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Land of the Samurai

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12 days

On this wonderful 12 day group tour of Japan you’ll not only take in the highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, but you’ll also have the opportunity to visit historic Hiroshima, Miyajima Island with its iconic Torii Gate and the towering Himeji Castle. What’s more, you’ll sample Japanese hospitality at a ryokan where you can bathe in natural hot springs.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

12 days

Starts

Tokyo

Ends

Osaka

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - tour guide escorted

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 18

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays - March to November

Hotel Rating

3 star hotels & ryokans

Countries

Japan

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes (unescorted)

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Dinner: 1
Per person from
R 73,915.00
Total From
R 147,830.00
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 142,830.00

Tour Highlights

Tokyo - Explore Sensoji Temple district and temple, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing
Kamakura - Visit the Big Buddha Statue, Hokokuji Zen Temple and the Bamboo Forest with its delightful village atmosphere. Opt to take part in a traditional tea ceremony
Lake Kawaguchi in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park - Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and views of famed Mt Fuji
Stay in a ryokan - Sample Japanese hospitality, bathe in natural hot springs, wearing a Yukata (casual Kimono) and sleep on a futon
Kyoto - UNESCO Listed Nijo Castle, Sanjusagen-do Temple with its 1000 life-like statues and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Temple)
Kyoto - Take part in a walking tour of the renowned Geisha district (Gion), with its ancient cobbled streets, streams, bridges and quaint tea houses and the opportunity to see Geisha and Maiko en route to their next engagement
UNESCO Listed Himeji Castle - Visit the towering 6 story structure is the best preserved and largest of all the castles in Japan
Hiroshima - Tour Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum, UNESCO Listed A-Bomb Dome and Children's Peace Monument (with thousands of paper cranes from children around the world)
Enjoy Miyajima Island with its UNESCO Listed iconic Red Torii Gate (Itsukushima shrine) standing in the sea. Cable to the top of Mt Misen - The highest peak on Miyajima for spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea, some 150 islands and Hiroshima

Included

7 breakfasts and 1 dinner at the Lake Kawaguchi ryokan
11 nights 3 star accommodation (including 1 night at a Japanese style inn
Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Tokyo, Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchi, Kyoto, Himeji, Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji - Kachikachi-yama Ropeway and Observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 14 Apr – 28 May each year we'll visit to the Fuji Shibazakura (Moss Phlox) Festival with Mt Fuji in the distance
Ferry to Miyajima Island and cable car to the top of Mt Misen
Escorted by a licensed English speaking Japanese tour guide until day 10
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 (by train) from Narita or Haneda International Airport
Departure transfer on day 12 (unescorted) - by train or bus from Kyoto Station to Osaka Airports (ITM and KIX)
All transportation and transfers - buses, trains and bullet trains including Suica swipe card
Baggage forwarding service from Tokyo to Kyoto (one bag per person)
Maximum Group size: 18 persons

Not Included

International flights and visa
If you are opting to pay the single supplement, allowing you the privacy of your own room on this tour, a single room will be provided for all nights with the exception of day 5 (at Lake Kawaguchi), where single rooms are not available. For this night you will be matched up with a fellow tour member of the same gender
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-5 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$40-50pp, paid locally in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tokyo

Saturday. Upon arrival to Tokyo you will be met at either Narita or Haneda International Airport by your guide. Travel by train into the heart of the city and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure.

We recommend arriving before 3pm on this day, as there will be a Welcome Meeting at 6pm, where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 2 - Toyko - Senjoji Temple District, Harajuki & Shibuya

Today we explore the capital. First stop is Asakusa which is home to Sensoji, Tokyo's first temple which was built in the 7th century. Around the temple, in the lively Sensoji District, there are lots of interesting souvenir and craft stalls for us explore. We head to Harajuku in the afternoon, which is where the young and fashionable Tokyoites hangout, with its trendy shops and cafes. Here we’ll visit the important Meiji Shrine where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined.

Our final stop of today is Shibuya Crossing, regarded as one of the busiest intersections in the world. The famed intersection has no less than 7 pedestrian crossings and when the lights turn red at this busy junction, they all turn red at the same time in every direction. Traffic stops completely and pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides. Known as 'the scramble' it’s an amazing spectacle which we'll watch from the second floor of Starbucks, located directly opposite.

