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Splendors of Japan
From CA$6,675 /person
Twin room
Limited Time Special (select departures)

Splendors of Japan

Operated by: Trafalgar
Book up until  
Overview
9 days
6 places
1 country
5+ yrs
From
CA$6,675 /person
Twin room
Call 888 841 8898
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Tokyo
Yamanakako
Tokyo
Yamanakako
Takayama
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Takayama
Kanazawa
Kyoto
Kanazawa
Kyoto

At Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, climb the extraordinary path lined with hundreds of orange torii gates that snake through the forest up into the mountains above the city. Indulge in a delicious kaiseki lunch at a traditional ryokan and gain an insight into Japanese customs. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.

Overview
9 days
6 places
1 country
5+ yrs
From
CA$6,675 /person
Twin room
Call 888 841 8898
Choose a tour option
Itinerary & map
What you'll see
Tokyo

Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a drink and local appetizers.

Inclusions
New Otani Garden Tower
Tokyo

Begin your city tour in Asakusa,Tokyo’s historic entertainment district, where you’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, one of the city’s most colorful and popular temples. Founded in 628 and rebuilt many times over the centuries, Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Next, stroll down Nakamise Street and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami(origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower, for panoramic views of the city skyline.

Inclusions
New Otani Garden Tower
Breakfast
Yamanakako, Tokyo

Your first stop today is the Imperial Palace Plaza, where you can view the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the leafy Imperial Palace East Gardens before continuing your city tour. At the Tokyo National Museum, browse collections of Japanese art, then continue to the Ginza district to learn the art of sushi-making with a professional sushi chef. Next, venture to the Five Lakes District, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCO-listed Mt. Fuji, which dominates the landscape.

Inclusions
Fuji Marriott Yamanakako
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Yamanakako, Takayama, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

Visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five Lakes district, renowned for eight natural spring water ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in its clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 meters at the 5th station. Ride up Mt. Tenjo on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway next, for jaw-dropping views (weather permitting) of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Then, journey through the Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama, before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Inclusions
Associa Takayama Resort
Breakfast and Dinner
Takayama, Kanazawa

Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama’s Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this afternoon during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them. Meet with a local family in one of these houses. Observe local artisans making washi paper and try your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.

Inclusions
Kanazawa Tokyu
Breakfast and Lunch
Kanazawa

Join a Local Specialist this morning to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf, a delicate craft the Japanese have been perfecting since the 16th century. Continue to the tranquil gardens of Kenroku-en, which took shape over a hundred years to emerge as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your exquisite natural surrounds, you’ll stroll through ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a short walk through the Omicho market next to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Then, visit the Nagamachi District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion.

Inclusions
Kanazawa Tokyu
Breakfast
Kyoto, Kanazawa

Board an express train this morning to Kyoto, where you’ll connect with locals at a traditional restaurant on your Be My Guest experience. Learn about local Japanese customs from your hosts. After lunch, visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple, home to the famous Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14th-century villa.

Inclusions
Kyoto Tokyu
Breakfast and Lunch
Kyoto

The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide your path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. Continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the intricate detail of its 1,001 statues of the “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy. Then, enjoy a walking tour through the Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture. This evening, indulge in dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travelers.

Inclusions
Kyoto Tokyu
Breakfast and Dinner
Kyoto

Your encounter with Japan’s age-old traditions and modern cityscapes comes to an end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport for our onward flight.

