Japan: Land of the Samurai
13 Days
Visiting: Japan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JLS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Journeying through the mountainous landscapes of central Japan, we discover a world of stark contrasts, autumnal colours and fascinating majesty. We’ll venture deep into the heart of a land where the past and the future come together in a dazzling fusion of colour and tradition.
Beginning in the country’s vibrant capital we then journey on to discover the UNESCO treasures of Shirakawa-go and Kyoto, where we find a stunning collection of beautifully preserved monuments to Japan’s glorious past. From the country’s cultural heartlands we then head deep into the sacred landscapes of the Kii Peninsula, to enjoy the unique opportunity of experiencing first-hand the special appeal of the ancient pilgrimage trails around Mount Koya and the Kumano Kodo.
Staying in a collection of traditional Japanese-style inns, temple lodgings and idyllic ryokans, our journey is infused with geishas, gardens, hot springs, old teahouses and the customs, culture and cuisine of the old Samurai; providing us with an unsurpassed insight into one of the most historically and culturally fascinating destinations anywhere on earth.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tours Starts In Tokyo
Accommodation: Park Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Celestine Shiba or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Our tour starts in our hotel where we will meet and go for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant nearby.
Day 2: Tokyo – Takayama
Accommodation: Ryokan Hoshokaku or similar
Accommodation Name: Ryokan Hoshokaku or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast this morning we take the bullet train on to the small town of Takayama, located high amongst the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. After settling in to our traditional Japanese inn we’ll then explore the rambling old streets of Takayama’s San-machi district, with its century-old merchants’ houses. A relaxing soak in a traditional hot spring is then followed by a chance to try some local Hida beef and perhaps a glass or two of locally brewed sake. Please note: your luggage will be sent on ahead from Tokyo to Kanazawa, so you will need an overnight bag for tonight and tomorrow night.
Day 3: Takayama – Shirakawa-Go
Accommodation: Minshuku Ootayo or similar Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Minshuku Ootayo or similar Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An opportunity to begin the day with a visit to Takayama’s lively riverside market provides a chance to shop for souvenirs and sarubobo dolls - good luck charms meant to absorb evil and protect loved ones. After lunch we then travel on to the village of Ogimachi in the Shirakawa-go area, home to a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its intricately designed gassho-zukuri farmhouses. This evening we stay in a traditional minshuku inn, which promises to be a quintessential Japanese experience.
Day 4: Shirikawa-Go – Kanazawa
Accommodation: Hotel Kanazawa Tokyu or similar
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kanazawa Tokyu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early walk around the village provides a chance to enjoy this captivating rural setting before the arrival of the tour groups, after which we depart for Kanazawa. Once a thriving centre for culture and the arts, in feudal times Kanazawa’s powerful Maeda clan rivalled those of Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). On arrival we’ll take a tour of the town’s famed Omicho Market, renowned for its sushi and fresh seafood.
Day 5: Kanazawa
Accommodation: Hotel Kanazawa Tokyu or similar
Accommodation Name: Hotel Kanazawa Tokyu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After a morning walk through the tranquil neighbourhood that once boasted the homes of former samurai, our exploration of Kanazawa continues with a visit to the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden. Known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, these ever-changing vistas are one of the highlights of Kanazawa, filled as they are with koi ponds, small teahouses and elegant stone lanterns. On its periphery lies a number of museums and historic teahouses, where the town’s geishas once entertained. This afternoon is free to explore at leisure.
Day 6: Kanazawa – Kyoto
Accommodation: Cross Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Cross Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing Kanazawa by train today our journey takes us on to Kyoto next, Japan’s cultural capital. A rich repository of shrines, gardens and temples, Kyoto can boast no fewer than 17 World Heritage Sites including the Kamo Shrines and Nijo Castle. An afternoon stroll through the historic Gion district later introduces us to Kyoto’s best known geisha area, where Geiko and Maiko (apprentice geishas) still excel in the traditional arts of Japanese dance and music. Please note: due to the variety of our transport today your luggage will be sent on ahead to Kyoto from Kanazawa and will arrive on day 7.
Day 7: Kyoto
Accommodation: Cross Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Cross Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today has been left free for us to enjoy this exquisite city at your own pace. You might like to take a walk from the Silver Temple, along the Path of Philosophy to the 400-year-old Sanmon Gate. Or perhaps pay a visit to Nijo Castle, to explore one of Japan’s most spectacular historic monuments. Other options include the Zen Buddhist temples of Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji or the scenic splendour of Arashiyama, famed for its bamboo forest, huge temples and lively shops.
Day 8: Kyoto – Nara
Accommodation: Piazza Nara Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Piazza Nara Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we move on to nearby Nara, Japan’s historic capital between the years of 710 and 784 AD. Many of the temples and shrines built during that period still remain and the rambling streets of the old merchant district of Nara-machi present an enthralling place to wander and soak up the character and history of the town. We’ll visit the Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building, and also the celebrated Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Day 9: Nara – Mount Koya
Accommodation: Fudion (Pilgrims’ Lodgings) or similar
Accommodation Name: Fudion (Pilgrims’ Lodgings) or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Nara this morning, we travel on the scenic Nankai Railway line to Mount Koya today, entering a bowl-shaped valley filled with cedars and surrounded by the mountainous landscapes of the Kii Peninsula. Since the 9th century Mount Koya has been a place of religious devotion and ceremony, and today it is still home to more than 100 monasteries. We spend the evening enjoying the hospitality of one of the area’s traditional pilgrims’ lodgings, dining on Buddhist vegetarian cuisine and exploring the vast Okuna-in cemetery. Please note: your luggage will be sent on ahead to Kumano Kodo from Kyoto, so you will need an overnight bag for tonight.
