Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of Japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people.

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of Japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people.
(Smaller group departure available)

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget.

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel Japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation.

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Japan by Rail Private Journeys Tour Code: GTQ419296 41 reviews

The Golden Route Japan Private Tour

7 days 6 nights

from USD $3598.00

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Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Nara

This tour will take you through Japan’s famous Golden Route, showcasing must-see sites for any itinerary as well as a few hidden gems to make your tour unique. Enjoy the tried and true itinerary below to see the best parts of Japan in a short period of time. Alternatively, you can customize the itinerary below to match your interests and create the perfect trip for you. This itinerary includes a private transfer from Narita or Haneda Airport to your hotel on the first day and transportat... View More

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Tour Information

Japan by Rail Private Journeys

Deposit

We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure

What's included

5 nights Western style and 1 night Japanese style accommodation
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Public transportation between destinations in Japan
Ordinary class Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Odawara to Kyoto
Local guides in each city
Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Kyoto

Meals

Breakfast everyday
1 dinner

Admission fees and activities

All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary.

What's NOT included

International Airfares
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills

Additional Information

Transport

Shinkansen bullet train, local trains, subways and local buses.

Arrival Departure Airports

For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM).

Meal Requests

Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged

Meet and Greet

Private airport transfers on arrival included

Itinerary In Brief

Day1 Arrive in Tokyo
Day2 Tokyo
Day3 Tokyo - Hakone
Day4 Hakone - Kyoto
Day5 Kyoto
Day6 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
Day7 Tour ends

Click here for detailed itinerary

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport

Upon arrival, proceed through customs and meet your driver just outside the exit gate, they will be holding an “All Japan Tours” sign for easy visibility. Proceed to your hotel by private car. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be free for leisure.

Hotel Century Southern Tower or similar class

Day 2

Tokyo

Meet your guide in the morning and traverse through Tokyo’s pristine public transportation system. Firstly, you can visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. You can also explore the Nakamise Market, which is located just after the temple's outer gates. This is a traditional-style shopping street with several centuries of history. Afterward, you may visit the Edo Tokyo Museum which exhibits life size replicas as well as miniature models of structures as they were during Japan’s Edo period. You can then enjoy the natural atmosphere of the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Stroll through the Takeshita district of Harajuku and surround yourself with fascinating shops and the latest fashion trends. Harajuku is especially known for its more eccentric fashions, but cute and conventional items can be purchased here as well. Not in the mood for shopping? Not to worry – Harajuku also is a great place for people watching!

Breakfast

Hotel Century Southern Tower or similar class

Day 3

Tokyo - Hakone

Travel with your guide from Tokyo Shinjuku station to Hakone by way of Japan’s famously efficient transit system. You will travel on the Romancecar limited Express. In Hakone, you will have many opportunities to view Mt. Fuji, if the weather is in your favor. Upon arrival, you may board a Lake Ashi Cruise where you can enjoy and appreciate Hakone’s natural scenery. Take a 20-minute ropeway ride from Togendai to Owakudani. Along the ropeway, weather permitting, there will be great views of Mt. Fuji in the distance. While in Owakudani, visitors will have the chance to experience hot springs and sulfurous fumes along the trails of an active volcanic zone. After your tour, you will arrive at your Japanese-style hotel, known as a Ryokan. Here, you can experience a traditional Kaiseki dinner and enjoy the Onsen hot spring bath.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel or similar class

Note: We will ship your large luggage from Tokyo to your hotel in Kyoto. Please pack your essentials for 1 night in a small bag to carry with you to Hakone.

Day 4

Hakone - Kyoto

From Hakone, make your own way to Odawara station by shuttle bus and board a bullet train to Kyoto. Bullet train tickets will be included and directions will be provided beforehand. Upon arrival at Kyoto station, you will be free for leisure. If you prefer, you may also add items to your itinerary such as a visit to a traditional wooden townhouse to learn about Kimono, Green Tea Ceremony, Origami, Calligraphy, or the art of Ikebana.

Breakfast

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Day 5

Kyoto

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and tour the ancient city of Kyoto which served as the capital of Japan for nearly 1,000 years. One popular site is the Golden Pavilion which is covered in 18 carat gold leaf. This three-story structure was originally built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. You can then visit Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site and a perfect architectural example of castles from the feudal era of Japan. Tour Kiyomizu-dera, a famous temple in Japan that is best known for its large wooden stage that overlooks a hillside of natural scenery. End your day in the Gion Geisha District, where the streets are lined with ochaya (teahouses), exclusive establishments where guests are entertained by Geisha and Maiko. As you have the freedom of a private tour, you may choose to add extra activities to your itinerary such as Zen meditation in a temple with local monks or a Kaiseki dinner with a Geisha performance.

Breakfast

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Note: Depending on the number of additions made to the itinerary, extra days may be added to accommodate your wishes.

Day 6

Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

This morning, you may see Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its trail of thousands of torii gates leading up the mountain. Hop onto the local trains once again with your guide as you make your way to Nara to visit Isuien Garden. This is a traditional Japanese Garden with a scenic view structured using “shakkei” or borrowed scenery, fusing the background with the trees within the area. You can then visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and a landmark of Nara, Todaiji Temple. Just outside the temple, interact with the wild deer of Nara Deer Park. There are special deer crackers available at every corner of the area. You may also want to add a Bamboo Chasen (tea whisk) making experience to this day to further your understanding of traditional Japanese culture and crafts.

Breakfast

Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar class

Day 7

Tour Ends

After breakfast, you will be free for leisure. You may make your own way to Osaka Kansai Airport via Haruka Express Train – train tickets included.

Breakfast

Note: If you would like the private airport transfer to be included, please contact us for the arrangements.

Destinations

Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Nara

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