Escorted Japan & Buddhist Temple Lodging
Japan in 9 Days • 7 Nights in Destination
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From
£ 1,899
/person
Trip Highlights
- Kyoto
- Mount Koya
- Osaka
- Tokyo
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers.
Activities
Some meals
Availability
Departures available until February 2024
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + £ 400
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Categories available
charm included
superior from + £ 700
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Categories Available:
charm
From £ 1,899
- 6 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels and 1 night accomodation in a Buddhist temple.
superior
From £ 2,599
- 6 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels and 1 night accomodation in a Buddhist temple
Accommodation: 7 Nights
Day 2 to 4
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shijo
Location
Kyoto
Category
Nights
2
Rating TripAdvisor travelers
The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Gran MS Kyoto , Hearton Kyoto, Hotel Elcient Kyoto, Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi, Hotel Mystays Kyoto Shijo
Itinerary
Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich heritage in this unforgettable adventure. The contrast between Tokyo’s dazzling and eclectic streets and Kyoto’s traditional atmosphere is truly unique. Couple this with the experience of gazing over Mt. Koya and spending the night and enjoying dinner in a Buddhist temple with monks in Osaka and you’ve got yourself the trip of a lifetime.
Prepare for an unforgettable journey across Japan, exploring its natural wonders and ancient traditions! Arrive at your departure airport, ready for a flight* to Osaka. Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Upon arriving at Osaka airport, you will be met by our representative who will talk you through your itinerary, provide helpful information and recommendations for your free time and assist you with your self-transfer to the hotel. Self-transfer or upgrade to private transfers* and check-in to your hotel in Kyoto. Once settled in, the rest of the day is at your leisure for you to start discovering the beauty of the cultural capital of Japan and all it has to offer. We recommend heading to one of the many food markets where you can sample an array of different dishes at bargain prices! Overnight stay in Kyoto.
**Private transfer upgrade: You will be able to add a private transfer upgrade in the next step of the booking process.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto... or similar
952 Reviews
See our full selection
Breakfast at the hotel. Set about a full day guided city tour of Kyoto via public transport where you’ll get to marvel at the city’s top sites. You can expect to visit Kiyomizu temple most known for its tall wooden balcony that offers an immaculate view over the city and park below which boasts colorful cherry blossoms in the spring and red maples trees in late fall. You’ll stop by Gion, the neighborhood where the Kiyomizu temple, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets are located. Take this opportunity to check out the many souvenir shops to get your hands on Japanese made products. Finally, you will make your way to Sanjusangendo temple, famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, revered in Buddhism for its association with mercy and compassion. Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto... or similar
952 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Full Day Guided City Tour of Kyoto
Moderate
See more
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you will be departing from Kyoto and heading to Mt. Koya by public transport accompanied by your guide. Upon arrival, take part in a fully-guided walking tour of Mt. Koya, the very center of Shingon Buddhism, introduced by Kobo Daishi, one of Japan’s most prominent religious figures. You will get to explore Okunoin cemetery, the country’s biggest cemetery and an important pilgrimage site inhabited by majestic cedar trees. You will then get a full access visit to Kongobuji temple, Mt. Koya’s most important place of worship as well as an outside-only visit of one of the oldest temples founded by Kobo Daishi, Danjo Garan. From here, check-in at the Buddhist temple lodging where you will get to experience first hand the life of a monk and enjoy a traditional vegetarian dinner. Overnight stay in Mt. Koya.
