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Overview

Private travel to Japan

Welcome to Japan, which history and culture have fascinated for centuries. With an archipelago of over 4000 islands, Japan probably has as many faces, and if diversity is the best way to describe this trip, it's because we want to present you an unforgettable private travel. Geishas in their shimmering costumes, sumo fights, titanic buddhas sitting enthroned in sanctuaries, finely carved landscapes, but also the giant cities spiked with modern skyscrapers and the most vanguard technologies are just a few pieces of an infinite puzzle of culture.
To seize every opportunity of a great adventure in the land of the samurais, feel free to travel around Japan at your own pace, and enjoy the most symbolic landmarks of the country. In the vibrant city of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace ruled by a centennial tight etiquette is only a few blocks away from the biggest shopping centers in the world. Kyoto, more traditional, has superb public gardens, and Kamakura, the spiritual core of Japan will all enchant you with their varied ambiences. Admiring the bamboo forests, Mount Fuji panoramas and terraced paddy fields will look like perfect breaks to recharge after touring the most impressive areas.
Japan is also a country of precious rituals where art is honoured in every form; tea ceremonies, venerable Shinto shrines, delicate engravings wrought like lace, zen gardens reflecting a strict philosophy. This private travel in Japan will be the experience of a lifetime and the gateway to a total cultural encounter.

Feel free to contact our Japan expert at Uniktour to get more information about this private travel!

Itinerary

Day 1| International flight
Departure from Canada and flight to Japan

Day 2| Tokyo
You land at the international airport of Narita. Meet and greet with your English-speaking travel coordinator and transfer to your hotel. Free evening. (French-speaking coordinator also available, please contact us for more information).
Tokyo offers multiple possibilities in every field that can't be evened anywhere in the world; from the futuristic karaokes hidden behind the glass windows of high rises to the Tsujiki Fish Market, the largest one in the world. The capital of Japan is fascinating in more ways than one: giant outdoor TV screens, blinking neon lights, hi-tech shops are just a few features of this metropolis where tomorrow happens today. The old city called Shitamachi is still standing since the 19th century despite fires and earthquakes, and lives together with the modern town. Ancient temples, geisha neighbourhoods and traditional stalls in the streets face the towering high rises.

Day 3| Tokyo
Free time in Tokyo. We recommend a visit to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. The palace, formerly known as Edo Castle, is still surrounded by its old ditches, and imposing gates and watchtowers punctuate the wall at regular intervals. The elegant two-arched Nijubashi bridge leads to the main entrance. The East Garden (Higashi Gyoen) itself hosts the remains of the first Edo Castle. A variety of flower species embellish the park year-round and provide a peaceful environment to relax. During the afternoon, train transfer to Akihabara and walk around the electronics borough. Akihabara Electric Town is a district of 250 electronics shops gathered around Chuo-dori Avenue, just off the Akihabara train station. Today, the fanciest equipments and Internet related ultra-modern devices stand out in those specialized retail. Many shops have English-speaking salespersons and duty free products. Then you can head off to Ueno Park by train. The Ueno-Onshi Park is the biggest around Tokyo and one of the oldest. It's famous for its blossoming cherry trees when spring hits. Its 620 000 sq meters are also home of the remarkable National Museum of Tokyo and the National Museum of Sciences.

Day 4| Tokyo
A few more ideas to tour around Tokyo: during the morning, the Tsujiki Fish Market and Hamarikyu Park are other signature spots of the city. Even if hundreds of places are worth a shot to discover the extraordinary diversity of Japanese food, that buzzing and restless traditional market is the most spectacular of all. Over 450 species of seafood, fish, and seashells only wait to whet your appetite on the countless stands. Or enjoy the delicious sushi for your lunch in Uogashi Yokocho Street, filled with fish shops and restaurants. The well-known Hamarikyu Park is typical of the Edo and Tokugawa shogun eras and is located nearby. During the afternoon, walk to the Ginza neighbourhood, take a few pictures of the impressive Sony building and go chill for a moment at the artificial island of Odaida.

