Country
Japan
Duration
10 Days/9 Nights
Travel Type
Rail & Hotels
Sneak peek of a few highlights
Travel by the iconic Shinkansen
Japan was the first country to build dedicated railway lines for high-speed travel. You will experience the legendary bullet train when traveling in Japan.
Experience Tokyo Metropolis
The capital of Japan mixes the ultra-modern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. Explore one of the most vibrant cities on earth and enjoy a cruise along the Tokyo River.
Discover Kyoto
Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.
Inclusions
JR-Pass (ordinary class)
2-day Hakone Pass
9-night acccommodation
9 meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Meet and greet and introduction assistant upon arrival in Tokyo to explain how to use the Japan rail pass
Exclusions
Flights – Gratuities to hotel staff – Meals (other than those mentioned) – Beverages – Travel insurance – Optional excursions – Local city tax (if applicable), varies from city to city, to be paid directly to the hotel in destination – Visas (if required) – All other item not mention in the inclusions section.
Additional Information
Note
Please note that this program includes accommodation and train pass. All other activities in the itinerary are suggestions to do on your free days. No entrance fees are included.
1
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN TOKYO
Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival at the airport in Tokyo, meet your English-speaking assistant and transfer to the hotel by your own arrangement.
Option: transfer from the airport to your hotel by private car (price on request).
The rest of the day is at your free disposal.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY:
We recommend a first exploration on foot in the vibrant neighborhood of Shinjuku. It is a major commercial and administrative centre and also encompasses the buzzing clubs and karaoke rooms of neon-lit East Shinjuku and upscale bars and restaurants in the Skyscraper District.
Option: transfer from the airport to your hotel by private car (price on request).
The rest of the day is at your free disposal.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY:
We recommend a first exploration on foot in the vibrant neighborhood of Shinjuku. It is a major commercial and administrative centre and also encompasses the buzzing clubs and karaoke rooms of neon-lit East Shinjuku and upscale bars and restaurants in the Skyscraper District.
Accommodation : Tokyo for 2 nights
2
DAY 2 TOKYO
Time at leisure in Tokyo.
Meals : Breakfast
Optional Excursions : GUIDED TOUR WITH AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE (09:00-17:00) (+$)
Start from Tsukiji Outer Market. A district adjacent to the site of the former Tsukiji Wholesale Market. It consists of a few blocks of wholesale and retail shops, as well as restaurants crowded along narrow lanes. Here you can find fresh and processed seafood and produce alongside food-related goods such as knives.
Continue to the exquisitely beautiful Edo period Hamarikyu Garden where seawater ponds change with the tides. A traditional teahouse on an island offers visitors a resting place to enjoy the scenery. This traditional green oasis stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers of the adjacent Shiodome district.
The tour will move on to Asakusa, where we’ll find the Sensoji Temple, a very popular and colorful Buddhist temple. It is one of Tokyo’s most colorful and popular temples. The legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. No visit to Tokyo would be complete without checking out the shops! We’ll take a walk along Nakamise Street lined with boutiques, souvenir shops and street food outlets.
The last destination is Tokyo Sky Tree, a television broadcasting tower and landmark of Tokyo. It is the centerpiece of the Tokyo Sky tree Town in the Sumida City Ward, not far away from Asakusa. With a height of 634 meters, it is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world at the time of its completion. A large shopping complex with an aquarium is located at its base.
3
DAY 3 TOKYO - KANAZAWA
Check-out from the hotel. You proceed to Tokyo Station on your own, where you will take the bullet train to Kanazawa. Your 7 days JR Pass will start on this day. Upon arrival, you proceed to your hotel for the check-in. Time for leisure.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa: was founded with the goals of fostering new culture and reviving the local area. Our civilization, which is facing a historic turning point in the twenty-first century, has evolved to place a high value on innovative city planning. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa will work together to unleash the city’s creative potential and establish itself as a popular regional cultural destination.
D.T. Suzuki Museum: The Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro Museum honors the life and contributions of this well-known Buddhist philosopher. D.T. Suzuki was a prolific author who contributed to the westernization of Japanese Zen philosophy. He wrote mostly about Zen Buddhism and its relationship to and impact on daily life because he spent a significant portion of his early years living and learning at Kamakura’s Engakuji Temple. In addition to Japanese, Suzuki was also fluent in English, Chinese, and Sanskrit. He translated numerous religious scriptures and academic works.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa: was founded with the goals of fostering new culture and reviving the local area. Our civilization, which is facing a historic turning point in the twenty-first century, has evolved to place a high value on innovative city planning. The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa will work together to unleash the city’s creative potential and establish itself as a popular regional cultural destination.
