- search
- compare
- save
Ultimate Japan
23 nights from £7765
23 nights
Ultimate Japan
Begin your Japanese adventure in the tech-mecca of Tokyo, then discover scenic beauty on the Hakone ropeway, sip the best sake in Takayama and be reminded of the sobering past of Hiroshima
- Key Info
- Overview
- Photos
- Dates
Begin your Japanese adventure in the tech-mecca of Tokyo, then discover scenic beauty on the Hakone ropeway, sip the best sake in Takayama and be reminded of the sobering past of Hiroshima. Visit the floating torii gate of Miyajima and make use of your local leader and guides to reveal layers of culture and history in lesser-known cities. Spend some time in Kyoto and then veer off the main island of Honshu to the naturally beautiful southwest. Wander through art-laden castles, spend a night in a tranquil homestay in Usuki and relax in the steam of Beppu’s onsens. Soak up the peace in the caldera of Mt Aso in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. Visit the Peace Park in Nagasaki and end it all back in Osaka. This adventure is the ultimate combination of new and ancient, countryside villages and dynamic city streets, traditional inns and onsens, and sweeping views of coastal cities, rice terraces, volcano craters and deep gorges. When visiting Japan, what more could you ask for?
- There’s no better way to get around Japan than the country’s famous railway system. Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra-modernity as you zip from place to place with your included Japan Rail Pass. Here is why you don't want to miss train travel in Japan: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-trains
- Explore the unique island of Naoshima, transformed from a sleepy fishing community into a world-class art destination, with sleek and stylish museums and artworks that sit in harmony with the landscape.
- Feel like Indiana Jones as you cross the kazurabashi (vine bridges) of the hidden Iya Valley, a remote retreat of deep gorges and lush mountains on Shikoku island.
- Uncover the characters of the cities of Nagasaki and Osaka, from the former’s thought-provoking Peace Park and Museum to the latter’s busy streets where the motto is ‘eat until you drop’.
- Venture into the thick and mysterious cedar forests on Yakushima, relax at the seaside onsen or see giant turtles lay eggs in the night in the summer months.
- Soar high above Lake Ashi and (on a clear day) get a glimpse of glorious Mt Fuji on a ride on the Hakone ropeway.
- Visit the Peace Parks in Nagasaki and Hiroshima for moving insights into the devastation of the atomic bombs dropped during the war. Learn the sobering history of these places – an important part of Japan’s past.
- Watch the steam coming out of the ‘hells’ (hot spring pools in Jigoku) of Beppu and enjoy a soak in a Michelin star onsen, followed by a unique experience for dinner – you’ll cook and steam your food right in the hot spring steam, said to be rich with healthy minerals!?
- Take in the stunning view of the five peaks of Mount Aso from the Daikanbo Observatory, then a light hike on the moon-like terrain to the largest crater of Nakadake before hopping in a rowboat to paddle through the deep gorge of Takachiho
- Stay in a countryside homestay, taking you off the beaten track to experience excellent Japanese hospitality. Feast on home-cooked meals over fascinating conversations with your welcoming hosts and learn about rural life in Japan.?
- RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
- Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning.
- AVAILABILITY
- The recent huge increase in tourism to Japan has put a lot of pressure on accommodation. On occasion, we may need to change accommodation from what is listed in the itinerary in order to operate your departure with minimal changes.
- ONSENS
- We like to encourage travellers to visit traditional Japanese 'onsens' while in the country as it is a quintessential local experience. In public onsens this means bathing naked with others of the same gender. While the experience can feel strange at first for some, most of our groups end up enjoying this activity. There is very specific etiquette for visiting onsens - your leader can give you some tips and instructions. Please be aware that travellers with tattoos may not be permitted to enter public onsens. Private onsens may also be available - talk to your leader for more information. See our guide to onsens here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/japan-onsen-guide/
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
More tours like this
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
11 nights
Delve Deep: Japan 2024-25
TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. Don’t just want to see Japan, but EXPERIENCE it? In all its ancient, futuristic, kooky, incredible glory? You’re in luck.
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
2 nights
Hakone Discovery, Gateway to Mt. Fuji 3D/2N
Explore the extraordinary Hakone/Mt. Fuji area on this spectacular 3-day self-guided trip from Tokyo. Enjoy its main highlights and activities and take in the sights at your own pace.
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds
We will show you LIVE pricing from the tour operator in a few seconds