Day 5 | Tokyo
Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando boroughs are all worth a visit. Shinjuku, business center of Tokyo, is split into two areas. Around the west exit of the train station is located a major business cluster of modern skyscrapers. The twin towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building have a breathtaking view on the city from the 45th floor. On bright sunny days, one can see the hulking Mt Fuji in the background and at night, the blinking city lights offer a memorable sight. On the other side, by the east exit of the station, the trendy and noisy Kabuki-Cho neighbourhood lives loud with all its shops, bars and nightclubs, and having dinner in one of the many surrounding restaurants is always a tasty experience. Shibuya is the cradle of every trend in popular Japanese culture, and everyone's motto is to have fun in one of the coffee shops, bars, movie theatres, concert halls, bookshops, amusement arcades and department stores around. A few steps from there, Yoyogi Park and Harajuku ward are traditional meeting points for eccentric teens showing off their manga-inspired outfits. In between, Koen-dori Street is more of a family hangout with its department stores and clothing shops. In the afternoon, take the subway to Roppongi and go visit the Observatory. The Roppongi Hills Complex is the latest fancy area spread over 116 000 sq meters, with upscale night clubs, 230 high-end boutiques, a movie complex, offices and apartments, a five-star hotel, bars, lush gardens and a TV studio. The top floor of the Mori Tower homes the Mori Center for the Arts and an observation deck boasting unparalleled views of the entire city. Driven by unlimited energy, this city in the city embodies a major gesture in Tokyo's approach to the 21st century. A bit further, walking around Azabu shopping streets is a journey back in old Tokyo. The towering Tokyo Tower, sort of Eiffel Tower pastiche, may rise up at 333 m but the elevators only take a minute to reach the top observation platform installed at 250 m up. By the platform is located a Wax Museum with over 100 statues created in a facility using the same sophisticated techniques as London's Mme Tussaud's. The 900 colourful fish species of the Aquarium and the 3D art installations at the Image Gallery are more opportunities to dream awake.

Day 6| Tokyo - Kamakura - Yokohama - Tokyo
Transfer by train to the historic city of Kamakura and spare time to tour the temples and the sanctuaries. Kamakura, one hour away from Tokyo, is a quiet small city on the south-east shoreline with lots of shrines with a muffled atmosphere. From the government's feudal settling in 1192, it still has a historic legacy of prime importance. The monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha is the top touristic attraction. This impressive -Daibutsu- is a 11.4 meters giant weighing in 122 tons in lotus position, meditating under the celestial vault. On your way back, we suggest a stopover at Yokohama to walk around the Chinese district and try one of the refined restaurants. Yokohama is the second largest city of Japan, and among the first ones that have welcomed foreign residents during the Meiji Restoration (1868-1911). It's as of now a seething harbour city with several buildings enlisted in Japan's glorious history, plus the superb Sankeien Gardens. «Minato Mirai 21», on the seashore, is a hangout for youngsters. This area provides countless shopping options, and possibilities to enjoy an exceptional culinary experience. Return to Tokyo on the evening.
Located in the middle of grassy hills towering above the Pacific Ocean, Kamakura, city of the shoguns got erected on the site of a small coastal village to evolve to the capital of the country for almost two hundred years. Minamoto Yoritomo was the first of a long lineage of regents who struggled hard to keep the political power in hands. Kamakura grew fast and a strict discipline developed in opposition to the imperial court's heedlessness, giving birth to a profusion of new religious groups. Over the years, Kamakura became the homeland of Zen, a philosophical mindset that allegedly brought to Kamakura the most beautiful Buddhist temples of the archipelago, of which the aforesaid statue facing the Pacific.

Day 7| Tokyo - Kawaguchi-Ko
Private transfer with an English-speaking guide to Kawaguchi-Ko and hiking at the foot of Mt Fuji, then visit of the Five Lakes region, where the Kawaguchi Lake stands in the middle. That lake is worldwide famous to mirror the north face of Mt Fuji. Mt Tenjo offers an amazing view on the lake when riding the cable car from the eastern bank.

Day 8| Kawaguchi-Ko - Takayama
Transfer to Takayama in local train and shinkansen, world's second fastest train. In the afternoon, you will walk around the picturesque Sanmachi village, the oldest part of the city. Dinner at your hotel.

Day 9| Takayama - Kyoto
The visit of Takayama goes on this morning before you catch your train to Kyoto. After checking in at your hotel, your next destinations in town are the Gion district and the Nijo Castle. The Gion district is emblematic of Kyoto with the unique ambience of its traditional streets filled with local tiny handicraft shops, evocative of the architectural perfection of old times in Japan, and where the lavishly dressed maikos (geisha wannabes) hang out. Out of downtown, the Imperial Palace of Kyoto and the Nijo Castle almost face each other, still reflecting the tricks of power at stake in this former capital.
Takayama is a quiet small town in the middle of the Japanese Alps, well known for its traditional architecture and woodsmen. Twice a year, prominent festivals take place during spring and fall, featuring spectacular parades of wood floats put up with the using of old techniques.

