Classic Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Defined by its past, Japan is one of the most dynamic and historic cultures on earth. This classic adventure takes you on a journey through some of its most iconic settings as you travel from the vibrant streets of its capital to the sacred and historic sites of its Edo-era heritage.
Beginning amongst the bustling thoroughfares of the chaotic capital, one of the most populous cities in the world, you will have some time to discover a little of Tokyo’s traditional heritage before ...
Defined by its past, Japan is one of the most dynamic and historic cultures on earth. This classic adventure takes you on a journey through some of its most iconic settings as you travel from the vibrant streets of its capital to the sacred and historic sites of its Edo-era heritage.
Beginning amongst the bustling thoroughfares of the chaotic capital, one of the most populous cities in the world, you will have some time to discover a little of Tokyo’s traditional heritage before departing for the mountain passes of the Hida region. After enjoying the comforts of a traditional Japanese ryokan, your journey then takes you on towards Takayama and Kanazawa where you can enjoy the delights of the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden before moving on to Kyoto.
In the old imperial capital, you will then discover some of the finest gems in Japan’s abundantly stocked cultural treasure house before continuing on to Hiroshima to visit the poignant setting of its Peace Memorial Park. The climax of the journey then sees you crossing by ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima, home to the Itsukushima Shrine and one of the finest views in Japan.
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo
Arriving in the Japanese capital, you will be met on arrival with your welcome pack and assisted with the transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 Tokyo
After meeting your guide at the hotel this morning, today’s tour begins with a visit to Hamarikyu, one of the most visited gardens in Tokyo. After sitting down to a traditional tea ceremony in the garden’s attractive Nakajima-no-Ochaya teahouse, you'll then embark on a scenic river cruise to Asakusa, part of the city's historic old geisha district and home to the Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. The tour ends with a visit to the famous Shinto shrine, Meiji Jingu.
Day 3 Tokyo - Niko - Tokyo
Departing through the Tokyo suburbs aboard the Shinkansen bullet train this morning, you'll head north through the Japanese countryside towards the town of Nikko. Translating as "sunlight", Nikko lies amongst the volcanic landscapes of the national park, surrounded by lakes, waterfalls and hot springs that are crisscrossed by a series of trails that snake across the plateau. Lake Chuzenji is considered particularly beautiful, especially when seen against the backdrop of the autumn colours. Return to Tokyo this evening.
Day 4 Tokyo - Takayama
Journeying high up into the Hida alpine region of Gifu today, your journey continues on towards the small town of Takayama. Negotiating the way through a series of mountain passes and past a collection of hot spring resorts, you'll arrive at your traditional Japanese ryokan inn later this morning. After settling in, you'll have chance later to explore the rambling old streets of Takayama's Shitamachi district where century-old merchants' houses share the landscape with sake breweries and food stalls selling Hida beef sushi.
Day 5 Takayama - Shirikawa go - Kanazawa
Catch the first bus this morning for Shirikawa-go and enjoy walking around the village taking in its rural scenes before the arrival of the large tour groups, after which you'll depart by bus for Kanazawa. Once a thriving centre for culture and the arts, this castle town is home to the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, ranked as one of the top three anywhere in the country. The adjacent castle is also a designated National Cultural Asset, whilst the local restaurants in the Omicho Market are renowned for their sushi and fresh seafood.
Day 6 Kanazawa - Kyoto
Departing Kanzawa by express train your journey takes you on to Kyoto next, Japan's cultural capital. A rich repository of shrines, gardens and temples, Kyoto can boast no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites including the Kamo Shrines and Nijo Castle. After arriving at Kyoto's futuristic station, the rest of the day provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's cultural splendour with a walk from the Silver Temple, along the Path of Philosophy and to the 400-year-old Sanmon Gate.
Day 7 Kyoto
In the company of your guide you will take a bike ride around Kyoto today, beginning with a visit to the Nishi Honga-ji Temple, one of the largest in the city. Carrying on to Nijo Castle you will then have the opportunity to explore one of Japan's most spectacular historical monuments before lunch. Following your lunch break you will then cycle to the Zen Buddhist temples of Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji and the tour ends later in the afternoon amongst the scenic splendour of Arashiyama, famed for its bamboo forest, huge temples and engaging craft shops.
Day 8 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
A final full day in Kyoto provides the chance to do a little independent exploring, perhaps taking the opportunity to explore a little farther afield and visit nearby Nara. An ancient capital located just a short train ride away from the city, Nara is home to a population of free ranging deer and the giant bronze Buddha of the Todai-ji Temple.
