Magical Japan tour with Travelmarvel – Save up to $2,000 per couple*
PP From
$6,995
Duration
13 days
Deal Type
Tour
Add Business Class flights to unlock an Exclusive Package discount
Travel stress-free on this magical Japan tour and experience all the highlights of a Travelmarvel tour.
😱 Save $2,000 per couple*
Experience the magic of Japan. Spend 12 days immersing yourself in the ancient wonders, coastal cities, and magical landscapes. Spot a geisha in Kyoto, experience local markets in Tokyo, see Mount Fuji and taste sake at a local brewery in Takayama.
In Matsumoto, enjoy a guided tour of a miso factory, indulge in an authentic sake tasting, experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and take part in a sushi-making class.
Geisha
Included Items
12 nights' premium accommodation
20 meals – 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners
Explore 10 towns, villages & cities
Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and local guides
Learn about all thing's sushi during a hands-on workshop after strolling through the Tokyo’s largest wholesale fish market
Step inside a miso factory and discover how this essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine is produced
Explore the coastal city of Hamamatsu and visit the fascinating Museum of Musical Instruments
Spend time in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan and discover the intriguing world of the Geisha and enjoy a tea ceremony
Tour Company
Travel Marvel
Tour Location
Asia
Deal Type
Tour
Map
Magical Japan
More Information
Itinerary Days 1-7 +
DAY 1 – TOKYO
Arrive in Tokyo, the dynamic capital of Japan. Your adventure begins with a welcome briefing, then head out to explore this diverse city – starting with the Meji Shrine, a tranquil Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest. Then head to the famed Harajuku, a trendy district known for its vibrant street fashion, quirky boutiques and youthful culture scene. Later, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local izakaya-style restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers.
Meals Included: Dinner
Stay: Two Nights, Tokyo, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
DAY 2 – TOKYO
This morning, drive around the expansive outer grounds of the Imperial Palace (where Japan’s imperial family reside). Pass other key institutions such as Tokyo Station on the way to Sensoji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple in Asakusa with a vibrant market street leading to its entrance. Later, visit Skytree and enjoy stunning views of the city. This afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish, you may like to join a Taiko drum experience or take part in a calligraphy workshop (both additional expense).
Meals Included: Breakfast
Shibuya pedestrian crossing
DAY 3 – HAKONE
Start your day with a visit to Tsukiji Market, a lively marketplace known for its fresh seafood, sushi restaurants and local food vendors. Explore the bustling stalls selling a variety of Japanese product and ingredients and discover why it is a popular destination for food lovers and tourists seeking an authentic culinary experience. After the market enjoy your Insider Experience.
Later, head to Hakone, a place of staggering beauty. At your hotel, you can opt to partake in a traditional onsen experience, a restorative communal bath, or enjoy the privacy of your en suite bathroom in your hotel room. Enjoy a banquet dinner at your hotel tonight.
Insider Experience — Sushi-making Class
Take part in a sushi-making class and learn how to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi) and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish) before savouring your creations for lunch.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Two Nights, Hakone Yumoto Onsen Tenseien
DAY 4 – HAKONE
Begin your day with a walk on part of the Old Tokaido road. Then, embark on a boat ride on Lake Ashi (also known as Ashinoko) a natural caldera formed after a major volcanic explosion some 3000 years ago. Then, transfer to a ropeway and cable car up to the top of Owakudani Geothermal Valley where you may catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji. After some time spent at Owakudani, head to the hotel to relax, if you like, you can take the opportunity to visit some of the museums and galleries dotted around Hakone on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hakone
DAY 5 – HAMAMATSU
Today, journey to Hamamatsu. First, visit the Hamamatsu Flower Park, a picturesque botanical garden showcasing a colourful display of flowers and seasonal blooms. Then, have a quick lunch and continue to the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments, lots of musical instruments from around the world are displayed. Then, head to the hotel to check in and relax in the evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Stay: Hamamatsu, Okura ACT City Hotel or similar
DAY 6 – NARA
Travel to Nara, which briefly reigned as capital of Japan. On the way, visit Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology to see developments in textiles and automobile technologies. Continue to Nara and visit Yakushiji Temple. With a 1,300-year history, the East Pagoda is the only wooden structure to have survived fires and other disasters at the temple since it was first built until today. Head to the hotel to check in and relax.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stay: Nara, Daiwa Roynet Hotel
DAY 7 – KYOTO
Visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most famous temples housing the huge, seated, bronze Buddha. Stroll through Nara Park, with its friendly wild deer that roam throughout the park and the city. Then, move on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital for over 1,000 years. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Walk along the impressive path framed by Torii gates which winds up through dense woods behind the main shrine complex. Later, enjoy your Insider Experience. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Insider Experience – Japanese Tea Ceremony
Delve into traditional Japanese culture during a special tea ceremony experience. Learn all about tea varieties and the importance and process of serving tea to guests in Japan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Two Nights, Kyoto, Noku Hotel
Kyoto women
Itinerary Days 8-13 +
DAY 8 – KYOTO
Today, explore UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji, otherwise known as the Golden Pavillion, a stunning Zen temple with a golden exterior, serene gardens and historical significance. Travel on to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the most photographed sites in the city. Explore Tenryuji temple with its beautiful garden and stunning backdrop.
