- Spot geishas in the Gion district of Kyoto
- Experience cherry blossom season or beautiful autumn colours
- Take the incredible high-speed bullet train
- Explore temples in Kyoto and discover futuristic Tokyo
Ancient & Modern Japan
14 Days
from
16 Days
from
Incl. taxes
Excl. flights
Culture
Itinerary
Kyoto Tokyo
Depart London
Start Kyoto
The trip starts in Kyoto, an atmospheric city amid beautiful hills. We gather for the first time at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing – a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the adventure ahead.
Arrive Kansai; transfer to Kyoto, an atmospheric city set amid beautiful hills
The trip starts in Kyoto, an atmospheric city set amid beautiful hills. Those on the group flights from London will be met on arrival at Kansai Airport this evening and transferred to our city centre hotel.
Visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji temple and Nijo castle; followed by Nishiki Market and historic Gion
With more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese heritage and undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan.
Today, we have an introductory tour of the city. Starting with a visit to the Golden Temple of Kinkakuji, built in 1397 as a summer villa for the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga and immortalised in Mishima Yukio’s novel, The Golden Pavilion. We then visit the Ryoanji temple, home to the most famous rock garden in Japan, before moving onto the impressive Nijo castle, built in 1603 as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns.
At lunch, we head back to central Kyoto for a stroll around Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, which specialises in all things food related and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Those who wish may opt to take a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area or rest at the hotel.
Later in the afternoon, we can walk around historic Gion, the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. Packed with bars, restaurants and traditional teahouses, Gion is most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit and apprentice geishas flit about the back streets on their way to appointments.
Day trip to Nara, ancient capital of Japan. Visit impressive Unesco temples including Toda-ji, housing the largest bronze statue of the Buddha in the world
Today we make a day trip to the ancient capital of Japan, Nara (approximately one hour each way). With eight Unesco World Heritage sites, it’s second only to Kyoto as a repository of Japan’s cultural legacy. Our walking tour includes a visit to the best known temples and shrines, including the Todaiji Great Buddha temple. Built in 752 by Emperor Shomu, this 49ft (15m) tall bronze Buddha is housed in what is reputed to be the largest wooden building in the world. We also spend time in the Nara Koen Park, home to large numbers of overfed and slightly unruly deer, and visit the attractive Kasuga Shinto shrine, before returning to Kyoto in the late afternoon.
Free day in Kyoto; relax in one of the many Zen gardens, walk the popular Philosopher’s Path or experience a traditional tea ceremony
Today is a free day for individual sightseeing. With so much to see and do in Kyoto it can be difficult to know where to begin. Our advice is to start with a very early visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, the most important Shinto shrine in the city and known for having thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind the main buildings. Getting there before the crowds at sunrise is the secret for a magical experience.
The rest of the day could be spent exploring one of the several well-established and easy-to-follow walking tours that take in many interesting sights. The eastern part of Kyoto is particularly rich in temples and gardens, and one can spend the day in this area, perhaps strolling along the tree-lined canal known as the Philosopher’s Path and taking time for contemplation in one of the many Zen gardens that dot the hillsides.
Another day trip to consider is Arashiyama, a pleasant tourist district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy the natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and autumn colour seasons.
If you are interested in Japanese arts and cultural activities, there is also the option of visiting a cultural show to see ancient traditions, including a tea ceremony and Japanese theatre (these can be arranged locally by your tour leader and subject to availability).
Day trip to Hiroshima; visit Peace Memorial Park and the pretty island of Miyajima
Today is our first experience of the shinkansen (bullet train) as we speed to Hiroshima for the day (approximately two hours each way). Once in Hiroshima, we make a short excursion by local tram and ferry to the beautiful island of Miyajima; home to the floating tori (Shinto gate) of the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. At high tide, when set against the backdrop of Mount Misen, this tori makes one of the most beautiful and photogenic sights in Japan. Please note, the floating tori is currently undergoing renovation works, but we still recommend a visit to this enchanting island as part of the day trip to Hiroshima.
In the afternoon, we spend time at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, both monuments to the fateful day in August 1945 when the city was struck by the first wartime use of the atomic bomb. In the park, there’s a symbolic flame that will only be extinguished when the last nuclear weapon on Earth has been destroyed. We depart Hiroshima late afternoon, arriving at our Kyoto hotel in the evening.
