✓ Return international airfares with the world’s best airline, Singapore Airlines
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 19 nights accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast, five lunches and four dinners
✓ Fully escorted with an English-speaking guide throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entry fees – See temples, tombs, shrines and monuments, breathtaking Mount Fuji and UNESCO sites like Shirakawago Village and White Heron Castle
✓ Comfortable, dedicated coach transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
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.
Fly to Seoul via a connecting city. On arrival in Seoul, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by your tour guide and transferred.
Note: some flights may depart the night before
Visit the traditional village, Andong, which features traditional houses of the Joseon Dynasty period (1392-1897). In Daegu, take a stroll in Dongseongno Shopping District, a major fashion retail district. The streets are packed with hundreds of stores full of personality that reflect the city’s fast-paced fashion trends. Enjoy magnificent views by taking a cable car to Palgongsan Natural Park.
Today we explore the many archaeological sites and temples, royal tombs, and monuments of Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom (57 BC – 935 AD). Visit Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory, Royal Tumuli Park, Gyeongju National Museum, Bulguksa Temple, and Seokguram Grotto Temple.
In Busan, we visit Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of the city and overlooking the ocean. Afterwards, you will have an opportunity to view the waves while looking down through the transparent floor of the 15 metre high Oryukdo Skywalk, which is set over a 35 meter-high coastal cliff. Travel to Gamcheon Culture Village situated on the foothills of a coastal mountain and nicknamed ‘Machu Picchu of Busan’. You will be thrilled by the many alleys cutting through this village, vibrantly decorated with murals and sculptures created by the local residents. Stop at one of Korea’s largest markets, Nampo Dong Gukje Market for a wide variety of goods at affordable prices. Then visit Nurimaru APEC House, a memorial hall and prestigious international conference hall located near Haeundae Beach, offering visitors spectacular views of the nearby natural landscape.
This morning, visit Changdeokgung Palace, one of the ‘Five Grand Palaces’ built by the Kings of the Jeoson Dynasty, and Insadong, a street full of traditional Korean antique and art shops, restaurants and tea houses. Continue to Cheonggyecheon Stream and admire this urban oasis before visiting Myeongdong, one of Seoul’s main commercial districts.
Visit North Korea’s 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, located within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), a 44 km drive northwest of Seoul. In the event of an invasion from the North, an entire infantry division could have move through the tunnel in an hour. View North Korean territory, including the Propaganda Village, People’s School, and Gaeseong City – the old capital city of the Goryeo Kingdom – from the Dora Observation Platform. Also visit Freedom Park, dedicated to the 5 million people who left their families and homes in North Korea. North Hall contains displays of North Korean lifestyle, and the Exhibition Hall houses old tanks and planes from the Korean War. Later, try on a hanbok, the traditional attire of the Korean people at Namsan Hanbok Culture Experience Centre before experiencing the city’s best night view at Namsan Tower.
After breakfast, transfer to Incheon International Airport for your flight to Japan. On arrival in Tokyo, your friendly tour guide will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel.
Today enjoy a full-day coach tour of Tokyo, starting with Meiji Shrine. The shrine is located within a 170 acre forest in the centre of Tokyo. Constructed of cypress wood and copper, the shrine commemorates Emperor Meiji, Japan’s 122nd emperor, who presided over Japan’s industrial revolution and emergence onto the world stage. Next we visit Asakusa district, and visit Senso-ji Temple. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. On the approach to Senso-ji is Nakamise Shopping Street, a centuries-old promenade of shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs like kimonos and bottles of saké. We will then visit Tokyo Sky Tree. Opening in May 2012, the Skytree is a television and radio broadcast site, and contains a restaurant and two viewing platforms. At 634m, this is the 2nd-tallest structure in the world! We round off the day with a trip to Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Built as an island fortress in the 19th century, Odaiba will be a venue location for the 2020 Olympic Games, and is already a popular leisure and sightseeing area.
Today make your way to the meeting point to begin today's tour to Nikko, a major centre for Buddhism and the Shinto religion. It is located in a valley and surrounded by beautiful deciduous forests and majestic waterfalls. This area is well known for its distinctive architecture made up of a large number of wood carvings and gold leaf decorations on the buildings. This design is unique and not seen elsewhere in Japan. You will also visit Kegon Waterfall (around 100m high) which is the main natural attraction in Nikko. This is the best spot to view maple leaves during autumn. Later, return to Tokyo.
Leaving Tokyo this morning we head to the national park region of Hakone. On the way we explore the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. These buildings were erected a century ago as customs buildings for Yokohama Port. Requisitioned by the US military after World War 2, in 2002 they were re-purposed as a cultural and shopping complex. Next, we visit the incredible Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kotoku-in Temple. Constructed in 1252 and once covered in gold, the bronze Great Buddha is an impressive sight. This is followed by a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. The lake sits within Mount Hakone, and is famed for its views of Mount Fuji. Boats inspired by western warships cruise the scenic lake, and the picturesque forested region has been popular for hikers and sightseers for centuries. Transfer to Kawaguchiko, where you will enjoy dinner before spending the night in your traditional hot-spring onsen guesthouse.
