Enchanting Japan

Escorted Tour

Enchanting Japan

Itinerary Inclusions Highlights Extensions Stopovers Testimonials FAQs Trip Notes

APT Escorted Tour

Delivering the ultimate luxury holiday experience, you will discover the true essence of each fascinating destination in comfort and style.

Traverse the highlights of Japan in style on a luxury 12-day holiday. Experience the iconic wonders of Tokyo before admiring the beauty of Hakone and the culture of Takayama and Kanazawa. Finish in Kyoto, where you’ll take part in a tea ceremony and enjoy a private dinner with a maiko or geisha.

Route

TokyoOsaka

Travel Information

12 Days Escorted Tour

Trip code JA12

Itinerary

To view the itinerary in greater depth, simply click on your preferred day from the interactive list to unveil its details. Discover daily activities, immersive experiences and insider local tips that make your travel unforgettable.

Tokyo to Osaka

12 days / 11 night Escorted Tour

Day 1

Arrive Tokyo

Day 2

Tokyo

Enhance Your Journey

Day 3

Tokyo

Signature Experience

Day 4

Tokyo, Hakone

Day 5

Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama

Signature Experience

Day 6

Takayama

Signature Experience

Day 7

Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

Enhance Your Journey

Day 8

Kanazawa, Tsuruga, Kyoto

Signature Experience

Day 9

Kyoto

Day 10

Kyoto

Signature Experience

Day 11

Kyoto, Nara, Kyoto

Signature Experience

Day 12

Kyoto, Depart Osaka

Coach/Vehicle

Rail

Stay/Stop name (no. of nights)

Trip Inclusions

Discover the inclusions provided on your all-inspiring tour, ensuring a stress-free journey where every detail is taken care of.

11 nights' luxury accommodation

Locally inspired dining – a total of 23 meals

Experiences in nine destinations

Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations

Services of an APT Tour Director

Return airport transfers, most porterage and gratuities

Private air-conditioned coach

Bullet train/limited express train from Kanazawa to Kyoto

Tour Highlights

These exclusive or unique experiences are thoughtfully curated to take you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. What's more, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to a regular traveller. The following highlights are just a taste of what we have prepared, especially for you.

A plate of handrolled sushi showcasing the beauty of vegetarian options. The rolls are filled with a medley of fresh and crunchy vegetables like vibrant bell peppers, crisp carrots, and

An anonymous Asian female chef preparing sushi on a bamboo mat at home.

Sushi-Making Class

Take part in a sushi-making class and learn how to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi) and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish) before savouring your creations for lunch.

Hand holding a Sarubobo doll in a shop. Japanese amulet in the town of Takayama in Gifu, Japan.

Sarubobo-Making Experience

Enjoy a Sarubobo-making experience. An amulet particularly common in Takayama and the nearby Hida region, Sarubobo are red dolls with no facial features. Learn how to make the dolls and perhaps find some good luck yourself.

a japanese woman shows the tea ceremony during a public demonstration

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Delve into traditional Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony and kimono-wearing experience. Learn all about tea varieties and the importance and process of serving tea to guests in Japan.

Japanese Maiko or geisha in red kimono coifed hair brooch with patterns of red and white plum blossoms

Traditional ramen with jerked pork or chicken. With udon or ramen noodles. Served in classic bowls. Gyoza dumplings and mushrooms in the background. Natural wooden background.

Dinner with a Maiko or Geisha

A special night of private entertainment with a maiko or geisha awaits. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and drinks and have the chance to learn more about the geisha and their daily life, all accompanied by music played on a shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument.

A clerk holding up a sheet of Kanazawa wagasa, or Kanazawa gold leaf, an extremely thin sheet of gold used to cover other objects to give them a golden appearance.

A craftsman demonstrating Kanazawa Wagasa, a traditional Japanese method of gold leaf.

Gold Leaf Making Experience

Relish a gold leaf-making experience by decorating a small lacquer plate with this fragile and precious fine-layered gold, carefully applying each delicate sheet to create a stunning surface that embodies both artistry and craftsmanship. The process is a meditative journey, where precision and patience transform the plate into a radiant, luxurious work of art.

Trip Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your cruise. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

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APT

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APT

Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul, Korea. Cheonggyecheon stream is the result of a massive urban renewal project.

Trip Alternatives and Extensions

More days means more to discover - with trip alternatives encompassing exciting cities and different regions, to trip extensions you can add before your escorted tour.

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APT

What our customers are saying

Our Tour Director was amazing! Her personality, organisation and professionalism made the experience outstanding. She made this trip for us.
Kevin - KA10

Midori was an excellent leader, knowledgeable and always happy to go the extra mile for us. We could not have asked for a better tour director.
Alexandra - JA17

Very pleased to see authentic Japanese food - too often on tours the food is "Westernised". Well designed and executed itinerary - tour director was great at optimising the schedule to meet local conditions (traffic, crowds, etc) to maximise the experience.
Graeme - JA17

Nobuko went about and beyond to ensure everyonein our group got the most out of our experience in Japan. Her knowledge, care & support are excellent, best tour guide we have had.
Gregory - JA17

This is the kind of APT tour that we have come to know and love. It is because of this wonderful Japan tour that we have now decided to book our next New Zealand holiday with APT next year.
Suzie - JAS26

Midori had an amazing knowledge of everything we saw along the way. They had a happy outlook, with nothing too much to ask.
Lesley - JAS26

We very much enjoyed learning more about Japan and its people who are very kind, helpful and honest.
Mary - JAS26

A most enjoyable tour where we made friends during the tour. Once again, Midori was great, thanks.
Trevor and Calnon - JAS26

Our tour director Nobu was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and informative about her country, with a good sense of humour. She was very caring and considerate, especially for people with mobility issues or illness.
Peter and Mary - JAS26

This was a truly outstanding trip in every way.
Henry and Megan - JAS26

Japan Tours - Frequently Asked Questions

Trip Notes

Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
Prices include airport transfers to and from Haneda Airport and gratuities
Surcharge applies for transfer to and from Narita International Airport
Flights to arrive by 4pm on Day 1 of the tour
Double beds are limited within hotels in Japan and are on a request basis
Cherry Blossom season in Japan usually lasts from late March to May, however due to changeable weather, blooms cannot be guaranteed
Prices are for land/rail only. International Flights are not included unless specified

Enchanting Japan

Enchanting Japan