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Japan: A Land of Harmony between Past and Future
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Japan tour
Japan is a unique and fascinating country with a rich cultural heritage and a long history. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples and shrines, and its fascinating cities, such as Tokyo and Kyoto. One of the must-see destinations in Japan is Kyoto, which was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and famous for the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
You can reach Tokyo fast by iconic high speed train “Shinkansen”. The capitol is a modern city that offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. It’s home of attractions like the Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, the city’s bustling neighborhoods like Shibuya, and Akihabara to experience the vibrant energy of Japanese city life.
Why to visit Japan in May: May is the peak season for cherry blossoms in Japan, and the country transforms into a sea of pink and white! The weather is pleasant and mild, perfect for exploring the cities and countryside. May is the season for new ingredients, such as fresh bamboo shoots and various types of seafood. Japan is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage, and visiting during May allows you to immerse yourself in the country’s traditions, festival and customs, including tea ceremonies, traditional dance performances and historical sites.
Japan tour
You can reach Tokyo fast by iconic high speed train “Shinkansen”. The capitol is a modern city that offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. It’s home of attractions like the Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace, the city’s bustling neighborhoods like Shibuya, and Akihabara to experience the vibrant energy of Japanese city life.
Why to visit Japan in May: May is the peak season for cherry blossoms in Japan, and the country transforms into a sea of pink and white! The weather is pleasant and mild, perfect for exploring the cities and countryside. May is the season for new ingredients, such as fresh bamboo shoots and various types of seafood. Japan is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage, and visiting during May allows you to immerse yourself in the country’s traditions, festival and customs, including tea ceremonies, traditional dance performances and historical sites.
Highlights
Tour Description
Japan Unveiled
Please note that we suggest to purchase your inbound flight to Tokyo and outbound flight from Osaka.
Contact us to check availability and ask for a quotation for families and private groups based on your special needs.
Passport with at least six months of validity is mandatory; One Life Journeys does not provide any service and assistance related visa requirements and processing.
We highly recommend purchasing a personal travel insurance at the time of booking.
Flexibility: Possibility to change dates, name of participant or tour until 75 days before departure (a supplement cost might be requested during high season, or for flight quotations if requested)
Reservation: 40% deposit at confirmation. Full payment is due 75 days prior departure.*
*For the complete policy, refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Tour Details
Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Tokyo. You will have some free time to enjoy a first glance of the capital before heading to enjoy your welcome dinner. Night in Tokyo
Day 2 – Tokyo
This morning you will enjoy a full day guided tour of Tokyo city center among its iconic district such as Meiji Jingu-Omotesando, Asakusa, and Akihabara. You will also visit the fish market where you have the chance to have delicious sushi for lunch. Afterwards, in the afternoon you will enjoy a special tasting of “Sakè”, the world-renowned Japanese drink based on the fermentation of the rice. You will have some time to rest before a special Japanese dinner. Night in Tokyo
Day 3 – Fujiyama Region
This morning you will be heading to Lake Kawaguchiko and, with a little bit of luck, you could admire the majesty of Mount Fuji. You will enjoy a stunning view from the hill via the Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. We will learn something about millennial Japanese culture at the “Museum of Kimono”, the most typical local dress. Furthermore, you will visit the Chureito Pagoda Sanctuary, the most photographed monument in Japan thanks to its breathtaking location just in front of Fujiyama. Night in Tokyo
Day 4 – Nikko
