Compare Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples by G Adventures vs Tohoku Discovered by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 6 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 1,104 | $ 6,661 |
| Price Per Day | $ 184 | $ 416 |
| Highlights |
|
N/A
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes | N/A |
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities | N/A |
|
| Meals Included | No meals included | N/A |
| Description |
Now's the time to explore Japan on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Connect with Japan old and new on this six-day tour that takes you to the country's most iconic cities. Experience everything from the bustling energy of Tokyo’s city centre to the rolling countryside of Takayama. And don’t forget Kyoto, a city of peaceful gardens and stunning temples. This trip is a quick and affordable one, so you can tack on more time to go deeper into Japan. 'Cause after this tour, we know you'll want to. |
Starting exploring, you may wish to walk around the Imperial Gardens. Your guide will meet you today in the hotel lobby to run through your trip and offer any local advice to you so you can enjoy the country with confidence. |
Day 1 Tokyo
Arrive at any time and welcome to Japan's neon metropolis that's always on the move. There are no plans until the evening welcome meeting, so spend some time exploring. Then, after the meeting head out for a night of fun, drinks, and dancing for your first night out. Pick the best looking spot and cheers to new adventures and friends!
We highly recommend booking pre-accommodation to fully experience all that is Tokyo.
Day 2 Tokyo
Get your bearings with an orientation walk before enjoying free time to explore buzzing Tokyo. Opt to check out Yoyogi Park, Asakusa shrine, quirky Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing, or explore the city's massive selection of shops and cafés.
Please note that the new JR Pass validation policy asks travellers to come to the office counter to activate their JR Pass.
Day 3 Tokyo/Takayama
Board a bullet train to picturesque Takayama, surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Take in the quaint streets of old town—lined with craft shops and sake breweries (mid-day sake bombs anyone?)—on a CEO-led orientation walk. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area. In the evening, kick back and relax in a traditional inn complete with tatami floors, Japanese futons, and an onsen hot spring. Delight in a restorative soak in the healing waters.
Day 4 Takayama/Kyoto
Catch a train to Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto, and spend the rest of the day discovering this historic city. For your big night out, grab a drink on our tab and release your inner rock star during a karaoke session.
Day 5 Kyoto
Kyoto is yours to explore today and the options are endless, so grab a buddy and get out there! Visit some of Kyoto's beautiful temples, participate in a tea ceremony, or take a calligraphy class (so you can make that postcard home look extra fancy).
Day 6 Kyoto
Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share some last laughs and exchange social medias with your fellow travellers before departing at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this iconic city.
For travellers flying out of Kansai International Airport (KIX), please find the public transit options below (please note that taxis can become quite expensive in the late hours) 1) By train - departing from Kyoto station, the limited express "Haruka" Train goes directly to the airport. The last train to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 20:30. 2) By bus - departing from Kyoto station, with several stops along the way. The last bus to the airport leaves Kyoto station at 22:10. Timetable Reference: http://www.hyperdia.com
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.
Day 2 : Tokyo
After passing through customs and luggage collection, you're met by an airport guide who will give you your trip documents and direct you to the shared shuttle service which takes you to your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and relaxing after your flight. If you do feel like starting exploring, you may wish to walk around the Imperial Gardens.
Day 3 : Tokyo
Your guide will meet you today in the hotel lobby to run through your trip and offer any local advice to you so you can enjoy the country with confidence. In the first section the guide will explain your itinerary in more detail and answer any questions you might have. This can take up to two hours so afterwards head out with your guide to see some of the highlights of the city. Perhaps start with taking a cruise up from the Hamarikyu gardens up to the old district of Asakusa to see the beautiful Sensoji temple.
Day 4 : Nikko
Leave Tokyo by high-speed bullet train this morning and head north to the intricate shrines and lakeside scenery of the old city of Nikko in the mountains just north of Tokyo.
Day 5 : Nikko
Explore the temples, Lake Chuzenji or go walking in the hills around the town.
Day 6 : Matsushima
Continue by bullet train today to Sendai then local train to Matsushima, one of Japan's top three most scenic spots. Take a boat trip out to the bay this afternoon.
Day 7 : Towada-ko
Take the train north to Hachinohe, where you pick up your hire car for the journey to Lake Towada. This is a very scenic drive, taking you through the Oirase Gorge.
Day 8 : Towada-ko
Explore the lake area on foot or by hire car. There are lots of hot springs to enjoy if you feel like enjoying the scenery and relaxing.
Day 9 : Nyuto Onsen
Drive south to Nyuto Onsen, one of the best known hot springs in northern Japan. Spend the evening relaxing in one of the outdoor baths, some of which are mixed sex - this is rural Japan so modesty goes out of the window here!
Day 10 : Kakunodate
After a leisurely morning continue your drive through the scenic backbone of Japan to Kakunodate, a town known for its samurai history. Some samurai houses have been restored to their feudal era glory and you even spend the night in a converted samurai residence.
Day 11 : Kakunodate
Explore the town at your leisure today. You may like to drive out to Lake Tazawa too, which although a little touristy, has some lovely views and you can stroll along the sandy shore to take them in.
Day 12 : Dewa Sanzan
Leave Kakunodate early this morning for the relatively long but atmopspheric drive to the secluded, holy mountain trio known collectively as Dewa Sanzan. You overnight in basic but charming temple lodgings.
Day 13 : Dewa Sanzan
This morning climb the stone steps to the summit of the smallest peak, Mt Haguro. Walk or take the bus back to Haguro for the evening.
Day 14 : Dewa Sanzan
Drive to the midway point of Mt Gassan and then climb to the top to visit the shrine and take in the views, an ascent of around two hours. Treat your aching limbs to a dip in the temple's communal bath this evening.
Day 15 : Tokyo
Drop off your car in Tsuruoka and then take local and bullet line trains to Tokyo.
Day 16 : International return flight
Return to the airport by shuttle bus and fly back home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
