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Off-Beat Japan

  • Duration
    13 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Go Beyond
  • Price From
    £5,890pp
  • Read Reviews
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Prepare to immerse yourself in the wacky and wonderful in this fascinating land. Get off the beaten track on our most culturally immersive Japan holiday and trek at the foot of Fuji, meet the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka, take a rickshaw ride through a bamboo forest. You'll see all the classic highlights too in Tokyo and Kyoto. This tour includes a one night stay in a traditional ryokan as well as a one night stay in a Buddhist lodge with simple shared facilities.

  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 11 , Dinners: 4
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    11 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 3Learn More
    X A good level of fitness is required as you need to be comfortable walking for 2-3 hours and covering longer distances. Other activities such as cycling will be at a gentle pace and will involve straightforward terrain. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Longer walking and gentle paced physical activities.
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Tour Highlights

Our Off-Beat Japan tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine. We pack all of tours to Japan with incredible things to do - here are just a few of the highlights

Authentic Experiences

Our Trails of Japan Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Tour Itinerary

  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Tokyo
    Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo

    Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

  • Day 3
    Japanese Drumming
    Day 3: Japanese Drumming

    Begin your tour of Tokyo by immersing yourself into the local culture by spending the morning trying your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class, where you will learn how to beat the 'wadaiko' with 'bachi'. Later, stop by Meiji Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing. (B)

    • Breakfast
  • Day 4
    Discover Tokyo
    Day 4: Discover Tokyo

    Sightseeing today begins with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for views over the sprawling city below. You'll also stop by Sensoji Temple – Tokyo's oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum. Housed in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo, the museum powerfully illustrates Tokyo's past (known as Edo until 1869) right up to recent decades. (B)

    • Breakfast
  • Day 5
    Mount Fuji
    Day 5: Mount Fuji

    Journey out of Tokyo to the foot of mighty Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Pick up a walking trail and make your way through lush alpine forest at Fuji's base, pausing often to admire the landscapes around you. (B,D)

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Search for Snow Monkeys
    Day 6: Search for Snow Monkeys

    Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Continue to Nagano, stopping in Yudanaka to search for the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park - sighting not guaranteed. (B)

    • Breakfast
  • Day 7
    Japanese Alps
    Day 7: Japanese Alps

    Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway for breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with onsen facilities. Here you can relax and bathe in the natural hot spring pools and experience this most traditional pastime. This afternoon you will have time to explore Kamisannomachi Street and sample the street food on offer. This evening, enjoy dinner in your ryokan. (B,D)

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Bullet Train to Kyoto
    Day 8: Bullet Train to Kyoto

    Take the limited express train to Nagoya, then board a super-fast bullet train to whizz your way through the countryside to Kyoto. Start discovering the city's rich heritage with visits to the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Stroll around Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner, which showcases the seven professional performing arts. (B)

    • Breakfast
  • Day 9
    Japanese Tea Ceremony
    Day 9: Japanese Tea Ceremony

    Start today by visiting Kinkakuji, known as the 'Golden Pavilion' and Ryoanji. Continue to Arashiyama district to explore the striking bamboo forest and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony. (B)

    • Breakfast
  • Day 10
    Kyoto culture & Koyasan
    Day 10: Kyoto culture & Koyasan

    Discover the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono at Nishijin Textile Centre, then try your hand at the art of origami. This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan, where you will spend the night in a 13th-century temple guesthouse sleeping on a traditional futon on a tatami mat floor. (B,D)

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Morning Prayers in Koyasan
    Day 11: Morning Prayers in Koyasan

    Rise early to join the monks for their daily morning service – hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. One of Japan's holiest sites, this mountain top sanctuary is full of temples and pagodas. Also visit Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery before travelling to Osaka. (B)

    • Breakfast
  • Day 12
    Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery
    Day 12: Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery

    Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century castle which is considered a prime example of Japanese feudal period architecture. Continue to a sake brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D)

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Fly Osaka to UK
    Day 13: Fly Osaka to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day. (B)

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 2
    Sunshine City Prince Hotel
    Sunshine City Prince Hotel
    The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
  • Night 1
    Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
    1320 Gora, 1320 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0408, Japan
    Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
    This contemporary spa hotel in the mountainous Hakone area features sleek rooms with balconies or terraces, and include minibars, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. There are 2 stylish restaurants in addition to a plush lounge. Other perks include a day spa and a geothermal traditional onsen.
  • Night 1
    Hotel Ryu Resort & Spa
    Hotel Ryu Resort & Spa
    The Ryu Resort allows guests to appreciate the natural scenery of the area. Facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, a bar and a relaxing onsen. Each of its Japanese-western style rooms have an ensuite bathroom, tea making facilities and a satellite TV. There are three on site restaurants serving excellent local cuisine.
  • Nights 2
    Rihga Gran Kyoto
    Rihga Gran Kyoto
    Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
  • Nights 2
    Hotel Monterey Osaka
    Hotel Monterey Osaka
    Situated in central Osaka, the Hotel Monterey Osaka is directly connected to Namba train station and just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori Shopping Street. The hotel features 4 dining options with panoramic city views. Guest rooms feature British-Style interiors and modern practical amenities.