This morning you will reach Nikko via Tobu Railways to explore its picturesque region where “untouched nature meets religious fusion.” On the way to Nikko, you will explore lake Chuzenjiko and Kegon waterfalls. Upon arrival in Nikko, you will get to see its magnificent attractions, such as UNESCO site Toshogu shrine and Shinkyo Bridge, considered to be Japan’s oldest bridge. Afterwards, you will be heading back to Tokyo to enjoy your evening. Night in Tokyo
Day 5 – Kamakura and Enoshima
This morning you will head to the sacred island of Enoshima, a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge and known for its beautiful beaches where you can enjoy a relaxing walk or take a scenic stroll along the coast to take in the breathtaking views. Afterwards, you will reach Hase by train to visit the Statue of the Great Buddha, a massive bronze statue of Buddha located at Kotoku-in Temple, then you will either walk or take another train to Tsurugaoka Hachimangū, Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine. Night in Tokyo
Day 6 – Heading towards Kyoto
This morning you will enjoy a thrilling trip on the iconic high-speed train “Shinkansen” that will bring you to the ancient city of Kyoto in less than three hours. In the afternoon, after some free time, you will enjoy a special “Tea Tasting”, an ancient Japanese ritual, and for sure a must-see experience while in Kyoto. The tea ceremony is a meditative experience that involves the preparation and serving of matcha tea. Afterwards you will enjoy your dinner in Kyoto city center. Night in Kyoto
Day 7 – Kyoto
Today is entirely dedicated to Kyoto, a city rooted in history and cultural heritage, known as the city of thousand temples! During your full day guided tour, you will discover the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), also known as the Golden Pavilion, covered in gold leaf and set in a stunning garden surrounded by a pond. We will go around the Gion district, one of Kyoto’s most famous neighborhoods. This area is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, narrow streets, and the presence of geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha). Night in Kyoto
Day 8 – Nara and Fushimi-Inari
This morning you will move to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. Here you will visit its park, home to many wild Sika deer which, according to the Japanese mythology, are considered sacred messengers of the gods. The park covers an area of over 500 hectares and is one of the largest urban parks in Japan. In addition to the deer, the park also features several historical sites, including the Tōdai-ji Temple and Kasuga-taisha Shrine. In the afternoon on the way back to Kyoto you will enjoy a stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a famous Shinto shrine known for its thousands of torii gates leading up to the top of a mountain and considered by locals a nice getaway from the hectic city life. Night in Kyoto
Day 9 – Osaka
Today you will move to Osaka where you will have time to visit Osaka castle, the Tennoij park and enjoy the street food of the lively Dotombori district. You will be attending a fun Japanese cooking class where you will learn the secrets of Sushi and original local food! Upon availability, you will have the chance to spend the last night in a Ryokan, the traditional Japanese house, a unique cultural experience. You will immediately get used of tatami mat floors, futon bedding, and private hot springs (onsen). Night In Osaka
Day 10 – Flight Back Home
Today you will be transferred to the Osaka airport to catch your flight back home.
*Excursions and activities might be subject to changes due to reason beyond our control. In such case, valid alternatives will be offered.
⇒ Airport transfer at arrival and departure
⇒ Accommodation in charming, carefully selected hotels
⇒ All breakfasts and one meal per day
⇒ Japan Rail Pass and all transportations (included high speed train Shinkansen)
⇒ Luggage Shipping Service (Tokyo>Kyoto)
⇒ Guided tour in Tokyo
⇒ Guided tour in Kyoto
⇒ Guided tour in Nikko
⇒ Guided tour in Kamakura
⇒ Admission fees to temples, sanctuaries and parks as per itineraries
⇒ Excursion to Nara
⇒ Boat tour with the sakè tasting in Tokyo
⇒ Tea tasting ceremony
⇒ Japanese Cooking class
⇒ All entrances and experiences as per itinerary
⇒ Professional travel consulting before and throughout the trip
Χ International airfare (book your flight INTO Tokyo and OUT OF Osaka)
Χ Travel insurance and local taxes
Χ Transfers and meals NOT mentioned
Χ Personal expenses
Χ Tips for tour leader, drivers, and guides
Χ All not mentioned in “Included”
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What Our Fellow Travelers Said
" Since 2014 I have worked and travelled on 4 different tours with Betta, they have all been amazing, all customized to what my group enjoys to do. I don’t have to tell her our preferences any more, they are just understood.
