Australia
USA
Small Group Tour IJT Superior
Majestic Japan
14 Nights: from US$9490 Trip Code: MJ
Activity Rating: Steady
With a range of high-end accommodations, superb included meals and your tour leader on hand to make sure everything runs like clockwork, this is the perfect introduction to a fascinating culture often considered impenetrable by the outside world. Read more >
You'll begin and end the trip in Tokyo, icon of high modernity and a city of bewildering size and scope. Your first dinner at a local restaurant will provide you with a relaxed yet invaluable introduction to Japanese food and etiquette and is the perfect way to get to know your tour leader and group. Kanazawa offers beautifully preserved samurai residential districts, one of the very best Japanese gardens and a plethora of traditional craft workshops.
Kyoto is, for many, Japan's greatest city - imperial capital for over a thousand years and packed with architectural and cultural treasures. One highlight of your stay here is definitely your private audience with a maiko (trainee geisha). Such opportunities are rarely available to foreigners, giving you an exclusive window into this mysterious and captivating profession.
Kinosaki Onsen is a classic Japanese hotspring resort. Nestled between mountains and sea, Kinosaki has escaped the concrete and glaring pachinko parlours of other Japanese towns. Traditional wooden houses sit along the willow-lined river which carries colourful koi carp through the town centre. Here you'll stay in a ryokan to experience a Japanese-style inn with a set evening meal, and comfortable 'futon' bedding.
In Hiroshima, you'll visit the fascinating Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and take a trip out to the "floating" torii gate on Miyajima Island, inhabited by friendly shika deer.
Complementing the city stays, you'll also get a tantalising taste of rural Japan. In the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park you'll cruise across Lake Ashi under the watchful gaze of Mount Fuji, and explore the outstanding Hakone Open-Air Museum, where you can soak and relax the feet in volcanic hot spring baths after a day exploring majestic art sculptures.
If this sounds good and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your tour in Japan!
Important Tour Information
The accommodation listed is for the 2024 departures.
Group Size: 4 - 14
Single Supplement: This tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour.
Fitness: Even when not using public transport, sightseeing in Japan often involves walking between sights, climbing up steps in temples and being 'on the go' for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness, able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty and able to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the majority of the group.
Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 3pm. (You can, however, securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).
The tour leader will be staying at the first hotel for two nights before the tour starts so they will be available for advice if you choose to book pre tour nights. We recommend booking at least one extra night to check in and relax before the tour begins.
Transport: We will have the use of a private minibus in Tokyo, Kyoto, and for our transfers to Himeji and to our Hakone hotel. For all other transfers, we will be making use of Japan's first-rate transport network.
Luggage: We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Although there is often a porter service available at hotels, large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour as you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators or elevators/lifts. You will also need a small overnight back-pack (for up to two nights) for use when we forward our main bags to the next location.
Accommodation: All accommodation on this tour has full en-suite bathroom facilities. The accommodation in Hakone and Kinosaki Onsen also offer shared natural hot-spring baths for your enjoyment.
Please note that in Japan, twin rooms are very much the norm, and there are far fewer double rooms available. Please understand that even if you are being booked in a double, this will only be in the hotels where there is availability.
Bedding at the ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen will usually be traditional futon bedding, laid on the tatami flooring in your room.
International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport or Tokyo Haneda Airport.