D.T. Suzuki Museum: The Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro Museum honors the life and contributions of this well-known Buddhist philosopher. D.T. Suzuki was a prolific author who contributed to the westernization of Japanese Zen philosophy. He wrote mostly about Zen Buddhism and its relationship to and impact on daily life because he spent a significant portion of his early years living and learning at Kamakura’s Engakuji Temple. In addition to Japanese, Suzuki was also fluent in English, Chinese, and Sanskrit. He translated numerous religious scriptures and academic works.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kanazawa for 2 nights
4
DAY 4 KANAZAWA
Time for Leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
Optional Excursions : GUIDED TOUR WITH AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE (09:00-17:00) (+$)
Omicho Market, established during the Edo Period, Omicho Market has formed an essential part of Kanazawa’s food culture for more than 280 years. The sprawling market features more than 170 stores, including a large number of fishmongers that sell freshly caught seafood from the Sea of Japan. Particularly well-revered are the crab, yellowtail and shrimp from the Sea of Japan.
The ancient district of Higashi Chaya Gai district is the old geisha district that was built almost 200 years ago. There are beautiful buildings that have been refurbished into restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is a must-visit location in Kanazawa. The name Kenrokuen means “having six factors”, representing the attributes which bring out the garden’s stunning beauty: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water sources and magnificent views.
Wrap up Kanazawa at the Samurai district of Nagamichi: Samurai and their families used to live in Nagamachi, a samurai district at the base of the historic Kanazawa Castle. With its intact homes, earthen walls, personal entrance gates, little pathways, and water canals, the neighborhood maintains a historic ambience. Nomurake: Samurai and their families used to live in Nagamachi, a samurai district at the base of the historic Kanazawa Castle. With its intact homes, earthen walls, personal entrance gates, little pathways, and water canals, the neighborhood maintains a historic ambience.
5
DAY 5 KANAZAWA - KYOTO
Check-out from the hotel. You proceed to Kanazawa Station on your own, where you will take the express train to Kyoto. Head on your own to your hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is free.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
We recommend you go to the Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall’s pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Finish the day at Gion. Gion is the perfect place to explore the Kyoto of another age. Known as the city’s entertainment district, particularly for the refined performers known as geisha (or more properly geiko) who have enthralled patrons for centuries, Gion is full of handsome, understated townhouses and teahouses, restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine, and venerable temples and shrines.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
We recommend you go to the Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall’s pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Finish the day at Gion. Gion is the perfect place to explore the Kyoto of another age. Known as the city’s entertainment district, particularly for the refined performers known as geisha (or more properly geiko) who have enthralled patrons for centuries, Gion is full of handsome, understated townhouses and teahouses, restaurants serving traditional Kyoto cuisine, and venerable temples and shrines.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Kyoto for 3 nights
Optional Excursions : Japanese tea ceremony (+CA$130): The ceremony is a carefully choreographed ritual that offers the ultimate in Japanese hospitality. As well as trying out a cup of this delicate green tea, we’ll get a unique insight into the customs and etiquette of traditional tea serving.
6
DAY 6 KYOTO
Free day at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
Optional Excursions : GUIDED TOUR WITH AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE (09:00-17:00) (+$)
Start from Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple known for its delicately manicured gardens and floors covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
Then head to the Ryoan-ji Temple, known for its manicured rock garden and known as the home of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. A short hop from Ryoan-ji is the stunning golden pavilion known as Kinkaku-ji Temple. The temple grounds are relatively smaller than most temples and shrines in Kyoto, but what is undoubtedly impressive is the pavilion, which is entirely covered in handcrafted gold leaf. The view from the 13-meter-high building is indeed breathtaking and the fact that this porch was built without nails or carpenters is incredible.
Move on to Arashiyama. A walk through the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama is first on the itinerary. The walking paths cut through bamboo groves that have been used for centuries to make traditional crafts. We’ll continue across the Togetsukyo Bridge, an iconic landmark. Great photos can be had of the forested mountains in the background and the nearby riverside park full of cherry trees.
Continue to Tenryuji, ranked first among the city’s five great Zen temples, and is now registered as a world heritage site. Tenryuji is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.
7
DAY 7 KYOTO
Free day at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast
Optional Excursions : GUIDED TOUR WITH AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE (09:00-17:00) (+$)
On the way to Nara, we will visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the main shrine for Inari, one of the most prominent gods (kami) of the Japanese Shinto religion. The shrine is especially known for its thousands of red/orange torii gates lining the paths up the mountain behind the shrine.
Visit Todaiji and Nara park to meet the cute deer. Todaiji is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple’s influence on government affairs.
Walk across Nara park on the way to visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara’s most celebrated shrine. It was established at the same time as the capital and is dedicated to the deity responsible for the protection of the city. Kasuga Taisha was also the tutelary shrine of the Fujiwara, Japan’s most powerful family clan during most of the Nara and Heian Periods. Like the Ise Shrines, Kasuga Taisha had been periodically rebuilt every 20 years for many centuries. In the case of Kasuga Taisha, however, the custom was discontinued at the end of the Edo Period.
