Ancient & Modern Japan

14 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Ancient wooden temples, raked-gravel Zen gardens and chanting Buddhist monks juxtaposed with space-age towers, neon lights and bullet trains; the blend of old and new in Japan is captivating. As we explore the southern and western stretches of Honshu, the largest island in Japan, we discover unique culture among the serene shrines and gardens of Nara and Kyot...
26%
$8,559
From$6,340
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Spot geishas in the Gion district of Kyoto
    • Experience cherry blossom season or beautiful autumn colours
    • Take the incredible high-speed bullet train
    • Explore temples in Kyoto and discover futuristic Tokyo

What's this trip about?

    Ancient wooden temples, raked-gravel Zen gardens and chanting Buddhist monks juxtaposed with space-age towers, neon lights and bullet trains; the blend of old and new in Japan is captivating. As we explore the southern and western stretches of Honshu, the largest island in Japan, we discover unique culture among the serene shrines and gardens of Nara and Kyoto and the rarely visited mountainous heartland of castles and spas. Our last stop is the vast and futuristic capital city of Tokyo: sprawling, inimitably busy, welcoming and extraordinary.Discover the temples, lively cities and tranquil mountains of Japan

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityKyoto
End CityTokyo

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Japan

Attractions

  • Hakone
  • Hiroshima
  • Kyoto
  • Matsumoto
  • Nara
  • Takayama
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Culture
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • History
  • Nature

Trip includes

    • Eight breakfasts and three dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Japan Rail Pass

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Kyoto

The trip starts in Kyoto, an atmospheric city amid beautiful hills. We gather for the first time at the hotel and enjoy a welcome briefing this evening,  a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the adventure ahead. Accommodation: Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo (or similar)

Day 2 Visit Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji temple

With more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese heritage and undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban develop...

Day 3 Day trip to Nara, ancient capital of Japan. Visit impressive Unesco temples including Todai-ji. Return to Kyoto; visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and visit historic Gion

Today we make a day trip to the ancient capital of Japan, Nara (approximately one hour each way). With eight Unesco World Heritage sites, it's second only to Kyoto as a repository of Japan's cultural legacy. Our walking tour includes a visit to the best known temples ...

Day 4 Free day in Kyoto; relax in one of the many Zen gardens, walk the popular Philosopher’s Path or experience a traditional tea ceremony

Today is a free day for individual sightseeing. With so much to see and do in Kyoto it can be difficult to know where to begin. A free day could be spent exploring one of the several well-established and easy-to-follow walking tours that take in many interesting sigh...

Day 5 Day trip to Hiroshima; visit Peace Memorial Park and the pretty island of Miyajima

Today is our first experience of the shinkansen (bullet train) as we speed to Hiroshima for the day (approximately two hours each way). Once in Hiroshima, we spend time at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, both monuments to ...

Day 6 Travel from Kyoto to Takayama, a traditional old town set amid the Japanese Alps; visit the Hida Folk Village

Travelling by train through forested valleys, we make our way this morning to the peaceful and attractive old town of Takayama (approximately four hours) in the centre of the majestic Hida Mountains. We spend two nights here and have plenty of time to appreciate the c...

Day 7 Orientation tour in Takayama and free day to explore the peaceful shrines and temples

With more than a dozen museums and galleries, and several well-kept temples and parks, there are plenty of ways to spend a relaxing day in Takayama. We start with a short orientation tour around the morning market, held daily along the banks of the Miyagawa River in t...

Day 8 On to the medieval village of Tsumago; short leisurely walk on the Nakasendo trail; train to Matsumoto

Today we travel by express and local trains to the historic castle town of Matsumoto (approximately four hours). En route, we visit the medieval village of Tsumago, which has changed little from its heyday as a post town in the Edo period. This is the best preserved o...

Day 9 Visit Matsumoto Castle and travel by train to the spa town of Yudanaka; soak in a hot spring

This morning we visit the impressive Matsumoto Castle. Founded in 1504, this castle, otherwise known as Crow Castle due to its black colour, is one of the two best preserved in Japan, most others having been destroyed following the Meiji Restoration. Its imposing six-...

Day 10 See the much-loved snow monkeys before travelling by train to Tokyo; evening orientation tour

As well as being home to some of the best hot springs in Japan, the small spa-town of Yudanaka is mainly famous for being the gateway to the Jigokudani Onsen or Snow Monkey Park. Here, the indigenous macaque monkeys have discovered the benefits of descending from the ...

Day 11 Optional trip to Hakone or to the lovely seaside town of Kamakura

If you wish to see more of this wonderful country, today is the last day of your Japan Rail Pass, entitling you to free train journeys to many destinations. A popular daytrip from Tokyo is Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 1hr 30min away by ...

Day 12 A full-day city tour of Tokyo, including the Senso-ji Temple

Today we have a guided tour of Tokyo. Making use of the highly efficient tube system, we can visit some of the main attractions including the lively Senso-ji Temple in the old entertainment district of Asakusa and Ueno (depending on season). We will also visit a park ...

Day 13 Free day for further exploration; optional karaoke farewell night

Today has been left free for further individual exploration of Tokyo. We recommend visiting the Meiji Shrine; surrounded by tranquil forest, this Shinto shrine is one of the most popular in Japan and combines traditional Japanese architecture with love for nature. For...