What's included
- An experienced InsideJapan tour leader will be there all day every day, making sure everything goes to plan
- Touch down to see a friendly face with private airport transfers
- Sleep soundly in our selection of handpicked accommodation (14 nights)
- Get your day off to a great start with breakfast every day
- Enjoy our preferred eateries with six lunches and six evening meals
- Forget searching for small change on the subway, your IC transport card has 2,500 yen credit for city transport
- Experience Tokyo's calmer side with a visit to the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens
- Try 'Kaiseki' cuisine and traditional 'futon' bedding at your ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen
- See the impressive land-bridge over the Miyazu bay
- Meet the local artisans of the Kyotango Peninsula
- Have a once in a lifetime experience sipping afternoon tea with a maiko (trainee geisha)
- See ground-breaking contemporary art with tickets to Hakone Open-Air Museum, and explore the Hakone area using the 2-day Hakone Free Pass
- Lighten the load with luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima and Hiroshima back to Tokyo
- Keep connected with shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout
What's NOT included:
- International flights
- Any local transport (subways, taxis, buses) unless covered by the included transport passes
- Entrance fees (including those for temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
- Baggage handling and luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified
Tour Price Information
2024
- Tour Price: From US$9490
- Single Supplement: From US$2119
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$234 pp Single From US$299 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$208 pp Single From US$325 pp
2025
- Tour Price: From US$10881
- Single Supplement: From US$2340
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$338 pp Single From US$416 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$221 pp Single From US$338 pp
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy an exclusive audience with a trainee geisha
- Discover each city with the help of expert local guides
- Visit the sobering Hiroshima Peace Park and museum
- Enjoy the natural hot springs at Kinosaki Onsen
- Visit the local artisans of the Kyotango Peninsula
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
What, where, when and how...
Majestic Japan - 15 Days
Majestic Japan - 15 Days - Day by Day
Majestic Japan - 15 Days - Accommodation
Majestic Japan - 15 Days - Booking
Single supplement from US$2340
-
Day 1-2
Gain a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Japan's capital city with the help of your expert tour leader.
Today you will touch down in Tokyo, Japan's capital and the tenth most populous city in the world. On arrival in Tokyo you'll be met by your driver and make your way by private taxi to your hotel in the vibrant Ginza district of the city, where your tour leader will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby.
This evening you will join your group for an orientation meeting before heading out to one of the area's excellent restaurants for a first-night meal – a great introduction to Japanese food and dining etiquette.
The second day will begin with a leisurely stroll through the lovely Hamarikyu Gardens - a real oasis of calm amongst the skyscrapers. The afternoon will include visits to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, and Meiji Jingu, the capital's most venerated Shinto shrine.Overnight: Gate Hotel Tokyo
-
Day 3-4
Discover the charms of Kanazawa – or “Little Kyoto” – one of Japan's best-preserved traditional cities.
This morning, you will leave the bright lights of Tokyo behind and take the bullet train to Kanazawa on the Japan Sea Coast. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa was spared bombing during World War II thanks to its impressive collection of religious sites and important cultural assets. Today it is therefore one of Japan's best-preserved historical cities. The region is renowned for its great seafood, so why not join your tour leader for a fabulous sushi or fish meal tonight? You will be joined by a local guide, as well as your tour leader, for an extensive tour of Kanazawa's best sights. This is sure to include the wood-panelled geisha district of Higashi Chaya, the preserved houses of the samurai quarter, a traditional gold leaf workshop and, of ourse, Kanazawa's top attraction, Kenrokuen. This sublime landscape garden is lauded as one of Japan's top three, so we will ensure you have sufficient time to appreciate its full beauty. Additionally, if you have the energy after a busy tour, you might wish to visit the local market or the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Overnight: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
-
Day 5-7
Discover Kyoto, home to the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji Rock Garden and Arashiyama's bamboo grove.