This evening offers free time, though if travelling during May or September you might like spend the evening watching a Sumo tournament (bookings must be made in advance). See our Trip Notes for more information.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 3 - Kamakura - Big Buddha

Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo. Today we visit Kamakura, which is just an hour from Tokyo by train. Kamakura was Japan’s first feudal capital and is renowned for its beautiful Zen temples and pristine coastline. We’ll visit the iconic bronze Big Buddha and the Hokokuji Zen Temple which has a picturesque bamboo garden where you can drink tea before walking the cobbled shopping district - adorned with lovely locally made items, before returning to Japan’s bustling capital for the night.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 4 - Tokyo National Museum & time to explore

Today offers a guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, housing a number of exhibitions from galleries to Japanese archeology. The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park, a large public park within central Tokyo and famous for a number of museums held within it's grounds. The remainder of the day offers free time to independently explore.

Overnight: Tokyo

Day 5 - Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi

Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi. This morning we travel by highway to Lake Kawaguchi, located in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Our base is Lake Kawaguchi which boasts breathtaking scenery and unparalleled views of a snow-capped Mt Fuji most of the year. Whilst in the area we'll travel on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and visit the observatory. For tours staying at Lake Kawaguchi between 15 Apr – 28 May each year we’ll visit the Springtime Fuji Shibazakura (Phlox Moss) Festival, held at Motosu Lake, where the landscape is covered in a vibrant, hot pink moss with Fuji as the backdrop. Tonight, we stay in a Japanese style inn. At the ryokan, we'll be served dinner and you can take a relaxing dip in the natural hot spring baths.

Overnight: Lake Kawaguchi
Meals: Dinner

Day 6 - Kyoto - 1000 statues of Kannon & the Geisha District

Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto. The area has some great hiking trails and early this morning you might like to opt for a hike along the foreshores of the lake. Travel by bus to Mishima, then bullet train to Kyoto - Japan’s ancient and cultural capital.

As one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia, Kyoto is home to an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Here, we enjoy a guided tour of Sanjusagen-do Temple famous for its statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The one thousand life-size statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress clad in gold leaf. They stand in 10 rows of 50, each hand crafted and slightly different from the next. Late this afternoon we head to Gion, for a walking tour of this famous Geisha District. After, you may wish to watch a cultural performance at Gion Corner Theatre where you'll have the opportunity to watch a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) performing.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Kyoto - Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion & free time

This morning we offer a guided tour of Nijo Castle, one of the city’s most impressive UNESCO sites. Built by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, the exquisite Nijo Castle is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture. After, we visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) a stunning Zen Buddhist temple, part of the Historic Monuments of the Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site. The top two floors of the monument are completely covered in gold leaf. Set upon a small lake with landscaped gardens the large completely gilt structure is as impressive, as it is beautiful. Kinkakuji Temple continues to be one of Japan's most visited temples.

This afternoon offers free time for you to relax or to further discover the many sights of Kyoto your own way. Consider visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its winding path lined by thousands of bright red torii gates. Just a short train ride away from the main Kyoto Station, this must-see sight is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. You might also wish to hire a Kimono and walk the streets as many Japanese do or take part in a cooking lesson.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Himeji Castle & Hiroshima

Kyoto - Himeji - Hiroshima. We travel by bullet train to Hiroshima today, stopping en route at Himeji to visit the UNESCO Listed Himeji Castle, nicknamed the White Egret due to its colour and elegant shape. Himeji is Japan’s best preserved and largest castle, known for its maze-like defences. After taking in the panoramic views from the top of its 6 story watch tower there is time to stroll the local Saturday market which often takes place here, before taking the bullet train to Hiroshima. The later part of this afternoon and evening offers free time.

Tonight, if you like baseball consider booking tickets to watch the Carp play. The Carp, Hiroshima’s beloved professional baseball players, play games at home between May - Oct at Mazda Stadium.

Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Miyajima Island & Red Torii Gate

Located off the coast of Hiroshima is Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most picturesque destinations. Today we take the ferry out to the island and see the dramatic red 'floating' Torii Gate at the revered Itsukushima-jinja Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site. The iconic gate seems to float on the water but at low tide can reached by foot. It stands 16 metres high and is made from camphor wood. As we explore the island we'll see further Shinto shrines, towering pagodas and pavilions before soaking up the incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea, dozens of nearby islands and Hiroshima city from our cable car ride to the top of Mount Misen, the highest point of the island. Free time is offered before we return to Hiroshima for the night. Tonight, we'll make a reservation for Okonomiyaki - a mix between a savoury pancake and omelette, a local speciality of Hiroshima. Okonomiyaki is always a fun night, its inexpensive and is washed down perfectly with a Asahi beer.

Overnight: Hiroshima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Hiroshima Peace Park, Museum & Memorials

Hiroshima - Kyoto. Hiroshima is of course infamous for being the first site where one of two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan at the end World War II. This morning we visit Peace Park and Peace Park Museum which are a poignant reminder of Hiroshima’s tragic past. We’ll see the iconic A-Bomb Dome, one of the very few buildings left standing after the blast and visit the Children's Peace Monument a memorial to the children killed, where schools from around the world donate paper origami cranes, signifying hope and peace.

This afternoon we take the bullet train to Kyoto. On the train we bid farewell to travellers on our 13 day tour who will continue with your guide to Takayama.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Free time in Kyoto

A free day to spend a leisure in Kyoto. Independently exploring this enchanting city you'll find sacred shrines tucked in among shopping arcades, time‐honoured teahouses nestling among modern businesses and geisha in the historic Gion District. Alternatively, consider a day trip to Nara which has a myriad of shrines and temples, all set against the backdrop of the low lying mountains in the midst of Nara Park.

Overnight: Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Kyoto to Osaka

Wednesday. Kyoto - Osaka. Your Japan adventure comes to an end today. Take the train (un-escorted) from Kyoto Station to Osaka Airport for your onward flight. Please ensure you book your departing flight after 10am.

Prefer to end your tour in Tokyo? On day 12 you can opt to travel by train from Kyoto to Tokyo, where you will spend the night. On day 13 (Thursday) catch the train to Tokyo Airport (breakfast excluded on day 13).

For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Reviews

Our tour went very and it was an excellent experience. Our tour guide Maho took very good care of us and showed us Japan’s uniqueness. When we arrived and were met in Tokyo at the airport it made our transfer to the hotel very easy. The tour group were a good bunch and friendships were created.

Really enjoyed the tour. Tour size was great. Guide was fabulous. Interesting to note the kms walked per day was probably double quoted in trip information. Not all people were asked to do a pre tour health assessment one person in particular should have !! Public transport was hectic but enjoyable

Would prefer not to have a days tour itinerary finish basically at a market/shopping area. Would like to have spent more time in rural/coastal areas to see a more diverse Japan. Some days were more about transportation than the location. Maho was excellent

The itinerary was balanced and the tour guide was wonderful, kind and helpful.

Very poor tour. It was not known by us or group the 100% of public transport would be used. We wasted up to 2 plus hours a day in stations and waiting for trains, subway, trams and busses all very overcrowded. Spent over 2 hours daily standing and waiting on public transport ave KM walking 9km

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation - Tokyo (no breakfast) from price

Double

R 1,265per passenger

Twin

R 1,265per passenger

Single

R 1,805per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation - Kyoto

Double

R 2,415per passenger

Twin

R 2,415per passenger

Single

R 3,515per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation - Kyoto

Double

R 2,825per passenger

Twin

R 2,825per passenger

Single

R 3,155per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Bullet train & Mount Fuji | Japan
End in Tokyo (Best of Japan/Land of the Samurai)

Prefer to end your tour in Tokyo?

R 4,175

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Yaesu Terminal Hotel
Tokyo

Enjoying an enviable location on a cherry-blossom lined street in the centre of Tokyo, Yaesu Terminal Hotel is just a short jaunt away from the city’s main railroad station giving travellers easy access to locations across the city. A comfortable 3-star hotel with a natural theme, a permanent art exhibit in the hotel lobby and an in-house restaurant serving freshly prepared local cuisine; it is a soothing place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Hotel guests can make use of the free Wi-Fi, benefit from complimentary bathrobes and slippers and enjoy entertainment on a flat-screen TV.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Yamagishi Ryokan
Lake Kawaguchi