Important notice about Mt. Koya accommodation: Your overnight stay at the Buddhist temple includes a traditional Japanese style bedroom with futons only. There is no western style bedding available nor will you find ensuite bathrooms. Instead, bathroom facilities are located outside of rooms. Upon request during check-in, you can join early morning prayers and ceremonies. Following traditional Buddhist practices, both dinner and breakfast will be fully vegetarian meals.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Ekoin or similar
613 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Mt. Koya Half Day Tour
Moderate
See more
Vegetarian breakfast at the temple. This early morning, you will have the possibility to partake in traditional prayers and ceremonies with monks. Transfer to Osaka by public transport accompanied by your guide. Upon arrival, take part in a walking tour of the Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi areas, the very heart of the city of Osaka. While Shinsaibashi is known for being the city’s main shopping district, Dotonbori is where culinary magic happens; feel free to sample Osaka’s famous Takoyaki—a ball shaped octopus snack or Okonomiyaki—a delicious omelet-like pancake. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Take this time to fully delve into the rich culture of this vibrant city. Overnight stay in Osaka.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Fraser Residence Nankai O... or similar
1251 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Osaka Walking Tour
Light
See more
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Shin-Osaka station accompanied by your guide using public transport. You will ride the Nozomi bullet train to your next destination: Tokyo, the eclectic capital of Japan. Meet and greet with your guide who will accompany you during your time in the city. Later, embark on a half day guided city tour where you will get to visit the Imperial Palace Gardens, one of the most iconic sites in all of Japan, and take a stroll through the Ginza neighborhood, famous for its modern architecture and home to an array of luxury boutiques. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel or similar
482 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Half Day Guided City Tour of Tokyo
Light
See more
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day for you to spend as you see fit. Why not take this time to escape the city for some fresh air to the quiet seaside town of Kamakura or perhaps even take part in our optional day trip to Mt Fuji & Hakone*? Overnight stay in Tokyo.
*Optional day trip to Mt. Fuji & Hakone: Famous for its views of Mt. Fuji, you will begin your excursion at Lake Ashi where you will embark on the Pirate Boat Cruise for a brief boat trip around the scenic lake. From here, you will climb the Hakone Ropeway to visit Owakudani Valley, home of active volcanic activity, thermal springs and sulfurous fumes.
**Warning: Due to unpredictable weather, clear visibility of Mt. Fuji cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, activity day or schedule will not be rearranged to accommodate weather conditions.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel or similar
482 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Daytrip to Mt Fuji & Hakone
Moderate
See more
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another day at your leisure; spend the day exploring Tokyo’s stunning city-scape. Why not visit Odaiba Island’s high-tech entertainment hub or stroll around Shibuya and Shinjuku districts, soaking up the culture and sampling the cuisine. Alternatively, you can try your hand at the fascinating art of sushi-making by participating in a unique sushi master class* where you will learn the history and techniques behind the Japanese dish. Another option would be to take part in a tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market to truly get a taste of succulent Japanese cuisine. Overnight stay in Tokyo.
*Optional Sushi-Making Master Class: Enjoy this one-of-a-kind master class where you will learn about the history and etiquette behind the famed Japanese dish before preparing your own sushi meal and enjoying it right after.
**Optional tour of Ginza and the Tsukiji Outer Market: The Tsukiji Outer Market guided tour is your chance to fully immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine. Visit the impressive amount of street food stalls where you’ll get to wonder at the array of exotic delicacies and fresh fish delivered from Toyosu market, known as the world’s biggest fish market.
You can combine both activities and enjoy them on the same day.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel or similar
482 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Sushi Making Master Class
Light
See more
Tsukiji Market and Ginza tour
Light
See more
Sadly it's time to say goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun. Self-transfer or upgrade to private transfers to the airport for a flight* back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
**Private transfer upgrade: You will be able to add a private transfer upgrade in the next step of the booking process. For connections in Tokyo you will have to choose between Narita or Haneda airport transfers. Please check first your flight details before choosing
Included activities
Included activity for day 3 in Kyoto
Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:30 Approx
Physical rating:
Full Day Guided City Tour of Kyoto
Using public transport, become acquainted with the city’s most emblematic landmarks including the Kiyomizu temple, the neighborhood of Gion where Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets are located and the Sanjusangendo Temple.
Included activity for day 4 in Mount Koya
Duration 4:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Mt. Koya Half Day Tour
Visit the epicenter of Shingon Buddhism by exploring Okunoin cemetery, the biggest cemetery in Japan, and stop by Kongobuji temple, Mt. Koya’s most important place of worship before checking out Danjo Garan from the outside.
