Tokyo to Takayama
This 13 day adventure takes in the must-see sites of Tokyo and Kyoto as well as exploring the mountainous town of Takayama, impressive Himeji Castle and of course well-known Hiroshima and the famed Torii Gate of Miyajima Island. For an authentic Japanese experience ride a bullet train, stay in a ryokan and take a dip in natural hot springs.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo
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.
Day 2 Toyko - Senjoji Temple District, Harajuki & Shibuya
Day 2 Toyko - Senjoji Temple District, Harajuki & Shibuya
This morning we take the subway to Asakusa, a lively district of Tokyo which is famous for its historic Sensoji Buddhist temple. After visiting the temple we'll have time to explore the area which has an abundance of interesting souvenir and craft stalls. This afternoon we head to Harajuku, which is a mecca for young and fashionable Tokyoites who flock to the trendy shops and cafes on Takeshita Street. Here, we’ll visit the revered Meiji Shrine where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined.
Our last stop of the day is the famed Shibuya Crossing - regarded as one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. 'The Scramble' as it's known is an amazing spectacle as people come from all directions at once – sometimes over a thousand with every light change – yet they still manage to duck and weave without causing collision. Here, we’ll grab a coffee and perch ourselves on a barstool at Starbucks to watch the spectacle. This evening offers free time, though if travelling during May and September you might like spend the evening watching a Sumo tournament (bookings must be made in advance). See our Trip Notes for more information.
Day 3 Kamakura - Big Buddha
Day 3 Kamakura - Big Buddha
Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo. Today we head out of the city to Kamakura, Japan’s first feudal capital, which is just an hour from Tokyo. Here, we’ll visit the iconic bronze Big Buddha and the Zen Temple of Hokokuji with its towering bamboo garden where you can drink tea before walking the cobbled pedestrian alleys - adorned with locally made items. Return to Japan’s bustling capital for the night.
Day 4 Tokyo National Museum
Day 4 Tokyo National Museum
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.
Day 5 Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Day 5 Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi. This morning we travel by highway bus to Lake Kawaguchi, located at the foot of Mt Fuji in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. The scenery is stunning with panoramic views of a snow-capped Fuji most of the year. Upon arrival, we’ll travel along 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 you'll bed down 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.
Day 6 Kyoto - 1000 statues of Kannon & the Geisha District
Day 6 Kyoto - 1000 statues of Kannon & the Geisha District
Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto. Lake Kawaguchi has some great hiking trails and early this morning you might like to opt for a hike along the foreshores of the lake. We 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’ll 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 the 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.
Day 7 Kyoto - Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion & free time
Day 7 Kyoto - Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion & free time
Today we tour 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 the stunning Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkakuji (or commonly referred as the Golden Pavilion) which forms part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site. Almost completely covered in gold, the shimmering temple sits beside a small lake that reflects it beauty in the calm waters.
This afternoon offers free time for you to relax or to further discover the many sights of Kyoto your own way. Consider visiting iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its winding path lined by thousands of 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.
Day 8 Himeji Castle & Hiroshima
Day 8 Himeji Castle & Hiroshima
Kyoto - Himeji - Hiroshima. This morning we take the bullet train to Himeji to visit the impressive UNESCO Listed Himeji Castle, perched high on a hill top. The castle is known as the White Egret due to its white walls and elegant shape and it has impressive maze-like defences. After taking in the panoramic views from the top of its 6 story watch tower we take another bullet train to Hiroshima.
If you like baseball consider booking tickets to watch the Carp play. The Carp, Hiroshima beloved professional baseball, play games at home between May - Oct at Mazda Stadium.
Day 9 Miyajima Island - Floating Torii Gate
Day 9 Miyajima Island - Floating Torii Gate
A local train and ferry takes us to the island of Miyajima today, which is famous for its iconic ‘floating’ Torii Gate at the revered Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. 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. Miyajima is a beautiful island with UNESCO Listed primeval forests and inquisitive, tame deer. As we explore the island we'll see further Shinto shrines, pretty pagodas and pavilions before taking in the magical views offered from our cable car ride to the top of Mount Misen. 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.
Day 10 Hiroshima Peace Park, Museum & Children's Memorial
Day 10 Hiroshima Peace Park, Museum & Children's Memorial
Hiroshima - Takayama. Hiroshima is a city that needs little introduction, it is of course infamous for being the first site where one of two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan at the end of World War II. This morning we visit Peace Park and Peace Park Museum which are a moving 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, and where schools from around the world donate paper origami cranes, signifying hope and peace.
This afternoon we take the bullet train to Nagoya, followed by another scenic train journey up the mountains to Takayama. This evening offers free time where you may wish to try the local specialty, Hida beef. The guide will offer local suggestions and may book a local restaurant for dinner. This will be at an additional cost.
