Australia
USA
Small Group Tour IJT Classic
Spring Elegance
13 Nights: from US$7020 Trip Code: SE
Activity Rating: Active
Spring is when Japan casts off its winter blanket and really lets its hair down. Every park is packed with revellers gathered to view the cherry blossom, festivals are underway across the country and nearly everyone embraces the party-like atmosphere – this really is a wonderful time to travel. Read more >
Not far from Tokyo, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a haven of natural splendour. With stunning views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi and a profusion of volcanic hot springs, you'll have the opportunity to relax and unwind in a traditional onsen bath and visit a world-class sculpture park in an unbeatable setting.
Kanazawa offers a glimpse of life in a small, beautifully preserved traditional city. Three days in Kyoto, meanwhile, will induct you into Japan's other great city. The highlights here are meeting a maiko (apprentice geisha) and tickets to the annual geisha dances given to celebrate the spring.
In the Japanese Alps, the city of Matsumoto and the craft town of Takayama offer a trip to the iconic "Black Crow" castle and an excursion to Hida no Sato respectively. The former is one of Japan's most impressive samurai castles, whilst the latter is an open-air museum showcasing the steeply thatched "praying hands" farmhouses typical of the region.
No trip to Japan would be complete without seeing something of the big city, and your tour will be bookended by stays amongst the skyscrapers of Tokyo. Here you'll receive an introduction to Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant and visit the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens.
This is an active tour packed with opportunities for exploration, good value mid-range accommodation and a variety of meals included. With your tour leader to steer you through the most fascinating aspects of these superb destinations, this tour offers a classic sightseeing experience at a fantastic time of year.
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: Single rooms are guaranteed at all night stops on this tour for those paying a single supplement.
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: Upon arrival you will probably be tired after a long international flight. Please note that rooms at the hotel are only available from 3pm.
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: Please note that most transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. This tour uses a mixture of trains, taxis, public buses and boats, as well as some private coaches for some transfers and sightseeing.
Luggage: We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. 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: Culturally, communal bathing is common practice in Japan. Shared facilities (when included) will always be seperated by gender. At all night stops on the Spring Elegance tour your room will have full en-suite facilities (attached bath, shower and toilet). The Japanese ryokan in Takayama will have both en-suite and optional traditional large, hot spring baths for your relaxation.
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.
International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport or Tokyo Haneda Airport. Please note that the included meet-and-greet and arrival transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available from these two airports.
What's included
- Full-time services of your InsideJapan tour leader
- 13 nights' accommodation
- Breakfast every day and four evening meals
- Your InsideJapan Info-Pack
- Airport transfers and all transport between destinations in Japan
- IC transport card with 2,500 yen credit for city transport
- 3-day Hakone Free Pass for transport in the Hakone region
- Takayama bus pass
- Transfers from Takayama to Kanazawa by private coach
- Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
- Full day private coach in Tokyo
- Full day guide, full day private coach in Kyoto
- Entrance to the Hida no Sato folk village and full day guide in Takayama
- Private afternoon tea with a maiko
- Tickets to the Odori spring geisha dances
- Entrance to the Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Takayama, Takayama to Kyoto and from Kyoto to Tokyo
- Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip
What's NOT included:
- International flights
- Any local transport (taxis, buses, subways) unless covered by the included transport passes
- Entrance fees (including those for temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
- Baggage handling & luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified
Tour Price Information
2025
- Tour Price: From US$7020
- Single Supplement: From US$1287
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$169 pp Single From US$234 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$286 pp Single From US$442 pp
Tour Highlights
- Visit Tokyo's beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens
- Admire world-famous Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa
- Wander around Japan's best preserved castle in Matsumoto
- If all this sounds great and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your stay in Japan!
- Explore traditional farmhouses in the Japanese Alps
- Ponder Picasso in Hakone's open-air art museum
- Meet a maiko (trainee geisha) in Kyoto
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380
What, where, when and how...
Spring Elegance - 14 Days
Spring Elegance - 14 Days - Day by Day
Spring Elegance - 14 Days - Accommodation
Spring Elegance - 14 Days - Experiences
Spring Elegance - 14 Days - Booking
Single supplement from US$1287
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Day 1-3
Explore the many exciting districts of Tokyo and make an optional day trip to Nikko or Kamakura.
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel by shared shuttle bus to your hotel in the Asakusa district of the city, where your tour leader will be waiting to meet you in the lobby. The rest of today will be free for you to explore the low-rise market stalls and beautiful red temple of Senso-ji before a welcome meeting this evening, followed by an included group meal at one of the area's excellent restaurants.
