Spiritual Japan with Tokyo Summer 2019

12 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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USTOA

Group Tour
Visit the birthplace of Shingon Buddism, the elegantly painted sliding doors of Kongobunji Temple, delight in vegetarian dishes served by local monks and in Tokyo discover centuries-old tradition which lives in harmony with the verve of a futuristic city - one where imperial palaces and tranquil temples co-exist with a quirky youth culture.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • CITY TOUR of Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo
    • VIEW the Nachi waterfall in Kumano, Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
    • VISIT Osaka Castle, the Abeno Harukas Observatory in Osaka, the Kongobuji Temple, the Danjo Garan Temple in Mt. Koya, the Ise Jingu Shrine, Mikimoto Pearl Island in Shima, the Ninja Museum, Ueno Castle in Iga, Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Temple, Sanjusangendo Hall in Kyoto, the Tokyo Tower, Sensoji Buddhist Temple, the Imperial Palace Plaza, the 5th station at Mt. Fuji

What's this trip about?

    Visit the birthplace of Shingon Buddism, the elegantly painted sliding doors of Kongobunji Temple, delight in vegetarian dishes served by local monks and in Tokyo discover centuries-old tradition which lives in harmony with the verve of a futuristic city - one where imperial palaces and tranquil temples co-exist with a quirky youth culture.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOsaka
End CityTokyo

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Japan

Attractions

  • Osaka
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE OSAKA (2 NIGHTS)

The pulsating cityscape of Osaka sets the pace for your soulful sojourn through some of Japan's most cherished landmarks. On arrival, you'll be transferred by pre-booked airport shuttle service to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing before meeting your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception drink with appetisers.

Day 2: OSAKA

Celebrate old and new on your city tour that begins at Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. Regarded as the symbol of the city, Osaka Castle was rebuilt in 1931 and provides a magnificent backdrop for cherry...

Day 3: OSAKA - MT. KOYA - SHIRAHAMA

Immerse yourself in Japan's spiritual splendour, starting your day with a trip to the UNESCO-listed Mt. Koya, where the Shingon Buddism sect was introduced in 805 by Kobo Daishi. Visit the Kongobunji Temple with its elegantly painted sliding doors, the Danjo Garan Tem...

Day 4: SHIRAHAMA - KUMANO - SHIMA (2 Nights)

Tread in the footsteps of pilgrims today as you discover the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route. Ascend Daimonzaka Hill on foot or by coach to admire the Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seiganotoji Temple and impressive Nachi waterfall, the tallest in Japan. Continue you...

Day 5: SHIMA - ISE - SHIMA

A leisurely start to the morning will see you travel to the traditional town of Ise to visit the Ise Jingu Shrine, which is rebuilt from scratch every 20 years according to ancient Shinto tradition. Later, meet the white-clad Ama free divers, made famous in the James ...

Day 6: SHIMA - IGA - NABARI - KYOTO (3 NIGHTS)

Don't get caught in the trapdoors and secret passages of Iga's Ninja Museum, dedicated to the history of ninja and ninjutsu, an original form of warfare developed in the region. Try your hand at age-old ninja techniques and see the collection of ancient ninjutsu writi...

Day 7: KYOTO

Indulge in a late start this morning followed by a visit to Arashiyama where you'll embark on a leisurely walk through its towering Bamboo groves unlike any other forest in the world. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple and admire magnificent mou...

Day 8: KYOTO

Soothe heart and mind during your morning visit to Shorinji Temple, joining a Zen master for his Zazen practice surrounded by the tranquil temple grounds. Continue to Sanjusangendo Hall next, admiring its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, before returning...

Day 9: KYOTO - TOKYO (3 NIGHTS)

Leave ancient Japan behind for the modern cityscape of Tokyo, travelling to the capital by high-speed bullet train. On arrival, transfer to a local restaurant and join your 'Local Specialist' for a cooking class where you'll learn to make Soba Noodles - a thin wheat f...

Day 10: TOKYO SIGHTSEEING

The first stop on your City Tour this morning will see you ascend to the observation deck in Tokyo Tower, once the tallest building in Tokyo. Next, you'll stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza, a large park area in the centre of Tokyo from where the two bridges that form ...

Day 11: MT. FUJI

Journey to the Five Lakes District, towards the UNESCO-listed Mt. Fuji which dominates the surrounding landscape. At 3,776 metres, it is Japan's highest mountain and most recognisable icon. Ascend by road to 2,300 metres at the 5th Station before taking a ride on the ...

Day 12: DEPART TOKYO

Your soul-stirring journey through Japan at its end, say sayonara to newfound friends and take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Tokyo Narita or Haneda International Airport for your onward flight.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,295
Price per day$608
Last Updated: 7/5/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Apr 2024

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Italy Bellissimo

The tour guide Paolo was very informative and was a pleasure to get to know. Our tour bus driver Luca was so patient and helped us so much. The only thing that could...

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Apr 2024

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Great service!

Paolo is an Excellent tour guide and bus driver Luca is so patient an...

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Tour Operator

Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

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What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Keio Plaza,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 11 buffet breakfasts
  • 3 lunches
  • 5 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
  • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Hand-picked Insider Experiences
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • Porterage and local charges included
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
Trip ID
trafalgar-JPSTN14

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