Day 10| Kyoto
Tour of the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and of the zen Ryoanji Temple. The Kinkakuji Temple was originally the holiday residence of an Ashikaga shogun, generalissimo of the Muromachi Era (1336-1573). When he died, his home became a temple. Wonderful gardens stretch in front of the pavilion coated with golden leaves, perfect replica of the original building burnt up in 1950 and rebuilt in 1955. The Ryoanji temple is famous for its park, reminiscent of the Karesansui inspiration; fifteen rocks emerge from a white sand sea. Simplicity and flawlessness are two prime guidelines of zen Buddhism. In the afternoon, visit of the bamboo forest and of the temples located near the Arashiyama and Sagano districts. During the Heian Era (794-1192), Arashiyama was the favourite hangout of the Imperial Court. The landscape is still stamped by those old memories, and today, it's still possible to walk around the bamboos, go see the blossoming cherry trees in spring or the scarlet maple trees in autumn, take part in the full moon celebrations... And for a big thrill, just try the Hozu river rapids!
Kyoto is one of the most traditional cities of Japan, given the countless shrines and sanctuaries - almost 2000 - some of them having a tremendous religious and historical weight. Besides that, delicate zen gardens, a sophisticated cuisine (kaiseki), and the persistent Geishas add to the timeless ambience of Kyoto. However, like in many Japanese towns, modernization printed its mark with concrete buildings coexisting with old traditional homes (machiya).

Day 11| Kyoto
Visit of the Tofukuji, Sanjusangendo and Kiyomizudera temples. The Sanjusangendo temple, rebuilt in 1266, is famous for its eleven-faced bodhisattva Kannon wooden statue, enlisted as a national treasure. It is surrounded by the 28 statues of its guards and another thousand and one statues copying the main one. Moreover, with a 118 meters length, it's as of today the longest building made of wood. Founded by the end of the 8th century, the Kiyomizudera temple is settled down the hill of Higashiyama. The main building, also a national treasure, has been rebuilt in 1633 by the Tokugawa shoguns. The wood deck, bolstered by 139 fifteen-meter high pillars, overhangs a ravine and has a breathtaking vista on the city. Walk along the Philosophers Path and explore the different shrines and parks. Arrival at the Ginkakuji temple (silver pavilion) and tour of the site. The building was erected in 1489 to be used as a holiday mansion for the Ashikaga Yoshimasa shogun, who wanted to coat it with silver leaves. Unfulfilled dream, as the place was turned into a Buddhist temple after his death. This pavilion is enlisted as a national treasure. The gardens are a perfect example of the Kresansui style (stone garden). In late afternoon, we recommend to step by the public baths of Kurama.

Day 12| Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
One day trip to Nara and visit to the giant Buddha of the Todaiji temple. Built during the early years of the 9th century, this shrine is worldwide famous for his Daibutsu, a 16.2 meter high bronze Buddha statue completed in 752, and actually the tallest bronze statue in the world. The main building is the biggest construction in the world, with a 48.6 meter height, 57.3 m length and 50 m width. However, torched in 1702, it was rebuilt in a smaller size. Walking around the Isuien Gardens and the Kasuga sanctuary is a must. On the way back, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto shrine is one of most revered of Japan. The uncountable red little torii, offered by the believers (small entry arches) are the trademark of the place. They line up on the hilltop to form a 4 km long tunnel.
Nara has been the former capital of Japan between 710 and 794, and 2010 will be a year of celebrations (1200th anniversary). The city comprises magnificent temples, of which the famous Chinese-influenced Todaiji temple and its huge Buddha. The sanctuary itself is the largest wooden structure in the world.

Day 13| Kyoto - Himeji - Hiroshima
Shinkansen train trip to Himeji and tour of the castle. Erected in the 14th century, the Himeji Castle is not only a true beauty, but also one of the few prototypical examples of the defensive and architectural key features most associated with Japanese castles. For those reasons, it has been added in UNESCO's World Heritage list. The complex, composed of a five-floor main donjon surrounded by three smaller keeps showcases a flawless figure with both outstanding architectural and aesthetic elements. The castle is often nicknamed Hakujoro or Castle of the White Heron, for its resemblance with a gracious bird that would have quietly settled in the grass. It may look familiar as this amazing scenery has been the background of many movies filmings. Your trip continues to Hiroshima in high speed train. In the afternoon, your will visit the A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial and its adjacent park. The Dome itself is located exactly at ground zero, and the last remains of the Chamber of commerce are the metallic structure. This is today the only building still standing in memoriam of the tragedy.