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life and autumn (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 4°c
  • 39mm
  • Kyoto
  • 5°c
  • 50mm
  • Nagano
  • 0°c
  • 51mm
  • Osaka
  • 6°c
  • 45mm
  • Takayama
  • 7°c
  • 8mm
  • Tokyo
  • 5°c
  • 65mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 4°c
  • 51mm
  • Kyoto
  • 6°c
  • 68mm
  • Nagano
  • 0°c
  • 50mm
  • Osaka
  • 7°c
  • 62mm
  • Takayama
  • 7°c
  • 15mm
  • Tokyo
  • 6°c
  • 58mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 7°c
  • 87mm
  • Kyoto
  • 9°c
  • 113mm
  • Nagano
  • 4°c
  • 59mm
  • Osaka
  • 10°c
  • 104mm
  • Takayama
  • 10°c
  • 41mm
  • Tokyo
  • 9°c
  • 77mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 13°c
  • 131mm
  • Kyoto
  • 14°c
  • 116mm
  • Nagano
  • 11°c
  • 54mm
  • Osaka
  • 15°c
  • 104mm
  • Takayama
  • 15°c
  • 31mm
  • Tokyo
  • 14°c
  • 118mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 17°c
  • 140mm
  • Kyoto
  • 19°c
  • 161mm
  • Nagano
  • 16°c
  • 75mm
  • Osaka
  • 20°c
  • 146mm
  • Takayama
  • 20°c
  • 43mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 145mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 22°c
  • 209mm
  • Kyoto
  • 23°c
  • 214mm
  • Nagano
  • 21°c
  • 109mm
  • Osaka
  • 24°c
  • 184mm
  • Takayama
  • 23°c
  • 58mm
  • Tokyo
  • 22°c
  • 135mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 26°c
  • 162mm
  • Kyoto
  • 27°c
  • 220mm
  • Nagano
  • 25°c
  • 134mm
  • Osaka
  • 28°c
  • 157mm
  • Takayama
  • 26°c
  • 36mm
  • Tokyo
  • 26°c
  • 81mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 27°c
  • 101mm
  • Kyoto
  • 29°c
  • 132mm
  • Nagano
  • 26°c
  • 98mm
  • Osaka
  • 29°c
  • 91mm
  • Takayama
  • 28°c
  • 16mm
  • Tokyo
  • 27°c
  • 113mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 23°c
  • 200mm
  • Kyoto
  • 25°c
  • 176mm
  • Nagano
  • 21°c
  • 129mm
  • Osaka
  • 26°c
  • 161mm
  • Takayama
  • 25°c
  • 57mm
  • Tokyo
  • 23°c
  • 131mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 17°c
  • 104mm
  • Kyoto
  • 18°c
  • 121mm
  • Nagano
  • 14°c
  • 83mm
  • Osaka
  • 19°c
  • 112mm
  • Takayama
  • 19°c
  • 38mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 132mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 11°c
  • 61mm
  • Kyoto
  • 12°c
  • 71mm
  • Nagano
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Osaka
  • 14°c
  • 69mm
  • Takayama
  • 14°c
  • 16mm
  • Tokyo
  • 12°c
  • 128mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 6°c
  • 32mm
  • Kyoto
  • 7°c
  • 48mm
  • Nagano
  • 3°c
  • 46mm
  • Osaka
  • 9°c
  • 44mm
  • Takayama
  • 9°c
  • 6mm
  • Tokyo
  • 8°c
  • 109mm
+ -
Off-Beat Japan map

Places Visited: UK - Tokyo (3N) - Mt Fuji (1N) - Nagano (1N) - Yudanaka - Takayama (1N) - Kyoto (2N) - Koyasan (1N) - Himeji - Osaka (2N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

Offers
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Save up to £500 per person on over 900 tours

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Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

Group Tour includes

Additional Price Information

Off-Beat Japan

What our Customers Say

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Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

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