Premium
Explorer
Premium Japan
4.8
Excellent
272 reviews
12 days
Start
Tokyo, Japan
Finish
Kyoto, Japan
Trip Code
CJPJ
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Transport
Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, Bullet Train, Train
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nt), Hakone Feature Stay (1 nt)
From £5,374(12 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Soak up some quintessentially Japanese Exclusive Experiences, including a sushi making class and a guided meditation session with a Zen Buddhist monk.
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!
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.
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.
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), discover the thriving Harajuku district and get a birds-eye view of the city from Tokyo Skytree.
Is this trip right for you?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Inclusions
Meals
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Transport
Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, Bullet Train, Train
Accommodation
Hotel (10 nt), Hakone Feature Stay (1 nt)
Included activities
Tokyo - Welcome dinner
Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
Tokyo - Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market
Tokyo - Sushi Making Class
Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Takayama - Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling)
Takayama - Showa Museum
Takayama - Shirakawago Village
Takayama - Morning Market visit
Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
Hiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip
Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Himeji - Himeji Castle
Kyoto - Gion District walk
Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple
Kyoto - Zen Buddhism meditation session
Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto - Sake Brewery & tasting
Kyoto - Final dinner
Optional activities
Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
Miyajima - Mt Misen Cable Car - JPY2000
Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple Gardens (additional JPY300 to visit the temple) - JPY500
Kyoto - Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace - JPY1300
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
















Important notes
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.
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.
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.
Reviews (262)
5 stars
229
4 stars
26
3 stars
1
2 stars
4
1 star
2
Rodney
Jul 28, 2025
Experience and learn about the wonders of Japanese history and culture while visiting some interesting cities. Navigate the extensive train network with experienced tour leaders.
Pamela
Jul 17, 2025
Having viewed so many disgruntled reviews on Intrepid, I feel that that our review was based on 12 day premium tour to Japan which was 5* from start to finish. Our tour was supposed to be for a group of 12 people, but ended up being 8 people which was perfect. There was a good range of ages on our trip, from 21 to 80. We started in Tokyo, then Hakone, Takayama, Hiroshima and Kyoto. We travelled using a boat, public bus, cable car, ferry, metro, bullet train and normal trains. Although some of the normal trains etc were busy, our guide got us all from A to B. We had received our full itinerary, which we received prior to our trip, no surprises. Japan felt a very safe country, although I am sure it does problem areas like any other country. No matter which area you were in, it was extremely clean and the locals all very courteous and welcoming. Food was wonderful even though some of use did not eat fish or raw fish. There was always plenty of variety and you were never hungry. Our guide Yuji was amazing and ensured every aspect of our tour was covered. His knowledge was great, but without being overpowering. He understood what are group required, extra assistance at times. He went over and above what was required of him. Japanese hotel rooms are a lot smaller than we are all used to in the rest of the world, so bear this in mind when you are selecting which level of trip you are doing. Although you may feel you've paid a lot for your trip, doing the economy, or comfort option wasn't for us, Premium was lovely. So go on, bite the bullet, be adventurous, life is to short. Live every moment to the full
Katherine
Jul 17, 2025
This trip was first class in every way from the hotels to the tours. Our guide Yuji was excellent and very knowledgeable. The itinerary was well planed out and the cost was very affordable.
Patryk
Jul 12, 2025
Yuji was an amazing tour guide, highly knowledgeable, professional, and experienced. What really stood out was how he went above and beyond, even taking us to places that weren’t originally on the itinerary to make the experience even more special. He made sure everyone felt comfortable throughout the trip and was always attentive to how the group was feeling, adjusting the itinerary when needed. His care and flexibility made the tour truly unforgettable. Highly recommend!
Kate
Jul 08, 2025
If your interested in a great tour that actually gives you what they say they will, this is it.
Marlyn
Jul 08, 2025
Our tour guide in Japan, Yuji was outstanding re support, knowledge, listening to we travellers and always excellent company.
Barton
Jun 29, 2025
I just completed the Premium Japan trip and it was a blast. We managed to fit so much in and got to see so many sides of beautiful Japan. Well recommended.
Denise
Jun 25, 2025
An unforgettable journey through Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, and Kyoto — rich in culture, history, and World Heritage sites. Our guide brought Japan to life with insight, humour, and real attention to detail. Thoughtfully curated, well-paced, and genuinely memorable. Highly recommended!
Nicole
Jun 20, 2025
Thankyou to our amazing guide Benjamin and Intrepid for a fabulous Japan holiday. Wish we could do everything all over again, we had the best time and thoroughly recommend intrepid. Everything was perfect!
Mary
Jun 07, 2025
Intrepid provides a wonderful myriad of cultural experiences. Good sightseeing travel are all highlights. Trip leaders in country knowledge was superb. A great adventure; small group meant ease of travel anc a premium experience
Friends and Family Travel is an agent of Intrepid Travel. All Trip content and associated images are copyright of Intrepid Travel.
You are protected
Contact Information
Call us at
0208 058 4003
Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM GMT.
Contact our customer support
contact@friendsandfamily.travel
We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

© 2024 Friends and Family Travel | All rights reserved.