Best of Central Japan

(61 Reviews)

More than any other country, the Japanese have managed to integrate ancient traditions and bleeding-edge technology harmoniously into their daily lives. With the perfect mix of new and old, the well-rounded Best of Central Japan tour has something for everyone.

13 Days / 12 Nights

Max Tour Size : 12

Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanzawa, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Kyoto, Fushimi, Tokyo (Optional Morning Tour of Tsukiji Outer Market), Tokyo (Optional Afternoon Cooking Class)

Price

From$4,150.00

Price

From$4,150.00

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Tour Details

In the Best of Japan Economy tour, you’ll enjoy a colorful mix of large cities like Tokyo, quaint and traditional Takayama and Shirakawa-go, the ambiance and solitude of Miyajima Island and the ancient shrines and temples of Kyoto, the testament to peace of Hiroshima, the natural beauty of Hakone, the thermally-heated mineral water baths at an onsen and more.

You’ll participate in a tea ceremony, stroll through farmer’s markets, see where the geisha live and work, visit beautiful Miyajima Island, soak in the thermally-heated mineral waters at an onsen, admire sacred Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), the icon of Japan and much, much more.

Tour Highlights

Overnight at Onsen with naturally heated mineral waters
Tea Ceremony
Six separate rides on a Shinkansen (bullet train)
One overnight at a Japanese-style ryokan
Shirakawago - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kenrokuen - Rated as One of Japan's Three Best Gardens

Tour Inclusions

/Click Here to View the Tour Inclusion/Exclusion Details

Travel Guard Gold Policy (for American tour members only)
14 Day JR Rail Pass
Meeting service at the arrival airport
Sending service to the appropriate train station
Baggage transfer from city to city
Electronic version of Tour Handbook and Japanese History

Tour Exclusions

/Click Here to View the Tour Inclusion/Exclusion Details

Airfare is NOT included.
A printed itinerary is not included
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and desserts are NOT included

Map

Tour Destinations

Tokyo
Hakone
Takayama
Shirakawago
Kanazawa
Hiroshima
Miyajima Island
Kyoto

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1Arrive in Tokyo

After clearing customs and immigration (which can take up to an hour and a half due to increased tourism to Japan), you will be met at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours meeting assistant. They will purchase a limousine bus ticket for you and help you board the bus to the hotel. No meals included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Light

Day 2Tokyo – Tokyo Skytree, Ginza, Asakusa

After breakfast, you will start the day with a Welcome/Orientation meeting. Next, the licensed, English-speaking guide will escort you to the Tokyo Skytree for a birds-eye view of Tokyo. Next we will travel to the nearby Asakusa area. Here we will tour the Nakamise-dori, Senso-ji Buddhist Temple and the Asakusa Shrine where you will learn about Buddhist and Shinto Japanese religious practices. Afterwards, we will travel to the famous Ginza district. The Ginza is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world, attracting visitors and regulars alike from across the globe. We will return to the accommodations, where we will go through the train tickets for the rest of the tour. Breakfast at the accommodations and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Heavy

Day 3Free Day in Tokyo

Today is a free day to enjoy the world-class city of Tokyo. Go shopping for that perfect souvenir, visit the Meiji Shrine dedicated to the Japanese emperor of the 19th century, or wander through the trendy Shibuya or Harajuku districts where you will more than likely see interesting and far-out fashions.

Optional Tour- Tokyo

Optional Tour – Yakatabune Dinner Cruise

Optional Tour – Mt. Fuji Climb (Late July Tour Only)

Optional Morning Market and Shibuya Tour

$125.00 (You must pre-register before arriving in Japan.)
We will be visiting the outer market of Tsukiji Market. We will wander through many of the shops selling numerous items needed for Japanese cooking. Many professionals visit Tsukiji Outer market to purchase ingredients and cooking tools. You can see many authentic tools and try various foods easily while browsing the market. After this, we will go to a sushi restaurant near the market for a sushi lunch. After lunch, we will travel the short distance by train to Shibuya. Shibuya is a center for youth fashion and culture, and its streets are the birthplace of many of Japan’s fashion and entertainment trends. After a short explanation of the Shibuya area and the hotspots, the guide will give you a map and allow you to have some free time in Shibuya. Make sure to visit the Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. The intersection is heavily decorated by neon advertisements and giant video screens and gets flooded by pedestrians each time the crossing light turns green, making it a popular photo and movie filming spot. You can return to the hotel with the guide or stay in Shibuya and return on your own. Lunch is included.