If Tokyo is Japan's beacon of modernity, Kyoto is its repository of history. Serving as imperial capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is home to a staggering 17 World Heritage Sites and a litany of ancient shrines, temples and gardens. After a wonderful express train ride along the shores of Lake Biwa, we will arrive in Kyoto with time to start exploring some of these attractions. Nishiki Food Market and the incredible Kyoto station complex are two alternative options that are not to be missed! Later in the day you'll join your tour leader and head to Gion, the heart of Japanese geisha culture. Here you'll have the chance to take part in a traditional tea ceremony, performed by a genuine Gion maiko (trainee geisha). On day six you will be joined by a local Kyoto expert and board a private coach to visit some of Kyoto's most famous sights: wander through the Arashiyama district, the impressive rock Garden at Ryoanji, the opulent Golden Pavillion of Kinkakuji, or alternatively the Silver Pavillion of Ginkakuji. Kyoto has so much to offer that it would take you years to see it all, but with your local guide on hand you'll certainly see a great selection of famous sites and lesser-known locations. On day seven, you will have the choice to either continue exploring Kyoto, or head out of the city on an excursion to one of the many exciting destinations within easy reach by rail. Your tour leader will be available for suggestions and advice – perhaps the ancient capital of Nara, with its giant Buddha and friendly deer. Your tour leader will be happy to help you make arrangements for the day.
Overnight: Hotel Higashiyama
-
Day 8-9
Head out to the Kyotango Peninsula and the Hot-Spring town of Kinosaki Onsen
Today you will enjoy a leisurely morning before taking the train to Kinosaki Onsen. Kinosaki Onsen is one of Japan's premier hot-spring towns and is home to the seven mystic onsen. Visitors to the area will often try to bathe in all seven to feel the benefit from the sacred waters. You will have the afternoon to walk around the picturesque town before enjoying a kaiseki dinner at the ryokan. Today you will take a private coach to the East and in to the heart of the Kyotango peninsula. The peninsula is home to some breathtaking scenery and a hub for local artisans. You'll visit a swordsmith who specialise in katana and an artisan who weaves mother-of-pearl in to intricate designs for kimono. After lunch, you'll visit Amanohashidate which is considered to be one of Japan's ‘top three scenic views'. The impressive sandbar spans the Miyazu bay and is thought to be a ‘staircase to heaven'. You'll the chance to cross the bay by boat, foot or bicycle before taking the private bus back to the ryokan for dinner.
Overnight: Nishimuraya Shogetsutei
-
Day 10-11
Shoot cross-country on the bullet train to Hiroshima, one of western Japan's most vibrant cities.
This morning we'll hop on a private coach bound for Himeji to see the World Heritage castle. It is a short walk from the station and is arguably Japan's best preserved feudal castle. Afterwards, we'll jump on the bullet train to Hiroshima, home to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum where visitors can learn about the events of 6th August 1945. On day 11, after visiting the Peace Memorial Museum, we'll jump on a boat at the Peace Park for the 45-minute journey across Hiroshima Bay to the island of Miyajima, a beautiful island on the Seto Inland Sea. Though Miyajima is most famous for its World Heritage Shrine and “floating” torii gate, you're sure to enjoy the traditional town centre and its friendly local deer.
Overnight: Hilton Hiroshima
-
Day 12-13
Relax in hot spring baths, admire world-class artworks and perhaps catch a glimpse of iconic Mount Fuji as you spend two nights in Hakone National Park.
Today you will jump aboard the bullet train and speed east to Hakone, a beautiful national park just a stone's throw from Tokyo. Today we have included tickets to the outstanding Hakone Open-Air Museum, where you'll have the chance to wander amongst masterpieces by artist such as Moore and Rodin, set against a stunning mountainous backdrop. A top-quality evening meal will be included in your tour tonight.
On day 13 you will have a full day to enjoy everything that Hakone has to offer. Hitch a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi, eat a black egg boiled in volcanic hot spring waters, take a cable car up the mountainside and bask in some of the area's famous hot spring baths. Best of all, Hakone is the home of Mount Fuji – and if the weather is favourable you will be treated to truly spectacular views of Japan's most famous mountain.Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hakone
-
Day 14-15
Toast the end of your trip with a final-night meal at one of Tokyo's top restaurants.
On day 14 it's time for one final train journey – back to Tokyo. Use this time in the capital to head into the pumping heart of Tokyo's shopping and entertainment scene, Shinjuku. You might like to use this time in the capital to get some last-minute shopping done at one of the district's many department stores, or stroll the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen Park. Whatever you choose to do, Tokyo is bound to provide you will a fantastic final afternoon in Japan.
