A country of futuristic ideals and captivating tradition.
Bullet train included
Autumn timing
Japan is master of both modernity and history. It is a country that effortlessly embraces its futuristic ideals while holding fast to its captivating tradition. Our tour includes in-depth visits to Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa, Takayama, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, and we will learn about a culture that is very different to our own.
We will see iconic neon-lit streets and visit architectural wonders, reflect at ancient temples, taste exotic flavours, shop at the most famous markets, and marvel at the seemingly ever-present Mt. Fuji, as we journey from gigantic, cutting-edge cities to the fresh, clean air and slower pace of the ancient Japanese countryside. If we are lucky, we will be spoiled with spectacular autumn scenery along the way as thousands of trees turn vivid hues of red, orange, and yellow.
While certain visits are sure to be evocative, particularly Hiroshima, which holds a sad but important historical significance, other experiences will thrill and delight. You’ll love riding the high-speed bullet train, digging into Japanese favourites like sushi and okonomiyaki and trying your hand at Gold-Leafing. Enjoying a Japanese tea ceremony is sure to be a highlight!
Highlights
- Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takayama, Kyoto and Osaka
- Hakone and Mount Fuji
- Learn how to make Japanese sushi and okonomiyaki
- Hiroshima and the Peace Park Museum
- Senso-ji and Kinkakuji Temples & Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Try your hand at Gold-Leafing
- Travel by shinkansen bullet train
Eleven days across Japan.
Depart South Africa → Tokyo
International flight from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Tokyo.
Tokyo arrival
Welcome to Japan! Coach transfer to our hotel in Tokyo, a fast-paced, neon-lit city that is as futuristic as it is historical. The evening is at leisure.
Tokyo
We start our day experiencing the so-called “scramble” crossing of Shibuya Crossing. At one of the world’s busiest intersections, in front of the entrance to Tokyo’s Shibuya Station. The rest of the day includes a hands-on sushi-making experience and a visit to Senso-ji Temple (also known as Asakusa Temple). Visible from within the temple grounds is Asakusa’s newest attraction, the soaring Tokyo Skytree, and our next stop. Rising 634 metres, this futuristic tower offers panoramic views of the city and, on a clear day, all the way to Mt. Fuji. Dinner at the hotel.
Tokyo → Hakone
We leave the city behind and head west towards the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, which encompasses several quaint towns and the snow-crowned Mt. Fuji. Our first stop is Oshino Hakkai, the Eight Seas of Oshino. It is the site of eight crystal-clear ponds, located in the Fuji Five Lakes area, part of the Mt. Fuji UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. At 3,776 m, Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and is known for its graceful conical form. We learn more about this important landmark at the Fujisan World Heritage Centre before ending our day at our hotel in Hakone. Dinner at the hotel.
Hakone → Kanazawa
Today, a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi followed by a ropeway ride to Owakudani “Hell Valley”. Here we take a walk through the bubbling sulphur vents and stop to try one of the famous black eggs, cooked in the heat of the natural thermal activity (conditions permitting). After an exciting morning, transfer to Odawara station for a shinkansen bullet train journey to Kanazawa, via Tokyo. Dinner at the hotel.
Kanazawa → Takayama → Kanazawa
Today we travel to nearby Takayama, stopping at the historic villages of Shirakawa-go en route. Located in a river valley surrounded by the rugged high-mountain Chubu region of central Japan, the villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. A highlight of the day is a visit to Yatai Kaikan in the Sanmachi area. The museum and exhibition hall are devoted to the spectacular floats of the Takayama Festival, hosted each April and October, and regarded as being among the finest traditional festivals in Japan. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Kanazawa → Kyoto
This morning, we explore Kanazawa. Our first stop is Kenrokuen Garden, a classic strolling garden and lauded as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Omicho Market has been Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the Edo Period; it is made up of a lively, colourful network of covered streets lined by around 170 shops and stalls. A stroll in Higashi Chaya, often called Kanazawa’s “Old Town,” reveals stately wooden townhouses and cobbled streets that were designed for the pleasure of the merchant classes and the descendants of samurai. The area also has a variety of shops featuring products made from gold leaf, one of Kanazawa’s chief crafts. A local treat is gold leaf ice cream… be sure to try it. Later, try your hand at gold leafing led by an expert at this ancient craft. Transfer to Kyoto. Dinner at the hotel.