Optional Tour – Yakatabune Dinner Cruise

$125.00 (You must pre-register before arriving in Japan.)
Tour the Tokyo bay while relaxing with dinner and drinks! Sites include Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba and Tokyo Skyline from Tokyo Bay all lit up at night. Dinner includes sashimi and tempura or vegetarian kaiseki dinner with all-you-can-drink beer, sake, shochu, plum wine, whiskey, white wine, red wine, coffee, tea, and soft drinks. We will provide an escort to the port, but you will travel from the port on your own with our guidance, no guide included)

Optional Tour – Mt. Fuji Climb (Late July Tour Only)

$500 (You must pre-register before arriving in Japan.)
This will take place during the free day on Day 3 in Tokyo and Day 4, so you would miss Kamakura. This optional tour will rejoin the tour group in Hakone on Day 4. You will leave for Mt Fuji on the morning of Day 3 with the guide who will be escorting you to the top of Mt Fuji and then to Hakone. Before leaving in the morning, you will transfer your main luggage to Hakone, and will be going to Mt Fuji with only what you will need for the climb. You will travel by bus (2 hours) to the Kawaguchi 5th station, arriving around lunch time, where lunch will be on your own. After lunch, you will begin the climb, and will be staying overnight at a climbing hut near the 7th or the 8th stations (4-6 Hours). (Dinner and breakfast at the hut will be included.) Early the next morning (around 2AM), you will begin the final ascent to the top of Mt Fuji (1-2 Hours), and will hopefully be on the top before sunrise. After enjoying the sunrise and view from the top, you will descend back down to the 5th station, and then travel to Hakone on you own (4 Hours).

(PLEASE NOTE: Although no special technical climbing ability is required to climb Mt Fuji, it is a very strenuous hike at high altitudes with some sections of the trail being very steep and very rocky. Only those in excellent physical condition should consider the climb.)

Day 4Travel to Hakone, Tour Hakone- Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi Sightseeing Boat

Before leaving Tokyo, you will prepare your luggage to be transferred to Takayama, and will be traveling to Hakone and Takayama with an overnight bag only. You should prepare your overnight back with enough items for 2 days and 1 night. We board a subway and a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hakone. Hakone is famous for its natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). We will be taking many different forms of transportation (electric train, funicular, gondola and bus) around Hakone including the Hakone Sightseeing Boats on Lake Ashi. In good weather, passengers aboard the sightseeing cruise can get a fine view of Japan’s most famous peak, Mount Fuji, and enjoy Hakone’s rich scenery reflected on the lake’s calm surface. After returning to Hakone Yumoto and picking up our overnight bags, we will continue to Hakone where we will stay overnight. Here you can enjoy the thermally-heated mineral baths at the ryokan. A local, licensed English-speaking, Japanese guide will be joining us for the day. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch at a local Japanese restaurant are included.

(PLEASE NOTE: High winds and/or heavy rain can, and will often cause cessation of services on the Sightseeing Boat cruise. Should this occur, we will not be able to operate the itinerary as listed above, and will replace it with the best possible alternative given the weather conditions. Also, in the case of bad weather, even if the boats are still operating, we may alter the itinerary for your comfort and safety as Mt. Fuji will not be visible anyway.)

Travel: 1 Hour; Walking: Medium

Day 5Hakone Free Time; Travel to Takayama

After checking out of the ryokan, you will have some free time to explore Hakone Yumoto Onsen before we continue on to Takayama. Takayama, in the middle of the Japan Alps, with its traditional inns, shops, and sake breweries, has managed to retain its traditional charm. Breakfast is included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: Light

Day 6Takayama – Miyagawa Morning Market, Jinyamae Morning Market, Takayama Jinya, San-machi-suji District, Free afternoon

This morning we stroll through the farmer’s market, sampling the numerous options from vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs. After that, we tour the Takayama-jinya, the governing office of Takayama and the surrounding area since the early 17th century. The guide will take you to the San-machi-suji district, consisting of merchant homes dating back to the 16th century. From here the rest of the day is free to roam and explore Takayama. Visit the many temples, shrines and museums, rummage through antique shops, or relax at one of the sake breweries. The evening is free to enjoy one of the many nearby Hida Beef restaurants. (Hida Beef is the same thing as the more famous Kobe Beef.) Breakfast at the ryokan is included.

