Comfort
Explorer
Rail
Classic Japan
11 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
circle100 reviews
location_on 11 days
location_on
Start
Kyoto, Japan
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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
restaurant_menu
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 £4,004(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.
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 Jun 08, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£5,005£4,254
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Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Saturday Jul 12, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left
£5,209£4,167
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Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£5,005
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Sunday Aug 17, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£5,005£4,004
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Sunday Aug 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left
£5,110£4,088
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Sunday Aug 31, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left
£5,005£4,004
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Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£5,313£4,782
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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 - 8 spaces left
£5,203£4,683
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Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£5,451£4,905
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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 - 6 spaces left
£5,522£4,970
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Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£5,951£5,653
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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 (96)
5 stars
83
4 stars
10
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
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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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Greg
Apr 16, 2025
A great introduction to Japan. Fulfilled my expectations and met the high standards we have become accustomed to with Intrepid
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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.
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Monica
Apr 15, 2025
A great way to explore Japan’s highlights with the support of a knowledgeable and fun guide. The itinerary offered a good mix of cultural experiences, nature, and local food. I only wish there had been more help booking optional activities in advance.
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Christina
Mar 28, 2025
Awesome trip to Japan, loved everything about the trip. Dai the tour leader was excellent and knowledgeable. Would definitely go on another Intrepid tour.
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SUZANNE
Mar 21, 2025
As Japan felt too difficult to do alone Intrepid gave me the opportunity and confidence to visit. I had an amazing time and might even visit again to reuse the knowledge I have gained.
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Judith
Mar 21, 2025
A great introduction to Japan and its amazing public transport. Our tour guide Seiichiro Miyake was excellent.
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Paresh
Mar 11, 2025
Fantastic trip with amazing tour guide, tremendous cultural & historic experiences, awesome food & transportation
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Pamela
Mar 11, 2025
Would recommend using Intrepid if you are environmentally conscious and want to see and experience the ‘real’ Japan.
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Ajay
Mar 11, 2025
Nori and the intrepid team are a fantastic guide. Will try to come back in the future.