Japan The Golden Circle
Experience all Japan has to offer at the most spectacular time of the year!
Vibrant culture, delectable food, breathtaking landscape and so much more!
Experience all Japan has to offer at the most spectacular time of the year! Japan is a land of true contrast; rich with centuries-old tradition, the country has ancient, ornate temples and picturesque old towns standing alongside the dazzling lights and technical innovation of ultra-modern cities.
Join us as we embark on an epic journey of this incredible journey where everything is organised for you - All you have to do is get excited for what will be a truly unforgettable experience. Tick Japan off your bucket list! We will organise a dinner evening in advance of the trip to run through it all day by day and answer any of your questions.
Along with Jase who will be with you throughout the entire journey we also have local english speaking Japanese guides who will be with us throughout. So all bases are covered - All you have to do is book now - Full details below.
Is this tour for me?
Duration
Dates
Suitable for
Departing from*
What’s included?
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - Auckland
Home (Tuesday 7th April)
Depart Whanganui at 1pm and make our way to Palmerston North airport to check in for our 3:40pm flight to Auckland.
Auckland
Once we arrive in Auckland we will be transferred to Auckland Heartland hotel for our first group dinner.
Rest up for the evening and get set for our international flight in the morning.
Departing from another destination
For those departing from another destination you will be given a personalised itinerary. All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent prior to travel.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport
Auckland - Tokyo
Auckland (Wednesday 8th April)
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, be ready for a 7am departure as we make our way to the International Airport to catch our mid morning flight.
The flight is 11 hours and you’ll be treated to inflight entertainment along with food and drinks throughout the journey over.
Tokyo
Once we’ve safely landed and through the airport we’ll be met by our english speaking Japanese guide and transferred by coach to our hotel where we’ll spend the next 5 nights.
Simply relax at the hotel and grab a bite to eat or head out for a walk and start exploring!
Accommodation: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo (Thursday 9th April)
Refreshed after a good night's rest, enjoy breakfast and start the day at 9am, boarding the bus for an exciting sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Our guide is there to help us get our bearings of this incredible city while showcasing some highlights of the area.
Places of interest today include:
- Driving by the Imperial Palace
- The Tsukiji Fish Market - Japan's oldest and most famous fish market
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Senso-Ji Temple - Tokyo's oldest-established temple, and one of its most significant.
- Naklamise Shopping Street - lined with tons of little shops and food stalls.
We will return to our hotel mid-afternoon where you can choose to relax or once again head out and immerse yourself in this vibrant city.
Tonight we are in for a real treat as we head out for a memorable welcome dinner while watching a Sumo show! The national sport of Japan - This will be amazing!
Accommodation: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo
Tokyo - Kamakura
Tokyo (Friday 10th April)
This morning after breakfast we make our way to the popular destination of Kamakura.
Kamakura
Spend the day sightseeing with our guide with plenty to see and do including.
- Kotoku-In Temple
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Tsurugaoka Hachimiangu - This beautiful shrine has existed for over 800 years.
- Komachi-Dori Street - Known for its vibrant atmosphere and blend of traditional and modern shops.
Tokyo
We return to the hotel where the evening is yours to stroll the safe streets, find a groovy spot for dinner and drinks or simply relax at the hotels bar/restaurant before resting up for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo
Tokyo - Nikko
Tokyo (Saturday 11th April)
Breakfast is onsite at the hotel again then we hop on the bus and venture north to take in the sights of Nikko.
Nikko
Places of interest we see and learn about with our guide today are:
- Nikko Toshogu Shrine
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Lake Chuzenji - This is a beautiful spot with waterfalls to view such as Kegon Falls
Tokyo
We return to the hotel where the evening is yours to stroll the safe streets, find a groovy spot for dinner and drinks or simply relax at the hotels bar/restaurant before resting up for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo (Sunday 12th April)
Have breakfast at your leisure this morning and if need be - rest up a little! After all, you're on holiday!
