Classic Japan

Suggested Itinerary

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 ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

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Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo

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.

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Breakfast

Day 2 Tokyo

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.

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Breakfast

Day 3 Tokyo - Niko - Tokyo

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.

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Breakfast

Day 4 Tokyo - Takayama

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.

Ryokan Asunaro
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 Takayama - Shirikawa go - Kanazawa

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.

Kanazawa Tokyu
Breakfast

Day 6 Kanazawa - Kyoto

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.

Noku Hotel
Breakfast

Day 7 Kyoto

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.

Noku Hotel
Breakfast

Day 8 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

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.

Noku Hotel
Breakfast

Day 9 Kyoto - Hiroshima - Miyajima

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.

Iwaso
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Miyajima

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.

Iwaso
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 Miyajima - Hiroshima - Tokyo

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.

Park Hotel
Breakfast

Day 12 Tokyo Departure

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.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

12 days from $5,206

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 0 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

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OTHER ITINERARIES IN JAPAN