Premium Japan
Snapshot
- 27 nights
- PHT Exclusive
- Package Holiday
- Tokyo to Kyoto return
- Departs 06 April 2025
From
$16,679*
per person twin share
BOOK NOW
Overview
Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan on this 27 night Phil Hoffmann Travel exclusive package from Tokyo return.
Starting your journey with a fully guided tour from Tokyo to Kyoto and let Japan slowly draw you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way. Learn the art of the tea ceremony and stand before the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple. Tour Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” for its black exterior. Taste legendary Hida beef and sip sake at a local brewery.
Enjoy 2 nights with plenty of free time to explore Osaka. Followed by an immersive Azamara cruise from Kobe to Tokyo, exploring Japan’s central coastlines onboard Azamara Pursuit, where every port of call promises a unique blend of history, tradition, and natural beauty, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Enquire within your nearest Phil Hoffmann Travel store. Click here for more information.
Inclusions
Inclusions
- 12 night tour from Tokyo to Kyoto
- 2 nights accommodation in Osaka
- 13 night cruise from Kobe to Tokyo
Tour Inclusions & Highlights
- 6 Handpicked Accommodations
- 18 Meals - 12 breakfasts, 6 dinners
- Visit Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa & Kyoto
- Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha, made famous by the movie Memoirs of a Geisha
- Visit multiple UNESCO sites including Shirakawa-go, Nijo Castle, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine and Hiroshima Peace Memorial
- Explore Takayama’s beautiful old town, nestled in the Japanese Alps
- Try your hand at the centuries-old art of the Japanese tea ceremony, gold leaf decorating and stenciling
- Travel by the famous Shinkansen bullet train
- Explore the famous Ginza District, the first Western-style shopping district in Japan where modern and history blends
- Enjoy a sake tasting at a local sake brewery followed by a Hida beef dinner
- Participate in a sushi-making class
- Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner with maiko show in Kyoto
Cruise Inclusions
- Variety of dining venues & room service
- Drinks, including alcohol, all day & night
- Tips & gratuities
- Exclusive cultural events
- Unlimited self-service laundry
- Visit Kochi, Hiroshima, Kitakyushu, Sasebo, Busan, Sakaiminato, Kanazawa, Niigata, Akita & Aomori
- Experience new cultures with onboard or onshore performances by locals, while enjoying cocktails and light snacks
Always Expected
- No hassle, no crowds
- Unique & iconic destinations
- Overnight stays
- Extended destination days
Upgrade to a Suite & Enjoy the Suite Life
Included Suite Amenities
- Luxurious cotton bed linens with duvet
- Terry bathrobes and slippers
- 24-hour room service
- Fresh-cut flowers
- Tote bag
- Use of umbrella
- Shoe shine-service
- Turndown treats
- Daily news bulletin
- Complimentary Internet*
- One free bag of laundry service per suite, each seven days
- Complimentary specialty dining
- Complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck
*Complimentary internet includes up to 240 minutes or 50% off the unlimited internet package.
Itinerary
Day 1 (6 April): Tokyo, Japan - Tour Begins
Welcome to Japan, the “Land of the Rising Sun." Begin in the electrifying city of Tokyo, where pop culture is turned all the way up and traditions are rich and long-kept.
Stay: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Day 2 (7 April): Tokyo
Begin the day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district. Visit the famous Buddhist temple, Senso-ji, the colourful temple famous for the red chochin (lantern) hanging at the entrance gate. Experience the long standing tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony, dating back to the 15th century. During your free time, explore the Nakamise Shopping Arcade and feel the energy of the oldest shopping street in Japan. Then, head to Tokyo National Museum to learn about the fascinating history and culture of Tokyo. The museum displays artwork and antiques from Japan and the surrounding area. Tonight, join your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner.
Stay: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3 (8 April): Tokyo
Amid a lush forest outside of Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Feel the excitement start to build as you pass by the grounds of the Imperial Palace and see the Niju Bridge, the well-known symbol of the Imperial Palace. Later, walk through Ginza, one of the most elegant and luxurious streets in the world, where modern landscape meets rich history. Enjoy shopping at some of the most renowned "department stores" in Japan.
Stay: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 (9 April): Tokyo - Hakone
Journey to the lakeside resort of Hakone, renowned for its hot springs. In the shadow of Mt. Fuji (UNESCO), this scenic town hugs the shorelines of Lake Ashi. Make a stop at Owakudani, located in an active volcanic zone. The Owakudani crater was created some 3,000 years ago, when Mt. Hakone erupted. Climb aboard the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial cable car descending from Owakudani for a breathtaking view* of Mt. Fuji. Next, take to the deep-blue waters of Lake Ashi on a cruise where you’ll see epic views of the local mountains before stopping in the charming town of Moto-Hakone. Tonight, experience a traditional kaiseki dinner.
Stay: Odakyu Hotel de Yama
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 (10 April): Hakone - Matsumoto - Takayama
This breathtaking day begins in Matsumoto at Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” because of its striking black exterior. Later, you’ll step back in time in the rural Edo-period town of Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps. Well known to the locals for its connection to sake, this is the perfect place to gather for a visit to one of Japan’s 200-year-old sake breweries. Afterward, experience a true Japanese epicurean treat – traditional rice wine paired with a special Hida beef dinner.
