✓ Intimate group experience, with no more than 20 people
✓ Return international airfares with world-renowned Cathay Pacific
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 19 nights in quality accommodation, including one night in a traditional Buddhist monk temple on Mt Koyasan
✓ Daily breakfast and three dinners
✓ In-depth discovery of northern and western Japan
✓ Visit several of Japan’s most sacred sites
✓ Ride the iconic Japanese bullet train
✓ Fully escorted with an English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entry fees – See the forested islands of Matsushima Bay, visit beautiful temples, tombs and gardens and explore UNESCO sites like White Heron Castle and the Golden Pavilion
✓ Comfortable, dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
✓ 2020 dates also available - click HERE
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Tokyo! On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel by shuttle; please make your way to the arrivals hall to meet your transfer. On arrival at the hotel, please check-in and collect your welcome pack from the front desk before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.
Over the next three weeks we'll cover some of Japan's most iconic cities and destinations. Your escorted guide will be with you the whole time, helping you learn about this incredible country. Our transport for this journey will be on the world leading Japanese rail network traveling mostly by Shinkansen (bullet train). We have taken care of your luggage for most of the intercity journeys so you are unencumbered, however you’ll need to bring an overnight bag for some one and two-night stops and be comfortable carrying/wheeling between the train stations and your hotel. A moderate level of fitness is required and you must be comfortable handling your own luggage where required so we recommend packing a maximum of 15kgs per person.
Please note: some flights may depart the night before.
This morning, meet your fellow travellers and your guide in the hotel lobby for a briefing on the incredible few weeks that lay ahead here in Japan. Today is a free day to relax, or alternatively enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights options to enhance your experience, as listed below.
Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your guide and fellow travellers to celebrate the start of your incredible trip through Japan.
You may choose to include two optional Inspiring Sightsthroughout your tour, free as part of your package. Today you may select one of the following:
Through a visit to a Buddhist temple and a Shinto shrine, you will gain a fascinating insight into the two dominant religions of Japan. After an enlightening experience, which will include witnessing the famous Goma fire ritual, we’ll cool off at a traditional garden. If you want a deeper understanding of the role of religion and ritual in Japanese culture, this is a tour you won’t want to miss. Must make your own way to the starting point. Your guide will provide you with directions and you'll be able to utilise your railpass for transportation.
Stroll through Tokyo’s kitchen and delight in the tastes, smells and sights of the world’s largest fish market. Discover new flavour sensations and learn about the people who work here. Round off the morning with an introduction to sake and a spirited tasting to whet your appetite.
This tour commences at 7:30am at your hotel and concludes at 10am at the Tsukiji Market. Participants will need to make their own way back to the hotel. You will have time to complete both optional tours today.
Today, your luggage will be transported ahead of you: you’ll need to pack and bring an overnight bag that you are comfortable carrying/wheeling for the next two nights.
From our hotel in Tokyo, we'll transfer to the airport by train for our flight to Sapporo. Upon arrival in Sapporo, we'll board the train for Otaru on the far Northern coast of Japan. The city is known for glassworks, music boxes and saké distilleries and houses a quaint pedestrian-friendly central area.
Today, we'll enjoy a walking tour of this port city. We'll visit the famous Otaru Canal, which is lined with old merchant houses, and visit landmarks such as the Otaru Music Box Museum and the well-preserved traditional shopping street Sakaimachi, all while learning about Otaru’s rich industrial heritage. Many of the buildings on Sakaimachi Street have converted into restaurants, cafes, and you might uncover some fine glasswear for a souvenir.
Later, we'll catch the train back to Sapporo, capital of Hokkaido, where we'll enjoy a town walk. Here we'll pay a visit to the famous Sapporo Clock Tower – built from timber in the late 1800s – the Sapporo Beer Museum and the lively Susukino entertainment district.
Leaving Sapporo this morning we board the train to the port city of Hakodate on the southern tip of Hokkaido Island. The rest of your luggage will be waiting for you upon arrival at your new hotel.
We'll enjoy a walk through the city of Hakodate and catch a glimpse of Motomachi –this Western-influenced neighbourhood was the heart of the city's foreign settlement, one of only three allowed in Japan some 150 years ago. We'll also visit Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a quaint shopping mall housed in a complex that dates back to the 1860s. We'll then sail the 334m up to the top of Mt Hakodate by gondola, where we can enjoy spectacular views of the city below.
Today your luggage will be transferred to Aizuwakamatsu in preparation of our arrival in a day's time. In the meantime you'll need to pack an overnight back for our time in Sendai.
Before departing Hakodate today, we'll enjoy a visit to the morning market; be sure to check out the live crabs and shellfish in their massive tanks. We then make our way to the station to board the train to Sendai, in the north of Honshu island.
Sendai is famous for the remains of its 17th-century castle, built for regional ruler Date Masamune on Aoba Hill, which overlooks the city. On arrival we enjoy a short orientation tour of the city including the central Ichibancho district.