Optional Tour – Takayama

$75.00 (Or 10,000 Yen in Japan.)
After finishing the scheduled tour of Takayama at the Takayama Jinya, the guide will take you on a tour of the San-machi-suji District. Lined with merchant homes, sake breweries and craftsmen’s workshops, it was the center of the old town and today it still retains its quaint atmosphere. After enjoying lunch, we will continue to Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine and Yatai Kaikan. Sakurayama Hachiman is the oldest shrine in Takayama and is beautifully constructed in unpainted wood design. Sakurayama Hachiman also sponsors the popular Takayama Festival. On our next stop to Yatai Kaikan, you will get to take an up-close look at the traditional and spectacular hand-carved floats that are displayed during the Takayama Festival.

Travel: TBD; Walking: Medium

Day 7Travel to Shirakawago; Tour Shirakawago; Travel to Kanazawa

Before leaving Takayama, you will need to prepare your main luggage for transfer to Kanazawa. We will be traveling to Kanazawa with an overnight bag only. Please prepare your overnight bag for 2 days and 1 night. After breakfast, we take a public highway bus to the valley of Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is the home of many Gassho-zukuri (Praying Hand) style homes, which have been moved here from the surrounding area. These homes were first used as long ago as the 18th century and are still being used today. We stop for a short time to explore some of these traditional farmhouses. Following an enjoyable lunch and some free time to explore in the afternoon, we catch another public bus to the city of Kanazawa. Kanazawa, located on the northern coast of Japan, was once controlled by one of the wealthiest families in Japan, the Maeda Clan. They were admirers and sponsors of many traditional arts, and these arts flourished under their sponsorship. Many of these arts are still being practiced today in Kanazawa. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

Travel: 2 Hours; Walking: Light

Day 8Kanazawa - Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum, Nagamachi Samurai District

We begin the day touring the Kenrokuen Garden. This garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan and was initially constructed in the 17th century. After enjoying the garden, we tour the Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum to learn how the local Kanazawa handicrafts are made. After lunch we will tour the Naga-machi Samurai District. This area of Kanazawa, located at the foot of Kanazawa Castle, was the residential district for the samurai serving the castle. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. Here, we will also tour the Nomura House. The Nomura family was a high-ranking retainer for the Maeda family. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

Travel: 1/2 Hour; Walking: Heavy

Day 9Travel to Hiroshima; Tour Hiroshima - Peace Park and Museum

Before breakfast, bring your luggage to the lobby to be transferred to Kyoto. Please prepare your overnight bag for 2 days and 1 night. After an early breakfast, we will travel to Hiroshima where we will tour the Peace Memorial Museum and the Peace Memorial Park, which are both sobering testaments to the dropping of the A-bomb on August 6, 1945. Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: Medium

Day 10Travel to Miyajima Island; Tour Miyajima Island - Mt. Misen Ropeway, Itsukushima Shrine, Free Time; Travel to Kyoto

After eating a breakfast bento box provided by the hotel, we will travel by local train to the harbor where we will board a ferry for Miyajima Island. Miyajima Island is said by the Japanese to be one of the top three scenic sights in Japan. We will visit the Itsukushima-jinja shrine which was built in its present form in 1168. After some free time on the island, we will return to the mainland and travel to Kyoto. Steeped in history and tradition, Kyoto has in many ways been the cradle of Japanese culture. A stroll through Kyoto is a walk through 11 centuries of Japanese history. For many, just the name of Kyoto conjures up the classic images of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha in a flourish of brightly colored silks, and a tea master deliberately warming water and making tea. Once you get to Kyoto, you will retrieve your main luggage from the hotel. Bento box breakfast at the hotel is included.