Travel from Kyoto to Takayama, a traditional old town set amid the Japanese Alps; visit the Hida Folk Village
Travelling by train through forested valleys, we make our way this morning to the peaceful and attractive old town of Takayama (approximately four hours) in the centre of the majestic Hida Mountains. We spend two nights here and have plenty of time to appreciate the charm and ambience of this delightful place. In the afternoon, we visit Hida Folk Village, an interesting outdoor museum of traditional rural architecture in pleasant, landscaped gardens, a short walk from our accommodation. We stay in a traditional Japanese accommodation where we can experience the Japanese lifestyle and hospitality (please refer to the accommodation section for more information).
Orientation tour in Takayama and free day to explore the peaceful shrines and temples
With more than a dozen museums and galleries, and several well-kept temples and parks, there are plenty of ways to spend a relaxing day in Takayama. We start with a short orientation tour around the morning market, held daily along the banks of the Miyagawa River in the centre of town. Here, amid friendly farmers with their familiar (and not so familiar) agricultural produce, it is possible to find interesting souvenirs. Not so far away, and of particular interest, is the well-preserved collection of streets known as Sannomachi, where wooden-built shops, restaurants and sake breweries give the area a medieval feel. For an insight into the life of medieval Japanese officials and the way they dealt (often not so compassionately) with those in their charge, visit the old Government House of Takayama-jinya. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town at your own pace: we recommend a stroll along the temple-lined path called the Higashiyama Walkway and visit the several temples and attractions created by the medieval warlord, Kanamori Nagachika (1524-1600), who longed for Kyoto.
On to the medieval village of Tsumago; short leisurely walk on the Nakasendo trail; train to Matsumoto
Today we travel by express and local trains to the historic castle town of Matsumoto (approximately four hours). En route, we visit the medieval village of Tsumago, which has changed little from its heyday as a post town in the Edo period. This is the best preserved of the many staging posts along the old Nakasendo Way, which fulfils the same role it did in centuries past: offering food and refuge to travellers. Those who wish can join the leader for a one-hour walk through peaceful forest trails, starting by the Odaki and Medaki waterfalls and finishing in Tsumago. We reach Matsumoto late afternoon, where we have time to relax and perhaps take a leisurely stroll after dinner to see the impressive castle by night.
Visit Matsumoto Castle and travel by train to the spa town of Yudanaka; soak in a hot spring
This morning we visit the impressive Matsumoto Castle. Founded in 1504, this castle, otherwise known as Crow Castle due to its black colour, is one of the two best preserved in Japan, most others having been destroyed following the Meiji Restoration. Its imposing six-storey tower has been designated a national treasure. Please note, the castle preserves its original interior and structure, with very tall steps and steep staircases, which some might find difficult to ascend and descend. We return to Matsumoto train station for our afternoon journey (approximately three hours) to the spa town of Yudanaka, which has some fantastic natural hot springs, where we spend a night in another Japanese-style accommodation.
See the much-loved snow monkeys before travelling by train to Tokyo; evening orientation tour
As well as being home to some of the best hot springs in Japan, the small spa-town of Yudanaka is mainly famous for being the gateway to the Jigokudani Onsen or Snow Monkey Park. Here, the indigenous macaque monkeys have discovered the benefits of descending from the hills to soak and play in hot baths. The sight is most spectacular in winter, when snow covers the grounds and the hot steam creates amazing visual effects but (despite the name) the snow monkeys actually inhabit the area year-round. To reach the park, we walk for approximately 25 minutes on an easy forest trail and we have approximately one-hour to admire and photograph these entertaining creatures.
No visit to Japan would be complete without a trip to Tokyo. This afternoon, we travel from Yudanaka to the capital by bullet train (approximately four hours), arriving in the early evening. On arrival in Tokyo, we’ll transfer to our hotel and start exploring the bright lights of the big city at night.
Optional trip to Hakone or to the lovely seaside town of Kamakura
If you wish to see more of this wonderful country, today is the last day of your Japan Rail Pass, entitling you to free train journeys to many destinations. A popular daytrip from Tokyo is Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 1hr 30min away by train. Home to hot springs, natural beauty and Mount Fuji views, Hakone also encompasses Lake Ashi, which can be toured by boat.
Another blissful escape is the coastal town of Kamakura, offering numerous temples, shrines, historical monuments and panoramic hiking trails.
If you don’t want to leave Tokyo, soak up the atmosphere of this truly astounding city. While being perhaps the most energetic and futuristic capital in the world, Tokyo remains a remarkably friendly, safe, manageable and delightful place to visit.