Kyoto
Today we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kyoto. For many, this is the quintessential Japan. Kinkakuji (also known as Rokuonji) is an impressive Zen temple of which the top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next up is a visit to Kiyomizudera (literally meaning “Pure Water Temple”) one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. For a change of pace, we will join a Japanese Tea Ceremony. Ritual tea drinking is done according to an established order and with great care. Return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Kyoto → Hiroshima
We start our day with the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Dedicated to Inari, the deity of a good harvest and success in business, it is the head of all of Japan’s Inari shrines. Next, we will visit Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. Following the morning’s activities, we will head to a modern mall in the Kyoto station area for some free time before taking our bullet train to Hiroshima for dinner and overnight.
Hiroshima
We start our day with a ferry to Miyajima Island (literally “Shrine Island”), a sacred place for centuries. The island is marked by the Itsukushima Shrine. The view of the gate from the beach is another one of the most photographed images in Japan. After some free time for lunch, we return to Hiroshima and continue to Shukkeinen Garden. Shukkeien can be translated into English as “shrunken-scenery garden”, which is also a good description of the garden itself. Hiroshima is a beautiful city which doesn’t avoid its tragic past but instead has risen from the ashes. We start with a visit to the Peace Park, embraced on either side by the Honkawa and Motoyasu rivers. Later, we enjoy a Okonomi Yaki Making Experience where we will learn to make Japanese pancakes and enjoy our efforts for dinner. After a full day, we return to our hotel.
Hiroshima → Osaka
After breakfast, continue by bullet train to Osaka. Be sure to look out for the Shinsekai Tsutenkaku Tower, a landmark of the city. The current tower is 103 meters high, with the main observatory at a height of 91 meters. Our day in Osaka starts with a river cruise. Later, we head to Shinsaibashi-Suji, a shopping Street, which runs east to Mido-Suji Avenue. Hundreds of shops line the 600-meter-long street, with dozens of interesting restaurants and cafés hidden in the streets and alleys leading just off it. We enjoy some free time before heading to our hotel. Enjoy a special farewell dinner and overnight.
Osaka departure
We start at Osaka Castle, standing majestically in the heart of the city on an island of green among the grey cityscape. Our next stop is the Umeda Sky Building, a spectacular high-rise building in the Kita district, also known as Umeda. The 173-meter-tall building consists of two towers that are connected to each other by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck. We return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Transfer to the Osaka International Airport to be in time for our flight back to South Africa.
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
Included
- Meet and greet upon arrival at the airport
- Return airport transfers
- All transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- An English-speaking local guide with the group throughout
- 10 nights’ accommodation as specified
- 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
- All sightseeing and entrance fees, including the sushi-making class, tea ceremony, gold leaf experience and okonomiyaki-making class
- Osaka river cruise
- Seated bullet train tickets (Odawara–Tokyo–Kanazawa, Kyoto–Hiroshima, Hiroshima–Shin-Osaka)
- Guide tips
- All current applicable tourism taxes
Not included
- International flights and airport taxes
- Any excess luggage charges
- Visa fees
- Meals not specified above
- Drinks, and dining room tips and porterage
- Telephone, laundry and other personal items
- Comprehensive travel insurance
One annual departure. It sells out fast, and this one already has.
2027 dates and rates coming soon
Land package
Coming soon
Use a currency converter for an approximate figure in your local currency, noting that the final cost is determined by the exchange rate at the time of confirmation and payment. Single supplement: JPY 130,000 (± R13,980). SA passport holders require a visa. Flights start from around R25,000 per person.
Flights
International: Johannesburg / Cape Town – Japan via international hub
Flight costs are estimates only and can only be confirmed on the day of booking, since airport taxes shift.
Good to know
- This tour needs a minimum of 10 guests to run at the quoted price. Maximum group size is 16.
- South African passport holders need a visa for Japan. Currently RSA passport holders can apply for an E-visa. Passports must be valid at least 6 months past the tour dates, with enough blank pages.
- Luggage is limited to one suitcase per person.
- Prices for flights, airport taxes, train tickets and entrance fees can change without notice. Any increase gets passed on to the traveller.