Classic Japan with Matsue and Osaka

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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USTOA

Group Tour
Ancient capitals, modern cityscapes and feudal castles take centre stage on this in-depth exploration of Japan, including a visit to the City of Water that has inspired countless legends.

Overview

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

Highlights

    • CITY TOUR of Matsue, Tsuyama and Osaka
    • VISIT Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi, Tusyunoten Shrine and Umeda Sky Building in Osaka
    • SEE Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka
    • CRUISE on Lake Shinjiko in Matsue and along the Okawa River in Osaka

What's this trip about?

    Ancient capitals, modern cityscapes and feudal castles take centre stage on this in-depth exploration of Japan, including a visit to the City of Water that has inspired countless legends.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityTokyo
End CityOsaka

Travel Themes

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

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Japan

Attractions

  • Kyoto
  • Osaka
  • Tokyo

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE TOKYO (4 NIGHTS)

Tokyo's futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan's modern centres and ancient capitals. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you'll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception drink with appetisers.

Day 2: TOKYO SIGHTSEEING

Rub shoulders with the locals this morning as you 'Dive Into Culture' and wander through Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II. Continue to the old-time entertainment centre of Asakusa to visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple...

Day 3: KAMAKURA SIGHTSEEING

We journey to Kamakura today. A former political capital, its glory days under the Kamakura shogunate spanned from the 12th to 14th centuries, coinciding with the spread of Buddhism in Japan which is reflected in the city's numerous temples. The most important of thes...

Day 4: MT. FUJI AND OWAKUDANI

The towering slopes of snow-capped Mt. Fuji loom in the distance as we journey from Tokyo to this celebrated UNESCO-listed site. Admire spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a magnificent vantage point at 2,300 metres (weather permitti...

Day 5: TOKYO - KYOTO (3 NIGHTS)

We leave Tokyo, travelling by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the centre of Japanese culture for centuries. On arrival, we'll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Enjoy some fr...

Day 6: KYOTO SIGHTSEEING

After a late start this morning, we'll visit one of Kyoto's highlights - the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees which bloom in the springtime and its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically from season to season. En...

Day 7: NARA SIGHTSEEING

Start the day off with a visit to Sumiyama Village and discover the stunning Kiyomizu Pottery which originated about 500 years ago in central Kyoto. Learn about the work of the craftsmen and about how they had to move out of the city and into a more rural area due to ...

Day 8: KYOTO - HIROSHIMA (2 NIGHTS)

This morning, we board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century's devastation. Our first stop is to a local restaurant where we'll join our 'Local Specialist' for an Okonomiyaki Making experience...

Day 9: HIROSHIMA SIGHTSEEING

Take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialities, shaping your steamed bun in the shape of a maple leaf an...

Day 10: HIROSHIMA - MATSUE (2 NIGHTS)

Depart Hiroshima this morning bound for Matsue, the "City of Water" and home to one of Japan's few remaining original castles, which you'll have an opportunity to explore after lunch at your hotel. Located on the shores of Shinji Lake, the "black castle" remains in it...

Day 11: MATSUE SIGHTSEEING

Celebrate Japanese art and garden design during this morning's visit to the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi. Famous for its award-winning Japanese garden, ranked first for 15 consecutive years by the US magazine 'Journal of Japanese Gardening', the museum houses a larg...

Day 12: MATSUE - TSUYAMA - OSAKA (2 NIGHTS)

Take a step back in time during this morning's visit to Tsuyama, a former castle town which enjoyed its heyday as a merchant city between the 17th and 19th centuries. Today, all that remains of this time are the 45-metre-tall stone walls and beautiful cherry blossoms ...

Day 13: OSAKA SIGHTSEEING

Gain a different perspective of Osaka's landmark city sights, starting your day with a cruise on the 'aqua-bus' along Okawa River. Sail past the Japan Mint, City Hall, Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Visit the downtown district of S...

Day 14: DEPART OSAKA

Say a fond sayonara to Japan and take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $8,895
Price per day$635
Last Updated: 11/9/2020

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.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

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Mar 2024

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Best of Portugal

we enjoyed it very much. So much fun

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Robert Odonnell

Mar 2024

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Italy Bellissimo

Great price plus 5 percent discount for previous customers plus early registration discount as well.

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Gail

Mar 2024

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Both our guide, were THE BEST.

*personal info removed by Feefo* our skilled driver was great. He kept us safe and on time. *personal info removed by Feefo* our guide, was just wonderful. She...

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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.

 

Why we love this operator
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
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

Sheraton Miyako,
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
  • 13 breakfasts
  • 5 lunches
  • 3 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 Optional Experiences and free time All porterage and restaurant gratuities 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 Handcrafted Highlights
Trip ID
trafalgar-JPCMN15

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