Japan Grand Discovery – 14 Day Journey
Zen & Neon Japan
Introduction
Experience the diverse landscapes, traditions, and cities of Japan on this immersive 14-day journey across the country. From the vibrant capital of Tokyo to the preserved samurai districts of Kanazawa, the traditional mountain towns of Takayama, and the historic temples of Kyoto, this itinerary offers a rich cultural experience. Travel through the scenic Japanese Alps, visit the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go, and reflect on history in Hiroshima before ending your journey in the lively culinary capital of Osaka. With guided tours, high-speed train journeys, and leisure time built in, this itinerary showcases Japan’s perfect balance of tradition and modern life.
Hotel
Great Discounts
Flights
Transfers
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Tour Details
Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo where you will be greeted by an English-speaking driver and transferred privately to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore nearby districts.
Day 2 – Tokyo Highlights Tour
Meet your guide for a full-day private tour of Tokyo using public transportation. Visit the vibrant Tsukiji Outer Market, stroll through the Imperial Palace Outer Garden and Nijubashi Bridge, explore historic Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise Street in Asakusa, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of Meiji Shrine.
Day 3 – Tokyo at Leisure
Enjoy a free day to explore Tokyo independently. Recommended visits include the famous crossing in Shibuya, the futuristic waterfront district of Odaiba, or the immersive digital art experience at teamLab Planets.
Day 4 – Optional Day Trip from Tokyo
Another day at leisure to discover more of Tokyo or take an optional day trip to nearby destinations such as Yokohama or the historic coastal town of Kamakura.
Day 5 – Tokyo to Kanazawa
After breakfast, transfer to Tokyo Station and travel by bullet train to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring this elegant city known for its traditional arts and gardens.
Day 6 – Kanazawa Highlights Tour
Discover the cultural heritage of Kanazawa on a full-day private tour. Visit the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, stroll through the historic Nagamachi Samurai District, explore the charming teahouse streets of Higashi Chaya District, and sample local specialties at Ōmichō Market.
Day 7 – Shirakawa-go & Takayama
Travel by express bus to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Enjoy free time to explore highlights such as the observation deck and historic houses before continuing by bus to the charming mountain town of Takayama.
Day 8 – Takayama to Kyoto
Spend the morning exploring Takayama at leisure, with recommended visits to the morning markets and historic old town. Later, travel by express train to Nagoya and connect to the bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital.
Day 9 – Kyoto Highlights Tour
Meet your guide for a full-day exploration of Kyoto. Walk through the famous bamboo groves of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit Tenryū-ji Temple Garden, admire the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and stroll through the historic geisha district of Gion.
Day 10 – Kyoto at Leisure
Enjoy a free day in Kyoto to explore further or take an optional excursion to the ancient capital of Nara to visit its famous temples and deer park.
Day 11 – Kyoto to Hiroshima
Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima and meet your guide for a full-day private tour. Visit Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine before returning to Hiroshima to explore the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Day 12 – Hiroshima to Osaka
Travel by bullet train to Osaka and enjoy a guided city tour. Visit the historic Osaka Castle, explore the nostalgic streets of Shinsekai, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dōtonbori.
Day 13 – Osaka at Leisure
Enjoy a free day in Osaka. You may wish to take a day trip to the nearby port city of Kobe, famous for its culinary scene and scenic harbour views.
Day 14 – Departure from Japan
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer by private car to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable journey through Japan.
Accommodation
Advertised Price is based on;
4★ Hotel Options (or similar)
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Tokyo – Shinjuku Washington Hotel Annex
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Kanazawa – ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa
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Takayama – Mercure Hida Takayama
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Kyoto – Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
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Hiroshima – Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
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Osaka – Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE Osaka
5★ Hotel Options (or similar)
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Tokyo – Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand
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Kanazawa – Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
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Takayama – Mercure Hida Takayama
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Kyoto – Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan
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Hiroshima – Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
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Osaka – The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
These hotels represent typical accommodation standards for the itinerary, and similar properties may be offered depending on availability and client preference.
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Return Flights from the UK
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Accommodation in 4★ hotels or similar throughout the tour
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Meals as specified in the itinerary
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Private sightseeing tours with English-speaking guides and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
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Private transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
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Bullet trains and express trains listed in the itinerary (ordinary class; luggage space not guaranteed)
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Prepaid IC transport card with a balance of JPY 5,000 per person for public transportation (top-ups at own expense once balance is used)
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2-day Hakone Free Pass for transportation in the Hakone region as mentioned in the itinerary
Not Included
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Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
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City tax and bathing tax payable directly at hotels (please inquire for latest updated rates)
- Public transportation fares, IC card top-ups, ferry, taxi, or additional local transport
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Early check-in or late check-out at hotels
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Optional tours or activities not listed in the itinerary
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Luggage forwarding/shipping services
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Gratuities and porterage
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International or domestic airfare
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses (shopping, additional meals, etc.)
Important Notes
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Please note that prices vary by season and cannot be guaranteed until booking is confirmed.
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If lunch is not included, your guide will recommend a restaurant but will not accompany you during the meal. Should you wish to invite the guide to join, the cost will be at the client’s expense.
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If a tour is extended at the customer’s request, additional guide and/or driver fees may apply.
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The itinerary is for reference only and schedules may change due to weather, traffic, or other unforeseen conditions.
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If a reservation cannot be secured exactly as planned, we will suggest suitable alternatives, which may involve additional charges.
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Guests with visible tattoos may not be permitted to use public baths or spa facilities in some properties. In certain cases, tattoo-cover stickers may be accepted.
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If clients prefer to use taxis instead of public transportation, the cost must be paid directly by the clients. Please note that unused public transportation costs cannot be refunded.
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Seat-in-Coach (SIC) tours may occasionally be cancelled due to insufficient participants. In such cases, the tour cost will be fully refunded or an alternative tour will be suggested, which may involve an additional surcharge.
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Luggage space on bullet trains is limited.
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Luggage shipping services usually require at least 24 hours for delivery, and delays may occasionally occur. Guests are advised to prepare a smaller overnight bag when forwarding luggage.
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For bookings with multiple rooms, room proximity or adjacency cannot be guaranteed.
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If guests have any dietary restrictions or special meal requests, please inform us in advance.
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We recommend registering on the Visit Japan Web portal before arrival.