Travel Type
Tour
Duration
10 Days/9 Nights
Country
Japan
Explore the enchanting bamboo groves of Arashiyama, near Kyoto, as you wander along meandering paths amidst towering bamboo stalks. Indulge in a traditional kaiseki meal in Kyoto, accompanied by the captivating entertainment of a Maiko. Seize the opportunity to gain insider knowledge about the intriguing life of an apprentice Geisha, adding an extra layer of fascination to your journey.
Inclusions
9-night accommodation
12 meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
All sightseeing as per itinerary
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Luggage courier service as per itinerary
English-speaking tour guide as per itinerary
Public transportation during the tours
English-speaking airport assistance on arrival day
Japan Rail pass 7 days
Exclusions
International airfare and airport taxes – Meals other than mentioned – Beverage – Gratuities to guides and drivers and hotel staff, city taxe and visa fees when applicable – Baggage handling – Travel insurance – Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Additional Information
Transport
To facilitate a smooth travel experience, our tours include comprehensive transportation services. For daily excursions, we provide comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, making it easy to explore multiple destinations. We also include domestic and regional flights where stated in the itinerary, allowing for seamless connections between locations.
Touring
Our tours are led by knowledgeable English-speaking guides who are passionate about sharing their expertise and insights with you. Entrance fees to attractions are usually included unless explicitly stated otherwise. This also applies to all tour activities, allowing you to fully enjoy all the highlights of your itinerary without any unexpected costs.
IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION
Please note that the outgoing transfer from Kyoto to your next destination is not included in the tour fare, but we would be happy to arrange it for you with an additional surcharge.
Special Notes
• Rhythm : active – some days may include a lot of walking.
• This tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues.
• Overnight luggage courier services are used on our Small Group Journeys because most Japanese trains (with the notable exceptions of the Narita Airport Express servicing Tokyo’s Narita Airport, and the Haruka Express servicing Kansai Airport) do not have luggage compartments. Your day-by-day itinerary will note when your main piece of luggage is couriered to an advance destination (included in costing). Please prepare a smaller luggage bag for the nights when you will be separated from your main piece of luggage.
• The minimum number of people on this group is 4, and the maximum is 16 people.
Meals
We believe that sampling local cuisine is an essential part of your travel experience. Each tour typically includes all stated meals, featuring daily breakfasts to start your day. Usually, all included meals consist of local cuisines, thoughtfully curated to showcase the region’s culinary delights. This allows you to savor authentic flavors while dining in local settings. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please communicate them to us in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be transferred to your hotel. Take advantage of some free time to unwind and explore the city at your own pace. You will be staying in Tokyo for two nights, immersing yourself in its vibrant atmosphere and discovering its captivating attractions.
Accommodation : Tokyo for 2 nights
2
DAY 2 TOKYO
Explore Tokyo on foot and the underground rail network. Visit serene Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine with a 12-metre high torii gate at the entrance. Continue to the Imperial Palace to see Nijubashi, a metal bridge built in 1888. Travel by train to Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s liveliest districts, and home to some of the city’s best street food, and old izakaya and yakitori restaurants. Spend time exploring Asakusa before returning to your hotel.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
3
DAY 3 TOKYO TO HAKONE
Take the train from Tokyo to Hakone, best known for its views of the mountains, natural beauty and hot springs. Travel on the ropeway for beautiful views of Lake Ashi and on a clear day, see iconic Mount Fuji. Sail across the waters of Lake Ashi on a pirate ship before returning to your accommodation. Stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese guesthouse and enjoy a delicious dinner, soak in the onsen and sleep on a futon mattress in an immaculate tatami-floored room.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Hakone for 1 night
4
DAY 4 HAKONE TO TAKAYAMA
Travel by train from Hakone to the ancient town of Takayama, celebrated for its remarkably preserved old town district and authentic ambiance. Explore the historical significance of Takayama Jinya, a former government building that provides fascinating insights into Japan’s rich history. Take a leisurely stroll along Kami Sannomachi Street, admiring the meticulously preserved traditional wooden houses that line the charming streets. Marvel at the intricate festival floats showcased at Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan. Afterward, enjoy some free time to further immerse yourself in the town’s charm before making your way back to the hotel.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Takayama for 2 nights
5
DAY 5 TAKAYAMA
Enjoy a day of leisure in Takayama, allowing you the freedom to explore the town and its surroundings at your own pace. Consider visiting the renowned Shirakawago, a World Heritage listed protected village admired for its breathtaking natural beauty and distinctive steeply pitched thatched roofs, ingeniously designed to endure the region’s heavy winter snowfall. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Takayama by discovering the shrines and temples of the Teramachi district. For another captivating experience, take a short journey to Hida-Furukawa, where you can admire the well-preserved buildings that reflect the town’s historical charm.