On each trip we are treated to special tours that you would not see with a large tour company. She personally makes each trip a pleasure and we all feel that we are with a family member when we get together with her. Can’t wait for our next trip."
Jayne Meissell
Washington, NC, USA
Jayne Meissell
Washington, NC, USA
" Having been on group trips to Northern & Southern Italy, Sicily, Portugal & Spain led by Benedetta, we can recommend her enthusiastically.
For our private trips, she made all our rail, air, private car & hotel arrangements, chosen based on the quality we requested; selected knowledgeable and informative guides to assist us at multiple locations; & stitched it all together into a cohesive itinerary from beginning to end. The trip was a delight. Besides her professional side, Benedetta is an upbeat “foodie” with a mind for fun, & she’s flexible, on the client’s side & doesn’t push an agenda. Finally, as we’ve traveled abroad, we’ve known she’s had our back should help be needed while away."
Mark and Vicki Hyde
Wailea, Hawaii, USA
Mark and Vicki Hyde
Wailea, Hawaii, USA
" Thank you One Life journey!!! My wife and I had a life time trip in Italy (from Sicily to Alba and its truffles) thanks to you. The level of service you provided was the highest. Your travel experience, knowledge, understanding and passion made the trip truly unforgettable. Can’t wait for next summer with other one."
Arash Malekzadeh, Sydney Australia
Arash Malekzadeh
Sydney, Australia
" Your professionalism and attention to every and each single details was above and beyond any expectations. Betta and Ray tailored the trip based our personal agenda and preferences, it was the best travel experience we have ever had. Looking forward to our next trip with you.
"
Asia Spilotros, USA
Asia Spilotros
USA
"Betta was our Tour Manager on my trip to Croatia and Slovenia and I can’t say enough wonderful things about her! She was outstanding in every way – professional, prepared, passionate, friendly, approachable, and informative. Our journey was a stress-free experience and she made us feel completely safe and well taken care of throughout the entire trip.
Betta was very organized and a great manager of our schedule but was flexible and accommodating enough to balance the prescribed schedule against different things members of the group wanted to see or experience. She went out of her way to make sure we saw not only the tourist sites, but also several that were off the beaten track as well. Betta was always there for us if we had any questions, and the group engaged in many interesting conversations. You cannot go wrong if Betta is your Tour Manager!"
Karen, Chicago
"When traveling, you’ll need a generous amount of good humor, patience and flexibility while expecting the unexpected. There will always be a need to alter plans on the fly. The key to success when traveling is managing these usually stressful surprises. And this is where Betta shines. After three separate tours with Betta, I can cite numerous occasions where I saw her planning and attention to detail in evidence. Daily schedules were well communicated and, always with smiles, Betta kept the tour group together for our various comings and goings. However, Betta’s real talents were displayed when needed to improvise. More important than simply planning, Betta would easily “roll with the punches” when required or asked to deviate from her original plans. She could do this based on her intimate knowledge of several options she could utilize to meet the needs of the moment. Betta’s personality to be much more than pleasant."
Carl Robbins - USA
"Ray helped us organising our family vacation to Sardinia and it was amazing! It was everything we were looking for: great location, stunning seaside, closeness to the beach and comfortable and cozy hotel and also the food was to die for! Our expectations were definitely exceeded. We are going to contact One Life Journeys again for our next holiday!"
Anna, Milan, Italy
"Hi, my name is Bob, and my wife Elizabeth and I want to highly recommend Betta. We traveled with Betta as our tour director on two Italian tours. She is wonderful, always upbeat, and very professional, a pleasure to be with. An excellent communicator, Benedetta was always well prepared and very knowledgeable about the areas we visited.
Every day she provided us with extraordinary experiences. Betta was able to adjust the day’s schedule and activities to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. She also managed special dietary requests with patience. We both look forward to traveling with Betta again soon."
Bob
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