Day 11 Hida Mountains
Day 11 Hida Mountains
Takayama is a delightful town in the heart of the Hida Mountains. Established in the 16th century as the castle town of the Kanamori family, Takayama is now famous throughout Japan for its beautifully preserved old-quarter, which has a series of streets lined with Edo style wooden buildings. The town also has many shrines and temples, giving rise to the title of ‘Little Kyoto’. This morning, we explore Takayama’s Old Quarter, where you can wander around the shops and market which sells everything from vegetables and pickles to craft, ceramics and tools. After, there's a visit to a sake distillery to sample the town’s famous sake as well as visit the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall.
This afternoon you can opt to see the fascinating Hida Folk Village where more than 30 houses from across the Hida region have been rebuilt on a hillside overlooking the town. Alternatively, enjoy free time in Takayama independently exploring.
Day 12 Scenic Higashiyama walk
Day 12 Scenic Higashiyama walk
Takayama – Tokyo. This morning we embark on the scenic Higashiyama walk (Eastern Mountain Walk) which takes in a number of temples set into the hillside and offers wonderful views over the city. Later, we take the train back down the mountains to Nagoya to catch the bullet train to Tokyo.
Day 13 Tokyo
Day 13 Tokyo
Thursday. Our tour comes to an end today. Travel (unescorted) back to Narita or Haneda International Airport by train. We offer post-tour accommodation for those interested in staying in Tokyo a little longer, please enquire.
For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Best Western is a great option in Takayama with a handy central location and good selection of facilities. The comfortable soundproofed guestrooms feature sophisticated decor and free WiFi. Enjoy local specialities at the stylish Sho Restaurant or relax in the Spa Replus sauna where massage services are also available. Bicycles can be rented from the hotel in order to explore Takayama at your own leisure. Best Western Hotel Takayama is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from JR Takayama Train Station and Hida Kokubunji Temple.
Well-located close to the Morning Market and Takayama Old Town, Alpina Spa Hotel features a fantastic open-air hot spring bath. Featuring glass walls surrounding the tub, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city whilst soaking in the hot waters. Western-style guestrooms are complete with ensuite bathrooms, flat screen TVs and free internet access. The Alteracce restaurant offers a daily breakfast buffet with freshly baked bread and coffee, alongside traditional Japanese dishes.
Tour Reviews
The Tokyo to Takayama tour was excellent and exceeded our expectations. We are often independent travellers but this tour allowed us the benefits of independent travel with the ease of having accommodation, travel & tours organised for us. Kaori was an exceptional, excellent tour guide.
Tour guide brilliant (Maho Shiina). A lovely person, great at her job, very caring, knows her country and history very well. Some days were extremely long and time for food/lunch breaks etc got a bit lost in timetables. A 'lot' of public transport. Some days too much in very crowded conditions.
The tour was extraordinary. This was helped along by the guides. Yumi was good and Massa was fantastic. The only down side was the heat and not catering for older less agile...... I know your tour said you must be physically fit but the demographic of the tour was older people. So a view of looking for escalators or lifts in stations could help.
The Tour was excellent base on the locations, amount of free time and the Guide - Massa was the best and with him living locally it was great to have him also offer options to do when there was free time. A very patient and caring guide. Just amazing Would totally recommend having the Ogi-Machi Gassho Village included as an option. That was amazing One thing I didn't know was that the 13 day tour actually was the 8 day and 10 day tours as well. It seemed others thought that as well from their various agents. Over all brilliant and would recommend this tour to friends.. plus this is my first time with on the go and would like to try other countries in the hope the guides are of this level of excellence :) thanks you
The tour took us to many wonderful places. There was too much public transportation especially in Tokyo, getting to Mount Fuji and the day we arrived in Kyoto. I was expecting public transport but not as many as 7 different transports in one day. We were also walking about 7 to 8 miles a day. The reserved trains and buses were great as well as the luggage forwarding. Most of the breakfasts at the hotels had many options and the hotels were all clean and acceptable. The hotels in Kyoto and Takayama were the nicest. The tour guide was very nice but I don't think he had done this tour before as he could not make any recommendations for restaurants except telling us to go to the train station. He had to spend most of his energy on coordinating the transportation and making sure that everyone on the 3 combined tours knew how to return to the airports as well as purchasing and collecting entrance fees. He occasionally would offer some information on the sites but compared to the 2 other touring agencies I have used, his information on the history and the culture of the sites was very minimal. We were never given information on hiking trails at Lake Kawaguchi as we left early. We were never given information on seeing a cultural performance at the Gion Corner Theatre or going to a tea ceremony and the guide initially wanted to exclude Gion and Nijo Castle from the itinerary until a few of us spoke up. We had little free time since we spent so much time with public transportation. The guide did take us to a wonderful Okonomiyaki dinner in HIroshima and he also took people to a few things that were not on the itinerary. We loved Japan and the people and did have a great trip but it was quite exhausting.
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