Inclusions
Breakfast
Highlights & inclusions
The following are included in your tour package:
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
  • Kyoto: Meet Nakamura Family for a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese Restaurant near Kyoto and learn about local customs.
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • Ginza: With the guidance of your professional sushi chef, make your own selection of sushi specialties. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch.
  • Tokyo: Visit Tokyo’s renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots.
  • Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.
  • Mt Fuji: Start your day by visiting the small rural village of Oshino Hakkai which is home to eight natural spring water ponds. Next on your travels is a 2,300-meter winding road to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. To end your day, you will ride up to Mt. Tenjo by ropeway and bask in the breath-taking views.
  • Takayama: Sample Japanese sake during a walking tour in the Edo-style streets of Takayama Old Town.
  • Gokayama: Take some time to admire the peaceful mountain village of Gokayama. Discover their unique homes that have been built without the use of nails and their sloped thatched roofs.
  • Kanazawa: Learn about the delicacy of the 16th-century craft gold leaf painting with your Local Specialist.
  • Kanazawa: Enjoy a stroll through Omicho market before making your way to the beautiful Gardens of Kenrokuen which have been shaped over the past one hundred years.
  • Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
  • Kyoto: Your city tour takes you to the orange gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Admire this sacred site before visiting Sanjeusangen-do-Hall, where you can view the 1,001 “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy statues. Continue your exploration of Kyoto with a walking tour through the Gion district.
  • Gokayama: Help support a local business with a visit to a washi paper workshop. You’ll watch the family at work and test your paper-making skills for yourself. Your experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
  • Ginza: With the guidance of your professional sushi chef, make your own selection of sushi specialties. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch.
  • Explore Tokyo and Kyoto
  • Visit the Sensoji Temple, the Skytree Observation Tower, the National Museum in Tokyo, the 5th Station of Mount Fuji, as well as the Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Sanjusangen-do Hall in Kyoto.
  • View Mt. Fuji
  • See the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa
Dates & pricing
Mar 1, 2026
Sunday
Mar 9, 2026
Monday
From
CA$7,095 /person
Twin room
Mar 8, 2026
Sunday
Mar 16, 2026
Monday
Sold out!
Give our team a call on 888 841 8898 for more tour options
Mar 15, 2026
Sunday
Mar 23, 2026
Monday
From
CA$7,150 /person
Twin room
Mar 18, 2026
Wednesday
Mar 26, 2026
Thursday
Sold out!
Give our team a call on 888 841 8898 for more tour options
Mar 22, 2026
Sunday
Mar 30, 2026
Monday
From
CA$7,150 /person
Twin room
Mar 25, 2026
Wednesday
Apr 2, 2026
Thursday
From
CA$7,150 /person
Twin room
2026
2027
Things to know

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

  • Date changes can be made on request by contacting us via phone or email. Prices and spaces on the tour and are subject to availability.

For all new bookings, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, Luxury Escapes will:

  • allow you to change the dates of your tour
  • offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
  • refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)

Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase, and are outlined in more detail in the “Highlights and Inclusions” section, as well as in the itinerary. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.

  • If transfers are included in your package, please note that these are only available on the first and last day of your tour. Arrival and departure transfers are included between the hours of 6am and 6pm only. If you arrive outside these hours a supplement may apply. Please contact our trusted, third-party tour partner for further information.
  • If booking a Twin Share package, transfers are based on two people sharing the one vehicle. If you are arriving on different flights at different times, a supplement will be charged for two separate vehicles
  • Flight details must be advised as per our trusted third-party tour partner’s requirements. Failure to provide your confirmed flight details within the time period specified by our trusted, third-party tour partner may result in forfeiting your transfer.

Any items and matters not referred to above, including, airfares to and from your destination, air-related taxes and fees (except where specified); additional fees charged by airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage, seat selections and any other services; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, Motorcoach Drivers and other ; laundry; phone calls; minibar; drinks and meals not detailed in the itinerary; and all items of a personal nature.