Embrace the day and create your own unique adventure, immersing yourself in the captivating wonders of Takayama.
Embrace the day and create your own unique adventure, immersing yourself in the captivating wonders of Takayama.
Meals : Breakfast
6
DAY 6 TAKAYAMA TO KYOTO
Travel to Kyoto by train, known as Japan’s cultural capital and revered for its Geisha traditions and royal cuisine. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace. In the late afternoon, participate in a walking tour along Ponto-cho and Hanami-koji Lane in the Gion district, renowned for their traditional atmosphere. Keep a lookout as you may have the chance to witness a Geisha walking between visits.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kyoto for 4 nights
7
DAY 7 KYOTO
Spend the day walking and travelling by public transport to discover Kyoto’s highlights. Take the train to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and marvel at the towering stalks of bamboo before continuing to Tenryuji Temple. See Katsura River from Togetsukyo Bridge and take the iconic purple Randen Train to Ryoanji Temple, the site of the most famous rock garden in Japan. Visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), an elegant, gilded 14th century building which is one of Japan’s most cherished sites.
Meals : Breakfast
8
DAY 8 KYOTO - NEW - NOW INCLUDE DAY TRIP TO NARA
At 9:00 AM, you’ll meet your guide at Kyoto Station, where you’ll hop on a local train to Nara for a scenic ride of about an hour (ticket included, no reserved seats). Upon arrival, you’ll stroll through Nara Deer Park, making your way to the historic Todaiji Temple. At 10:45 AM, you’ll have the chance to admire the awe-inspiring Great Buddha inside Todaiji Temple (ticket included).
Afterward, take a break and enjoy lunch (not included) at Higashimuki and Mochidono Shopping Street, immersing yourself in the local flavors. At 1:30 PM, you’ll board a train to Horyu-ji Temple, renowned as the world’s oldest wooden structure (ticket included). Finally, around 6:00 PM, you’ll return to your hotel to unwind after a day of cultural exploration.
Afterward, take a break and enjoy lunch (not included) at Higashimuki and Mochidono Shopping Street, immersing yourself in the local flavors. At 1:30 PM, you’ll board a train to Horyu-ji Temple, renowned as the world’s oldest wooden structure (ticket included). Finally, around 6:00 PM, you’ll return to your hotel to unwind after a day of cultural exploration.
Meals : Breakfast
9
DAY 9 KYOTO
At 8:30 AM, you’ll meet your guide in the hotel lobby to begin your day. By 9:30 AM, you’ll arrive at the famous Kiyomizu Dera Temple, followed by a stroll through the charming streets of Ninen Zaka and Kiyomizu Zaka (ticket included). Around 12:30 PM, after a brief tour of Nishiki Market, you’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace or return to the hotel for a break. In the late afternoon at 4:30 PM, you’ll meet your guide again for a leisurely walk through the historic Gion District, leading you to your dinner destination, which could be in Pontocho, Shinbashi, or Hanamikoji. At 6:00 PM, you’ll enjoy a delightful dinner in the company of a Maiko or Geisha (ticket included), rounding off the evening before returning to your hotel at 8:00 PM.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
10
DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM KYOTO
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel before making your own way to Kyoto Station and onward to the airport for your departure. Thank you for joining us on this wonderful journey!
Meals : Breakfast
HOTELS OR SIMILAR
Tokyo:
Shinjuku Washington Hotel 3*– Standard room
Hakone:
Susukinohara Ichinoyu 3*- Japanese style room with beds
Takayama:
Takayama Ouan 3*– Run of House room
Kyoto:
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo 4*- Run of House room
Rates in CA$, per person, starting from | Land Package | ||
| Departures 2025-2026 on specific Sundays | Double | Single | |
Low Season | 6925 | +975 | |
Shoulder Season October 19 – 28, 2025 | 7475 | +975 | |
High Season March 15 – 24, 2026 | 8249 | +975 | |
A non-refundable deposit of $1500 CAD is required upon confirmation.
Minimum of 4 and the maximum is 16 passengers.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
*** PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR TERMS & CONDITIONS. ***
Highlights of Japan – Detailed itinerary
Highlights of Japan – Detailed itinerary