Today we enjoy a day trip to Matsushima. It’s known for the hundreds of forested islands that dot Matsushima Bay, and is regarded as one of Japan's three most scenic views; here, we'll enjoy a cruise around the islets.
Next, we'll visit the Zuiganji Temple – one of the most famous in the Tohoku region. The Zen temple is designated as a National Treasure of Japan and was first founded in 828 CE. You will find yourself mesmerised by the exquisite artwork on the sliding screen doors in the Main Hall.
Later, we'll return to Sendai.
Today we leave Sendai for the inland town of Aizuwakamatsu, surrounded by natural and ancient beauty. In its centre, Aizuwakamatsu features a towering white castle, Tsuruga-jō, which has distinctive red-tiled roofs. The surrounding park is known for its sakura, or spring cherry blossoms; and to the east, vast Lake Inawashiro – overlooked by Mount Bandai – is home to swans come winter.
On arrival in Aizuwakamatsu enjoy free time. Alternatively, your guide can arrange a visit to Ōuchi-juku, a well-preserved Edo-period post town, famous for its thatched roof buildings (cost not included).
After breakfast we set out on a tour of Aizuwakamatsu beginning with the famous Byakkotai tomb. After the fall of the Shogunate in 1867, forces still loyal to the shogun were attempting to resist the new government, but suffered a decisive defeat. A group of young Aizu soldiers in a unit called the Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps) saw their castle engulfed in flames and took their own lives instead of surrendering. The story of their loyalty and devotion has become well known, and numerous movie and manga adaptations have been made of their tale. Before leaving we visit the Sazaedo Pagoda, followed by Tsuruga Castle, constructed in 1384.
Today your luggage will be transferred to Osaka in preparation of our arrival in two days' time. Pack an overnight back for our time in Kanazawa.
Today’s bullet train ride, or Shinkansen, takes us right across the width of Japan. During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan's second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. Consequently, parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya (a historic entertainment district with teahouses where geisha perform) have survived.
Upon arrival in Kanazawa, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.
This morning we'll visit Kenrokuen Garden – one of the most beautiful in all of Japan. Developed over the course of more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species. We'll also enjoy a walking tour of Omicho Market – Kanazawa's largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colourful network of covered streets lined with some 200 shops and stalls. We finish our sightseeing with a visit to the Higashi Chaya District, which is famous for it’s well-preserved wooden teahouses.
Leaving Kanazawa, we board a new type of train today, the Thunderbird. The train passes through the picturesque Japanese Alps on its way south to Osaka.
On arrival in Osaka we'll enjoy a walking tour of the Dōtonbori area. One of the city's most popular tourist destinations, Dōtonbori Street runs parallel to the eponymous canal – a popular shopping and entertainment district and an area famed for its street food and plentiful restaurants. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.
We'll also pay a visit to the Kuromon Market where your guide will show you some local delicacies and make recommendations for those wishing to taste some local snacks.
Today your luggage will be transferred to Hiroshima in preparation of our arrival in two days' time. Please pack an overnight bag in preparation for our time in Kōyasan.
After leaving Osaka, we'll make our way to one of the most spiritual locations in all of Japan, which is also the centre of Shingon Buddhism – an important Buddhist sect that was introduced to Japan in 805 CE by Kōbō-Daishi, also known as Kūkai. A small, secluded temple town has developed around the sect's headquarters that Kōbō-Daishi built on Mount Kōya's wooded mountaintop. It is here that we'll experience an Inspiring Stay at a temple lodging (shukubō) where you can get a taste of a monk's lifestyle, eating vegetarian monk's cuisine (shōjin ryōri), sleeping on futons laid on the Tatami floor, and attending the morning prayers. Upon arrival, we'll take a walk to Okunoin Temple, one of the holiest locations in Japan; it's said to be Japan's largest cemetery with memorials and monuments to more than 200,000 souls.
Leaving sacred Kōyasan behind, we'll make our way along the coast of Honshu to Hiroshima. En route, we'll stop at Himeji Castle, the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO-registered complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight, hence the popular name ‘Shirasagi-jō’, meaning White Heron Castle. Himeji Castle is said to be the most visited in Japan, and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city.
Next we'll continue on to Hiroshima, a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, which was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event.
The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this peaceful city.
After breakfast your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. We'll board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island. Known for its lush forests, ancient temples, and freely roaming sika deer, this island is just as popular with Japanese tourists as it is with international visitors. Just offshore we'll spy a 'floating' vermillion torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century.
We'll return to Hiroshima this afternoon to pay a visit to the ruins of Genbaku Dome, once the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, and one of the few buildings that was left standing near ground zero. This shell of a building was one of very few left standing after the United States bombed Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, claiming the lives of some 140,000 people. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we'll never forget the tragic events that took place here.
Next we'll visit the nearby Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed.
This morning our luggage will be transferred to Kyoto to meet us the following day. We then travel to Kyoto, which is considered by many to be the jewel in Japan’s crown and one of the only cities in the country to escape destruction during the World War II, leaving it’s countless relics intact.