Stay: Takayama Green Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6 (11 April): Takayama
The ancient cultures of Takayama come alive this morning in the town’s historic district. Take a walk through the past and glimpse the 19th-century Jinya government building. Stroll through the morning market, a 600-year-old open air market with locally grown and produced products, located along the Miyagawa River. Circuit the winding streets, where the town’s traditional charms are preserved in the inns and houses. This afternoon, relish some free time to continue your exploration of Takayama on your own before enjoying a traditional multi-course ‘kaiseki’ dinner.
Stay: Takayama Green Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7 (12 April): Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa
Today, embrace the unique charms of Shirakawa-go (UNESCO). Hidden away in the mountain, this harmonious village is famous for its gassho-zukuri-style houses – thatched-rooftops designed to resemble two hands joined in prayer. Journey to Kanazawa, the origin of gold-leaf making since the 16th century. Visit the Geisha quarters of Kanazawa, the Higashi Tea district, and then onto the beauty of Japan’s most stunning gardens, where more than 25 acres of absolute beauty awaits you at Kenroku-En – Garden of Six Qualities.
Stay: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 (13 April): Kanazawa
Visit the Samurai district where we will enter the former home of the Nomuras, a wealthy samurai family who served the ruling Maeda family. Dive into the ancient craft of gold leaf making during a hands-on lesson in decorating your own lacquer box! In the centre of town, take in the action of the Omicho fish market before venturing out on your own to really immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s dynamic culture.
Stay: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 (14 April): Kanazawa - Kyoto
Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha for a tour of the most revered shrine of Inari. Follow the spectacular rows of orange torii (made famous in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha) that weave through the forest, leading you to the inner shrine. Then Kyoto awaits! The former Imperial capital of Japan is now one of the nation’s top cosmopolitan cities. At the same time, Kyoto’s connection with its past is strong; you won’t need to look far to see one of its 2,000 temples and shrines. Later, visit the Women’s Association of Kyoto in a traditional Kyoto town house. Here, delve into a wide array of enlightening Japanese activities, guided by your knowledgeable hostess. Sip different sakes, try your hand at making sushi, fold intricate origami shapes, and speak to your hostess about Japan, its culture, and women’s roles in this complex society.
Stay: Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 (15 April): Kyoto - Bullet Train - Hiroshima - Kyoto
All aboard the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima Island, or “Shrine Island” (UNESCO). Afterwards, head into Hiroshima city to visit the Peace Memorial Park, and pause to see the ruined Atomic Dome (UNESCO). Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. As this long and moving day comes to a close, return to Kyoto by the Shinkansen bullet train.
Stay: Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 (16 April): Kyoto
This morning, visit Kinkakuji (UNESCO), the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Stay: Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 (17 April): Kyoto
Today, visit the home of the first Shogun, Nijo Castle (UNESCO), and see intricate woodcarvings, wall paintings, and the Ninomaru Garden, designed by Kobori Enshu, a landscape architect and tea master. Next, learn about the ancient craft of stenciling during a hands-on lesson. This afternoon, spend some time relaxing or set out to explore Kyoto on your own. Fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture tonight during a special farewell dinner and maiko show.
Stay: Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13 (18 April): Kyoto (tour ends) - Osaka
Your tour comes to a close in this fascinating land. As you depart, reflect on its beauty and all you have learned about its rich history and culture.
Meals: Breakfast
Make your way to Osaka before checking into your hotel.
Day 14 (19 April): Osaka
Enjoy free time exploring Osaka
Day 15 (20 April) Osaka - Kobe
Check out of your hotel, enjoying free time in the morning and make your way to Kobe Cruise Terminal.
Embark Azamara Pursuit - Kobe (overnight)
Cruise starts 4.30pm
Day 16 (21 April): Kobe | Departs 8.00pm
Day 17 (22 April): Kochi | Arrives 8.00am Departs 5.00pm
Day 18 (23 April): Hiroshima | Arrives 8.00am Departs 10.00pm
Day 19 (24 April): Kitakyushu | Arrives 8.00am Departs 8.00pm
Day 20 (25 April): Sasebo | Arrives 8.00am Departs 6.00pm
Day 21 (26 April): Busan, South Korea | Arrives 8.00am Departs 10.00pm
Day 22 (27 April): Sakaiminato | Arrives 1.00pm Departs 8.00pm
Day 23 (28 April): Kanazawa | Arrives 9.00am Departs 6.00pm
Day 24 (29 April): Niigata | Arrives 8.00am Departs 6.00pm
Day 25 (30 April): Akita | Arrives 8.00am Departs 6.00pm
Day 26 (1 May): Aomori | Arrives 8.00am Departs 6.00pm
Day 27 (2 May): At Sea
Day 28 (3 May): Tokyo | Disembark 8.30am
*Itinerary is subject to change & availability.
Pricing
Departs | Club Interior | Club Oceanview | Club Veranda | Club Continent Suite |
---|---|---|---|---|
6 April 2025 | ||||
Twin Share | $16,679pp | $17,420pp | $19,085pp | SOLD OUT |
Solo pricing from | SOLD OUT |
*Advertised price is based on per person twin share and does not include transfers or flights, correct as of 14 June 2024.
* Term and conditions apply:
All pricing subject to change and availability.
Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies.
Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.