This evening you'll join your tour leader and group for an included final-night meal at one of the city's superb restaurants – the perfect way to toast the end of your trip in style.
On your final morning it's time to say sayonara to Japan as you return to the airport by private car in time for your flight home.Overnight: Century Southern Tower
-
Day 1-2
Gain a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Japan's capital city with the help of your expert tour leader.
Today you will touch down in Tokyo, Japan's capital and the tenth most populous city in the world. On arrival in Tokyo you'll be met by your driver and make your way by private taxi to your hotel in the vibrant Ginza district of the city, where your tour leader will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby.
This evening you will join your group for an orientation meeting before heading out to one of the area's excellent restaurants for a first-night meal – a great introduction to Japanese food and dining etiquette.
The second day will begin with a leisurely stroll through the lovely Hamarikyu Gardens - a real oasis of calm amongst the skyscrapers. The afternoon will include visits to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, and Meiji Jingu, the capital's most venerated Shinto shrine.Overnight: Gate Hotel Tokyo
-
Day 3-4
Discover the charms of Kanazawa – or “Little Kyoto” – one of Japan's best-preserved traditional cities.
This morning, you will leave the bright lights of Tokyo behind and take the bullet train to Kanazawa on the Japan Sea Coast. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa was spared bombing during World War II thanks to its impressive collection of religious sites and important cultural assets. Today it is therefore one of Japan's best-preserved historical cities. The region is renowned for its great seafood, so why not join your tour leader for a fabulous sushi or fish meal tonight? You will be joined by a local guide, as well as your tour leader, for an extensive tour of Kanazawa's best sights. This is sure to include the wood-panelled geisha district of Higashi Chaya, the preserved houses of the samurai quarter, a traditional gold leaf workshop and, of ourse, Kanazawa's top attraction, Kenrokuen. This sublime landscape garden is lauded as one of Japan's top three, so we will ensure you have sufficient time to appreciate its full beauty. Additionally, if you have the energy after a busy tour, you might wish to visit the local market or the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Overnight: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
-
Day 5-7
Discover Kyoto, home to the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji Rock Garden and Arashiyama's bamboo grove.
If Tokyo is Japan's beacon of modernity, Kyoto is its repository of history. Serving as imperial capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is home to a staggering 17 World Heritage Sites and a litany of ancient shrines, temples and gardens. After a wonderful express train ride along the shores of Lake Biwa, we will arrive in Kyoto with time to start exploring some of these attractions. Nishiki Food Market and the incredible Kyoto station complex are two alternative options that are not to be missed! Later in the day you'll join your tour leader and head to Gion, the heart of Japanese geisha culture. Here you'll have the chance to take part in a traditional tea ceremony, performed by a genuine Gion maiko (trainee geisha). On day six you will be joined by a local Kyoto expert and board a private coach to visit some of Kyoto's most famous sights: wander through the Arashiyama district, the impressive rock Garden at Ryoanji, the opulent Golden Pavillion of Kinkakuji, or alternatively the Silver Pavillion of Ginkakuji. Kyoto has so much to offer that it would take you years to see it all, but with your local guide on hand you'll certainly see a great selection of famous sites and lesser-known locations. On day seven, you will have the choice to either continue exploring Kyoto, or head out of the city on an excursion to one of the many exciting destinations within easy reach by rail. Your tour leader will be available for suggestions and advice – perhaps the ancient capital of Nara, with its giant Buddha and friendly deer. Your tour leader will be happy to help you make arrangements for the day.
