Self-Guided Tours

Classic Japan

13 days
©JNTO

Start your journey in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, then head to Hakone, where you may get a glimpse of Mount Fuji. After an overnight stay and soaking yourself in the Hot Spring, travel to Takayama, known as “Little Kyoto”, a historic town nestled in the Japanese Alps. From here, you can visit Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage site where you can see some 300-year-old traditional Japanese farmhouses with thatched roofs that resemble hands joined like prayer (Gassho-zukuri).

Your next stop will be Kyoto which was Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years. Explore the countless shrines, temples and gardens before visiting the spiritual home of Japanese Buddhism; Mount Koya. Experience a stay in a traditional temple lodging (Shukubo) and enjoy Shojin Ryori – the same meals as a Buddhist monk whilst being fully immersed in the fascinating history of Mount Koya and temples that date back as far as 805 A.D. The tour ends in the city of Osaka, best known for its food, fun and nightlife, a perfect place to end your fulfilling journey and let your hair down by popping in stalls, cafes and bars (Izakaya) like Osaka locals.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore vibrant metropolitan cities, Tokyo & Osaka and old capital Kyoto
  • Bullet train (Shinkansen) ride
  • Staying at Japanese style Inn & Hot Spring experience
  • Travelling countryside of Japan and enjoy the sceinery
  • Visit World Heritage Sites
  • Unique spiritual experience at Temple lodging

Included in Tour Arrangements

  • Airport transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport to hotel in Tokyo
  • All accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Train tickets as indicated in the itinerary
  • 2 day Hakone Free Pass
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Arrive in Tokyo.
You will be met by an English-Speaking Assistant who will help you boarding a reserved taxi to your hotel.
Stay for 3 nights.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Hotel Gracery Shinjuku ★★★ or equivalent

Free to explore Tokyo.
Half-Day or One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing tours are available as an option.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Hotel Gracery Shinjuku ★★★ or equivalent

Free to explore Tokyo.
Or visit nearby cities such as World Heritage Site Nikko or easy train ride to Kamakura, where once Japan’s political centre in the late 12th century.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Hotel Gracery Shinjuku ★★★ or equivalent

Travel to Hakone. Free to explore Hakone National Park. Hakone Free Pass offers unlimited rides on 8 transportation networks in Hakone area, including Lake Ashi sightseeing cruises as well as special perks and discounts at about 70 facilities. Stay overnight and enjoy Hot Spring.

Dinner included

Hakone Free Pass from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone included

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu ★★★★ / Aura Tachibana ★★★ or equivalent

Travel by Bullet train (Shinkansen) and Express train to Takayama. Free to explore a beautifully preserved Old Town.
Stat for 3 nights.

Breakfast included

Hakone Free Pass and train tickets from Hakone to Takayama included

Associa Takayama Resort ★★★★ / Mercure Hida Takayama ★★★ or equivalent

Free to explore Takayama.
Or a day trip to Kanazawa by train, to explore Kenrokuen Garden - one of Japan’s Three Most Beautiful Landscape Gardens, Myoryu-ji Temple (Ninja Temple), Nagamichi Samurai District or Omicho Market.

Associa Takayama Resort ★★★★ / Mercure Hida Takayama ★★★ or equivalent

A day trip to Shirakawago
Free to explore a World Heritage-listed village with Gassho-zukuri style farmhouses.

Associa Takayama Resort ★★★★ / Mercure Hida Takayama ★★★ or equivalent

Before heading to Kyoto, you may have a time to visit Takayama’s famous Morning Market where local farm products, snacks or crafts are sold on the stalls. Travel by express train and Bullet train to Kyoto.
Stay for 3 nights.

Train tickets from Takayama to Kyoto included

Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent

Free to explore ancient capital, Kyoto.
Half-Day or One-Day Kyoto Sightseeing tours are available as an option.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent

Free to explore Kyoto.
Or visit outskirts of Kyoto such as Saga-Arashiyama area, famous for Bomboo Grove, or Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent

Travel to Osaka and on to Mt. Koya.
Explore Mt. Koya on your own pace.
Stay overnight in temple lodging (shukubo).

Dinner included

Train & cable car tickets from Nankai Namba to Mr. Koya included

Temple Lodging (Shukubo)

Participate in morning temple activities (optional)
Travel to Osaka and stay overnight.

Breakfast included

Cable car & train tickets from Mt. Koya to Nankai Namba

Swissotel Nankai Osaka ★★★★ / Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka ★★★ or equivalent

Tour ends upon check-out.

Accommodation Rating: ★★★★=Superior, ★★★=Standard

REMARKS and BOOKING CONDITIONS

Japan Rail Pass is also available instead of single train tickets operated by JR group

Nohi Bus tickets with seat reservation can be arranged on request

Unless otherwise specified, Sightseeing Tours are seat-in coach, operated by our partner suppliers in Japan and may be combined with another group.

Local government taxes, such as Resort tax, Accommodation tax or Bathing tax are not included in the tour price. Please pay directly to the accommodation if applicable.

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