Jour 14| Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima
You leave Hiroshima during the morning and board on the ferry to Miyajima. Visit of the Itsukushima sanctuary and walk up to Mount Misen. At an altitude of 530 m, it's the peak of the island. From the mountaintop, the vista on the Inland Sea is remarkable. The surrounding primitive forest offers great hiking options and plenty of natural discovering. Way back to Hiroshima in the evening.
Located on the Inland Sea shores a few minutes away from Hiroshima on boat, Miyajima literally means « Pilgrimage Island » in japanese. The emblematic torii arch, erected on the sands piled up by tides, is facing the grandiose Itsukushima temple at the foot of Mt. Misen. The arch seems to float above the waters when the tide is high. Miyajima can easily be toured in a single day but we recommend spending a night at one of picturesque ryokans around.

Day 15| Hiroshima - Tokyo
Shinkansen train trip to Tokyo. In early afternoon, check in at the hotel and free time for shopping or last explorations of the city.

Day 16| Tokyo - International flight
Transfer to the airport and international flight to Canada.

Budget

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Overview

Japan is located in northern-east Asia, between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Its closest neighbours are China, and the Koreas. The country is composed of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and over 3000 smaller islands around. The Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, are a chain of islands south of Kyushu. The capital is Tokyo, and the total population of Japan roughly rises to 127.4 million people.

Geography

Japan is a volcanic archipelago with an important seismic activity. About 75% of the country is forested, mountainous, and inappropriate for agricultural, industrial, or human settlement. This is because of the generally abrupt rises, climate issues and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, instable ground and heavy rainfall. As a consequence, an extremely high population density is mainly concentrated in coastal areas. Since World War II, however, as Japanese society has become overwhelmingly urban, industrial, and internationalized, climatic and geographical effects have become much less significant. Honshu is composed of two main coastal plains; the Kanto plain in the north and the Kansai plain in the south, over which the 70 million megalopolis is spread, and within the middle of the island, the -Japanese Alps- are the 1800km long spine of the country. Tokyo, Nagoya, Yokohama and Osaka are the main cities, Kyoto and Nara being the historical centers. Hokkaido, the northern island, homes one of the oldest forests of Japan and is inhabited with an important wildlife such as bears or small mammals. With its intact nature, Hokkaido is a haven for green tourism aficionados.
On Kyushu, the lunar landscapes of Mount Aso and the surrounding hot water springs are reminiscent of the volcanic nature of the island. Nagasaki, atomic martyr of World War II, still has the charm of the past with its shrines hanging on the hills slopes. Shikoku is the most isolated and traditional island of the archipelago. Rice supplier of Japan, its terraced paddy fields are characteristic stunning landscapes, as well as the typical fishermen harbours and the steep overhangs in the southern part.

Culture

With an ageless-old culture, Japan is the ultimate cornu copia for art and traditions lovers. Between the elegant architecture of ancient castles, the immemorial stories of the shogun eras, the stylish home crafts, the beauty of a vivid and colourful nature and the vanguard fantasies of tomorrow, the Land of the Rising Sun has more to offer than any other country in the world. This vibrant nation is a dream come true whatever your interests are. As for traditional culture, one can spend weeks in cities such as Kyoto and Nara, gorging on temples, shrines, kabuki, ō (sophisticated dance-drama), tea ceremonies and museums packed with treasures from Japan's rich artistic heritage. But when it comes to modern culture and technology, Japan's cities are an absolute wonderland - an easy peek into the future of the human race, complete with trend-setting cafés, high-tech shopping centers and fabulous restaurants. Outside the cities, a magical nature coats the length and breadth of the archipelago; blossoming cherry trees, green bamboo forests, terraced paddy fields and imposing snow-capped mountains filled with legends pave every inch of Japan. From the coral reefs of Okinawa to the ski-resort of Niseko, Japan has more than enough amazing landmarks to compete with its cultural treasures. Then there's the food: whether it's impossibly fresh sushi in Tokyo, perfectly battered tempura in Kyoto, or a hearty bowl of rāmen in Osaka, eating is a proper art to fully enjoy in Japan.

Climate

There are a lot of climatic differences between the southern islands (Kyushu, Shikoku) and Hokkaido in the north. In southern Japan, a subtropical climate leads to a wet season happening between June and July. The summer is humid in the whole country with tropical storms and typhoons (sharp winds, torrential rain) occurring between August and October.
The temperatures are a bit cooler in Hokkaido, where winter is very cold and snowy in the north, as well as on the west coast of Honshu, due to the icy Siberian winds sweeping through the Sea of Japan. The east coasts and Kyushu benefit from a warm climate and bright sunny days during that season. Fall and spring are the best times to travel to Japan, as both are enjoyable with mild temperatures and rare rainfall.