Today is yours to do as you please in Tokyo - Jase and your guide will help you with ideas of things to do but by now you’ll be really comfortable and happy to head out and see some of the many attractions Tokyo has on offer. Get a group together or if you have something you are keen to see and do please feel free to ask and we’ll make it happen for you!
Accommodation: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo
Tokyo - Hakone
Tokyo (Monday 13th April)
Today, it's time to leave Tokyo so enjoy breakfast then let’s hit the road!
Owakudani
We have a full day of sightseeing lined up with our english speaking guide leading the way. Stop in at Owakudani, one of most famous viewpoints in Hakone, where you can observe the intense volcanic activity from up close.
We stop for lunch at a popular local restaurant before an incredible afternoon visiting the Hakone Komagadake Ropeway which offers a scenic gondola ride from Hakone-en to the summit of Mount Komagatake, providing panoramic views of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji, and surrounding areas. Also this afternoon we enjoy a scenic cruise by boat on Lake Ashi.
Hakone
Then it's off to our accommodation where we can put our feet up and enjoy dinner on-site at the hotel.
Note: You will need an overnight bag today as all our luggage will be moved onto Takayama.
Accommodation: Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
Hakone - Takayama
Hakone (Tuesday 14th April)
After breakfast we head to Odawara Station and make our way to Takayama on the Bullet Train. The train goes via Nagoya and you’ll be amazed with the speed and comfort in which you’ll travel.
Takayama
After arriving and having lunch we’ll get into some more sights which include:
Yatai Kaikan Hall - A popular exhibition hall displaying traditional, hand carved floats used for biannual festivals.
Kasukabe Folk museum - in the Japanese Alps and home to many merchant houses, including that of the Kusakabe family, now transformed into a folk art museum.
We then check into our lovely accommodation and get set for another memorable meal together.
Accommodation: Hotel Takayama Resort
Takayama - Kanazawa
Takayama (Wednesday April 15th)
Rise and shine, have breakfast and get set for another magical day out.
We depart the hotel and spend the day exploring Takayama and Shirakawago by coach before reaching Kanazawa.
Start the day by visiting the famous Takayama morning market, one of the biggest morning markets in Japan.
Kami Sannomachi Town
Kami Sannomachi Town will be another highlight before we move onto Shirakawago and break for lunch. This mountainous village in Central Japan, is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a must-go tourist destination. It is renowned for her steeply sloped thatched roofs Gassho-style houses which resembled hands meeting in prayer.
Kanazawa
After this wonderfully interesting afternoon we make our way to Kanazawa and check into another top notch accommodation.
Note: You will need an overnight bag today as all our luggage will be moved onto Kyoto.
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko
Kanazawa - Kyoto
Kanazawa (Thursday April 16th)
After breakfast our day starts by having a decent look around Kanazawa once again with our english speaking guide.
Highlights include:
Nagamachi Samurai District - Located at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to reside. We visit a former Samurai Residence.
Higashi - Chaya District - The largest among three well-preserved historical geisha districts in Kanazawa along with Nishichayagai and Kazuemachi, and the geisha still entertain here today.
We will enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant before making our way to Kanasawa Station to once again use the Bullet Train as our mode of transport. We travel through Tsuruga before reaching our next destination - Kyoto!
Kyoto
After arriving we head for our hotel, check in with some time to relax before heading out for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Kyoto
Kyoto (Friday April 17th)
Enjoy breakfast and get excited as we get set to see Kyoto in all its beautiful glory!
So many highlights today including:
Nijo-jo Castle - Perhaps the starkest representation of the power the shogun, or warlords, once held over the emperor during the Edo period (1603-1867). It is one of the best-known castles in Japan
Kinkakuji Temple - A Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
Lunch at a local restaurant before a unique Tea Ceremony.
Teramachi Shopping Street - Shops galore in this popular and bustling street!
After this amazing day out we head back to our superb accommodation where the evening is yours to do as you please. As always Jase is there to offer up some ideas and even head out on the town if you wish.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
Kyoto (Saturday 18th April)
We’ll dine for breakfast and have another wonderful day out lined up.
