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Temples, torii and Edo-era histories in the Land of the Rising Sun
Japan is a country steeped in fascinating historic traditions and modern wonders, and this 12-day journey uncovers the highlights. Like the history, the country is varied and diverse – from the ancient once-capital of Kyoto to the wartime reminders in Hiroshima, the beautiful Edo-era city of Takayam to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. On this small group adventure, you'll gradually reveal the rich variety of the country as you visit temples, castles, shrines and holy mountains while mixing with locals and experiencing the real Japan. With a knowledgeable leader joining you each step of the way, come on this magical journey and experience all that Japan has to offer.
- Start
- Kyoto, Japan
- Finish
- Tokyo, Japan
- Destination
- Japan
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PCJJ
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 8 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Peregrine trips are now operated by Intrepid Travel
Why you'll love this trip
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Trace the steps of the Geisha around the alleyways of Kyoto’s atmospheric Gion district and visit a Zen Buddhism temple and hear about its practice while sipping green tea.
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There’s no better way to get around Japan than the country’s famous railway system. Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra-modernity as you zip from place to place with your included 7-day Japan Rail Pass.
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A visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park is a sobering but important experience for understanding the tragedies of Japan’s not so distant past.
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Stay in a ryokan hotel with indoor and outdoor onsens, taste regional specialities, explore local markets and perhaps stop by a sake brewery in Edo-era Takayama.
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Marvel at the city lights of Tokyo – one of the most extraordinary capital cities on the planet – with a full-day guided city tour and plenty of time for independent exploration.
Is this trip right for you?
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This trip can involve a lot of walking to see Japan's essential sights. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
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This trip travels primarily on public transport, as it is so efficient and convenient in Japan. Fast trains are used to move between cities, as well as some private and public buses. Be aware when packing for this trip that you will need to be able to carry your luggage on and off public transport, and to and from accommodations. In order to make travel on public transport easier, on some days we will forward your large luggage to our next destination, packing an overnight bag for that night’s stay.
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Your accommodation in Takayama is a Japanese ryokan hotel. Rooms are in traditional Japanese style with ensuite shower facilities. A shared onsen (Japanese traditional communal hot spring bath) is also available for guests.
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Renovation works on Miyajima's floating torii gate started in June 2019. During the renovation works, the torii gate is covered up under a partially transparent scaffolding. Furthermore, a bridge is being built on the left side of the gate (when viewed from the shrine) to aid the renovation works. A date for the completion of the renovation works has not been set yet, but the works are expected to take at least one year.
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Itinerary
Accommodation
- Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo-shinmachi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
- Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.We will organize to forward your luggage from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Hiroshima to Tokyo. Please ensure that you have an overnight pack for your valuables and essentials that you can bring with you for your two-night stay in Takayama.
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.
Accommodation
- Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo-shinmachi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo-shinmachi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
- Kyoto - Gekkei-kan Sake Brewery & tasting
Optional Activities
- Kyoto - Cooking Class - JPY6000
- Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY400
- Kyoto - Nijo Castle - JPY600
- Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
- Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple - JPY600
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo-shinmachi or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Nara - Todaiji Temple
- Nara - Kasuga Grand Shrine
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Today is a full day of activities, so be sure to bring a day pack with you with everything you require.Accommodation
- Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Himeji - Himeji Castle
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip
- Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Optional Activities
- Miyajima - Mt Misen Cable Car - JPY2000
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Renovation works on Miyajima's famous floating torii gate started in June 2019. During the renovation works, the torii gate is covered up under a partially transparent scaffolding. Furthermore, a bridge is being built on the left side of the gate (when viewed from the shrine) to aid the renovation works. A date for the completion of the renovation works has not been set yet, but the works are expected to take at least one year.Accommodation
- Takayama Ouan or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Our accommodation in Takayama is a Japanese ryokan hotel. Rooms are decorated in Japanese style with en suite shower facilities. A shared onsen (Japanese traditional communal hot spring bath) is also available for guests.As you travel on public transport for the next few days, we'll forward your big luggage to Tokyo while you take a smaller bag with you to Takayama. One piece of luggage is included in our luggage forwarding service. If you have extra luggage that you would like to be forwarded from Hiroshima to Tokyo, the cost will be around JPY 1800–2300, depending on the size. Your group leader will be able to advise the exact amount while on your trip.
Accommodation
- Takayama Ouan or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Takayama - Market visit
- Takayama - Hida Folk Village
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Tokyo - City tour
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
- Tokyo - Edo-Tokyo Museum - JPY600
- Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine - Free
- Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
11 breakfasts, 2 dinnersTransport
Bullet Train, Local train, Public bus, Subway, Taxi, BoatAccommodation
Hotel (9 nights), Takayama Ryokan Feature Stay (2 nights)Included Activities
- Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
- Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
- Kyoto - Gekkei-kan Sake Brewery & tasting
- Nara - Todaiji Temple
- Nara - Kasuga Grand Shrine
- Himeji - Himeji Castle
- Hiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip
- Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
- Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
- Hiroshima - Peace Museum
- Takayama - Market visit
- Takayama - Hida Folk Village
- Tokyo - City tour
- Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Hama Rikyu Garden

Essential trip information
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