A full-day city tour of Tokyo, including the Senso-ji Temple
Today we have a guided tour of Tokyo. Making use of the highly efficient tube system, we can visit some of the main attractions including Ueno (depending on season) and the lively Senso-ji Temple in the old entertainment district of Asakusa. We will also visit a park or garden, which become especially spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn season. There is also free time to discover other attractions at your own pace. For those with a head for heights, we recommend an optional visit to the Skytree Tower for views of the city. At 2,080ft (634m), it is the tallest building in Japan and the one of the tallest structures in the world. In the evening, the possibilities for entertainment are almost limitless with the Tokyo nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Asia.
Free day for further exploration; optional karaoke farewell night
Today has been left free for further individual exploration of Tokyo. We recommend visiting the Meiji Shrine; surrounded by tranquil forest, this Shinto shrine is one of the most popular in Japan and combines traditional Japanese architecture with love for nature. For those interested in culture or shopping, there are limitless opportunities with districts such as Ginza, Harajuku and Shinjuku catering for all tastes and needs. Your leader can advise how best to maximise your free day in Tokyo.
End Tokyo
Our Japanese adventure comes to end. Alternatively, if you’d like a bit more time to explore this energetic city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
2023 departures only:
Clients booked onto the group flights to London, UK, will be transferred to Tokyo Narita Airport in the evening. If you are not travelling on the group flight, it is possible to join a free shuttle service to Narita or Haneda airports. Please contact our operations team for more information or to request this. Please note, the free shared shuttle departure transfer must be requested in advance with Exodus before departure (all requests are subject to availability and must be confirmed before departure). It is not possible to request this service once a trip has commenced.
Depart Tokyo
2023 departures only: Those on the group flights will be transferred to Tokyo airport this evening for the daytime flight to London. Please note that although late check out is not included in the cost of the trip, the hotel provides free lugagge storage facilities.
Arrive London
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Reviews
Add your own reviewTrip of a lifetime!
This is such a well designed itinerary to see the real Japan, from their rich history and Culture to the modern side it was amazing how you travel through their history along the trip. You get to see a LOT of places along the way in a manner that feels like you have accomplished a lot but not too quickly. I think anyone going to Japan has to be prepared for a lot of travelling and moving around, especially as almost everything is on public transport. Don’t let this put you off as it is the best public transport in the world! So clean, always on time, friendly and respectful people – coming back to the UK after the trip was a real shock after we got experienced to the Japanese way.
Most Inspirational Moment
Staying in the Ryokans up in the Japanese Alps was a surreal experience. We had an 11 course dinner at a traditional homestay and it was a real pinch me moment. Everyone was keen to learn about Japanese Culture, try the food (myself included), and it was just such a wholesome experience. Managing to go 2 weeks only using Chopsticks and no cutlery was a very proud moment too :)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Keigo was incredible. His attention to detail and knowledge about everywhere made all the difference. Without him we would have been totally lost and only had a fraction of the experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a lot of walking, often in tourist sites and on the transport system. The country is an attack on the senses to really try to just immerse yourself in the surroundings instead of always hunting for the perfect photo. Be prepared for all types of weather - an umbrella can come in handy.
Suggestions
This is a great trip for people trying to get a real experience of Japan with excellent guides. There is real value in staying in perfect locations in Kyoto and Tokyo which other companies don't offer and a real reason why I chose this trip over some of the other Japan tours out there
May 2023
My wife and I greatly enjoyed our trip to Japan. It was a wide ranging trip covering a good number of Japanese sites and experiences as much as you might expect in the time we were there.
Most Inspirational Moment
The trip to Hiroshima was thought provoking and an important inclusion with the trip. We also very much enjoyed the Japanese Alps.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Aki was generally a good leader. He does have a very heavy accent which made it difficult to always follow what he said, one had to be at the front of the group and listen closely. He had a good knowledge of history.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a lot of train travel and for a country very different to what you might expect. Be prepared to embrace cultural differences in all aspects of life.
Suggestions
I think any trip to Japan should include a visit to Mount Fuji rather than it being an extra cost add on. The minshuku in Takayama was disappointing and not up to the quality we would expect from Exodus. The town was one of the best places on the trip but the accommodation was the worst. We were looking forward to the minshuku experience but it could have been of a higher quality. The communication re the arrival and travel to Kyoto could have been more comprehensive.
