11 Day Best of Japan
Small Group Tour
Relaxed Itinerary
7 Day Change Of Mind
Return Flights Included
Day by Day Itinerary
Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama
Highlights
- Return flights included
- Incredible sightseeing including breathtaking in Tokyo, Kyoto, Kanzawa and Kanazawa.
- 9 nights accommodation in central 3 star accommodation
- Daily breakfasts
- Private guided tours in Tokyo and Kyoto
- Included bullet train transfers between cities
- Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- 24 hours, 7 day Support
Itinerary
Tokyo
Konichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo – Japan!
Upon arrival at the airport, after passport control and baggage reclaim, transfer to Tokyo, the current capital. Assistant in English available from the airport to the hotel to help validate the Japan Rail Pass, for information and check-in once you arrive at the hotel. Airport-hotel transfer by public transport. Telephone support for the duration of the stay.
Assistance upon arrival and transfer could be shared with other tour participants.
Meals: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Tokyo
After breakfast, you will have a full day dedicated to the visit to Tokyo with an English-speaking guide.
The first stop is the museum of Hokusai, a symbolic artist of Japan, who has lived in Tokyo for all his long life. Then we will take you to visit the characteristic Asakusa district, Senso-ji Temple, the oldest in the city, and the long Nakamise-dori boulevard with its traditional shops. The visit proceeds with a walk outside the Imperial Palace, with the famous Nijubashi bridge, and in the elegant Ginza district, and then ends at the Bunkyo Civic Center, a skyscraper with a viewing platform from which to enjoy a splendid view of the megalopolis.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Tokyo - Optional tour Kamakura & Hakone visited.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Today, you have free time at leisure or buy an optional tour as suggested.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Optional Tour: Kamakura & Hakone visited
Full-day guided tour in English. Depart for Kamakura and visit the famous Great Buddha, the monumental statue originally housed in the Kotokuin temple that has stood alone under the Kamakura sky since 1495, when the temple was destroyed by a tsunami; and then to the Hasedera Temple, with its splendid garden full of hydrangeas and colorful flowers. In the afternoon, an excursion to the natural beauty of Hakone, from which the majestic Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance (weather permitting). Visit to the sacred Hakone Shrine and the ‘boiling’ valley of Owakudani.
Tokyo 
Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, departing independently for Kyoto by shinkansen train (2nd class reserved seats), arriving at Kyoto Station in the early afternoon. Meeting with an English-speaking guide at the hotel lobby and departing for the city tour of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. The visit will touch on the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the city’s iconic temple made famous by the novel by the writer Yukio Mishima, and will continue with the Ryoanji Temple, famous for its rock garden whose elements are arranged in such a way that they can never be seen all at once. On the way back, stroll through the ancient Gion district, known for its tea houses and the maiko, would-be geishas, who are occasionally seen wandering its alleys.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or similar
Remark: Luggage will be transported separately to Kyoto by courier (Luggage will arrive the next day, please remember to pack an overnight bag). It is recommended not to carry bulky luggage with you in order to be able to continue with the guided tour in the afternoon.
Kyoto - Optional tour Nara & Fushimi visited.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day free at leisure or you can buy an optional tour as suggested.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or similar
Optional Tour: Nara & Fushimi visited.
Full day sightseeing tour of Nara in English. Visit Todai-ji, a temple housing the Great Buddha, one of the world’s largest bronze statues, and the large Shinto shrine Kasuga, surrounded by some 10,000 lanterns. Both buildings are located in Nara Park, where numerous deer live in semi freedom. Return to Kyoto, stopping en route at the Fushimi Inari Taisha to admire its endless red portals. Meals not included. Return to the hotel.
Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day dedicated to visiting Kyoto.
A visit to the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple and the Sanjusangen-do, a building housing 1001 wooden statues of the Bodhisattva Kannon, is recommended. Alternatively, you can visit places using the rechargeable IC card, not far from Kyoto such as Uji, famous for green tea and the UNESCO Byodo-in heritage temple, or Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. Then return to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or similar
Kyoto Kanazawa
Breakfast at your hotel.
Full day without assistance. Departure for Kanazawa by express train (2nd class) using the Japan Rail Pass (approx. 2.5 hours). In Kanazawa, we recommend a visit to Kenroku-en Park, considered one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan; the Omicho-ichiba market, renowned especially for its fish products; and the Nagamachi Yuzenkan, where splendid kimonos made of Kaga Yuzen silk, the traditional technique of the area, are on display.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Kanazawa New Grand Hotel 3* or similar
Please note:
– Luggage will be transported separately to Tokyo by courier
– Please remember to prepare hand luggage for the two overnight stays in Kanazawa and Takayama.