Meals Included : Breakfast
DAY 9 – KANAZAWA
Make the coach journey this morning to Kanazawa, a historic city in Japan, famous for its Edo period districts, traditional tea houses, samurai residences and Kenrokuen Garden.
Once in Kanazawa, visit the district called Higashi Chaya, a place for geiko (the local name for geisha) to entertain wealthy merchants with music, dance, and games. The district’s traditional wooden buildings and lattice-work windows retain the atmosphere of their 200-year history. Today, many of these buildings function as cafes, restaurants, sweet shops, and craft shops, but some are still geiko teahouses nowadays. Then head to the hotel to check in.
Stay: Kanazawa, Amanek Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Geisha
DAY 10 – TAKAYAMA
Enjoy a free morning with the option of a Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden tour or a Gold Leaf Craft Experience. Then, journey to the alpine village of Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go offers a glimpse into rural Japan’s history and culture. The village is particularly beautiful in winter when covered in snow, creating a magical winter wonderland. Later, move on to Takayama, explore the old town area and try local sake. In the evening, you try Hida Beef at a local restaurant.
Enhance your Journey – Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden Visit
Witness one of Kanazawa’s key historic landmarks, Kanazawa Castle. Elements of the striking structure have been reconstructed after multiple fires over centuries. Its seamless restoration emphasises the heritage and importance the castle plays in Japan’s history. Be enchanted by Kenrokuen Garden’s splendour.
Enhance your Journey – Gold Leaf Experience
Learn about the process of producing this precious metal and discover tools used in Gold Leaf crafts. Staff will assist you in creating a personal item that you will be able to take with you once the workshop is over and keep as a unique souvenir of Kanazawa, the gold leaf capital of Japan.
Insider Experience – Sake Tasting
Japan is the birthplace of sake, a rice wine. It all began in the eighth century, within the Imperial Palace in Nara. Learn more about the drink’s history as you indulge in an authentic sake tasting and learn how sake is produced.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Two Nights, Tokyu Stay Hida -Takayama
DAY 11 – TAKAYAMA
Visit the Takayama Morning Market, a bustling and vibrant market featuring local produce, crafts and souvenirs. Get a taste of local life with this must-see cultural experience. Then discover the colourful local festive floats at the Float Museum, before heading to your Insider Experience. After this, enjoy your free afternoon.
Insider Experience – Sarubobo-Making Experience
Enjoy a Sarubobo-making workshop. An amulet particularly common in Takayama and the nearby Hida region, Sarubobo are red dolls with no facial features. Learn how to make the dolls and discover why these amulets are believed to bring good luck.
Meals Included : Breakfast
DAY 12 – MATSUMOTO & TOKYO
Depart early for Matsumoto. Famous for buckwheat soba noodles and Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’, a historic Japanese castle built in the 16th century. One of Japan’s oldest and most well-preserved castles, it’s black exterior and unique architecture make it a popular tourist attraction and symbol of Matsumoto. Explore inside the castle and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains from the top of its turret. Embark on your first Insider Experience before the journey back to Tokyo. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner celebrating your last night in Japan.
Insider Experience – Miso Factory Visit
Explore a miso factory, discovering how this traditional Japanese culinary staple is produced. Gain an insight into the authentic production of three-year fermented miso in wooden barrels and delight your tastebuds with dishes featuring the traditional soybean paste.
Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner
Gather for a Japanese Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers. Reflect on your amazing journey with new friends and plan your next adventure. A drink of your choice is included.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Shibuya, Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
Takayama
DAY 13 – TOKYO
After breakfast transfer to Haneda Airport for your onward journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Booking Terms & Conditions
Advertised price based on 27 April 2025 departure. Pricing per person is correct as of 30 December 2024 and includes the offer discount, subject to availability at the time of booking. Offers may be withdrawn or prices updated by the supplier at any time, so please enquire with our expert consultants for the latest pricing, terms and conditions. Single supplement may also apply. *Save up to $1,000 per person: Valid until 31 January 2025 or until sold out. The advertised offer is valid for new bookings only and a $1,000 per person non-refundable deposit must be paid within 7 days of booking. Final Payment due within 100 days prior to departure. Tour Code: JPT13
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey, experiencing both Rocky Mountaineer Goldleaf and Holland America Line's ms Koningsdam on this Scenic Icons of Western Canada & Alaskan Cruise tour.
Discover the stunning natural beauty of Japan and Taiwan with glittering seas, mountainous landscapes and traditional villages on this Scenic Eclipse 15-day luxury voyage.
Experience both Rocky Mountaineer SilverLeaf and the Inside Passage with Holland America Line on Travel Marvel's Reflections of the Rockies & Alaska Cruise.