Dream Come True!!!
An amazing trip to japan to see its wonder and it didn’t disappoint. we were blessed with incredible weather which led to the blessing of seeing Mount Fuji fully during the day and at sunset which is mesmerising. the snow monkeys also came out to entertain us in such a beautiful location. we also had sakura viewings almost every day in abundance in the warm sunshine. spotting geisha wandering along and talking to each other as they were on the way to bookings was a lifelong tick of my list!! seeing a dance show complete with a comedy section which was totally relatable even if we couldn’t understand Japanese eating the most amazing food lots I have never had before and seeing how the real people of japan eat out and drink sake.
Most Inspirational Moment
seeing geisha, Mount Fuji, the snow monkeys, the amazing food, the onsens, sakura galore and celebrating my birthday not once but twice thanks to the fabulous guides Atsushi and Naoko who arranged for a birthday cake with candles which was a huge surprise, staying in traditional ryokan's was fun and the food in them was amazing. I couldn't have wished for a better trip just wanted to stay longer
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guides Atsushi and Naoko are amazing, they couldn't do enough for everyone and were always answering any question's we had about customs and shrines/temples, suggesting places to eat and often coming with us and introducing us to some amazing food we hadn't even heard of before. sending us group WhatsApp messages and location sharing was a necessity and we had lots of links for shopping and places of interest which was invaluable. seeing them both have interactions with all group members and being very caring towards an older lady who was in need of some extra assistance was lovely. they are a good team together and new family members of mine now; we were blessed to have them. a huge thank you to them both for sharing their beautiful country with us all.
Advice for Potential Travellers
don't just go for the sakura go for everything japan has to offer and try the onsens they are amazing!! The transport is so efficient and clean, the staff on the trains always look impeccably smart, its a great insight into how the Japanese people get around. There will be standing but that's expected in such a busy country it super easy to get around on your own too. I will be going back for sure as I'm now in love with japan and all it has to offer
Suggestions
just book it you wont regret it!!
Don't go for the Snow Monkeys!
There are two reasons to go on this trip: in Spring for the Cherry Blossom, or later in the year to see the Snow Monkeys. We did the latter, and in fact the last departure of the year, the next being in April. We did not see any monkeys, and the people we spoke to, including the staff at the monkey centre, said that it was too early to see them. They come to a hot spring when it’s really cold. When we were there, it was not cold (avg 17 deg in the day), and in any case, the hot spring had suffered damage from Typhoon Hagibis and was not filling up. We spent a morning hiking to what was essentially a muddy pool for no reason. This was a real waste of time. Apart from this, the trip was enjoyable, but there are a number of free days which really should be filled up with – for example every person on our trip wanted to see Mount Fuji but we had to do that ourselves on a free day – I feel that this should have been part of the itinerary; the tour finishes in Tokyo with a free day on the Friday, and then another free day on the Saturday before being collected for the airport at 6.30pm. There’s lots to do in Tokyo, but we lost our guide before the tour finished. I don’t want to be only negative – we really enjoyed the vast majority of this tour, but it could have been so much better.
Most Inspirational Moment
Hiroshima - but we didn't have enough time there.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Hard working and well organised but didn't go above and beyond. He was great in explaining all the customs and etiquette.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty of cash - UK debit cards don't work in most machines and credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the UK.
Excellent taster of Japan
This trip was an excellent way to experience many different aspects of Japan, although I feel like I have only touched the surface, and I want to go back! Japan, the people, and the food are all truly wonderful.
Most Inspirational Moment
I loved being out of the cities and experiencing more of the countryside and mountainous regions. One of the highlights was seeing Mount Fuji appear over the hillside whilst ascending in a cable car. We did this on one of our "free" days. This day trip was suggested by our tour leader who also accompanied us for the whole day. Another highlight for me was the thermal baths experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our first leader, although very pleasant, was very inexperienced. I was grateful to Exodus that they changed our leader on day 3. The new leader was excellent and ensured that we all had an enjoyable holiday.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do not expect a relaxing holiday. The days are very long and you will do lots of standing on very crowded public transport and a huge amount of walking almost every day. Although it is very popular in blossom season, I would have much preferred to go when the weather was warmer. We have blossom in the UK after all! Knowing now how easy it is to get around Japan on public transport, I would be very happy visiting there independently. I flew with KLM (connected in Amsterdam both ways), which seemed a much better choice than the group flight - no long mid-night connections, more "direct" route and shorter flight time.
