Premium
Explorer
Premium Japan
12 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
circle245 reviews
location_on 12 days
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Start
Tokyo, Japan
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Finish
Kyoto, Japan
tour
Trip Code
CJPJ
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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
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
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Transport
Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, Bullet Train, Train
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nt), Hakone Feature Stay (1 nt)
From £5,100(12 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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Soak up some quintessentially Japanese Exclusive Experiences, including a sushi making class and a guided meditation session with a Zen Buddhist monk.
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Unwind among the beauty of nature at your Feature Stay accommodation in the hot springs town of Hakone – with mountain views, a traditional ryokan design, modern comforts and a private onsen (thermal pool) for each room, you’ll find relaxation here!
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Visit the sobering Hiroshima Peace Park and be reminded of this city’s history with a guided tour. Learn about how the city is recovering and is now dedicated to promoting world peace.
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Soak up Japan’s natural beauty – with stays in mountainous Hakone, glimpses of Mt Fuji, a stroll around the stunning island of Miyajima and the views of the Japanese alps in the ancient village of Shirakawa-go.
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Take a half-day tour of Tokyo – wander Asakusa (the temple district), explore the buzzing Shibuya area, find a treat in a depachika (underground food hall), chill out in Yoyogi Park, discover the thriving Harajuku district and get a birds-eye view of the city from Tokyo Skytree.
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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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
Ancient culture, celebrated cuisine and stunning scenery come together in Japan
Experience Japan’s perfect harmony of ancient tradition and a modern way of life on this 12-day Premium adventure through the cultural heart of the country. You’ll start among Tokyo’s soaring skyscrapers, making your way to Hakone’s mountainous hot springs and find the meaning of relaxation in a cloud of fragrant steam. Then, head to Takayama, which delights with its Edo-era beauty. Shirakawa-go immerses you in charming countryside life before you discover the intriguing cultural diversity of Kyoto. Find a passion for peace in Hiroshima, take a sushi-making class with an expert, soak away your worries in an onsen and travel with a local leader who will share the rich variety of their country as you visit temples, castles, shrines and holy mountains.
- DAY 1Day 1 • Tokyo
- DAY 2Day 2 • Tokyo
- DAY 3Day 3 • Tokyo
- DAY 4Day 4 • Hakone
- DAY 5Day 5 • Takayama
- DAY 6Day 6 • Shirakawa-go - Takayama
- DAY 7Day 7 • Hiroshima
- DAY 8Day 8 • Hiroshima
- DAY 9Day 9 • Kyoto
- DAY 10Day 10 • Kyoto
- DAY 11Day 11 • Kyoto
- DAY 12Day 12 • Kyoto
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
airport_shuttle Transport
Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, Bullet Train, Train
bed Accommodation
Hotel (10 nt), Hakone Feature Stay (1 nt)
festival Included activities
circleTokyo - Welcome dinner
circleTokyo - Sensoji Temple
circleTokyo - Shibuya walking tour
circleTokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
circleTokyo - Yoyogi Park
circleTokyo - Tokyo Skytree
circleTokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market
circleTokyo - Sushi Making Class
circleHakone - Cable car/Ropeway
circleHakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
circleTakayama - Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling)
circleTakayama - Showa Museum
circleTakayama - Shirakawago Village
circleTakayama - Morning Market visit
circleHiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
circleHiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
circleHiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip
circleMiyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
circleHiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
circleHiroshima - Peace Museum
circleHimeji - Himeji Castle
circleKyoto - Gion District walk
circleKyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
circleKyoto - Daitokuji Temple
circleKyoto - Zen Buddhism meditation session
circleKyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
circleKyoto - Sake Brewery & tasting
circleKyoto - Final dinner
museum Optional activities
circleTokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
circleMiyajima - Mt Misen Cable Car - JPY2000
circleKyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
circleKyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
circleKyoto - Tenryuji Temple Gardens (additional JPY300 to visit the temple) - JPY500
circleKyoto - Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace - JPY1300
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Thursday May 29, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Saturday May 31, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 5 spaces left
£6,639£5,643
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Sunday Jun 08, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left
£6,512£5,535
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Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£6,375£5,418
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Sunday Jun 15, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£6,375
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Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 8 spaces left
£6,375£5,418
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Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 7 spaces left
£6,375£5,418
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Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Saturday Jul 12, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left
£6,771£5,416
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Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Monday Jul 28, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left
£6,567£5,254
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Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£6,375£5,100
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Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£6,375
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Sunday Jul 27, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left
£6,375£5,100
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Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£6,375
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Important notes
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1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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2. When travelling by train, we include the transfer of one piece of luggage from destination to destination. Please review the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details on luggage transfers and luggage size.
