13 days: Shogun Discovery

• Tokyo: city tour (3 nights)
• Hakone (2 nights) - Ryokan
• Mt Fuji - Lake Ashi
• Bullet Trains
• Kiso (2 nights) Spa & Japanese style room
• Magome -Tsumago
• Hikone (1 night) - Ryokan
• Kyoto: (3 nights)
• Tea Ceremony
• Nara
• Fully Guided Small Group tour
• Quality Ryokans, Spa & Hotels
• Optional:Sumo Tournament & Geisha performance

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Tour Details at a Glance

Day 1
Depart from your preferred airport for your flight to Tokyo. Meals on board.

Day 2 Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo, where you are met by our driver and transferred to your centrally located hotel in Tokyo. The rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time difference.

Stay 3 nights at the highly regarded Villa Fontaine Shiodome Hotel.

Day 3 Tokyo (Breakfast at your hotel)
After breakfast in your hotel, meet your Tour Leader and profession Tour Guide who will look after you during your tour and travel with you throughout.

Today we explore Tokyo and our first stop is to the Tsukiji Fish Market which is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and famous for the tuna and sword fish trading which frantically takes place in the early mornings.

We then visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. The massive East gardens are part of the inner palace, designed during the Meiji era and include traditional Japanese gardens, tea-ceremony rooms, guard Houses and the stone remains of Edo Castle. Later we visit the Tokyo National Museum which contains many of Japans and Asia's most precious and historic sculptures, paintings and archaeological objects. Our Final stop will be Tokyo's most colourful and popular Buddhist Temples, the famous and bustling Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Return to our hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy free time in Tokyo. Your Tour Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.

Day 4 Tokyo (Breakfast at your hotel)

Today, we travel around Tokyo with our Tour Guide to explore more must-see sights of Tokyo. Our tour includes visiting the iconic Tokyo Government Office building, which provides some of the best views across Tokyo.

Afterwards we travel to the impressive Meiji Shrine which is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort. Pass through the huge Shinto Torii gates and take a leisurely walk in the peaceful forest leading to the Shrine, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo.

Later we explore Harajuku and Omotesando Districts of Tokyo which is the centre of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles where many teenagers dress up in crazy costumes to resemble animation characters and punk musicians etc. Harajuku and Omotesando also offers great shopping opportunities and historic sights to explore.

Afternoon is free for you to explore Tokyo on your own. As always, your Tour Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.

Tokyo's Sumo Tournament is held during May & September. If your tour departs within the tournament period, we can arrange your match tickets at various tickets seat prices. This is a great experience - Ask for details at time of booking...

Day 5 Tokyo - Hakone (Includes Breakfast & Japanese Buffet Dinner)
In the morning you are free to explore Tokyo before gathering in the hotel lobby at midday to meet your Tour Guide and transfer together to Hakone by express & local trains.

To make your train journey more comfortable we have arranged to transfer your large luggage directly to Hakone.

Upon arrival in Hakone, we take a short walk to our Ryokan and spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hot spring spa. Later we enjoy a traditional Japanese buffet dinner served in your Ryokan.

Accommodation is at the superb Tenseien Ryokan which offers gorgeous scenery and steamy hot springs. Tenseien Ryokan adjoins a beautiful garden which is home to two waterfalls and Tamadare Shrine, and is equipped with a variety of indoor and outdoor Onsen spa baths, including a large open-air bath on the roof. (Western style room)

Day 6 Hakone (Includes Breakfast & Japanese Buffet Dinner)
Enjoy Breakfast in your Ryokan. Today we explore the scenic areas of Hakone, which on a clear day provides great views of Mt Fuji. Together with our guide we take a Ropeway Ride to Owakudani and explore the volcanic Owakudani Valley. We then take a Ropeway Ride to Lake Ashi, where we board a boat to cruise the still waters of Lake Ashi. Later we visit the recently restored Hakone Sekisho, which was an important check point established by the Tokugawa shogun.

We return to our Ryokan in late afternoon and relax in the hot spring spa, before enjoying a buffet Dinner in your Ryokan.

Day 7 Hakone - Kiso (Includes Breakfast & Japanese Buffet Dinner)
Due to luggage restrictions on the Bullet train, we have arranged for each persons large luggage to be transferred by van directly to Kyoto in the morning (skipping Kiso & Hikone). Therefore prepare a small bag for your 3 nights stay in Kiso and Hikone.