On day two of your stay in Tokyo your tour leader will lead you on an extensive tour of the city. Tokyo is made up of multiple city centres, each with its own distinct character – from the traditional streets of Asakusa, where you'll be based, to the towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku; from the electronics paradise of Akihabara to the upmarket shopping district of Ginza. Today you'll experience a few of these many faces, as well as visiting the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, a green oasis hidden in the metropolis. Next we'll travel by private coach across to the city's west side, where the wacky fashion quarter of Harajuku borders the verdant imperial shrine complex of Meiji Jingu. With a curiosity on every street corner, Tokyo is sure to keep you stimulated throughout.
On day three you will have the day to yourself to continue exploring the city, or you can opt for a day trip to one of the wonderful destinations within easy reach of the train system. Perhaps you might visit Nikko, home to a wonderfully elaborate temple complex and resting place of Japan's most important shogun, or perhaps you might choose Kamakura – a lovely seaside city famous for its giant Buddha.Overnight: Gracery Asakusa Hotel
-
Day 4
Journey into the Japanese Alps as you visit Matsumoto, known for its impressive “Black Crow” samurai castle.
Today you'll begin your journey into the Japanese Alps as you make your way to Matsumoto, a city surrounded by mountains and famous for its impressive "Black Crow" castle. This is one of the few remaining original samurai castles in Japan, so make sure you take the time to explore the donjon (main keep) and its museum.
For dinner this evening we recommend trying soba noodles, a speciality of the region, or (if you're feeling adventurous) perhaps a bite of basashi - that's raw horse!Overnight: Marunouchi Hotel
-
Day 5-6
Traverse the Alps to Takayama, a mountain craft town where you can sip sake, wander craft shops and visit an authentic folk village.
On day five you'll continue your adventure through the Japanese Alps as you travel to Takayama, a town traditionally known for the high quality of its craftsmen – many of whom were responsible for building some of the greatest temples and shrines in Kyoto.
This afternoon you will have some time to explore the lovely old-town district of Takayama, where you'll peruse craft shops and perhaps stop in at one or two of the town's breweries for a spot of sake-tasting.
This evening you'll return to your traditional ryokan inn for an elaborate, multi-course kaiseki dinner served Japanese-style: at a low table sitting on tatami mats. We recommend taking advantage of the ryokan's hot spring baths before bed this evening.
On day six a local guide will be at hand to lead you through this charming historic town. Your first port of call must be the wonderful riverside morning market, where you'll get a look at the fresh local produce and crafts. Next we have included tickets to the Hida no Sato folk village, an open-air museum where you can wander in and amongst traditional thatched gassho zukuri farmhouses typical of the region – a great opportunity to see what Japanese mountain life was like before industrialisation.
Dinner is not included tonight, so we suggest heading out to try some succulent Hida beef – not as well known as the Kobe variety, but by all accounts just as tasty!Overnight: Tanabe Ryokan
-
Day 7
Explore the preserved geisha and samurai districts of Kanazawa before visiting Kenrokuen, one of Japan's top three landscape gardens.
Today you will leave the mountains behind in exchange for a day in Kanazawa on the Japan Sea Coast. Travelling by private coach the journey will take us through stunning scenery. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa escaped bombing during World War Two thanks to its wealth of historical buildings and cultural achievements – meaning that today it is one of Japan's best-preserved historical cities.
Wander the geisha districts, visit Edo-period houses in the samurai quarter, sample some fresh sushi from the market – and whatever you do, don't miss Kenrokuen – one of Japan's top three landscape gardens.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Kanazawa
-
Day 8-10
Explore Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital city, and make an optional day trip to Nara, Himeji or Hiroshima.
On day eight you will be heading to Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital for over a millennium. This evening you will be taken on a walk to Gion, the city's traditional geisha district, for a private audience with maiko before heading out to one of the city restaurants for an included group meal.
On day nine a local guide will take you on a tour of Kyoto, during which you'll find out why this is called the “City of Ten Thousand Temples”! It's not all religious sites, however, and you may also get a chance to see the “nightingale floors” of Nijo Castle and Arashiyama bamboo groves. After lunch, you we have tickets for the Geisha Odori, geisha dances this evening.
Day ten of your tour will be free for you to continue exploring Kyoto's myriad sights, or to make a day trip out of the city. Your tour leader can recommend some of their favourite day-trip spots – perhaps the nearby ancient city of Nara or the spectacular samurai castle at Himeji. If there is somewhere you would particularly like to visit, your tour leader will be happy to help you make independent arrangements for today.