Day 14 End Tokyo

Our Japanese adventure comes to end. Alternatively, if you’d like a bit more time to explore this energetic city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,340
Price per day$453
Last Updated: 4/26/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
05 May 2024
18 May 2024
$7,795
Limited
12 May 2024
25 May 2024
$8,245
Limited
15 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024
$7,495
2 spots left
22 Sep 2024
05 Oct 2024
$7,195
8 spots left
29 Sep 2024
12 Oct 2024
$7,795
3 spots left
06 Oct 2024
19 Oct 2024
$7,795
1 spots left
13 Oct 2024
26 Oct 2024
$8,245
Limited
20 Oct 2024
02 Nov 2024
$7,795
Limited
27 Oct 2024
09 Nov 2024
$6,340
1 spots left
03 Nov 2024
16 Nov 2024
$6,340
Limited

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

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.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
12,551
Great
3,241
Average
608
Disappointing
140
Terrible
179
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A great experience, a wonderful country and an amazing tour leader.

A fantastic tour with so much to see in such a short time. Our group leader (Ayaka Tsukamoto) kept us informed of historical and cultural details throughout the t...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fascinating culture, country, food & people

What we loved about the trip: travelling by excellent, clean & efficient public transport rather than buses. Good mix of tempkes, activities and scenery. Noku ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

JOYOUS Japan

i have been fortunate in doing many trips around the world and i would say that Japan is one of the top 3 countries - why the trip covers the old and extensive pas...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great Trip

We had booked this trip to mark our 40th wedding anniversary and it did not disappoint. The travel arrangements all worked very well and our accommodation was of a...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Ancient and Modern Japan

I really enjoyed the trip. Japan was everything I expected and more. So much so that I want to return in the next couple of years. I loved the fact that quite a f...

Write a Review

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation- (limited availability & on request)- 10 nights only at hotels in Kyoto, Matsumoto and Tokyo
    • Visas or vaccinations
    • Arrival & departure transfers (not available on this tour)

Accommodation

10 nights comfortable premium hotels with en suite rooms, 3 nights ryokans (traditional Japanese guesthouses, some with shared facilities) Travel by train, bus, metro, ferry and private minibus Includes weekly railpass and journeys on the Shinkansen (bullet train) All sightseeing is on foot Special cherry blossom and autumn colours departures,In Kyoto, Matsumoto and Tokyo, our hotels are centrally located and of a comfortable standard with excellent modern facilities and English-speaking staff. Please note, room sizes in Western hotels in Japan are generally smaller. If requesting a double bed, these can be smaller than Western double bed sizes, so couples may prefer twin beds. For three nights, we stay in traditional ryokans and minshukus; traditional inns/guesthouses where we can experience the rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside. Ryokans and minshukus, while comfortable and full of local character, do not run along the same lines as Western hotels and all have their own unique style. Some are more like Japanese B&Bs (minshukus) with a homestay/guesthouse feel – guests make their own Japanese style beds up, while others are managed more like a standard hotel (ryokans) with bedding made up for guests. Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is usually in the Japanese style with thick futons placed on tatami mats on the floor. Rooms are always doubles or twin-share but bathrooms and showers are generally communal. Please be advised, while females and males will have access to separate gender-specific bathrooms, inside showering and bathing facilities can lack the level of privacy of a Western-style shared bathroom. Please note, free wifi is available at every hotel. Single supplements Single supplements can be pre-booked for 10 nights at the hotel accommodation in Kyoto (five nights), Matsumoto (one night) and Tokyo (four nights) only. In Takayama (two nights) and Yudanaka (one night), single supplements are not available and rooming is based on twin share (sharing with another group member of the same sex). Please be advised single supplements are limited, payable at the time of booking, and subject to availability. In Japan, single supplements are often accommodated in either an actual single and/or double for sole use. 2024 departures Please be advised that the below accommodations are just a list of the standard hotels used for 2024 departures. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality. Kyoto (five nights): Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo Takayama (two nights): Groups stay at one of a small selection of traditional guesthouses used by Exodus. Matsumoto (one night): Dormy Inn Matsumoto Yudanaka (one night): Biyu no Yado Tokyo (four nights): Shinjuku Washington Hotel Onsen (Japanese public bath) For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is unfamiliar territory. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns frequently situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, that nudity is involved and compulsory, and that the water temperature is often hotter than most whirlpool baths can cause some reluctance for first timers. However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that a dip in an onsen is likely to become one of the highlights of your visit to Japan. We can try an onsen in Takayama, and some hot springs in Yudanaka. Please be aware, you may be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos. Some accommodations may have private baths available for reservation.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

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
Eight breakfasts and three dinners are included. Japanese cuisine is usually a highlight of any Japan trip. It is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes usually prepared with seasonal ingredients. Seafood is common, and usually comes grilled or deep fried. Sushi and sashimi aside, other staple dishes include soba or udon noodles, sukiyaki (meat, fish and vegetables cooked in broth) and yakiniku (grilled meat). The included dinners are usually taken at traditional guesthouses, which will serve a kaiseki-style dinner, a multi-course meal including a dozen tiny dishes prepared with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. When food is not included, your leader can always recommend the best local eateries and arrange group meals for a full immersion in the varied and excellent local cuisine. Please note, in Japan the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets (eg gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan) is minimal or non-existent. The group meals arranged by the tour leader will be in traditional eateries where the choices of vegan dishes may be limited to simple salads or boiled rice. However, several vegan restaurants are available in Kyoto and Tokyo. It may be a good idea to bring some foodstuffs with you that you normally consume, or to supplement meals with snacks purchased in the local convenience stores. Please advise us at time of booking you have any specific dietary requirements.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 10 nights in hotels and three nights in ryokans/minshukus (traditional Japanese guesthouses)
  • Sightseeing on foot and two short day walks
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by train, bus, metro, ferry and private minibus
  • Special cherry blossom and autumn colours departures
Trip ID
exodus-AOP

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