Suggestions
The country is very easy to get around using public transport, however it would have been much better to have had a minibus/coach to get around the sights in the cities, as the local public transport "experience" made the days very hectic, somewhat stressful, and much longer than they needed to be. I feel that if local public transport is used, the trip should be graded higher than a 2 as some people on the trip did struggle with the long days. and the huge amounts of standing and walking.
Amazing country, trip felt rushed though
This trip gives the opportunity to see a lot… which is great BUT I have to say it felt like we were running from place to place. Public transport is efficient but a little constricting. It would have been good to have a minibus in Kyoto as the traffic did not seem bad there. This then relieves the feeling of missing out on things as you are made to choose between things to do due to timings of buses/trains etc.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Mt. Fuji was AMAZING... such a shame this is not part of the itinerary! We went to Lake Kawaguchi, instead of the suggested Hakone and it was the best day of the entire trip. The friendliness of the people and the general feeling of safety. Japan is a wonderful place.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Decky was fantastic and had a very hard job keeping everyone happy. He encountered some difficulties but always found a solution. He was very kind and knowledgeable and was great to talk to.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Pack an umbrella. Make the most of the ample convenience stores (7Eleven and Family Mart) as they are great for picking up breakfast items and snacks for the day. Also they do excellent sushi etc. Wear really comfortable shoes as there is a LOT of walking... 7-12 miles a day. Some of the temples have a lot of steps. Don't be afraid of the Tokyo underground... it's busy and looks confusing but it's easy to use once you get the hang of it... and ask for help. The people are really friendly and will go out of their way to assist you. Make sure you have handy pockets for the train/bus passes. You'll need them all the time. Be prepared to sit on the floor when up in the mountains. Also, maybe pack wetwipes for the Ryokan unless you enjoy communal showering!
Suggestions
I felt the trip was a little over priced. The first Ryokan we stayed in was VERY basic. Zero privacy to wash and one toilet per floor.
A hectic agenda with some nice moments
The first problem was sleep deprivation, 18 hours in the air with a gap at Dubai and the time difference of eight hours means you need time to recover. We did not have adequate time the departure was 8am the next morning which meant getting up at 6.30 to get organised and have breakfast.
A better option would have been to fly the day before and spend the first night in a hotel in Osaka.
The sleep deprivation has knock-on effects such as the difficulty in arranging the lights and blind switches in the Kyoto hotel. They were simple to use once you got used to them but caught me out as I was unfamiliar -there was an opaque blind behind the translucent blind and it was not possible to tell this until the daylight woke me up at 5 AM. It would have been useful to have the hotel staff demonstrate how to use all the controls as it meant I had a second night of poor sleeping.
There were too many sites to see in Kyoto and Tokyo meaning very early starts and late finishes with inadequate time to recover before going for meal and then having little time to digest before going to bed which also impairs sleep..
Most days we stopped for lunch and apart from the sushi lunch meals were mediocre and usually in soulless shopping malls. A long break for lunch is unnecessary and simply prolongs the day. Taking a snack and a brief lunch break would mean an earlier finish and some time to relax in the evening.
The traditional meals were good but too often we went out in the evening to very crowded and uncomfortable restaurants on occasion sitting on stools at the counter which is a very poor substitute for a comfortable meal to celebrate the end of a busy day. On one occasion in Kyoto and two in Tokyo it was hard to find a comfortable restaurant other than going for a pizza which is not what we intended in visiting Japan.
Although the express trains were good local trains are often too crowded for comfort and judicious use of a minibus would have been very helpful: for example New Year’s Day there was hardly any traffic on the road but we were in dreadfully crowded trains and given the option I would far sooner stay in a coach than trudge along a dreary the street market in the rain. There are too many boring markets and too many visits to shopping dreary shopping centres.
It was a major mistake to try and see all sides Tokyo in one day. If the morning consisted of the shrine, sky Tower and the Imperial Palace that would have been sufficient and then we could choose extras for ourselves such as the art museum. Visiting the shopping area to see the equivalent of Oxford Street and then to visit the street market which have nothing of interest, all in the pouring rain was a sad waste of the afternoon.
Finally although your information included average rainfall figures it did not adequately explain that we could be out all day in prolonged rain so that on the last Wednesday everyone was soaked through. My waterproof clothes were too heavy to be worn in hot weather and I do not normally take an umbrella when going walking but it was the best way of dealing with warm rain and it would be helpful to make that point prominently in your info.