Overnight: Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi
-
Day 11-12
Spend two relaxing days in Hakone, home of hot springs, a wonderful open-air sculpture park and spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
On day eleven it's all aboard the bullet train for the journey to Hakone, one of Japan's most popular hot spring resorts and part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This afternoon we've included tickets to the Chokoku no Mori Hakone Open-Air Museum, where you'll find works by Moore, Rodin, Kusama and Picasso amid beautiful alpine scenery.
After you've worked up a healthy appetite in the fresh mountain air, relax for the evening as we treat you and the group to a dinner at one of Hakone's many fine restaurants.
On your second day in Hakone you'll have a full day to explore the sights. Take a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi, visit the Checkpoint Museum to find out about Hakone's past as a post town on the Tokaido trail route and admire spectacular views of Mount Fuji – if the weather obliges!Overnight: Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika
-
Day 13-14
Scale the Skytree, catch the monorail to Odaiba or sing your heart out in Shinjuku – whatever you decide to do, your final night in Tokyo promises to be spectacular.
On day 13 it's time to return to Tokyo for one final day in the capital. Use this time to do a little last-minute shopping – perhaps take a trip up the 634 m (2,080 ft) Skytree, catch the monorail to futuristic Odaiba Island or book out a Shinjuku karaoke booth to sing the night away! Dinner is not included tonight, but we recommend heading out with your tour leader and group for a lovely final-night meal to toast the end of a great trip.
Finally it's time to say goodbye, and on day 14 you'll make your way back to the airport by arranged transfer, in good time for your flight home.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Nihonbashi Premier
-
Day 1-3
Explore the many exciting districts of Tokyo and make an optional day trip to Nikko or Kamakura.
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel by shared shuttle bus to your hotel in the Asakusa district of the city, where your tour leader will be waiting to meet you in the lobby. The rest of today will be free for you to explore the low-rise market stalls and beautiful red temple of Senso-ji before a welcome meeting this evening, followed by an included group meal at one of the area's excellent restaurants.
On day two of your stay in Tokyo your tour leader will lead you on an extensive tour of the city. Tokyo is made up of multiple city centres, each with its own distinct character – from the traditional streets of Asakusa, where you'll be based, to the towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku; from the electronics paradise of Akihabara to the upmarket shopping district of Ginza. Today you'll experience a few of these many faces, as well as visiting the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, a green oasis hidden in the metropolis. Next we'll travel by private coach across to the city's west side, where the wacky fashion quarter of Harajuku borders the verdant imperial shrine complex of Meiji Jingu. With a curiosity on every street corner, Tokyo is sure to keep you stimulated throughout.
On day three you will have the day to yourself to continue exploring the city, or you can opt for a day trip to one of the wonderful destinations within easy reach of the train system. Perhaps you might visit Nikko, home to a wonderfully elaborate temple complex and resting place of Japan's most important shogun, or perhaps you might choose Kamakura – a lovely seaside city famous for its giant Buddha.Overnight: Gracery Asakusa Hotel
-
Day 4
Journey into the Japanese Alps as you visit Matsumoto, known for its impressive “Black Crow” samurai castle.
Today you'll begin your journey into the Japanese Alps as you make your way to Matsumoto, a city surrounded by mountains and famous for its impressive "Black Crow" castle. This is one of the few remaining original samurai castles in Japan, so make sure you take the time to explore the donjon (main keep) and its museum.
For dinner this evening we recommend trying soba noodles, a speciality of the region, or (if you're feeling adventurous) perhaps a bite of basashi - that's raw horse!Overnight: Marunouchi Hotel
-
Day 5-6
Traverse the Alps to Takayama, a mountain craft town where you can sip sake, wander craft shops and visit an authentic folk village.
On day five you'll continue your adventure through the Japanese Alps as you travel to Takayama, a town traditionally known for the high quality of its craftsmen – many of whom were responsible for building some of the greatest temples and shrines in Kyoto.
This afternoon you will have some time to explore the lovely old-town district of Takayama, where you'll peruse craft shops and perhaps stop in at one or two of the town's breweries for a spot of sake-tasting.
This evening you'll return to your traditional ryokan inn for an elaborate, multi-course kaiseki dinner served Japanese-style: at a low table sitting on tatami mats. We recommend taking advantage of the ryokan's hot spring baths before bed this evening.
