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This 12 night Collette tour takes you on an exploration uncovering the ancient and modern Japanese culture. Japan slowly draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way. Multiple departures in 2025 & 2026.
Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan. 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. Delve into Kyoto, the marvellous cultural capital of Japan. Board the Shinkansen “bullet” train to travel to Hiroshima to visit Shrine Island and the Peace Memorial Museum. Absorb the beauty of the Golden Pavilion and the majesty of Nijo Castle. Japan slowly draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way.
All About Collette
You're not just going on tour; you’re having a travel experience!
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across hundreds of destinations across the world.
Family owned Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you must do is enjoy the adventure!
Why choose Collette Tours?
When Collette says guaranteed, we mean a guaranteed departure.
Family owned Since 1918
24/7 Emergency Services
Be immersed with fewer one-night stays and more 2 – 3 – 4 night stays.
5-Star Touring with 4-Star Plus Accommodation
Includes both the must-sees and unique local experiences - not one or the other.
Culinary Immersion dining at local restaurants unique to each region
Location, Quality & Uniqueness of Accommodation staying in a grand castle, picturesque villa, glass igloo, private yacht, safari lodge, French chateau and more.
*Advertised price based on per person twin share on 7 March 2025 departure, correct as of 18 October 2024.
Inclusions
13 day tour of Japan with Collette departing from Tokyo to Kyoto.
5 Handpicked Accommodations
18 Meals
Must See Inclusions
Visit 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.
Culinary Inclusions
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.
Cultural Experiences
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 - 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 - 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.
Stay: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3 – 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 - 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.
Stay: Odakyu Hotel de Yama Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 - 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 - 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 - 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 on to 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 – 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Kyoto - Tour Ends
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
Booking terms and conditions apply.
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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.