Included activity for day 5 in Osaka
Duration 01:30h . Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Osaka Walking Tour
Get to know the very heart of Osaka by visiting Shinsaibashi, the city’s main shopping district and Dotonbori where you can sample some of Japan’s best culinary offerings.
Included activity for day 6 in Tokyo
Duration 4:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Half Day Guided City Tour of Tokyo
Using public transport, familiarize yourself with the city’s iconic Imperial Palace Outer Gardens and Ginza, the neighborhood famed for its glitzy shopping scene.
Available Activities
Suggested activity for day 7
Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx
Physical rating:
Daytrip to Mt Fuji & Hakone
This one-day adventure includes boarding Lake Ashi's Pirate Boat Cruise, from which you will get unforgettable views to Mt Fuji, and visiting the volcanic Owakudani Valley after taking the Hakone Ropeway.
Suggested activity for day 8 in Tokyo
Duration 02:30h Approx. Pick up time: 10:30 Approx
Physical rating:
Sushi Making Master Class
Learn all there is to know about sushi; its history, the etiquette, how to prepare Nigiri and Temaki and sampling authentic wasabi before indulging in your very own sushi creations.
Suggested activity for day 8 in Tokyo
Duration 03:30h Approx. Pick up time: 00:00
Physical rating:
Tsukiji Market and Ginza tour
Saborea la gastronomía japonesa en este recorrido por los cientos de puestos de comida callejera del mercado de Tsukiji: desde manjares exóticos hasta deliciosas especialidades de marisco fresco.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
International flights: UK/Ireland - Osaka, Tokyo - UK/Ireland.
Nozomi class bullet train Osaka-Tokyo
6 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels and 1 night accomodation in a Buddhist temple. *
more informationSee hotels included7 breakfasts and 1 traditional Vegetarian dinner at the Buddhist temple.
Optional airport-hotel-airport transfers.
Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
See itineraryAll air taxes and fuel surcharge.
ATOL Protection
English-speaking guide for part of the trip
Not included
Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
A number of Japanese cities impose an accommodation tax, which must be paid directly to the hotel upon check-in.
Transfers from airport - hotel / hotel - airport are not included. You will need to self-transfer by bus/train/taxi. At the arrival day to Tokyo, our Meet & Greet representative will be waiting for you at the arrival lobby of the airport and will help you locate the best transfer option to your hotel. Alternatively, you can purchase an optional private transfer upgrade.
Private transfer upgrade: You will be able to add a private transfer upgrade in the next step of the booking process. For connections in Tokyo you will have to choose between Narita or Haneda airport transfers. Please check first your flight details before choosing.
* Non-smoking rooms: unfortunately, hotels in Japan have a reduced number of non-smoking rooms and we can not guarantee you will be allocated one in advance. Please note: double beds in Japanese hotels are not always the standard Western size and can sometimes be less wide.
Important notice about Mt. Koya accommodation: Your overnight stay at the Buddhist temple includes a traditional Japanese style bedroom with futons only. There is no western style bedding available nor will you find ensuite bathrooms. Instead, bathroom facilities are located outside of rooms. Upon request during check-in, you can join early morning prayers and ceremonies. Following traditional Buddhist practices, both dinner and breakfast will be fully vegetarian meals.
You will receive the exact Osaka - Tokyo bullet train journey details upon your arrival to Tokyo. We can't guarantee specific seat requests (aisle / window, etc).
Entry requirements
Valid passport with at least six months validity.
Visa
No visa is required.
Currency
Japanese Yen.
Language
Japanese.
Electricity
110 V. Adapter required.
Health
There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from the UK.
Time zone
UTC + 08:00 or UTC + 09:00.
Other useful information
You are not expected to leave a tip.
Tourist Office website
https://us.jnto.go.jp/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Exoticca Travel Stories
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We really enjoyed our trip to Japan
Before we left for Japan I was a little concerned that our holiday would probably be centred around cities but came to realise that the cities were excellent centres from which to plan a variety of day trips.
Pay in installments
60%
At time of booking
40%
60 days before departure