Today we visit Mount Fuji‘s 5th Station. Here, above the clouds, we will view the sacred mountain’s enormous summit if weather permits. We then transfer to Matsumoto (approx. 2.5h), where we visit Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior. The keep, completed around 1593, is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. We then continue to Nagano, site of the Olympic Winter Games 1998.
We leave the hotel today to visit Jigokudani – the famous Monkey Park where, in winter, Japanese Macaques bathe in volcanic hot springs. We’ll also visit picturesque Taisho Pond (Taishoike) in Kamikochi. This is a beautiful scenic destination, with Mt. Hotakadake and Mt. Yakedake visible in the distance, and the scenery around the lake changes dramatically with the passing seasons. Next, visit Kappa Bashi (Kappa Bridge) – where you’ll find a suspension bridge over the river, affording spectacular views of the surrounding mountains before continuing to the Edo Period city of Takayama.
Travel to Shirakawago Village, a World Heritage site where 114 Gassho-style houses with steeply-pitched roofs in the shape of a triangle. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. On the way, we stop at Takayama’s Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868). As well as the charming architecture, there are unique cafes and a number of old saké breweries. Enjoy some free time to explore the sights, and then it’s on to Shirakawago, where from the site’s observation deck you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of this UNESCO-listed village of thatched-roof houses among the gorgeous mountainous scenery. Transfer to Kanazawa to rest for the evening.
This morning visit Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Developed over more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species. We also visit Nomura House, the historic residence of the Nomura Samurai clan. The house and grounds provide an insight into the lifestyle of the Samurai class during the 16-19th centuries, and feature beautiful architecture, gardens, and décor such as painted screen doors. We then continue on to Kyoto where on arrival is at leisure.
Today is a full free day in this golden city to explore at your own pace.
This morning, we travel the short distance to Nara by bus, and visit Kinkakuji: Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. Next, we visit Heian Jingu (Heian Shinto Shrine), a replica of an ancient imperial palace, and a symbol of the rebirth of Kyoto after World War 2 – the enormous vermillion orange tori gate is unforgettable! Next, we visit Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), with its Great Buddha Hall – the world’s largest wooden building. This impressive building houses a huge 15m tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. Then, wander through Nara Park, where over 1,200 tame sika deer roam freely.
We leave Kyoto today and travel to Osaka, on arrival visiting Osaka Castle which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the sixteenth century. The castle is elaborately fortified, and decorated in an attractive white and green colour scheme. After exploring the extensive castle and grounds, we move on to something more modern – the Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory, which provides an unparalleled elevated view of Osaka. The viewing platform is suspended between two 40-story towers, at 173 metres above the city streets. The Namba-Shimsaibashi area in the city’s South encompasses the city’s premier shopping districts, full of boutiques, designers outlets, restaurants and bars. We end the day with dinner at an Izakaya. These are Japanese-style bars which serve a variety of side dishes along with saké and beer – their grilled meat skewers are particularly good!
Today we visit the famous 'White Heron' Himeji Castle, which is 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’ – White Heron Castle. In 1945 an American firebomb was dropped into the top floor of the keep, but didn’t ignite, and the castle was renovated in 1956. Himeji Castle is the most visited in Japan, and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city.
Today is a free day at leisure to enjoy the many sights and activities Osaka as to offer.
Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan. At the appropriate time, board the shuttle to transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Arrive home today. We hope you've been inspired.
The cherry blossoms (sakura) usually bloom in the last week of March and the first two weeks of April. Cherry blossom are extremely seasonal and we can't guaruntee they will bloom during your visit. However, for your best chance of viewing cherry blossoms select the following dates when making your purchase:
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please request ‘Business Class’ in the ‘Special Requests’ field prior to making your purchase and you will be contacted to arrange payment.
Land Only discount (if booking your own flights)
A $800 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'.
If you have chosen to deviate your stay or if you have requested specific flights that do not match the group arrival and departure times, you will forfeit the airport transfer services. 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.
How to extend your stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by arriving early and/or staying behind after the tour concludes. If you wish to choose one of these options, please follow these steps:
A $250 per person supplement plus any fare difference applies if you wish to confirm your extension. You will be contacted after purchase for collection of this payment. All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement.
If you have chosen to deviate your stay or if you have requested specific flights that do not match the group arrival and departure times, you will forfeit the airport transfer services. 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.
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 “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. 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 $1,850 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this deal that you will receive a single room, which is smaller in size than a twin/double room. Unfortunately this is typical for Japan, as the cost to solely occupy a double/twin size room is incredibly high. We appreciate your understanding.
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.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2 - 40 people
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 in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
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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