1 Week Essential Tour - Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Japan Travel Packages Tour Map - 1 Week Essential Tour (JapanTravelPackages.com)

1 Week Essential Japan

7 Nights  (from US $1,778)

Start: Tokyo - End: Tokyo | Standard Class

Upgradeable / Downgradable: Yes | Leave Anytime: Yes

Notice

I have temporarily discontinued my Small Group Tours because of the popularity of my Day Tours & Private Custom Tours. In the future I may offer Small Group Tours again but for now I can offer only Day Tours & Private Custom Tours. If you would like to start a conversation about Day Tours or a Private Custom Tour to Japan please submit my Inquiry Form. Feel free to inquire about any desires you may have and want to experience in Japan.

Destinations

Tokyo - Matsumoto - Takayama - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Tokyo

Trip Highlights

  • Experience the super city of Tokyo and historical Matsumoto, Kanazawa & Kyoto.
  • Stay at upper scale hotels and experience very nice traditional Japanese Inns where you can soak in a Hot Springs Bath and enjoy traditional meals.
  • Explore Japan's most famous Castle, "The Black Crow", one of only 3 remaining "original" castles in Japan.
  • Experience the quaint and famous town of Takayama and a nearby folk village of old and traditional Japanese Style farmhouses.
  • Walk in Gion, the traditional "Geisha District" of Kyoto and maybe catch a glimpse of these elusive beauties.
  • Ride the famous Bullet Train (more commonly known as the "Shinkansen") and whisk by magnificant Mt. Fuji.

Description

This tour was planned after receiving many requests from busy professionals who only had a week vacation time to spend in Japan. Yes, it is a "quick moving" tour as you will be travelling around 2 or 3 hours a day on reserved seating trains and changing accommodations daily but you will be able to so some great sights and stay at some wonderful Japanese Style lodgings.

Click Here for More Details

Pricing

From USD Per Person, Double Occupancy.

2 people

$1,778

3 people

$1,554

4+ people

$1,443

From USD $2,396 Single.

Please read our important page on "Japanese Accommodations"

The displayed "Price" is a close estimate of the actual tour cost. We update our currency exchange rates and tour costs on a regular bases but the displayed price may vary (up or down) from what is shown. Final pricing for the tour will be calculated based on the exchange rate and tour costs at the time of tour booking.

Singles: Single rooms are available at Western-style hotels, but at Japanese Inns they do not have "single" rooms and you will either need to share with a member of the same sex (if possible) or pay for a "Double" room.

Tour Class

Standard - Click here for detailed information.

Min/Max Group Size

Max Group Size: 12

Accommodation Class

Standard - Generally "Business Hotel" level (if your an American think "Hotel 8" or "La Quinta Inn") with your own room and bathroom.

Note: Accommodations listed in the itinerary below can, in the case of unavailability, be substituted by an equivalent class hotel.

No matter what the "Accommodation Class" all accommodations in Japan are very clean. Shoestring, Budget & Standard class accommodation rooms tend to be smaller than a comparable American class hotel's room. Superior & Luxury 5 Star accommodation rooms are large and tend to be the same size as any high class room around the world.

What's Included

  • All costs for transportation, accommodation, meals, activities and entrance fees for items listed in the itinerary below (including taxes); Except those items which have the sign in front of them (explanation of why some items not included).
  • Native English Speaking or Licensed English Speaking Guide.
  • Please review inclusions/exclusions depending on the Tour Class also. This tour is a "Standard Class" package.

What's NOT Included

Simply stated: whatever is not shown in the itinerary below is not included in the tour's price.

  • Airfare (To and From Japan) is NOT included.
  • Extra drinks, deserts, etc. that are not included with the meals in the itinerary. Some meals may provide a drink and or a desert but some may not.
  • Any additional meals, drinks, snacks, entrance tickets, etc. outside the ones shown in the itinerary.
  • Any additional transport (subways, taxis, buses, etc.) outside the itinerary below unless covered by an included pass.
  • Any Personal expenses.
  • Baggage handling, depends on the Tour Class; This tour is a "Standard Class" package.
  • Any "Free Travel" ("Breaking Free" of the group or "Doing you own thing"), detailed information here.
  • Travel insurance.

Map

Japan Travel Packages - Tokaido Road

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Japan! You arrive at Narita Airport (the International Airport near Tokyo) and after exiting customs a guide will be waiting for you.  The guide will either A.) escort you to your train/bus and upon arrival in Tokyo and another guide will pick you up or B.) the guide that meets you at the airport will escort you all the way to the hotel.  You will ride a Limited Express Train into Tokyo then change to a local line OR ride a limousine bus to your hotel.

Travel by Train

Narita Airport Terminal 1 > Tokyo

Limited Express (Reserved)

Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Lodging: Hotel ( Superior ) "Hotel Niwa"

Hotel Niwa was selected as one of Top 25 Hotels in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2016. It features 2 restaurants and a gym and Suidobashi Station (Mita Line) is a 5-minute walk away.

Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Asakusa in Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Harajuku in Tokyo, Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Meiji Shrine in Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages

Day 2

On your first full day in Japan you may either join your tour leader and be escorted around Tokyo to the listed destinations as per the itinerary, or you are of course free to do your own thing (read more about "Free to do own thing").  If you will be joining the tour leader, you will meet in the morning after breakfast and head out on a walking and public transport system tour to see Asakusa, Harajuku and Meiji Shrine, three highly popular attractions.  You will experience the hustle and bustle and be amazed out how efficient and clean the public transportation system is and enjoy viewing some very beautiful old shrines and temples in the heart of Tokyo.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Asakusa (Area): The Asakusa area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. The area has famous temples and shrines as well as a huge souvenir shopping street and delicious food stalls.

Asakusa in Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Harajuku (Area): Harajuku is extremely popular with teenagers and Harajuku Girls (those girls that dress up cute and pretty).

Harajuku in Tokyo, Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Meiji Shrine (Shrine): The most visited and probably most famous shrine in Japan. Meiji Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and his wife Empress Shoken (1849-1914).

Meiji Shrine in Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages
Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Lodging: Hotel ( Superior ) "Hotel Niwa"

Hotel Niwa was selected as one of Top 25 Hotels in Japan by TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award 2016. It features 2 restaurants and a gym and Suidobashi Station (Mita Line) is a 5-minute walk away.

Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Hotel Niwa, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Matsumoto Castle for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)The evil lady-in-waiting, Ukiyo-e Museum Matsumoto Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Day 3

matsumoto

Meals Included

Breakfast | Dinner

Travel by Train

Tokyo > Matsumoto

Shinkansen / Limited Express (Reserved)

Matsumoto Castle (Castle): Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's premier castles. "Premier" means that it is one of only three "Original" castles still standing in Japan, the other two being Himeji and Kumamoto. The "Main Keep" maintains its original wood and external stonework.

Matsumoto Castle for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Ukiyo-e Museum (Museum): Established in 1982 by the family "Sakai", the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum is a privately owned Japanese art museum in Matsumoto City. The museum specializes in Japanese woodblock prints and is well known internationally as "The" museum for wood block art.  Note: This attraction is NOT included in the Tour Price (further explanation). Approximately 1,340 Yen Per Person ($9) will be needed to experience this attraction.

The evil lady-in-waiting, Ukiyo-e Museum Matsumoto Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Oiwakeya Ryokan in Matsumoto for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Oiwakeya Ryokan in Matsumoto for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Oiwakeya Ryokan in Matsumoto for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Lodging: Japanese Inn ( Standard ) "Oiwakeya Ryokan"

Oiwakeya Ryokan offers guests public indoor & outdoor traditional hot-spring baths and multi-course meals. Guests sleep on tatami floors and Japanese futon bedding. There is also a traditional garden and karaoke rooms are available for guests to enjoy.

Oiwakeya Ryokan in Matsumoto for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Oiwakeya Ryokan in Matsumoto for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Oiwakeya Ryokan in Matsumoto for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Hida Folk Village for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Takayama Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Harada Sake Brewery in Takayama Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Day 4

takayama

Meals Included

Breakfast | Dinner

Travel by Bus

Matsumoto > Takayama

Ride through the Japan Alps from Matsumoto to Takayama

Hida Folk Village (Theme Park): The Hida Folk Village is an "Open-Air Museum" in Takayama Japan that contains around 25 old farmhouses in the traditional architectural style of the mountainous regions of Japan. The farmhouses have "steeply" thatched roofs making them very picturesque.

Hida Folk Village for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Takayama (Area): Takayama is a town in the "heart" of the Japanese Alps known for its "Old Town", "Traditional Japanese" style feel and famed for the high quality of its traditional crafts. The remoteness of the town allowed it to develop it's own unique culture.

Takayama Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Harada Sake Brewery (Museum): One of the more famous sake breweries in Takayama, Harada Sake Brewery offers an excellent "Sake Tasting" opportunity for only 200 yen! Sit down, relax and enjoy the sake in this traditional brewery.  Note: This attraction is NOT included in the Tour Price (further explanation). Approximately 200 Yen Per Person ($1) will be needed to experience this attraction.

Harada Sake Brewery in Takayama Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Ryokan Tanabe for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Ryokan Tanabe for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Ryokan Tanabe for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Lodging: Japanese Inn ( Superior ) "Ryokan Tanabe"

Ryokan Tanabe is located in the "Old Town" area of the famous historic area of Takayama and is one of the MOST historical ryokans in Takayama. The rooms are traditional Japanese style (futon on a tatami futon) with indoor and outdoor hot springs.