Travel: 5 Hours; Walking: Medium

Day 11Kyoto – Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Nishiki Koji, Tea Ceremony

Before leaving for the day, you will need to prepare your main luggage to be sent forward to the airport. If you would prefer to keep your luggage, you can do so. If you will be sending the luggage, you will need to keep enough items for three days/two nights. The luggage transfer forms will have been provided to you prior to this day, and you are responsible for paying for this transfer. After breakfast, we will start the day at the Nijo Castle. Built in 1603, it was the Kyoto home of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa Shogun. The ostentatious style of construction was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu’s prestige, and to signal the demise of the emperor’s power. The finest artists of the day filled the castle with delicate transom woodcarvings and paintings by the Kano School on sliding doors. One of the castle’s most intriguing features is the so-called “nightingale” floors. To protect the Shogun from real or imagined enemies, these floorboards creak when stepped on. Next we will visit Kinkaku-ji. Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s, as well as Japan’s, most recognizable attractions. The gleaming building covered in gold leaf seems to float on the aptly named Mirror Pond, especially on a sunny day. After lunch you will have some free time at Nishiki Koji. Nishiki Koji is a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Following this free time, we will participate in an authentic tea ceremony. The regimented discipline of the tea ceremony has been practiced for more than 400 years, and at one time was considered mandatory for Samurai as an aid to train the mind. After the tea ceremony, we will return to the ryokan. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Heavy

Day 12Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Shrine, Higashiyama District, Yasaka Shrine, Gion Geisha District, Sayonara Dinner

After breakfast, we are off by train to the nearby city of Fushimi, one of the largest sake producing regions of Japan. Here we will visit the Fushimi Inari shrine. This Shinto Shrine, established in the 8th century, is famous for the long tunnels of vermilion torii gates straddling a network of trails leading to the top of the heavily forested Mt. Inari. We will then travel to the Higashiyama District. This area of narrow, cobblestone alleys with its temples, shrines, numerous shops and restaurants is truly enjoyable and relaxing. We will stop for lunch in the Higashiyama District. We will then visit the Yasaka Shrine, also known as the Gion Shrine. This shrine, built over 1350 years ago, is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. The shrine’s main hall combines the honden (inner sanctuary) and haiden (offering hall) into a single building. Next, we will walk to the famous Gion Geisha District. Here, you will see where the Geiko (in Kyoto they call themselves Geiko, not Geisha) and Maiko live and work. You may even see one on their way to one of their appointments. We will then enjoy our “Sayonara” dinner at a nearby restaurant. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch and dinner at local restaurants are included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Heavy

Day 13Return Home

It’s time to say “sayonara” (Goodbye). The group will depart at 8:00 am unless we have determined you need to leave earlier (in which case you will not be provided sending service). You will be escorted to the Kyoto train station, where you will return on your own to Tokyo’s Narita airport, Tokyo’s Haneda airport or Osaka’s Kansai airport by train. (If you are flying out of Narita or Haneda Airport, be sure to schedule a flight after 15:00 to allow yourself enough time to catch your flight.)

Retrieve your main luggage in the departure lobby of the airport (map in appendix). Breakfast at the ryokan included.

Travel: 1 to 4 Hours; Walking: Light

Walking level descriptions:
Light – 0 to 2 miles on level ground
Medium – 2 to 4 miles on level ground or 0 to 2 miles on hilly ground
Heavy – 4 to 6 miles on level ground or 2 to 4 miles on hilly ground

Dates & Pricing

Dates	Price (land only) / Single Supplement (All prices are per Person)	Status	Assigned Lodging
Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 1, 2025 Cherry Blossom	$4,969.75/ $541.78	Available	Lodging
Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 8, 2025 Late Cherry Blossom	$4,722.55/ $541.78	Available	Lodging
May 8, 2025 - May 20, 2025	$4,274.50/ $541.78	Available	Lodging
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025	$4,274.50/ $541.78	Available	Lodging
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025	$4,274.50/ $541.78	Available	Lodging
Sep 4, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025	$4,274.50/ $541.78	Available	Lodging
Oct 9, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025	$4,516.55/ $541.78	Available	Lodging
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025	$4,731.82/ $541.78	Available	Lodging
Nov 27, 2025 - Dec 9, 2025	$4,274.50/ $541.78	Available	Lodging

Photos

Add-On Tours

Our tours and tour itineraries are the best, but as the saying goes, “you can’t make everyone happy all of the time”. There may a specific destination or a specific experience you may want to include in your visit to Japan that may not be included your tour. Choose from our Add On tours to include your interests and make your Japan tour even better.

Click HERE to view all of the Add-On Tours.

Or, use the arrows to scroll though the recommended list of Add-On Tours for this tour.