Upon arrival, we'll explore the Higashiyama District. Situated along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains, this is one of the city's best preserved historic districts and a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto, particularly between Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine, where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital.
Next we'll wander the streets of Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. With any luck we might spot a geisha, otherwise known as a geiko or maiko, during our time here.
Today we visit some of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, including Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold. It's all set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. We'll also take in breathtaking Nijō Castle. Constructed in the 17th century under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nijō Castle's buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and as such it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. And finally we'll visit Ryōan-ji, the site of Japan's most famous rock garden, before finishing at Nishiki Market, a five-block long shopping street where everything from seafood to handmade Japanese knives are sold.
Today is free to spend at your leisure: relax or enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights to enhance your experience. Tonight, your luggage will be transferred to Tokyo for our arrival tomorrow.
You may choose to include two optional Inspiring Sightsthroughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Kyoto may no longer be the capital of Japan, but it’s staged a comeback and is now considered Japan's capital of culture. Take that Tokyo! Join this Kyoto tour to learn about zen gardens, Geisha and all things Kyoto. Visit Tofukuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and discover the unique Geisha culture in the historical entertainment district of Gion.
Today is free to spend at your leisure: relax or enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights to enhance your experience, listed below.
This afternoon we board our train to Tokyo. On the way we might even be lucky enough to glimpse Mt Fuji. Make sure to get a seat on the left-hand side for your best chance of spotting this sacred sight. Tonight, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner with the group and guide to celebrate your time in Japan.
Take a spin down the Path of Philosophy on this Kyoto tour that gives you an overview of the city while using a mode of transport preferred by locals: the humble bicycle. See shrines, temples and mountains — this is an enlightening escape from the city. Cycle along the ancient canals of Kyoto, stroll through the expansive grounds at Nanzenji Temple and discover the meaning of tranquillity along the famous Path of Philosophy
Today your guide will accompany you to the airport by train to bid farewell. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through this magical country.
Arrive home today with memories to last a lifetime.
Inspiring Stays
Inspiring Sights
The choice between 2 of 4 bonus sightseeing experiences to enhance your journey. You may choose to include two (2) optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
The remaining 2 inspiring sights may be purchased prior to departure if you would like to participate in all optional inspiring sights.
Inspiring Tastes
If you would like to travel in 2020, please click HERE for 2020 itinerary and pricing.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $800 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Hong Kong Stopover
You may wish to stopover in Hong Kong before or after your tour.
Package includes:
3 nights staying at Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees or similar in a Standard Room
Daily buffet breakfast
A half-day tour of Hong Kong Island visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market and Aberdeen Fishing Village
Return airport transfers
Cost - $522 per person Twin Share ($998 Single)
If you wish to book the Hong Kong stopover package before or after your tour, please select this under 'Upgrade Options' before completing your booking. You will then be invoiced for this in your final payment.
The $150pp extension supplement does not apply if selecting this option.
How to extend your stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
Please note, a supplement of $150 per person (plus any applicable fare and tax differences) applies to deviate from the standard itinerary. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Airport Transfers
For this package, we cannot offer a private airport transfer service for you, therefore you will be required to make your own way from & to the airport at your own expense. You may choose to book a shared transfer service independently, get a taxi on arrival or travel by train. For advice, you may speak to your Dedicated Support Agent.
Hong Kong Stopover
You may wish to stopover in Hong Kong before or after your tour. Package includes:
Cost - $522 per person Twin Share ($998 Single)
You have the choice of 2 of 4 Inspiring Experiences to enhance your journey. If you wish to purchase the remaining 2 you may purchase the additional optional tours as follows:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Optional Tour Bundle
As well as choosing 2 of 4 optional tours for free, if you're wanting to make the most of your time in Japan, why not purchase our optional tour bundle? These optional tours have been hand-picked by our staff and based on our customers personal favourites.
$240 per person.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency, therefore we suggest you book before you go to avoid disappointment. We appreciate your understanding.
Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is not included in the price. You will be required to make your own way to the starting point of the optional tour, as well as back to your hotel. Your tour guide can provide you with the direction and guidance needed to make your own way.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “4”:
4 – Active Tour: A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Twin Share Bedding Configuration
At any time, bedding configuration is subject to confirmation by the hotel and based on availability. While you have the option to select either twin or double bedding at time of booking, our recommendation when travelling to Japan is to choose twin bedding, as the rooms are often bigger than those that have a double bed. If insisting on double bedding, please note that the rooms will be smaller and more narrow. As a general expectation, we cannot always guarantee bedding at all hotel stays.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,999 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa for travel to Japan.
Please note that details within this email are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
6-20 people.
Trip Style - Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Luggage
You will be required to manoeuvre your own luggage throughout this trip. We have included luggage transfers from city to city for the longer journeys so you can travel unencumbered. However you'll need an overnight bag for 1-2 night stays which you are comfortable carrying/wheeling and lifting. We recommend for your convenience you limit your luggage to 15kgs per person.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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