8
DAY 8 KYOTO-HAKONE
Check-out from the hotel and head to Kyoto station to take the bullet train to Odawara station. From there, you can start using your 2 days Hakone Pass for all transportation, the cruise and ropeway.
In the evening, you can enjoy the hot spring bath at your accommodation and enjoy a traditional dinner.
In the evening, you can enjoy the hot spring bath at your accommodation and enjoy a traditional dinner.
Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation : Hakone for 1 night
Optional Excursions : GUIDED TOUR WITH AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE (09:00-17:00) (+$)
Explore the beautiful Fuji Hakone Izu. This national park is home to incredible scenery including the famous Mount Fuji. Sit back and soak in the natural scenery of Lake Ashi on the Pirate Cruise Ship. From here we’ll get wonderful views and photos of Mount Fuji.
Our next mode of transport is the cable-car known as the Hakone Ropeway. This gives us the chance to glide through the skies looking down on the Japanese countryside. We’ll get off in Owakudani, an active volcanic zone of sulfurous fumes, hot springs and rivers.
9
DAY 9 HAKONE - TOKYO
Check-out from the hotel and head to Odawara station with your Hakone Pass. Take the bullet train to Tokyo. Rest of the day is free.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
Your first visit is to Meiji Shrine. Meiji Jingu is one of the Shinto shrines in Japan, with the vast land of the forest (70 ha.), located in the middle of the megacity, Tokyo. Once you step into this precinct, you will forget that you are in the hustle bustle city, and will find Japanese traditional scene amidst greenery nature.
Right next to Meiji Shrine, there is Harajuku, the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but also offers shopping for adults and some historic sights. The focal point of Harajuku’s teenage culture is Takeshita Dori and its side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens.
Continue to Shibuya. Shibuya, the chaotic, yet miraculously organized crossing has become a symbol of Tokyo’s dynamism and represents Shibuya—Japan’s trend-setting powerhouse dedicated to fashion and arts. Join the crowds as they diverge off into the many streets and alleyways to shop and hangout in hip cafes, bars, and restaurants. Spend time appreciating the area’s fiercely independent art scene, or simply visit to experience the rapid-beating heart of Tokyo.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:
Your first visit is to Meiji Shrine. Meiji Jingu is one of the Shinto shrines in Japan, with the vast land of the forest (70 ha.), located in the middle of the megacity, Tokyo. Once you step into this precinct, you will forget that you are in the hustle bustle city, and will find Japanese traditional scene amidst greenery nature.
Right next to Meiji Shrine, there is Harajuku, the center of Japan’s most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles, but also offers shopping for adults and some historic sights. The focal point of Harajuku’s teenage culture is Takeshita Dori and its side streets, which are lined by many trendy shops, fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, crepe stands and fast food outlets geared towards the fashion and trend conscious teens.
Continue to Shibuya. Shibuya, the chaotic, yet miraculously organized crossing has become a symbol of Tokyo’s dynamism and represents Shibuya—Japan’s trend-setting powerhouse dedicated to fashion and arts. Join the crowds as they diverge off into the many streets and alleyways to shop and hangout in hip cafes, bars, and restaurants. Spend time appreciating the area’s fiercely independent art scene, or simply visit to experience the rapid-beating heart of Tokyo.
Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : Tokyo for 1 night
10
DAY 10 DEPARTURE FROM TOKYO
Check-out and time for leisure. Sadly it’s the end of the tour and time to say goodbye to Japan. Proceed to the airport for your departure flight.
Option: Transfer to the airport by private car (price on request).
Option: Transfer to the airport by private car (price on request).
Meals : Breakfast
HOTEL OPTIONS OR SIMILAR
Tokyo
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza PREMIER 3.5* – Superior Double Room
Kanazawa
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Miyabi 3.5* – Concept Double Room
Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto 4* – Standard Double Room
Hakone
Musashino Bekkan 4* – Japanese Style Standard Room
| Rates in $CA, per person, starting from, in double occupancy | Land Package | |
| Departures 2024 | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
| High Season* | 5285 | On request |
| Low Season | 4355 | On request |
| English-speaking guide (09:00-17:00), including transportation and entrance fees*** | +430 | |
| Tea Ceremony in Kyoto (private) | +130 | |
*High Season:
2024-03-18 – 2024-05-10
2024-08-10 – 2024-08-20
2024-10-15 – 2024-11-30
2024-12-20 – 2025-01-07
***Approximative rates, extra fee depending on city.
**Prices in this document are for information only; they were issued at press time, for the current year. Please note that due to exchange rates and temporary promotions, they can increase or decrease at any time. Contact your travel agent for the price and promotion of the moment. Prices include the contribution of customers to the Compensation Fund for clients of Quebec travel agents.
Japan – Free and Easy – Promotional flyer
Japan – Free and Easy – Promotional flyer