Morning is free to relax in Hakone until our transfer with our Tour Guide to Odawara station for our Bullet train (Kodama) to Nagoya. We arrive at Nagoya and change trains for Nagiso and upon arrival transfer to our 'Onsen hot spring spa' Hotel. Buffet Dinner is served in your hotel.

Accommodation is in a Japanese style room at Hotel Kisoji with indoor and outdoor Onsen spa bath facilities.

Day 8 Kiso - Magome - Tsumago - Kiso (Breakfast & Japanese Buffet Dinner)
After Breakfast at your hotel we transfer to Magome by local bus and take a scenic walk along the old Nakasendo trail to Tsumago.

The two towns of Magome and Tsumago were once postal towns connected by the Magome - Tsumago Trail. The trail leads through the hilly countryside and passes right alongside the houses and fields of local residents and takes about 9km, 3hour walk to complete. This was a trail which formed part of the Nakasendo postal route between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).

The town of Magome has been beautifully restored in contrasts with the striking authenticity of neighbouring Tsumago. Tsumago is known today as one of the best preserved historical towns in Japan and walking along its car free streets is like stepping back in time to the early Edo Period, where Samurai walked the streets.

Dinner at Hotel Kisoji - Accommodation in Japanese style room with Tatami mats and futon beds.

Comfortable shoes are recommended for this days walking tour.

Day 9 Kiso - Hikone (Breakfast & Japanese Set Dinner)
Today we take the Kodama bullet train to Maibara via Nagoya. Upon arrival we transfer to our Ryokan in Hikone.

The small city of Hikone is located on the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake. In the afternoon we take a walking tour of Hikone visiting Hikone Castle, which unlike many castles in Japan is still of original construction, completed in 1622. The hilltop castle served as the seat of feudal lords until the end of the feudal age in 1868 and is one of only four castles in Japan designated as national treasure. Later we visit the beautiful Genkyuen Garden, which is a great example of a Japanese style landscape garden built on the grounds of Hikone Castle.

Return to our ryokan for dinner (Japanese set) Accommodation at Futabaso Ryokan in Japanese style room.

Day 10 Hikone -Kyoto (Breakfast)
After Breakfast we transfer to Kyoto by Private Coach where we enjoy a full day of sight seeing with our tour Guide. Our tour will include visiting the famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple) and Ryoanji Temple, which has Japan's most famous Zen rock garden.

We then have a great opportunity to experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony, where we learn about the traditions associated with this ancient ritual. Afterwards we transfer to our hotel on our private coach and leave our luggage before continuing our tour to visit the impressive Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji Temple).

Later we take a scenic walk along the Path of Philosophy which passes by many picturesque temples and shrines and follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. During early Spring the trees explode into colour, making this one Kyoto's most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots. Return to our hotel by local bus with our Guide.

Accommodation at New Miyako Hotel (or similar) - 3 nights

Day 11 -Kyoto (Breakfast)
Meet your guide after Breakfast and we travel to Nara by train. Upon arrival we enjoy a walking tour of the ancient capital city of Japan, Nara. Enjoy walking in the Deer Park and exploring the impressive Todaiji Temple and Great Buddha.

We leave Nara around midday and travel back to Kyoto for a city tour to visit Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle was commissioned by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. One of the most intriguing features is the "nightingale floors" designed to squeak like birds when anyone walks on them and designed to warn occupants of sneak attacks by Ninja assassins.

Later we visit the shopping district of Kawaramachi and Nishiki Food Market which is lined with over one hundred shops and restaurants, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". This lively market specialises in all things food related, like fresh seafood, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find Kyoto specialities including Japanese sweets, dried seafood and sushi.

Day 12 -Kyoto (Breakfast)
Today we join our guide for a morning walking tour of Kyoto to visit the impressive and must-see Kiyomizu Temple built perched on the hillside overlooking Kyoto.

We then walk though Ninnenzaka and Sannenzaka on one of Kyoto's most beautiful walks, which takes us down into the Gion area of Kyoto, famous for Geisha's. Enjoy walking down narrow streets lined with old wooden houses, traditional shops and restaurants.

On our way we will visit Kodaiji Temple located in a beautiful part of Kyoto sitting atop a hill. Built in 1605 the temple contains absolutely stunning Zen Gardens, bamboo grove, tea houses and is one of the most beautiful Zen temples in Japan.

Afternoon is free for you to explore Kyoto on your own. As always your Tour Guide can advise on places to visit, or good places to eat.

*** Complete your Japan experience with our 'Optional' Geisha Special Dance & performance by an authentic Geisha and Maiko - Ask for prices & details***

Day 13 -Kyoto (Breakfast)
Today we say Sa-yo-na-ra. Transfer by Airport shuttle service to Kansai Airport for your departure flight homewards.