Ryokan Tanabe for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Ryokan Tanabe for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Ryokan Tanabe for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Kanazawa Castle Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Day 5

Today we we will travel to Kanazawa and have a busy day visiting a variety of attractions.  After leaving our bags (or checking in, depending on arrival time) at the hotel your guide will lead you on a course to the Nagamachi Samurai District where the "Samurai" of Kanazawa's Daimyo lived, then over to the Higashi Chaya District which was/is a popular tea drinking and entertainment district.  Finally we will visit the beautifully re-constructed Kanzawa Castle and the famous Kenrokuen Garden next to the castle.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Travel by Train

Takayama > Kanazawa

Limited Express (Reserved)

Nagamachi Samurai District (Area): Nagamachi Samurai District was a Samurai district near the former Kanazawa Castle. Samurai of the time were given massive amounts of land where they, their families and retainers could live. These residences still exist to this day in this area.

Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Higashi Chaya District (Area): Higashi Chaya District is an area in Kanazawa Japan and is famous for Tea Houses (in Japanese "Chaya"). This area, the Higashi Chaya District, has been a popular eat, drink and entertainment district since the Edo period (1603-1868).

Higashi Chaya District Kanazawa Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Kanazawa Castle (Castle): The beautifully re-constructed structures of Kanazawa Castle make it a "Must See" destination if your in Kanazawa. The "Main Keep" is missing but walls, towers and grounds make it a facinating attraction.

Kanazawa Castle Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Kenrokuen Garden (Garden): Kenrokuen is a famous, private old Japanese Garden in Kanazawa Japan. Kenrokuen is one of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan", along with Kairaku-en and Koraku-en and used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle.

Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Lodging: Hotel ( Superior ) "Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel"

The Tokyu Hotel Kanazawa is located near downtown Kanazawa and the Kanazawa Castle, about a 10 min. ride from the main JR Kanazawa Station. While visiting Kanazawa you will be in this area most of the time so the location of the hotel is perfect.

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Day 6

Kanazawa and Kyoto

Meals Included

Breakfast | Dinner

Travel by Train

Kanzawa > Kyoto

Limited Express (Reserved)

Kinkaku-ji (Temple): Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is one of the most well known places about Japan around the world. It is a UN World Heritage Site, putting it up there with the Pyramids of Giza, the Statue of Liberty, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame.

Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Fushimi Inari Shrine (Shrine): The Fushimi Inari Shrine or the Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most important Shinto Shrines in Japan and is located in Kyoto. It is also quite famous in the Western World for its bright red Torii gates.

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Kiyomizudera (Temple): One of the most well known and famous temples in Kyoto, The Kiyomizu-dera temple is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is located at the Otowa Mountain at Eastern Kyoto where it was established in 778.

Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Gion Hatanaka for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Gion Hatanaka for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Lodging: Japanese Inn ( Superior ) "Gion Hatanaka"

The Gion Hatanaka Ryokan is a "High Class" Ryokan in Kyoto just a short stroll from the picturesque Gion district. All rooms are the traditional "Japanese Style" with futons on tatami mats and a large public bath overlooking a Zen Garden.

Gion Hatanaka for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Gion Hatanaka for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Shinjuku, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com) [BSCOOL|copyright]

Day 7

After breakfast your guide will escort you back Kyoto station and board the Bullet Train back to Tokyo, perhaps catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji on your way past (depending on weather conditions of course).  After checking in (or leaving bags... depending on arrival time) at the hotel your guide will say goodbye and you are free to do some last-minute souvenir shopping or visit any sites may have missed the first time around. The final night of your tour you will spend in Shinjuku, the high-rise district in Tokyo known for its glaring neon, vibrant nightlife and thousands of restaurants.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Travel by Train

Kyoto > Tokyo

Shinkansen (Bullet Train, Reserved)

Shinjuku Area (Area): Shinjuku is the biggest city in Tokyo. This is where most the tall sky-scrapers are and Shinjuku Station see's more than 3 million people pass through it in one day. People, Neon, Eating, Shopping and Drinking are just some of the wild sights to see.

Shinjuku, Tokyo Japan for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com) [BSCOOL|copyright]
Odakyu Hotel Century for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)Odakyu Hotel Century for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Lodging: Hotel ( Superior ) "Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower"

Odakyu Hotel Century (or Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower) is a 4 star hotel next to JR Shinjuku Station. Immaculate western style rooms offer an electric kettle, private bathroom (hairdryer and free toiletries), a desk and a safety deposit box.

Odakyu Hotel Century for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)
Odakyu Hotel Century for Japan Travel Packages (JapanTravelPackages.com)

Day 8

Today its time to go home... it was wonderful having you!  Once again you will board train(s) and make your way back to the International Airport.  We hope you have a nice flight home and hope to see you again!

Meals Included

Breakfast

Travel by Train

Tokyo > Narita

Limited Express (Reserved)