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3. We are currently unable to offer airport transfers in Japan. Please refer to the Joining Point Instructions of the Essential Trip Information for our recommendations on arrival. Your leader will be able to advise the best way to reach the airport at the end of your trip.
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4. On the May 11th 2025 departure (CJPJ250511), no double beds will be available at the hotel in Tokyo with only twin beds possible.
Reviews (237)
5 stars
209
4 stars
22
3 stars
1
2 stars
3
1 star
2
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Kimberley
May 14, 2025
Great itinerary where we did, saw and experienced a LOT but it didn't feel rushed. Benji was an amazing leader who went out of his way to make sure we all had a brilliant time. Nice hotels. Great food. LOTS of walking (I averaged 19,000 steps a day). Beautiful country. To top it all off we were lucky to see majestic Fuji-San! Get in a public onsen. Eat from the delicious street food stalls. Marvel at the shinkansen trains. Respect Japanese customs. Book this trip! Enjoy!
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Davin
May 05, 2025
In 12 days this tour ticked most of the list of highlights of Japan. There is a good balance of cultural aspects and still has time to get out and do some individual exploration. It's fairly fast paced, busy and active, and overall it's a well put together package.
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Ha
Apr 29, 2025
I love travelling in a small group, like Intrepid has done. It feels like travelling with a family, and all the group members are so friendly. The accommodations are great, the food is superb, and Japan is a wonderful country. Sayonara, and see you soon!
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Jeffrey
Apr 29, 2025
The premium Japan tour gave me, as a solo traveller, a fantastic first taste of the country - covering the cities and sites you might expect, in comfortable accommodation, and under the wing of a superb tour leader.
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Linda
Apr 28, 2025
Best Intrepid Group Trip I have done to date. Wonderful destination in an amazing diverse country led by a local leader passionate about delivering a hassle free holiday.
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Claire
Apr 28, 2025
Jam-packed! Amazing sights, food, culture. Hiro is so passionate, answering questions and ensuring to meet everyone’s needs. Excellent organisation and communication, transport/activity schedules to maximise each day. Hiro made great recommendations for sights/shops/restaurants in our spare time. She also made sure everyone got to their next destinations, much appreciated.
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Imogen
Apr 27, 2025
Had a fantastic time! The trip was really well organised and the size of the group was perfect, making it easy to travel round on all modes of public transport. The choice of hotels was excellent, staff were great and all rooms were spacious. Important to note there is a lot of travel, and your suitcases get forwarded on for a lot of the trip so you can only carry an overnight bag. Luckily all hotels had everything you need, including pajamas, so was easy to pack light! Yuka our tour guide was amazing, very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations at each location. She was so thoughtful and made my birthday trip really special!
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Stewart
Apr 24, 2025
Premium Japan was an excellent introduction to the major highlights of this amazing country and contained many amazing experiences. Our leader Eiko was an amazing guide abd enthusiastic in sharing her country with us.
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Leanne
Apr 24, 2025
A fantastic solo travel experience! The Premium Japan tour was well-organised, comfortable, and rich in culture. Cherry blossom season was hectic but unforgettable. I felt completely at ease thanks to the thoughtful itinerary and exceptional guide. A beautiful, memorable way to experience Japan — highly recommend!
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Gail
Apr 24, 2025
The Premium Japan trip had everything you need for a great trip, especially for first time visitors. The small group, expert guide and use of public transport were key for us.. Intrepid didn't disappoint. Shizuka was a brilliant guide - laser sharp organisation, good hurmoured and professional. She took the stress out of navigating the busy public transport systems. Shizuka immersed us in the culture, customs, history and food of Japan.