Nara
Nara Park - One of Japan's oldest and most famous parks, Nara Park is not only home to friendly deer and ancient relics, but also a magical place where tradition and modernity converge. Visit Kasuga Taisha and many other attractions while here. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
Naramachi District - A hidden gem that captures the essence of old Japan. This charming historical district, with its well-preserved traditional buildings and narrow streets, invites you to take a step back in time.
Kyoto
After another great day out we head back to our superb accommodation where the evening is yours once again to do as you please.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Kyoto
Kyoto (Sunday 19th April)
Another scrummy breakfast awaits before we hot the road again for another full-day sightseeing in Kyoto by coach with English speaking guide.
Our first stop is Arashiyama to experience the Bamboo Forest and Togetsu Bridge. Snap a few photos of this magical area particularly lovely during Autumn.
Lunch at a local restaurant today trying some Japanese Buddhist Cuisine.
A trip to Japan just wouldn’t be complete without visiting a Sake Brewery. Sample the goods and enjoy an afternoon tipple - you know you may just find your new favourite drink!
Another highlight this afternoon will be visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha - famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings.
Return to the hotel and reflect on another memorable day and maybe another glass of sake!
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Kyoto - Osaka or Hiroshima - Kyoto
Kyoto (Monday 20th April)
Rise and shine for breakfast and today make a choice of what you’d like to do.
Osaka or Hiroshima
Your options today are heading to Osaka or Hiroshima for the day. Osaka will be more relaxed and easy going while Hiroshima is a fairly long day but certainly worth the effort!
You will have an English speaking Japanese guide with you for both these options so rest assured you’ll be looked after throughout.
If you choose the Osaka option you will visit the Osaka Castle, Doguyasuji (A shopping street) and also the Kuromon Market before having the afternoon free to do as you please after lunch.
If you decide to head to Hiroshima you will once again use the train for transport arriving in Hiroshima before transferring to Mayajima-guchi by bus and then onto Miyiajima where you take a ferry to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Lunch is also included again today. Spend time in this historic area before making our way back to Kyoto.
Note: Hiroshima day trip has an additional cost of $695.00 per person
Kyoto
Kyoto
Have breakfast at your leisure this morning and if need be - rest up a little!
Today is yours to do as you please in Kyoto - Jase and your guide will help you with ideas of things to do but by now you’ll be really comfortable and happy to head out and see some of the many attractions Kyoto has on offer. Get a group together or if you have something you are keen to see and do please feel free to ask and we’ll make it happen for you!
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Kyoto
Kyoto (Tuesday 22nd April)
Have breakfast at your leisure this morning and if need be - rest up a little!
Today is yours to do as you please in Kyoto - Jase and your guide will help you with ideas of things to do but by now you’ll be really comfortable and happy to head out and see some of the many attractions Kyoto has on offer. Get a group together or if you have something you are keen to see and do please feel free to ask and we’ll make it happen for you!
At the end of the day we meet back at the hotel and head out for our farewell dinner. While at dinner we will also be treated to a traditional Maiko performance which will be the perfect way to wrap up our last night on tour in Japan.
Note: You will need an overnight bag today as all our luggage will be moved onto Tokyo.
Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Kyoto - Home
Kyoto - Home (Wednesday 23rd April)
Have breakfast and make our way to the train station as we hop on the bullet train for the final time and make our way back to Tokyo to fly out in the evening.
Fly through the night and land in NZ at 9:25am then transfer over to the Domestic Terminal to catch our midday flight back to Palmerston North which has us arriving there at 1:15pm. The bus will be waiting to transfer us back home so you can put your feet up before deciding what to make for dinner 🙂
Heading to another location
For those heading to another destination you will be given your personalised itinerary with all tickets and details provided in your personal information pack, sent prior to travel.
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
Can I earn Air New Zealanad airpoints on my flights?
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
What types of transport do we use?
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
Still have questions?
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