Comfort
Explorer
Rail
Classic Japan
4.8
Excellent
circle110 reviews
location_on 11 days
location_on
Start
Kyoto, Japan
location_on
Finish
Tokyo, Japan
tour
Trip Code
CJKJ
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 12
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Physical Rating
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Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 dinners
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Transport
Public Bus, Subway, Bullet Train, Train, Boat
bed
Accommodation
Hotel/Ryokan (9 nights), Temple Stay (1 night)
From £4,689(11 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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Discover Japan's most iconic city sights, from walking the Geisha district and seeing the cultural landmarks of Kyoto to touring the temple district and cruising past all the contemporary highlights of Tokyo.
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Learn more about the sobering past of Hiroshima at the memorial park, the museums and the monuments dedicated to the memory of the victims – they now also advocate for world peace and serve as a reminder of the devastation of war.
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Feast on okonomiyaki – Japan’s signature savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood – at an included dinner in Hiroshima at a special local restaurant.
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Meet the locals over a home-cooked dinner during your stay in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) in the mountain town of Tsumago – the historic medieval village preserved from the Edo period.
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Spend a night in Koya-san’s Shukubo Temple and learn about the customs of traditional Japanese accommodation as you share vegetarian meals with the monks who run the lodgings.
Is this trip right for you?
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Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
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In some destinations, you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn. It's a great taste of tradition; however, not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more Western-style hotels. This is an important thing to consider if you have problems with your back or knees, as the surface is firm and there may be no other furniture (eg chairs) in the room. Read more about ryokans here: https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/ https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/ (https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/)
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Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
verified
Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
verified
In some destinations, you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn. It's a great taste of tradition; however, not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more Western-style hotels. This is an important thing to consider if you have problems with your back or knees, as the surface is firm and there may be no other furniture (eg chairs) in the room. Read more about ryokans here: https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/ https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/ (https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/traditional-japanese-ryokan/)
verified
Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
Itinerary
Kyoto, Koya-san and more on a cultural crusade
Steeped in centuries of tradition and full of culinary prowess, Japan is awash with sights to see and histories to uncover. From Kyoto to Tokyo, spend 11 days exploring the heart of Japan, with memories of the Edo era, sobering warfare sites, lush natural landscapes and eclectic neighbourhoods to discover. Be tempted by tempura, savour your sushi and sip some sochu as you discover the endless variety and diversity of Japan with your small group, all headed by a local leader who knows all of the best places to go. What’s stopping you embarking on a cultural escapade to the home of geisha, torii, sake and nori?
- DAY 1Day 1 • Kyoto
- DAY 2Day 2 • Kyoto
- DAY 3Day 3 • Kyoto
- DAY 4Day 4 • Koya-san
- DAY 5Day 5 • Hiroshima
- DAY 6Day 6 • Hiroshima
- DAY 7Day 7 • Tsumago
- DAY 8Day 8 • Matsumoto
- DAY 9Day 9 • Tokyo
- DAY 10Day 10 • Tokyo
- DAY 11Day 11 • Tokyo
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
10 breakfasts, 3 dinners
airport_shuttle Transport
Public Bus, Subway, Bullet Train, Train, Boat
bed Accommodation
Hotel/Ryokan (9 nights), Temple Stay (1 night)
festival Included activities
circleKyoto - Ryoanji Zen Garden
circleKyoto - Nijo Castle
circleKyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
circleKyoto - Gion District walk
circleKoya-san - Okunoin Cemetery
circleHimeji - Himeji Castle
circleHiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
circleHiroshima - Peace Museum
circleHiroshima - Miyajima Island
circleTsumago - Nakasendo Walk
circleMatsumoto - walking tour
circleTokyo - Sensoji Temple
circleTokyo - Sumida River Cruise
circleTokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden
museum Optional activities
circleKyoto - Cooking Class from - JPY8800
circleKyoto - Bike hire (per day) from - JPY1200
circleKyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) - JPY500
circleKyoto - Nanzenji Temple - JPY600
circleKyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
circleKoya-san - Kongobu-ji Temple - JPY1000
circleMatsumoto - Matsumoto Castle - JPY700
circleTokyo - Shinjuku-gyoen - JPY500
circleTokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
circleTokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
circleTokyo - Imperial Palace - Free
circleTokyo - Samurai Museum - JPY3300
circleTokyo - Studio Ghibli Museum (advance bookings required - from) - JPY1000
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Sunday Aug 31, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£5,313
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Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Saturday Sep 20, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£5,203
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Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£5,203
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Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£5,676
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Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Saturday Oct 04, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£5,407
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Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£5,522
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Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left
£5,951
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Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Saturday Oct 18, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left
£5,517
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Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£5,517£4,689
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Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Saturday Oct 25, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£5,896
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Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left
£5,863
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Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£5,357
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Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Wednesday Nov 19, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left
£5,786
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Important notes
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1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
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2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Reviews (106)
5 stars
92
4 stars
11
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
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Gordon
Jul 21, 2025
Suggest you use some of my comments. Not sure I want to write a review. To much work!
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Sandra
Jul 07, 2025
This trip was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives . We Definetly saw classic Japan - from the cities of Kyoto and Tokyo to the mountains ofKoya - sharing in the lives of the monks sleeping in a temple and walking the Naksendo trail where wild bears roam - sleeping in a Japanese Inn and experiencing Japanese food and customs - we feel very privileged to have been on such a life changing experience - thank you so much Zak our guide and Intrepid we will definitely be back
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Kay
Jul 05, 2025
Overall a great but very busy trip that gives you a great snapshot of Japan, and its history and culture. Lots of walking and public transport, but it was very efficient and easy with our leader's direction. The temple and ryokan stays were a great experience, and comfortable enough. Be prepared to walk up to 15 kms over a day and up and down stairs. The fitter you are the more enjoyable the trip will be.
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Neil
Jun 08, 2025
This was an amazing trip & beyond my expectations. Everything ran like clock work & the team leaders (Kyo & Rumi) were outstanding. They couldn’t do more for you. Nothing was too much trouble.
The itinerary was very well structured & accommodation excellent & centrally located. I would highly recommend this tour.
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Robert
May 28, 2025
Our trip to Japan was exceptional!! Our tour guide safely escorted us around to our destinations and recommended some wonderful places to eat. He was friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this type of tour to maximize your experience.
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John
May 27, 2025
Fantastic trip thru an essential trip in Japan taking in much culture and beauty. Fantastic tour guide made it go smoothly and enhanced a lot of fun with the group.
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Helen
May 27, 2025
A fantastic trip to Japan! So much included in the itinerary and so many "must-see" moments. Our leader Yuki was incredible! I cannot recommend this trip enough
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James
May 24, 2025
We had a wonderful trip in Japan and out group leader Kaz was the best.
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Ann
Apr 27, 2025
Our trip to Japan was amazing. The country has so much to offer and Sally, our exceptional guide, ensured we saw the best of it and understood the history behind each place we visited. Sally made it all come together.
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Carmel
Apr 16, 2025
Intrepid Classic Japan was an amazing experience seeing so many different places - some city & some country. A great mix of cultural experiences and sightseeing in many different ways. The small group format is a winner.