Classic Japan

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
Classic Japan
11 Days
From AUD $7995
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


 (11 reviews)

Classic Japan

Classic Japan

Intrepid Travel · 11 days
4.2
11 Reviews
Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Steeped in centuries of tradition and full of culinary prowess, Japan is awash with sights to see and histories to uncover.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (10), Dinner (3)
Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights), Temple Stay (1 night), Ryokan (1 night)

Highlights

  • Be immersed in the heritage and traditions of Kyoto. Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple, then take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
  • Spend a night in a centuries-old temple in Minobu. Try a typical meal of shojin ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine), maybe take a moment to meditate in the crisp mountain air or witness the morning prayer ceremony.
  • Soak your worries away at a ryokan hotel in Gero, famous for its onsens, and feast on a kaiseki (multi-course) meal. Visit the local market and step back in time in Gassho Village, full of traditional thatched-roof houses.
  • Take in the eclectic charm of Tokyo and Osaka. Cruise down Tokyo’s Sumida River and explore the neon-lit Dotonbori District in Osaka.
  • Learn more about the sobering past of Hiroshima at the memorial park, museums and monuments dedicated to the victims – these sites now advocate for world peace, serving as a reminder of the devastation of war.
Classic Japan

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Public Bus, Subway, Bullet Train, Train, Boat

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Finishes

Osaka, Japan

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have some free time, step out onto the streets for your first taste of this beautiful city. Bursting with urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, including its historical museums, world-class shopping (there’s some great vintage finds here!), bustling energy and futuristic architecture. You might like to visit the expansive grounds and moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, or one of the many parks and gardens that are particularly exquisite in spring when the cherry trees and azaleas are in bloom. After the meeting tonight, perhaps head out for your first taste of traditional Japanese food.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Tokyo
Take a full-day tour of the city today, beginning in the historic Asakusa area. This is one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo – it’s often called the temple district. Here, you’ll stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple. At Nakamise shopping street, browse the many interesting stalls filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs. You’ll also experience a different view of Tokyo as you relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River. You’ll pass the Skytree Tower, Asahi Beer Hall, Sumo Stadium and the former Tsukiji Fish Market complex. Disembark at the Hama Rikyu gardens and stroll along paths where the Shoguns once hunted ducks in the feudal era. Later, make your way to the luxurious shopping district of Ginza. Depending on the theatre schedule, you may have the chance to see a short performance of Kabuki. Or, visit the depachika (basement-level food hall) of a department store to see the huge range of produce on display.

Included Activities:

  • Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
  • Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden
  • Tokyo - Sumida River Cruise

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Minobu
Wave goodbye to frenetic Tokyo and slip into the quieter pace of Minobu today. You’ll take a train to this small town near Mt Fuji, arriving around midday. Settle into your shukubo (temple stay) for the night – a sub-temple of Minobu’s main temple, Kuon-ji. More than 500 years old, Kuon-ji has a serene garden and hosts a range of activities like sutra copying (a Buddhist practice involving Japanese calligraphy) and meditation – speak to your leader if you’d like to opt into any of these activities during your free afternoon today. Or you could get out and about to start exploring this small yet charming town. Maybe climb the 287 steps to reach Kuon-ji or take the Minobusan Ropeway for a great view of the town and an unobstructed view of Mt Fuji on a clear day. For dinner at the temple tonight, you’ll tuck into traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine called shojin ryori.

Included Activities:

  • Minobu - Temple Stay
  • Minobu - Temple Shojin Ryori (Buddhist Cuisine)

Optional Activities:

  • Minobu - Kuon-ji Temple - Free
  • Minobu - Mt. Minobu Ropeway (return) (1600 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Temple Stay (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Gero
If you’re up for an early start today, you can opt to observe the morning prayer ceremony at the temple. After breakfast, leave Minobu and travel to Gero, a centuries-old onsen town. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and head out on an orientation walk with your leader. For the next two nights, you’ll be staying in a ryokan hotel with both indoor and outdoor onsens. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the much-loved Japanese tradition of soaking your worries away in these steaming pools. Your leader will teach you about wearing a yukata and other etiquette for using the onsen. In the evening, enjoy a kaiseki feast (a traditional, multi-course meal featuring soup, sashimi, steamed and grilled courses, sides and freshly steamed rice).

Included Activities:

  • Gero - Kaiseki dinner
  • Minobu - Temple Morning Prayer Ceremony

Accommodation:

  • Ryokan Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Gero
This morning, visit the market, where you’ll learn about local ingredients and produce. You might also like to browse the stalls selling handcrafted ceramics and locally made specialties like sake. Next, head to Gassho Village – an open-air museum showcasing 10 preserved thatched-roof houses, including the historic Odo House. Recognised as an Important Cultural Property, this house displays agricultural tools used in silk production, giving you a glimpse at what agricultural life was like here in the mountains. You might also visit the Iwasaki House to see a collection of folkloric crafts or the Enkukan, which contains carved statues of Buddha. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Your leader will be ready with some great suggestions if you need help planning your day.