Japanese art and culture is interesting and I really enjoyed what we saw but unfortunately there was far too little and too much time spent travelling.
Most Inspirational Moment
There was no single inspirational moment. Many of the shrines were impressive, Mount Fuji is spectacular and the cruise on the nearby Lake was delightful. The Zen gardens were impressive. The Hiroshima visit was very educational and presented some unpleasant truths in a very powerful way.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He worked very hard, was very energetic and very helpful. He had the unenviable task of trying to keep everybody happy all the time and he tried to his utmost to do this, this meant that most of us joined in with trying to see everything, which in retrospect, was not the best idea. It would have been more helpful to have a range of options so that there were alternatives e.g. for those with the limited interest in shops and markets. I enjoyed the visits to the snow monkeys and would have preferred to have spent more time walking in the surrounding countryside
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do your homework thoroughly so that you know what you want to see and what you don't want to. Prepare for the rain, an umbrella is more useful than an anorak because of the usually warm whether. Don't be swept along to see sites that don't interest you, street markets may be interesting for some but in Tokyo the goods on sale were incredibly tacky the market so severely congested that it's hard to move and the novelty value soon wears off
Suggestions
Given that Japan is a mountainous area would have much preferred more opportunities to walk in the countryside. The visit to the beach resort of Tokyo, in the rain was a dreadful waste of time so travellers should prepare options as alternatives to pointless activities. The travel notes gave too rosy a picture of Japanese public transport, although the express trains are good local and suburban trains that we used were often packed and we had to stand for long periods. It would have been better to have seen fewer sites but have been able to spend more time there to enjoy them
Japan. Ancient and Modern
A superb trip, exploring a wide variety of destinations and experiences. Very stimulating. Wonderful to travel on public transport. I never expected to see and do so much. I loved the traditional wooden buildings / hotels we stayed in in the mountain areas. All the accommodation was excellent.
Most Inspirational Moment
The beautiful blossom , temples and the gardens. Mount Fuji. Japanese hotels and hospitality. The pace and excitement of the trip. The variety of experience
Thoughts on Group Leader
Decky is a beautiful and wonderful man. He was so kind, professional and good humoured. Knowledgable and entertaining. Outstanding group leader. Nearly broke down in tears to say goodbye. He was very supportive to members of the group with mobility problems. Gave everyone full and equal attention. Totally trustworthy and reliable. You had better keep him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Only go on this trip if you have sufficient energy to walk long distances , maybe up to 9 miles. Try and go in April when the blossom is out. It is breathtaking.
Suggestions
Great trip for energetic enthusiastic and curious travellers
Konichiwa and arigato!
This trip exceeded expectations in many ways – incredibly well-organised with a good balance between group activities and private exploration. The breadth of Japanese culture, both ancient and modern, was well covered, the accommodations were excellent, the food was extraordinary and the transport system very impressive. And the Japanese we met were always polite, respectful, friendly and calm. We came home with the feeling that the UK has a lot to learn!
Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to choose - seeing Mt Fuji floating on a bed of cloud, Matsumoto Castle floodlit, a Kabuki performance, exquisitely presented and tasty food in the ryokans, onsen, standing on a station as a shinkansen raced through at 160+mph, the tragedy of Hiroshima, the architecture of the Shinto shrines, temples and gardens, and more. Phew!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Mayuko Terao was superb, and couldn't do enough for us. Her ability to keep 17 disparate adults in order while negotiating the often crowded and complex transport system was remarkable. Her knowledge, communication skills and sense of fun were second to none. She gave up much of her own free time to ensure that we got the most out of our visit.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for a lot of walking, often in crowded tourist sites and on the transport system. There are many convenience stores near the hotels to buy food if you don't want to pay for the expensive hotel buffet breakfasts (ryokans excluded). Our camera broke down towards the end of the trip, and it was SO liberating! So, don't view everything you see through a camera lens all the time. Japan is so visually engaging.
Suggestions
Thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable experience.
Fascinating experience!
You really couldn’t pack any more into 2 weeks! We walked round cities (lot of walking), visited temples, shrines, markets, gardens and castles and saw beautiful scenery from the trains. Our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable and always available for advice on what to do, where to go and where to eat in our free time.
Most Inspirational Moment
The cherry blossom, scenery and the beautiful gardens. The unique Japanese experiences - onsen hot baths, tea ceremony and kubuki theatre - were unforgettable.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ayaka was so helpful and informative and didn’t lose anyone in the Tokyo subway!