With stunning views over Lake Kawaguchi, which is located just one minute away, the Yamagishi Ryokan is an excellent base for exploring the area around the lake. Rooms are designed according to traditional Japanese styles with low furniture and lots of natural light. Breakfast and dinner are both included with the room and are served in the hotel's dining room. After dinner, guests can take a dip in one of the hotel's baths or relax with a coffee in the lounge. The hotel is located just an 8 minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Japanese Ryokan
Hotel Mifujien
Lake Kawaguchi

This Japanese-style hotel boasts stunning views over Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji from each of its guestrooms. Offering traditional low furniture and modern amenities, each room is also equipped with air conditioning and a TV. The views can be enjoyed from the hotel’s lobby, tea lounge and the Japanese restaurant, which uses local ingredients and offers a feast of traditional dishes. On the 7th floor you’ll find both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths with views of Mt. Fuji, perfect for unwinding at the end of the day.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Elcient Kyoto
Kyoto

Boasting a fantastic location in the heart of Kyoto, Hotel Elcient Kyoto is within walking distance of top attractions such as Kyoto Tower and the picturesque Shosei-en Garden. Guestrooms are compact and simply furnished, complete with modern amenities such as air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy more than 30 different dishes at the Western and Japanese buffet-style restaurant, with light lunches and dinner also available. On the second floor you’ll find a large public bath and sauna, offering the perfect spot to relax after some sightseeing.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto
Kyoto

Located just a short walk from Kyoto Station and the lofty Kyoto Tower, you really cannot get more central than this! Combining convenience with comfort, this contemporary hotel boasts modern guest rooms with flat screen televisions, complimentary WiFi, refrigerators and ensuite bathrooms. Buffet breakfast is available, with a choice of local and western dishes on offer. The hotel is surrounded by a wide choice of shops and restaurants, and there are plenty of cultural landmarks just a short stroll away. After a day of sightseeing guests can relax with a soak in the hotel’s natural hot spring baths or opt for a sauna and massage.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Sanco Inn Kyoto Hachijoguchi Shikinoyu
Kyoto

Located just minutes away from Kyoto Station, the Sanco Inn provides 24-hour reception, with buffet breakfast available and complimentary WiFi. Each room is equipped with a desk, private bathroom, air conditioning, safety deposit box and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. With daily housekeeping, on-site vending machines, and luggage storage available, Sanco Inn will make for a convenient and comfortable stay in Kyoto.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hokke Club
Hiroshima

Situated within walking distance of the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Castle, Hokke Club Hotel boasts an excellent location. Guests can start their day with the European and Japanese-style breakfast buffet in the onsite restaurant, which is also open for lunch. Its modern guestrooms are well-equipped, with an electric kettle, fridge and air conditioning, alongside free WiFi access so you can stay connected with your friends and family back home. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or enjoy a dip in the hot communal baths, a hotel feature that’s unique to Japanese culture.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Candeo Hotel
Hiroshima

Recently opened in 2018, this modern hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city just footsteps from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Museum of Arts. Guestrooms are spacious and brightly lit, benefiting from free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can take advantage of the breakfast buffet, which offers 60 dishes ranging from continental to Japanese cuisine. However, this hotel’s real highlight is its SkySpa, which features a sauna, indoor and outdoor baths set on the rooftop.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Daiwa Roynet
Hiroshima

The Daiwa Roynet is a great launching pad for exploring Hiroshima with a prime location and reliable service. The smart guestrooms feature free WiFi access and all the mod-cons needed for a comfortable stay. Dine on Japanese dishes at the hotel's restaurant. Conveniently located in Hiroshima's main commercial district, just a 1-minute walk from Chudenmae Tram Station and a 10-minute walk from the Peace Memorial Museum.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

Please note that single rooms are not available at the Lake Kawaguchi ryokan so you will be matched up with a fellow traveller of the same gender for the evening of day 5.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
8 Mar - 19 Mar
R 79,975
R 93,945
22 Mar - 2 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
5 Apr - 16 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
12 Apr - 23 Apr
R 79,975
R 93,945
19 Apr - 30 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
10 May - 21 May
R 77,125
R 89,785
17 May - 28 May
R 77,125
R 89,785
24 May - 4 Jun
R 77,125
R 89,785

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