  1. International Flights (either side of tour)
  • Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in your tour’s start destination on your chosen tour start date. Please ensure you allow for travelling time, and please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed. We are happy to assist you in arranging your flights, either via our website at http://luxuryescapes.com/flights or via our contact centre.
  1. Visas
  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 12 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and processing time.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).
  • When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
  1. Personal Expenses
  • Optional activities and day tours are not included in your tour package, nor are meals and drinks not stated in the itinerary.
  1. Tipping & Gratuities
  • Tipping and gratuities are included for the services included in your trip, but are not included for your Motorcoach Driver and (where applicable) your Trip Manager, Wellbeing Director, Local Hosts or Local Guides. These are at your own discretion, and should be extended on a voluntary basis at the end of your journey. As a guide, approximately A$5 – A$10 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
  1. Travel Insurance
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
  • Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
  • COVID-19 requirements vary from country to country and region to region and you may be required to be fully vaccinated and provide evidence of vaccination. Evidence of negative COVID tests may also be required. Airlines and other transport providers may also have separate requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you comply at all times with these requirements. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or all of your holiday due to your failure to comply with these requirements. You will be responsible for any resulting additional costs including travel and accommodation.
  • Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
  • By purchasing this tour, you acknowledge the Covid-19 Health & Safety advice as shown https://le-prod-public-press-releases.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/20210224/le-covid19-health-and-safety-acknowledgement.pdf.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against Covid-19 from our ground operator prior to departure. You may be asked to upload your proof of vaccination to the operator’s brand portal prior to departure.
  • Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes or the tour provider liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
  • In most cases the tour operator can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
  • Any dietary requirements must be received by the tour operator at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
  • Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures that may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to Covid-19 health and safety restrictions. Our trusted third-party suppliers will inform guests of these changes as soon as possible.
  • Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. The supplier reserves the right to cancel or alter tour itineraries as deemed necessary. Tour operation or alterations to itineraries may occur due to road or weather conditions, strikes, public holidays, accommodation availability and/or other factors. Accommodation will be of a similar or better standard if a change is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • From dreaming, to planning, to booking, we’re with you every step of the way with our 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service. We have the experience and know how to adapt to change while ensuring our guests holiday is always stress free, so they can focus on what matters – having a great time and creating memories that will last a lifetime. We know that our guests don’t just want to see places. They want to be a part of them, to savour not just sights and sounds but experiences, to get insider looks at cultures, customs, and wonders. This is why we do not just take our guests to see places...instead we have locals open their doors to welcome them in like friends. From small, family-run hotels to passionate keepers of cultures and traditions, we craft memorable encounters and connections that our guests will cherish for years to come.
  • Stay in accommodation that is more than just a bed for the night. We select our hotels not only for their quality, impeccable service and comfort but they are also an important piece of the local heritage. From centuries-old castles to historical homesteads, you will be immersed in the stories behind each property, giving you the chance to live the legacy yourself.
  • Each trip is carefully crafted to leave you free to live in the moment and enjoy your holiday. Dive into the local cultures that make each destination so special. Enjoy our Trafalgar-exclusive experiences for a deeper understanding of the places we go, while allowing you to see the world through a different lens. We connect you with locals who are proud to welcome you into their community and share their stories through food – not only to experience the regions’ delicacies, but also the way of life. See the iconic, bucket list sights with a local specialist. Someone who won't just give you the kind of information you might glean from guidebooks, but show you how it's done, or supply you with fresh insights and anecdotes to make your guided holiday memorable. Food tastes so much better when it's shared with local people who have a story to tell. Perhaps that's why Trafalgar's "Be My Guest" experiences are so popular. You'll dine with local families in their homes, learn how to cook regional dishes, and share a glass or two with winemakers at their vineyards; giving you a deeper understanding of their lives and history.
  • You will gain access to travel expertise and dedicated service to support you at every step, making travel in these recent times worry-free. The Trafalgar difference is not just what we promise, it’s what we deliver. The best way to unlock rich travel experiences around the world starts here.Our Travel Directors are carefully selected for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Whether they're introducing you to a local artisan, revealing a hidden treasure or simply helping you to plan your day, they are your ideal friend and companion, wherever you are on your travels. From checking you into your hotel room to recommending a local eatery, your Travel Director's aim is to make travelling easy.
  • Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from 20 people up to 52 guests, so there is a great opportunity to mingle and make new friends from all over the world. With such a diverse range of destinations and touring styles there is no set age or type who travel with Trafalgar, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on our guided tours. There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40.
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