgar is doing all they can to adapt to new requirements and expectations. Here are some important new steps and procedures that they have implemented to enhance hygiene protocols, to comply with physical distancing requirements by relevant government authorities and to give you the peace of mind when you are traveling during these new times.
Expertly Trained Travel DirectorsTravel Director training equips them with enhanced hygiene and physical distancing procedures. During your trip, they will operate with a duty of care and monitor the hygiene etiquette of the guests, reacting and advising as needed, to ensure high standards are maintained. Before you travel, Trafalgar will also keep you well informed about new protocols required in these areas, and ask that you cooperate with and heed the advice and direction of Travel Directors while on your trip. The Travel Directors have preventative measures in place to try and ensure your well-being and in the event that any unexpected issues arise on trip, they will activate additional protocols.
Stringent On-the-Road ProtocolsThe customized luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your trip and have always been kept to very high standards. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, Trafalgar have taken additional measures to elevate hygiene and sanitary practices in accordance with guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and as required, applicable government regulations. The Driver training provides them with the latest hygiene protocols. They will clean and disinfect all surfaces including handrails, door handles, tables, seats, air-conditioning filters and overhead lockers on a daily basis. All the guests are asked to follow hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organisation including the thorough and regular washing of hands and sanitising when required. Hand sanitiser is freely available on board for your use throughout the day. Please bring your own washable face mask and gloves with you, and additional hand sanitiser to make you feel comfortable, as these will be required to be worn in public in some countries. Should an unexpected situation arise, additional face masks, rubber gloves, antiviral sprays and wipes will be available for guest distribution on all trips.
A Full Team of Support 24/7It’s not just your Travel Director and Driver who will be taking care of you. Behind the scenes, the operations and guest support teams are in contact with them and on call 24/7, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.
Physical DistancingAdapting to the right size groups, based on government distancing requirements, you can rest assured that you will travel with the comfort of your own personal space. Have peace of mind that all of the experiences, hotels and restaurants you’ll enjoy on your trip have been vetted to ensure they adhere to physical distancing and hygiene guidelines.
Trusted Partners, Exceptional StandardsTrafalgar is very selective in who they work with and choose to only use hotels, restaurants, ground handlers and venues that take the well-being of the guests as seriously as Trafalgar does and agrees to meet expected guidelines and specifications. Trafalgar only works with establishments that they are confident will consistently adhere to their high standards.
Always in the KnowAs part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) , Trafalgar is kept up to date with all government advisories and travel alerts on a daily basis and is continually in touch with all of the partners on the ground in each destination. Also, rest assured that during your trip, the teams work to ensure the supplier partners (hotels, restaurants, museums and other venues) are also applying the same standard to these new hygiene and distancing protocols, to the extent possible.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
This trip is really about the different cultures, past and present, for the country of Japan. The foods changed with region and to be able to experience the food prepared in different manners was an unexpected treat.
The buses need to be upgraded and include wifi.
The farewell dinner in Osaka was the worst farewell dinner ever. It was buffet, and everyone was eating at different times, so no one felt the closeness that existed throughout the trip. This should be the warmest night on the trip, so people could talk together, shake hand and even hug each other in their farewells. Because everyone had to get up at different times and serve themselves it made the last night very cold. A sit-down dinner would have made the last night warmer and friendlier.
This tour exceeded our expectations. All the accomodations, and transportation were superb in every way. Our guide, Kimico , was exceptional: totally organized, extremely knowledgeable such that we learned so much about the culture and history of Japan. She was also super friendly and had a great sense of humor. We think we can speak for everyone in our 27 members group: We all loved her and were so sorry to say goodbye at the end of our tour. We would recommend Trafalger and would definitely consider them for future trips.
When one goes for holiday, usually is to relax and rewind. But I notice in this tour, time was very rigid. Felt like school children with the tour directors saying.. come quickly, don't touch, giving time when the bags out, controlling the mineral water, and so on. This is an adult tour and sometime there is older couples,I felt like the tour director and who planned the trip should consider all angles.
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