Kanazawa Takayama
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day without assistance. Departure from Takayama by fast shinkansen train (2nd class) to Toyama (approx. 0.5 hours) and then by express train (2nd class) to Takayama (approx. 1.5 hours), using your Japan Rail Pass. In Takayama, we recommend a visit to the Sanmachi-suji district, the heart of the old town, strolling among saké factories and characteristic houses converted into craft shops. Traditional dinner at the ryokan included.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hoshokaku Hotel 3* or similar
Takayama Nagoya Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel. Full day without assistance. Before leaving for Tokyo, we suggest a walk through the morning market in Takayama. Departure by express train (2nd class) to Nagoya (approx. 2.5 hours). You may stop for lunch in Nagoya, famous for its grilled eel (unagi). You will continue on to Tokyo by HIKARI (2nd class) shinkansen fast train (approx. 2 hrs).
You will always use your Japan Rail Pass for trains.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar
Tokyo 
Home
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport unassisted using the Japan Rail Pass if active or by limousine bus depending on public transport availability (separate fee). Departure from Narita / Haneda Airport.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: On Plane
Home
Arrive at your home today and we hope you enjoyr your trip with Asia Vacation Group.
Included
- Return flights included
- 3-star hotel accommodations and breakfast in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability)
- All local boat rentals as mentioned in the program
- Water bottles during tours
- Bullet train transfers between cities
- Air-conditioned transportation
- All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
- Local English speaking guides in Japan.
- 24/7 Support
Excluded
- Meals and drinks are not mentioned in the program
- Tipping for driver and tour guide (suggestion: 10AUD/pp/day)
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you hold a valid travel insurance policy for all domestic and overseas travel)
- Trip delay or interruption by airline schedule change
- Extra cost or missing tour caused by flight delay or cancel
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
Asia Vacation Group offers you a “Instalment Payment Plan” by 3 steps, you will be required to settle a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you select to book your departure tour
- First payment: You will be required to settle $300 per person deposit online through our website link.
- Second payment: You will be required to settle second payment at $2,000 per person with after 7 days.
- Final balance: Final payment will be collected at 120 days before your travel and you will only pay when you receive our company invoice.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
This package includes international flights from Sydney/Melbourne and surcharge from Adelaide/Brisbane/Perth.
Interstate Surcharge
Surcharge of $400 for departures from Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth
In this packages, we will use some different airlines such as: Malaysia Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airllines or similar (20/23kg for checked baggage per passenger and 7kg hand luggage per passenger, 01-piece check-in baggage).
- Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
- All tickets will include 23 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
- Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
- Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Asia Vacation Group change fee of $250 per person.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Asia Vacation Group name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler’s expense.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
- After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Asia Vacation Group. Asia Vacation Group reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer’s invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
- Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in.
- If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability.
- You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
- In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Asia Vacation Group will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline’s policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
FINE PRINTS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing the Travel Insurance package as soon as you pay the deposit for a piece of mind. Please refer to Travel Insurance for further information.We have partnered with nibTravel Insurance to offer you competitive rates for your travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply to arrange your policy.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Please be advised that tipping for tour guides, drivers and bellmen are required and will be collected by your travel consultant 7 days before you depart. A gratuity of 10AUD per person/day can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry as they have done an impeccable job to serve you through your holiday.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1,150 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size: from 2 persons
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
Australian passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Japan, for stays less than 90 days.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Cherry Blossoms
Please note that Cherry Blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
Luggage Policy:
1 Passenger is limited to carrying a maximum of 2 Suitcases with following Dimensions;
1 Suitcase having measurement of L 51 cm x W 31 cm x H 77 cm, with maximum weight 30 KG
1 Common Carry on Cabin Suitcase having L 38cm x W 23cm x H 60cm, with maximum weight of 10kg
Extra Charge for transfers is needed for any overweight and over quota luggages
How to Extend Your Stay
If you want to request your early arrival or extended departure, you are able to request the pre & post tour accommodation below:
Pre Tour Accommodation
$360 per room, per night
Post Tour Accommodation
$360 per room, per night
Please select the number of extra nights required in the ‘Additional Nights Accommodation’ field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
Wide variety of well priced Tours of Asia. I found the Tours available to choose
Our holiday was an amazing experience we enjoyed the scheduled tours all were very interesting.
We were very happy and had no problem at all when booking
This is the 2nd time that I have booked with Asia Vacation
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