Inclusions

Local, licensed, English-speaking, Japanese guides
Travel insurance from Travel Guard, one of the world’s largest travel insurance providers, will be provided to everyone from the United States. All others will receive a $100 per person credit and will be responsible for obtaining their own travel insurance in their own home country. (The insurance provided by Samurai Tours will cover the land portion only. Insurance to cover airfare and other additional expenses is the tour member’s responsibility.)
- Exact coverage dependent on state
  - For residents of the following states please click here for your available plan. FL, KS, MN, MO, MT, NY, and WA
  - For all other states and the District of Columbia click here
- Travel Insurance Surcharge: Depending on your age at the time the travel insurance is purchased, you may be subject to the following surcharge for your travel insurance. Travel insurance surcharges will be due at the same time as your tour deposits. (the surcharge itself is not insured)
  - Up to 69 – $0
  - 70-74 – $100
  - 75-79 – $175
  - 80-84 – $300
  - 85+ – $500
- Travel Insurance Opt-Out: If you would prefer to opt out of the travel insurance, please note this at the time of registration. You will receive a $100 credit per person, which will be reflected on your invoice. In the event that you would need to cancel your tour, cancellation penalties may apply. See the Terms and Conditions page for the Cancellation Fees Schedule.

Reserved seat train tickets where applicable

Meeting service at Tokyo’s Narita Airport or Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and transfer to the ryokan in Tokyo
- The meeting service will meet you at the airport and provide you a transfer to the ryokan in Tokyo
- Meeting service can only be provided between 6am and 9pm. If you arrive at a time outside of these hours, we will need to provide alternative directions for you to get to the ryokan on your own.

Sending service to the Kyoto train station and transfer to Tokyo’s Narita Airport, Tokyo’s Haneda Airport or Osaka’s Kansai Airport. (Transfers to Itami Airport are not included)
- The sending service will escort you to the Kyoto train station and make sure you board the correct train. The sending service will not accompany you to the airport.

For those requiring meeting or sending services on other than the scheduled arrival/departure dates, there will be a $100 fee for the meeting service from the airport into Tokyo or the sending service to the Kyoto train station.)

Lodging for 12 nights in Japanese-style ryokans or western-style hotels

Meals
- Japanese-style or Western-style breakfast every morning (Please Note: Some ryokans offer Japanese breakfasts only.)
- Six Japanese-style lunches
- Two Japanese-style dinners

The appropriate amount of free time to allow you to explore and discover your own personal Japan.
All transportation costs when traveling with the group. (Transportation costs during scheduled free times are the tour member’s responsibility.)
Admission fees to the destinations and activities listed in the Tour Highlights column on the right. (Itinerary specifics subject to change)
Electronic version of itinerary
Use of audio tour guide system (must provide own headphones)
Sayonara dinner at the end of the tour
Baggage transfer from the hotel in Tokyo to the hotel in Takayama (one bag only)
Baggage transfer from the hotel in Takayama to the hotel in Kanazawa (one bag only)
Baggage transfer from the hotel in Osaka to the hotel in Koto (one bag only)

Each tour member receives an electronic copy of our tour handbook. This handbook is full of tips and suggestions taken from our Japan travel experiences that allow you to better plan and prepare for your trip, and therefore enjoy your trip even more. The tips and suggestions included cover everything from how to save while exchanging money, what to pack, some basic Japanese-language tips, general etiquette do’s-and-don’ts, ryokan customs, etc.

Exclusions

Airfare is NOT included.
A printed itinerary is not included
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and desserts are NOT included

61 Reviews

Anne Madison

We had an outstanding experience and can\’t thank Samurai enough! Samurai\’s decision to continue the tour just for the two of us meant everything to me. My niece, Elaina, and I had been looking forward to this trip together for years, since the time it was cancelled during Covid. I am so grateful for the entire experience of Japan, the people we came to know, and most especially for being able to share it all with her! Thank you so much, Samurai!

Tour Date: Jun 13th, 2024

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Graig Roylance

Really informative and worthwhile.

Tour Date: May 9th, 2024

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Jean

Wasn\’t quite sure what to expect but I was never disappointed. Samurai is a first class outfit. However, and I recognize that this is personal, I would have liked to get back to the hotel a little earlier to wander around the neighbourhoods. As the tour progressed, though, there was some leway for persons who wanted to slow down.

Tour Date: Mar 21st, 2024

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Angela Bechtel

Tour Date: Mar 21st, 2024

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Julie Lee

We had a wonderful holiday!

Tour Date: Jul 13th, 2023

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Best of Central Japan

Tour Factors

Cultural Immersion

Pace

Physical Activity