On day six a local guide will be at hand to lead you through this charming historic town. Your first port of call must be the wonderful riverside morning market, where you'll get a look at the fresh local produce and crafts. Next we have included tickets to the Hida no Sato folk village, an open-air museum where you can wander in and amongst traditional thatched gassho zukuri farmhouses typical of the region – a great opportunity to see what Japanese mountain life was like before industrialisation.
Dinner is not included tonight, so we suggest heading out to try some succulent Hida beef – not as well known as the Kobe variety, but by all accounts just as tasty!Overnight: Tanabe Ryokan
-
Day 7
Explore the preserved geisha and samurai districts of Kanazawa before visiting Kenrokuen, one of Japan's top three landscape gardens.
Today you will leave the mountains behind in exchange for a day in Kanazawa on the Japan Sea Coast. Travelling by private coach the journey will take us through stunning scenery. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa escaped bombing during World War Two thanks to its wealth of historical buildings and cultural achievements – meaning that today it is one of Japan's best-preserved historical cities.
Wander the geisha districts, visit Edo-period houses in the samurai quarter, sample some fresh sushi from the market – and whatever you do, don't miss Kenrokuen – one of Japan's top three landscape gardens.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Kanazawa
-
Day 8-10
Explore Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital city, and make an optional day trip to Nara, Himeji or Hiroshima.
On day eight you will be heading to Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital for over a millennium. This evening you will be taken on a walk to Gion, the city's traditional geisha district, for a private audience with maiko before heading out to one of the city restaurants for an included group meal.
On day nine a local guide will take you on a tour of Kyoto, during which you'll find out why this is called the “City of Ten Thousand Temples”! It's not all religious sites, however, and you may also get a chance to see the “nightingale floors” of Nijo Castle and Arashiyama bamboo groves. After lunch, you we have tickets for the Geisha Odori, geisha dances this evening.
Day ten of your tour will be free for you to continue exploring Kyoto's myriad sights, or to make a day trip out of the city. Your tour leader can recommend some of their favourite day-trip spots – perhaps the nearby ancient city of Nara or the spectacular samurai castle at Himeji. If there is somewhere you would particularly like to visit, your tour leader will be happy to help you make independent arrangements for today.
Overnight: Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi
-
Day 11-12
Spend two relaxing days in Hakone, home of hot springs, a wonderful open-air sculpture park and spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
On day eleven it's all aboard the bullet train for the journey to Hakone, one of Japan's most popular hot spring resorts and part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This afternoon we've included tickets to the Chokoku no Mori Hakone Open-Air Museum, where you'll find works by Moore, Rodin, Kusama and Picasso amid beautiful alpine scenery.
After you've worked up a healthy appetite in the fresh mountain air, relax for the evening as we treat you and the group to a dinner at one of Hakone's many fine restaurants.
On your second day in Hakone you'll have a full day to explore the sights. Take a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi, visit the Checkpoint Museum to find out about Hakone's past as a post town on the Tokaido trail route and admire spectacular views of Mount Fuji – if the weather obliges!Overnight: Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika
-
Day 13-14
Scale the Skytree, catch the monorail to Odaiba or sing your heart out in Shinjuku – whatever you decide to do, your final night in Tokyo promises to be spectacular.
On day 13 it's time to return to Tokyo for one final day in the capital. Use this time to do a little last-minute shopping – perhaps take a trip up the 634 m (2,080 ft) Skytree, catch the monorail to futuristic Odaiba Island or book out a Shinjuku karaoke booth to sing the night away! Dinner is not included tonight, but we recommend heading out with your tour leader and group for a lovely final-night meal to toast the end of a great trip.
Finally it's time to say goodbye, and on day 14 you'll make your way back to the airport by arranged transfer, in good time for your flight home.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Nihonbashi Premier
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Spring Elegance
Read more >I really enjoyed the tour. I went to places that I would not have seen on my own the guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The group of 14 was the right size. It…
Small Group Tour Spring Elegance
Read more >I started working with Inside Japan in 2019, just prior to the pandemic. So my contact with the company spanned several years before we were finally able to make the…
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Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Spring Elegance
Read more >I really enjoyed the tour. I went to places that I would not have seen on my own the guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The group of 14 was the right size. It…
Small Group Tour Spring Elegance
Read more >I started working with Inside Japan in 2019, just prior to the pandemic. So my contact with the company spanned several years before we were finally able to make the…
4.8 out of 5 from 34 reviews Show all Spring Elegance Reviews
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