Included Activities:

  • Gero - Gasso Village
  • Gero - Morning Market

Accommodation:

  • Ryokan Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto by train. Originally called Heian-kyo (literally 'peaceful and tranquil capital'), Kyoto was named the national capital by Emperor Kammu in AD794. The city had its golden age as Japan’s capital for over 1000 years before the emperor and government were moved to the new capital of Tokyo. When you arrive, drop off your luggage and head straight to the famous red torii (gates) of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Thousands of these gates line a path up Mt Inari – make sure your phone or camera is charged for this classic Kyoto photo op! Return to your hotel in the afternoon, then set off on an orientation walk with your leader. Early this evening, regroup and take a step back in time on a walk through the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district. An entertainment district and the centre of geiko culture, Gion comes alive at night. If you’re lucky, you might spot geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) in their elaborate dress and make up.

Included Activities:

  • Kyoto - Gion District Walk
  • Kyoto - Fushimi Inari - Taisha

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Kyoto
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel 'The Temple of the Golden Pavilion'. This temple is partially covered in gold leaf and has features of both the Shinden and Bukke architectural styles. Next, take part in a quintessential Kyoto experience – a tea ceremony. Learn about the rituals and tools involved in this ancient tradition and immerse your senses in the sounds, smells as flavours of the art form. Enjoy a free afternoon. Kyoto is a city that lends itself to walking – it’s highly recommended you take a gentle stroll through the nearby eastern hills along the Philosopher’s Path that links Ginkaku-ji (the Temple of the Silver Pavilion) with Nanzen-ji Temple. This walk can be extended south through well-preserved Old Town areas to Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Pure Water) from which there’s an acclaimed view across a wooded gorge toward Kyoto.

Included Activities:

  • Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
  • Kyoto -Tea Ceremony

Optional Activities:

  • Kyoto - Cooking Class from (8800 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Bike hire (per day) from (1200 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) (500 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Nanzenji Temple (600 JPY)
  • Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera (500 JPY)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Hiroshima
Travel by shinkansen (high-speed bullet train) to Hiroshima this morning. As you speed south, stop to visit Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji. The building, which has survived earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, was restored to its full glory in 2015. The moats, baileys, towers and walled alleyways were ingeniously designed to trick attackers – perhaps so intimidatingly that they were never tested. Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families and look out over the city from the seventh floor. When you arrive in Hiroshima, visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both of which memorialise the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. Today, the dome serves as a reminder of the devastation of nuclear warfare and a symbol for world peace. At the memorial park, you’ll see museums and monuments in memory of the victims and learn about the events leading up to the bombing. Tonight, join your group for a dinner of okonomiyaki (Japan’s signature savoury pancake made of batter, cabbage, egg, customisable toppings like seafood, meat or vegetables and the traditional Hiroshima-style addition of yakisoba noodles).

Included Activities:

  • Himeji - Himeji Castle
  • Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
  • Hiroshima - Peace Museum
  • Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Hiroshima
Hop on a ferry this morning for a short ride to the enchanting island of Miyajima. The island is home to the floating Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its bright orange torii (gate) that rises dramatically out of the sea. Miyajima’s an ideal place for walking – maybe check out Momiji Park (AKA Maple Valley), where you can take a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen. The rest of your day is free. The Shukkeien Garden, with its teahouses and waterfalls, is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to relax and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Included Activities:

  • Hiroshima - Miyajima Island

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Osaka
Board a train this morning, headed for Osaka – Japan’s unofficial culinary capital. Osaka is credited with the first kaiten-zushi, or conveyer belt sushi restaurants. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk, then explore the city at your own pace. Maybe seek out one of the city’s typical tachinomi (standing bars) for some snacks like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat, vegetables or seafood) or doteyaki (slow-cooked beef with miso). Join your group this evening to explore the Dotonbori District – full of neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous Glico Running Man and Kani Doraku crab – and celebrate the last night of your trip.

Included Activities:

  • Osaka - Dotombori District walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Osaka
With no activities planned for today, your Japan adventure comes to an end. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $7,995
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Steeped in centuries of tradition and full of culinary prowess, Japan is awash with sights to see and histories to uncover.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 13 Jun 2027

View Map

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Kimberley
Traveled, March 2024

04/02/2024

This is a real taste of Japan! I loved it! You will go to places you wouldn't dream up if you were planning yourself! And all stress free as you just follow your tour leader! Mt.fuji isn't part of the trip you may get lucky to see if from the train to Tokyo or not but consider staying on past the tour to do it yourself if you want to see! Love intrepid tours and second time for me - will always go again as its amazing to meet people who are like minded! I recommend this trip!

4.5
Brigitte
Traveled, March 2024

04/02/2024

The tour was very well organized, with a lovely mixture of hotels, homestays and special locations. The small group of 7 was fun and Hiso our guide was a darling! Well organized, no rush and plenty of time for the amazing sites. Also some free time for personal interests, always with suggestions by Hiso what to do. Even bad weather did not impact the fanatcstic experience!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now