Tour Price - £2540 per person based on Twin share

Arrival Date in Tokyo	Special Tour Details	Tour Status
23rd March	Spring Blossom *	Available
30th March	Spring Blossom *	Available
6th April	Spring Blossom *	Available
13th April	Spring Blossom *	Available
11th May	Sumo Tournament	Available
14th September	Sumo Tournament	Available
12th October	Autumn Leaves *	Available
19th October	Autumn Leaves *	Available
2rd November	Autumn Leaves *	Available
9th November	Autumn Leaves *	Available

*** Arrive date in Tokyo is Day 2, Departure date from UK and any other western countries is usually the day before, ie day 1***

Buy your flight tickets Now and save £££s on your holiday! (Flight Prices from £550pp incl TAX)

Price Includes (The prices shown above are 'per person')

• Driver meeting service and airport to hotel transfer on arrival.
• Experienced professional English speaking Tour Guide/Tour Leader from Day 3 to 12, who will accompany you throughout your tour.
• Quality selection of hotels and superb Ryokans with spa facilities.
• All transfers and entrance fees included.
• Daily Breakfast, 5 Evening Meals.
• Free large luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo to Hakone & Hakone to Hikone (1 piece per person). Prepare a small overnight bag to carry with you in Kiso.
• No hidden extras, all entrance fees & transport included.
• Guided tours by private coach, trains and public transport all included.
• Airport transfer on departure.

Price Does Not Include

• International flights - These can be provided with Full ATOL Protection
• Optional tours. Sumo Tournament tickets & Geisha Dance tickets.
• Travel Insurance.

Why choose to travel with Magical Japan?
As a specialist Tour Operator providing tours to Japan for nearly 10 years, we have the expertise & experience to ensure you have a magical holiday. By travelling with Magical Japan on our small group guided tours, we can ensure you see the true beauty and culture of Japan.

About our Small group Tours?
Our small group tours are designed to ensure you have the best holiday and cultural experience possible. All entrance fees and transfers are included, with no hidden extras. We even include separate luggage transfers between hotels as luggage space on trains is limited and carrying large luggage is difficult. This enable you to relax and enjoy your transfers as well as your tours. Leave your large luggage at the designated areas in the morning of luggage transfers.

Transport will be by train, including Bullet train, private coach and public transport (all included in the tour price). The tour involves some walking and therefore reasonable level of fitness is required, however it is suitable for all ages.

Our tour is arranged on a small group basis, average 6-8 people per group, as we feel this gives our travellers more flexibility and enjoyment. By reducing the group size our experienced guide can show you the true beauty of Japan.

Our itineraries are designed at a sensible pace with a combination of escorted sightseeing and some free time. The tour price is calculated based upon a minimum of 6 travellers in 1 group. In the unlikely situation where the number is less than 6, we will either offer an alternative date which is as close to the original departure date as possible, or travellers can pay for a private tour.

Flights If you require international flights, as an agent for many airline consolidators, we can obtain flights in various classes with reputable airlines such as ANA, BA, Virgin, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair etc. For the cheapest deal we recommend you book your international flights at time of booking, as this can save you pounds off your final holiday price. Full ATOL Protection Available.

Your Accommodation for this tour Please refer to the itinerary for hotel and Ryokan names and details. Our superb choice of hotel and Ryokan accommodation are all well tested and in good locations, with great facilities. We are confident of our quality and selection and many of our Hotels & luxurious traditional Ryokans include Onsen (Hot Spring spa facilities) and all provide excellent dining experiences. Click here to understand more about Ryokans & Onsens. Western rooms in Ryokans can be provided if requested at booking stage (Subject to availability). Hotel selection is sometimes dependant upon room availability at time of booking, particularly during festival periods.

*Cherry Blossom blooming and Autumn leaf changing periods are both natural events occurring over relatively short duration's and are affected by seasonal variations and climate. Therefore they can not be 100% guaranteed at time of your visit. Historically the peak cherry blossoms viewing typical in Japan is late March & early April and autumn leave changing mid to late October to early to mid November.

Our itinerary is designed according to the most up to date information available at the time. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. In regards to expected transfer times and train times these may vary as they are subject to schedules and availability controlled by the various railway companies. It is extremely rare that itineraries ever need changes and we will always act in your best interest to handle any amendments if this did occur. However we reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary if required, for example occasionally the tour sequence and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.