Great Trail of Japan
Great Trail of Japan
A wonderful in-depth exploration of Japan
Journey through Japan, taking in some of the most picturesque locations. Visit the modern capital Tokyo and enjoy a tour to Mt. Fuji and Hakone. See the famous snow monkeys in the hot springs resort of Yudanaka. Take the train to the mountain city of Matsumoto, then, spend time in the traditional villages of Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa. Enjoy three nights in the cultural city of Kyoto before catching the Bullet train to the historic city of Hiroshima. Your last night is spent in the vibrant port city of Osaka.
Please Note: The best time to see the snow monkeys is during the winter (December-March). This is when the park and the surrounding area is at its most picturesque, covered in snow, and when the snow monkeys come down from the mountains for food and to warm up in the hot springs.
Locations you will be visiting
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Tokyo
Discover Japan's dazzling capital - where ancient meets modern
3 Days
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Yudanaka, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Yudanaka with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Matsumoto, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Matsumoto with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Takayama
Enjoy a scenic setting and well-preserved Edo-style streets
1 Day
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Kanazawa
An intriguing city with a fascinating ancient samurai district
2 Days
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Kyoto
Explore historic sights and wander the atmospheric streets of Kyoto
3 Days
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Mount Koya, Japan
Discover the sights and traditions for Mount Koya with this handy destination guide.
1 Day
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Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hiroshima, rebuilt after World War II, and stunning Miyajima island, are among the most visited spot...
2 Days
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Osaka
An exciting and bustling city with a wide range of tasty cuisine on offer
1 Day
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
Great Trail of Japan
17 day Tour Itinerary
An overview of your trip
DAY 1 UK to Tokyo
Take a scheduled flight from your regional airport to Tokyo.
- Transport: Flight
DAY 2 Arrive Tokyo
Arrive at Narita International Airport where you will be met by our representative and board an airport bus transfer to your accommodation, and check in for a three night stay.
DAY 3 Morning Tokyo City Tour
Today, join the Tokyo Morning Tour, and an English speaking guide will lead you to the Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace East Garden and Ginza, where the tour ends. Afternoon is free at leisure.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 Mount Fuji and Hakone
Your day trip to Mt. Fuji and Hakone starts after breakfast. This includes an excursion to Mt. Fuji’s 5th station, a Japanese style lunch, the Hakone Ropeway, and a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ashi.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Drive
DAY 5 Tokyo to Nagano
Your main suitcase will be transferred directly from Tokyo to Takayama, and you will need to keep an overnight bag for your nights in Nagano and Matsumoto. Make your way to the station for your bullet train to Nagano. Take express bus to see the Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaenkoen) and an exhilarating mountain walk. Return to Nagano by bus.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Bullet Train/Local Train
Please Note: The best time to see the snow monkeys is during the winter (December-March). This is when the park and the surrounding area is at its most picturesque, covered in snow, and when the snow monkeys come down from the mountains for food and to warm up in the hot springs.
DAY 6 Train to Matsumoto
Catch a train to Matsumoto. Upon arrival, explore the city’s imposing Matsumoto Castle.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Train
DAY 7 Matsumoto to Takayama
Take the express bus to Takayama, home to a twice-yearly festival celebrating spring and autumn. Explore Takayama yourself.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Drive
DAY 8 Takayama to Shirakawago and Kanazawa
Uncover the fascinating history of the Edo period on view in the wooden merchants’ houses in the Sanmachi Suji district. Keep an overnight bag for your nights in your next destination, as your main luggage will be
transferred directly to Kyoto. Make your way to Kanazawa via the traditional thatched houses of Shirakawago.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Drive
DAY 9 Kanazawa
Day at leisure. Enjoy your day using your Kanazawa Casual Package which includes a Loop Bus one day pass and a visit to the fabulous Kenrokuen Garden. Also enjoy tea at Kikantei and a gold leaf art experience.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10 Kanazawa to Kyoto
Free time to admire the gardens and museums, until your express train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, make your way to your accommodation to check in.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Train
DAY 11 Kyoto and Nara Day Tour
Today, you have a full day walking tour of Nara and Kyoto. In Nara, you will visit the Todaiji Temple with Great Buddha, Nara Park and the Kofuku-ji Temple, and in Kyoto, you should see the Tenryuji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Grove, Jojakkoji Temple and Togetsu Bridge, before finishing at Kyoto Station.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 12 Kyoto
Day is at leisure, with optional tours available to pre-book. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kyoto was the centre of politics for 1,100 years. This culturally rich city offers many interesting places to visit including museums, art galleries, shrines and temples. You will also discover an exciting food culture with a variety of deliciously tempting dishes on offer including Sushi, Kaiseki-ryori, tempura and noodles. During your time in Kyoto you may spot Geisha and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) wearing traditional kimono.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 13 Kyoto to Hiroshima
Your main suitcase will be transferred directly from Kyoto to Osaka. With your overnight bag you will take the bullet train to Hiroshima.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 14 Hiroshima
Day free at leisure to explore Hiroshima and Miyajima, with optional tours available to pre-book. Discover Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park and Itsuku-shima-jinja, located on Miya-jima Island, which is said to be one of the three most beautiful sights in Japan.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 15 Train to Himeji and Osaka
Take the bullet train to Himeji. Explore Himeji Castle yourself then take the train to Osaka.
- Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 16 Day trip to Koyasan
Take local and Nankai trains to Mt. Koya, followed by cable car via Gokurakubashi. Use Koyasan pass to explore Koya mountain and temples.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Transport: Bullet Train
DAY 17 Fly to UK
Day at leisure until your shuttle bus transfer to the airport. Fly to your regional airport in the UK.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences
There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Tokyo Sumo Experience & Chanko Lunch
Be a sumo wrestler for a day! Learn from the Sumo wrestlers about the history, practice and the tournaments. Try on a Sumo costume and challenge a Sumo wrestler to a match. Enjoy the traditional and symbolic meal Chanko-nabe.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Dinner with Maiko, Kyoto
Enjoy a traditional dinner with a Maiko, or apprentice Geisha and enjoy two traditional dance performances. Opportunity to ask questions and take photos with Maiko.
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View this packageJapan
Japan: Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove and Arashiyama Walking Tour
Take a walk through the scenic Sagano Bamboo Grove visiting Jojakko-ji Temple and Togetsu Bridge over Katsura River. Enjoy Japanese style lunch on a Yakatabune Boat in Arashiyama.
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View this packageJapan
Ninja Wifi, Japan
WiFi on the go in Japan to help you stay connected.
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Japan: Great Trail of Japan
from£5,349
What's included:
- International flights
- Accommodation
- English Speaking Guides
- Transfers
- Bullet train
- Baggage transfers for one piece
- Meals as specified
- Tours as stated
- Airport taxes
- Local tips
- Personal spending
- Travel insurance
Departures are available everyday
Price from £5,349
Land only from £4,349
(excluding international flights)
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.
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