Day 9 Kyoto - Hiroshima - Miyajima
Resuming your journey, travel on to Hiroshima by train. One of the most poignant legs of the entire journey, you will pay a visit to the Peace Memorial Park before taking the short ferry ride on to Miyajima. Located in the Seto Inland Sea and famed for its seafood, this small and scared island is home to the Buddhist temple of Daisho-in and the Itsukushima Shrine, considered by many to be the site of one of the most beautiful views in the country.
Day 10 Miyajima
Popularly referred to as "Shrine Island", Miyajima is famous for its mountaintop views and the 'floating' shrine of the Torii Gate, perhaps its most famous landmark. Classically Japanese, the Edo-era look of the place provides the perfect setting for a free day of relaxation and exploration. Nearby Mount Misan provides some spectacular views if you have the energy for the hike up, otherwise you can take the ropeway part way and continue on up from there.
Day 11 Miyajima - Hiroshima - Tokyo
Transferring back to the train station this morning, you will then board the train back to the Japanese capital where the rest of the day will be free to enjoy more sightseeing or a chance to indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Day 12 Tokyo Departure
Depending on your flight’s departure, you may have a morning at leisure before taking the train to Narita International Airport in time for your flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Kanazawa Tokyu, Kanazawa
Kanazawa Tokyu is well situated in the heart of the city for getting around and visiting the main sites as well as being just a 10-minute drive from JR Kanazawa Station. Furthermore, the samurai district and the city’s iconic garden and castle is within walking distance. For those with a more modest budget that desire a blend of comfort and luxury, Tokyu will provide the ideal accommodation with its pleasing design and decoration. Divided across standard and luxury floors, the hotel features over 200 well-equipped rooms ranging in style and size. Each contains standard mod-cons and hotel amenities. Along with a daily buffet breakfast, Tokyu boasts two brilliant restaurants: one is French and offers a casual setting and the other Japanese, serving Kaga cuisine. There is also a beauty salon within the hotel for all your pampering needs.
Park Hotel, Tokyo
Situated in the Ginza area of the city, the four-star Park Hotel offers up an elegant blend of modern comforts and Japanese style. Each generously appointed room offers outward facing views across the Shiodome and Shimbashi districts and comes with a range of amenities and comforts including en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and TVs. Conveniently located close to the Hamarikyu Gardens it is ideally situated for exploring the modern and historic parts of the city whilst the area directly surrounding the hotel is home to some of the city’s finest restaurants and bars. The hotel itself also boasts a choice of fine dining options with a Michelin star French restaurant and a more traditional Japanese menu on offer. The hotel is renowned for supporting Japanese artists and the "Artist rooms" offer a unique opportunity to stay in a one-off room painted by local artists.
Iwaso, Miyajima
Transforming into a sea of colour in spring, the Iwaso ryokan is situated in a beautiful part of Momijidani Park. Founded in 1893, this classic Japanese inn was the first establishment to open its doors on Miyajima. For a truly Japanese accommodation experience, then Iwaso is the place due to its ‘miya-daiku’ style, built by craftsmen who built Japan’s superb ornate Shinto shrines. The lovely views of the surrounding woodland, ocean and tori shrine gate make for a peaceful atmosphere throughout the ryokan’s three main buildings. There are 38 rooms, all of which are spacious and traditional in style with futon mattresses, tatami flooring and minimal furnishings. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning and useful amenities. Iwaso’s menu includes Western options as well as kaiseki meals using local produce from the nearby waters and mountains. A highlight of your stay at Iwaso will be the Wakamiya hot spring which offers gentle water for the onsen baths surrounded by beautiful nature.
Noku Hotel, Kyoto
The Noku Hotel Kyoto is a smart and comfortable boutique hotel. If you are looking for location and style, the Noku Hotel Kyoto is a great choice. The hotel is within walking distance of downtown but, more importantly, it’s right at the southwest corner of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, so you can start or end each day with a relaxing stroll in the park. It’s also directly above Marutamachi Station on the Marutamachi subway line, which gives you easy access to many parts of Kyoto.
Ryokan Asunaro, Takayama
This Japanese inn houses a mixture of traditional Japanese and Western style rooms, all with classic interior and tatami flooring. The Echigo farmhouse uses thick keyaki wood beams and the oak building has been constructed without nails for an aesthetically pleasing look. Legend has is it that the entrance hall was once home to displaced samurai. The restaurant provides breakfast and dinner, serving Gassho cuisine and produce from the local Hida region, including Hida beef. The ambiance at the property is one of warmth, character and tranquillity, dotted with quaint resting areas. The ryokan features an indoor, public bath made from granite and all amenities included.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.OTHER ITINERARIES IN JAPAN
Check out our group tours in Japan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Japan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Japan