Advice for Potential Travellers
You need to be pretty fit as on some days there was a lot of walking with only a break for lunch although we were given free time to look round places on our own. You don’t need to take shampoo, conditioner or shower gel as all the accommodation provided it. The hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo had washing machines and dryers. Be prepared for all types of weather - an umbrella can come in handy. Take binoculars if you are going to the kabuki theatre or are interested in birds.
Start
Finish
Availability
Adult Price From
Optional Single Supplement
Sunday Saturday
08 Oct 2023 07 Oct 2023
Saturday Sunday
21 Oct 2023 22 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 2 spaces left!
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement
+CAD 1,292
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
15 Oct 2023 14 Oct 2023
Saturday Sunday
28 Oct 2023 29 Oct 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 1 space left!
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement
+CAD 1,292
Available upon Request
Autumn colours
Autumn colours
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
22 Oct 2023 21 Oct 2023
Saturday Sunday
04 Nov 2023 05 Nov 2023
Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 1 space left!
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement
+CAD 1,292
Available upon Request
Autumn colours
Autumn colours
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
05 Nov 2023 04 Nov 2023
Saturday Sunday
18 Nov 2023 19 Nov 2023
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement
+CAD 1,292
Available upon Request
Autumn colours
Autumn colours
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
12 Nov 2023 11 Nov 2023
Saturday Sunday
25 Nov 2023 26 Nov 2023
Availability Sold Out
Adult Price From CAD 9,145
Optional Single Supplement
+CAD 1,292
Available upon Request
Autumn colours
Autumn colours
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
11 Mar 2024 10 Mar 2024
Sunday Monday
24 Mar 2024 25 Mar 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
14 Mar 2024 13 Mar 2024
Wednesday Thursday
27 Mar 2024 28 Mar 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 10,445
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Cherry Blossom season
Cherry Blossom season
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
17 Mar 2024 16 Mar 2024
Saturday Sunday
30 Mar 2024 31 Mar 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 10,445
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Cherry Blossom season
Cherry Blossom season
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
24 Mar 2024 23 Mar 2024
Saturday Sunday
06 Apr 2024 07 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 10,445
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Cherry Blossom season
Cherry Blossom season
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
25 Mar 2024 24 Mar 2024
Sunday Monday
07 Apr 2024 08 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 10,445
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Cherry Blossom season
Cherry Blossom season
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesThursday Wednesday
28 Mar 2024 27 Mar 2024
Wednesday Thursday
10 Apr 2024 11 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 10,445
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Cherry Blossom season
Cherry Blossom season
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesMonday Sunday
01 Apr 2024 31 Mar 2024
Sunday Monday
14 Apr 2024 15 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 10,445
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Cherry Blossom season
Cherry Blossom season
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
07 Apr 2024 06 Apr 2024
Saturday Sunday
20 Apr 2024 21 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 10,445
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Cherry Blossom season
Cherry Blossom season
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
14 Apr 2024 13 Apr 2024
Saturday Sunday
27 Apr 2024 28 Apr 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
05 May 2024 04 May 2024
Saturday Sunday
18 May 2024 19 May 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
12 May 2024 11 May 2024
Saturday Sunday
25 May 2024 26 May 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,425
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
15 Sep 2024 14 Sep 2024
Saturday Sunday
28 Sep 2024 29 Sep 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
29 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Saturday Sunday
12 Oct 2024 13 Oct 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement Single Rooms sold out
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
06 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Saturday Sunday
19 Oct 2024 20 Oct 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,425
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
13 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
Saturday Sunday
26 Oct 2024 27 Oct 2024
Availability Guaranteed (Available)
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,425
Autumn Colours
Autumn Colours
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
20 Oct 2024 19 Oct 2024
Saturday Sunday
02 Nov 2024 03 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,425
Autumn Colours
Autumn Colours
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
03 Nov 2024 02 Nov 2024
Saturday Sunday
16 Nov 2024 17 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,425
Autumn Colours
Autumn Colours
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSunday Saturday
10 Nov 2024 09 Nov 2024
Saturday Sunday
23 Nov 2024 24 Nov 2024
Availability Available
Adult Price From CAD 9,495
Optional Single Supplement +CAD 1,425
Autumn Colours
Autumn Colours
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
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Ancient & Modern Japan
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