Day 10: Mount Koya – Kumano Kodo
Accommodation: Fujiya Ryokan or similar
Accommodation Name: Fujiya Ryokan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Starting early we join the monks for morning prayers, before leaving behind the tranquility of Koyasan and boarding a bus for the journey on to Kumano Kodo. Popular since the 11th century as a place of pilgrimage, this ancient trail meanders across the sacred landscapes of the Kii Peninsula, long considered a gateway into the mythical land of Yomi. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, we’ll be staying along the Nakahechi section of the trail, at a hot spring ryokan located beside the river.
Day 11: Kumano Kodo
Accommodation: Fujiya Ryokan or similar
Accommodation Name: Fujiya Ryokan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Beginning with a short bus journey we’ll travel on to Hosshinmon-oji this morning, where we will meet up with our Yamabushi guide. An ascetic priest of the Shugendo faith, and our companion will take us to the Grand Hongu Taisha, one of the three main shrines located along the Kumano Kodo. This walk will be 7km long. A light lunch is then followed by a visit to Oyunohara, this immense torii gate that marked the original site of Grand Hongu Taisha, before returning to our ryokan for another chance to enjoy the hot springs.
Day 12: Kumano Kodo – Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Classic or similar
Accommodation Name: Hotel Royal Classic or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing after breakfast we will travel by bus to the bustling setting of Osaka, a city long known as the 'nation’s kitchen'. The very essence of modern Japan and the country’s commercial hub, Osaka provides us with a rich contrast from the serenity of the past few days, affording an opportunity to enjoy the bustle of the central Dotonbori district, and the shrines and markets that lie amongst the side streets close to the Ebisu Bridge.
Day 13: Tour Ends In Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast.
What's Included
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MEALS
12 x Breakfasts10 x Lunches10 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Bullet and local trains, private minibuses, local buses, and the occasional taxi.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flightsBeverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
-
ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Japan.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Japan.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
This tour uses public transport throughout, on some days this will include multiple forms of transport such as bus, subway, train and taxi to get to your destination.
Mostly travelling by public train and public bus means our itinerary will be more time-sensitive and we need to be more minimalist with our packing! For those nights that we stay in traditional lodgings as opposed to a hotel, you will need to be happy with sleeping on futons and getting in and out of low-rise furniture (which will also often be the norm in many local restaurants we visit).
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Please note that due to the unique nature of travelling in Japan, single supplements are compulsory for this tour for solo travellers.
If you book as a couple or a pair you will be accomodated in a double or twin room. On this trip, if you do need to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour with the exception of the time we spend in Ogimachi, Mount
Koya and Kumano Kodo where we are staying in traditional Japanese Ryokan and
Minshuku.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. If you choose to purchase the Wild Frontiers bespoke policy through Travel & General (currently available to UK residents only) then please note for this trip the minimum required level of cover will be the Standard policy. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Please note that due to the unique nature of travelling in Japan, single supplements are compulsory for this tour for solo travellers.
If you book as a couple or a pair you will be accomodated in a double or twin room. On this trip, if you do need to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour with the exception of the time we spend in Ogimachi, Mount
Koya and Kumano Kodo where we are staying in traditional Japanese Ryokan and
Minshuku.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Please note that due to the unique nature of travelling in Japan, single supplements are compulsory for this tour for solo travellers.
If you book as a couple or a pair you will be accomodated in a double or twin room. On this trip, if you do need to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour with the exception of the time we spend in Ogimachi, Mount
Koya and Kumano Kodo where we are staying in traditional Japanese Ryokan and
Minshuku.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of traditional lodging will we experience during the tour?
During the tour, you will experience traditional Japanese lodging such as ryokans and minshukus. These accommodations offer a quintessential Japanese experience, including sleeping on futons and enjoying traditional hospitality.
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Will there be any opportunities to experience local Japanese cuisine?
Yes, the tour includes multiple opportunities to experience local Japanese cuisine. For example, in Takayama, you can try local Hida beef and locally brewed sake. In Kanazawa, you can explore the Omicho Market, renowned for its sushi and fresh seafood. Additionally, you will dine on Buddhist vegetarian cuisine at Mount Koya.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour will use a variety of transportation methods including bullet and local trains, private minibuses, local buses, and the occasional taxi. This allows for a more immersive and flexible travel experience.
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes several special activities such as a visit to the Grand Hongu Taisha shrine with a Yamabushi guide, a relaxing soak in a traditional hot spring in Takayama, and morning prayers with monks at Mount Koya.
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What should I know about luggage handling during the tour?
There are a few instances where your luggage will be sent ahead to the next destination. For example, your luggage will be sent from Tokyo to Kanazawa on Day 2, and from Kyoto to Kumano Kodo on Day 9. You will need an overnight bag for these occasions.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several opportunities for free time during the tour. For instance, Day 7 in Kyoto is left free for you to explore the city at your own pace. You can visit various temples, gardens, and historic sites based on your interests.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners. These meals will give you a taste of local Japanese cuisine and traditional dishes.
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What is the fitness level required for this tour?
The fitness rating for this tour is low to moderate. While there are some walking activities, such as a 7km walk to the Grand Hongu Taisha shrine, the overall physical demands are manageable for most people.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.