Overnight: Hotel Higashiyama
-
Day 8-9
Head out to the Kyotango Peninsula and the Hot-Spring town of Kinosaki Onsen
Today you will enjoy a leisurely morning before taking the train to Kinosaki Onsen. Kinosaki Onsen is one of Japan's premier hot-spring towns and is home to the seven mystic onsen. Visitors to the area will often try to bathe in all seven to feel the benefit from the sacred waters. You will have the afternoon to walk around the picturesque town before enjoying a kaiseki dinner at the ryokan. Today you will take a private coach to the East and in to the heart of the Kyotango peninsula. The peninsula is home to some breathtaking scenery and a hub for local artisans. You'll visit a swordsmith who specialise in katana and an artisan who weaves mother-of-pearl in to intricate designs for kimono. After lunch, you'll visit Amanohashidate which is considered to be one of Japan's ‘top three scenic views'. The impressive sandbar spans the Miyazu bay and is thought to be a ‘staircase to heaven'. You'll the chance to cross the bay by boat, foot or bicycle before taking the private bus back to the ryokan for dinner.
Overnight: Nishimuraya Shogetsutei
-
Day 10-11
Shoot cross-country on the bullet train to Hiroshima, one of western Japan's most vibrant cities.
This morning we'll hop on a private coach bound for Himeji to see the World Heritage castle. It is a short walk from the station and is arguably Japan's best preserved feudal castle. Afterwards, we'll jump on the bullet train to Hiroshima, home to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum where visitors can learn about the events of 6th August 1945. On day 11, after visiting the Peace Memorial Museum, we'll jump on a boat at the Peace Park for the 45-minute journey across Hiroshima Bay to the island of Miyajima, a beautiful island on the Seto Inland Sea. Though Miyajima is most famous for its World Heritage Shrine and “floating” torii gate, you're sure to enjoy the traditional town centre and its friendly local deer.
Overnight: Hilton Hiroshima
-
Day 12-13
Relax in hot spring baths, admire world-class artworks and perhaps catch a glimpse of iconic Mount Fuji as you spend two nights in Hakone National Park.
Today you will jump aboard the bullet train and speed east to Hakone, a beautiful national park just a stone's throw from Tokyo. Today we have included tickets to the outstanding Hakone Open-Air Museum, where you'll have the chance to wander amongst masterpieces by artist such as Moore and Rodin, set against a stunning mountainous backdrop. A top-quality evening meal will be included in your tour tonight.
On day 13 you will have a full day to enjoy everything that Hakone has to offer. Hitch a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi, eat a black egg boiled in volcanic hot spring waters, take a cable car up the mountainside and bask in some of the area's famous hot spring baths. Best of all, Hakone is the home of Mount Fuji – and if the weather is favourable you will be treated to truly spectacular views of Japan's most famous mountain.Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hakone
-
Day 14-15
Toast the end of your trip with a final-night meal at one of Tokyo's top restaurants.
On day 14 it's time for one final train journey – back to Tokyo. Use this time in the capital to head into the pumping heart of Tokyo's shopping and entertainment scene, Shinjuku. You might like to use this time in the capital to get some last-minute shopping done at one of the district's many department stores, or stroll the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen Park. Whatever you choose to do, Tokyo is bound to provide you will a fantastic final afternoon in Japan.
This evening you'll join your tour leader and group for an included final-night meal at one of the city's superb restaurants – the perfect way to toast the end of your trip in style.
On your final morning it's time to say sayonara to Japan as you return to the airport by private car in time for your flight home.Overnight: Century Southern Tower
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Majestic Japan
Read more >The tour was amazing, we were unsure about travelling with a group but it worked out great. Paul was an awesome tour leader
Small Group Tour Majestic Japan
Read more >Before our trip, Amy was very responsive to my questions and gave me good guidance on how to arrange my extra days in Tokyo. The itinerary was well thought out for a…
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Majestic Japan
Read more >The tour was amazing, we were unsure about travelling with a group but it worked out great. Paul was an awesome tour leader
Small Group Tour Majestic Japan
Read more >Before our trip, Amy was very responsive to my questions and gave me good guidance on how to arrange my extra days in Tokyo. The itinerary was well thought out for a…
4.8 out of 5 from 18 reviews Show all Majestic Japan Reviews
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