Platinum Series

Platinum 12 Day Japan Sping Tour 2023

pLATINUM Series

12 Day Platinum Japan Spring Tour 2023

11 days in Japan

Small Escorted Luxury Tour

Departs

Saturday 8th April 2023

From $12,400*

*Price is per person, twin share land only. Single supplement from $3,000 per person

From the welcome cocktails overlooking the Imperial Palace at sunset in Tokyo to your stay in a traditional hot spring resort in Hakone, enjoy the quality, luxury and service of a JANESCO Platinum tour in exotic Japan. Enjoy gourmet experiences, regional delicacies, and traditional Kyoto kaiseki dining. Experience the grandeur of the famous Mt. Fuji, the serenity of the Floating Shrine at Miyajima and the poignant memorial at Hiroshima. Stroll under the famous Cherry Blossoms in the ancient capital Kyoto, the Samurai town of Kanazawa and the thatched rural village of Shirakawago. Speed through the countryside on the Bullet Train and then enjoy a quiet amble through Edo period streets and Samurai gardens. A combination of famous destinations and out of the way places, at a relaxed pace.

Platinum Series Tours Include

Gourmet Food

Gourmet Food

Fine Dining

Luxurious Dining

Limo Chauffer

Chauffer Pick Up

Luxury Rooms

Luxury Accommodation

ENquire Now
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View Inclusions
Sensouji temple, Tokyo Japan

Day 1-2

Tokyo

Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa

Days 3-4

Tokyo – Kanazawa – Takayama – Shirakawago

Miyajima Island Temple

Days 5-6

Kanazawa – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Kyoto

Days 7-8

Kyoto – Hakone – Mt. Fuji

Torii gate of Hakone shrine located on lake Ashi, Japan

Days 9-10

Hakone – Tokyo

Shibuya Centregai

Days 11-12

Tokyo – Home

Tour Itenerary

Day 1 Tokyo

After arriving at Tokyo airport and clearing customs you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to our luxury Imperial Hotel Tokyo and check in for 2 nights. Take some time to settle in and perhaps go for a stroll towards nearby Ginza to shake off the cobwebs and take in the local atmosphere.

Accommodation: The Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 2 Tokyo [B, L, Welcome Drinks]

After a relaxing breakfast (your choice of traditional Japanese a la carte, Viking (Japanese and western buffet) or Western à la carte, we start our first full day in Tokyo with a morning sightseeing tour of the city on a chartered coach, through Ginza streets, Imperial Palace and Asakusa Temple where we stroll down the colourful Nakamise shopping street, lined with tiny stalls and thronging with enchanted shoppers and temple visitors. For our first taste of the gourmet delights of Japan, we will enjoy lunch at one of the fine restaurants in Ginza. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure and we gather again in the evening for a Welcome Cocktail and a light dinner at a private lounge in the hotel overlooking the Imperial Palace at sunset. This is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a little more as you take in the view and chat about the day’s events.

Accommodation: The Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 3 Tokyo – Kanazawa [B, D]

Mid-morning we travel by Bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa on the Japan Sea coast and on the way you will have the opportunity to see everything from cityscapes to rural rice paddies and mountainous landscapes. You might want to pick up one of the famous (and delicious) bento boxes at Tokyo station before boarding the train, so that you can enjoy yet another culinary experience on the way to Kanazawa. Kanazawa is proud of its Samurai history and the culture, arts and crafts developed during the reign of the Shoguns. We begin our exploration of the city’s feudal past with visits to the historical district of Higashiyama, the former samurai residential area and one of Japan’s most famous gardens, Kenrokuen Garden. It is one of the 3 most beautiful gardens in Japan, drawing its name from its embodiment of all 6 of the attributes of the ideal Japanese Garden. Stay at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa for 2 nights.

Accommodation: The Hyatt Centric Kanazawa or similar

Day 4 Kanazawa – Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa [B, L]

Not too far from Kanazawa are the ancient town of Takayama and the bucolic village of Shirakawago. Takayama’s isolation has allowed Edo period streets, lined with tiny shops, museums and eating places, to survive to this day. We will take lunch at a local fine restaurant in Takayama and after spending some time taking in the local sights we will travel on to Shirakawago, a small world heritage listed village, nestled in the mountains beside a pristine mountain river. We stroll around this fascinating village with its famous thatched roofs for a while before heading back to Kanazawa.

Accommodation: The Hyatt Centric Kanazawa or similar

Day 5 Kanazawa – Kyoto [B, D]

After checking out from the hotel, we travel to Kyoto. Kyoto is the spiritual heart of Japan and is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was the main centre for the evolution of religious and secular architecture and of garden design for almost a thousand years. During our stay in Kyoto we will get to experience this first hand beginning today with a morning sightseeing tour visiting two of its most famous UNESCO world heritage sites, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and Nijo Castle. Kinkakuji is a beautiful Zen temple whose top two storeys are completely covered in gold leaf. Nijo castle, built in 1603, is one of the best surviving examples of feudal Japan’s castle palace architecture. We will be transferred to our hotel and check in for 2 nights.

Accommodation Hotel: Okura Kyoto or similar

Day 6 Kyoto – Hiroshima – Miyajima – Kyoto [B, D]

Early morning, we will transfer to Kyoto station to catch the Bullet Train for Hiroshima. We travel on to nearby Miyajima Island in The Inland Sea, to enjoy sightseeing around the Sacred Goddess Miyajima Floating Shrine and the world-famous Torii gate. The shrine itself is built out over the water on pylons, to give the impression of its floating on the water. As with many other structures
in Japan it has been rebuilt after storm or fire damage many times and in fact this constant renewal is characteristic of the Japanese psyche. The image of the large bright vermillion Torii gate at high tide against the mountain behind is one of the best known in Japan. We then travel to the famous Hiroshima Peace Museum, dedicated to those who lost their lives or loved ones to the atomic bomb and has displays on life before and after the bomb. After a full day, we travel back to Kyoto by Bullet Train.

Accommodation Kyoto Hotel Okura or similar

Day 7 Kyoto [B, D]

We start the morning with a stroll along The Philosopher’s Path, a very pleasant stone path lined with some 500 cherry trees, through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. We also visit a spectacular Zen Rock Garden. Late afternoon, you will check in at one of the highest quality and most famous traditional Ryokans (Inns) in Japan. Enjoy the experience of a lifetime with traditional Japanese hospitality. All rooms are individually and exquisitely decorated. Tonight we will be served a traditional Kaiseki Dinner, a gourmet delight prepared by expert chefs. During dinner we will be accompanied by a Geisha/Maiko, who will perform traditional dances for us.

Accommodation Ryokan Hiiragiya or similar

Day 8 Kyoto – Hakone Mt Fuji Gohra Region [B, L, D]

This morning we travel to Mount Fuji and Hakone National Park. It is difficult to really get a feel for the massive mountain from pictures alone. Today (weather permitting) you will see Mt. Fuji from far enough away to appreciate its amazing symmetry and close enough to experience the awe its presence has instilled in the Japanese people and begin to understand its place in their culture. On our way to view the mountain from another vantage point, we will take a cruise across Lake Ashi in the Hakone National Park and then board the gondola ride. We check in at Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa for 1 night. Enjoy soaking in a private outdoor Onsen hot bath before dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa or similar

Day 9 Hakone – Tokyo [B, D]

Today, we travel back to Tokyo and transfer to the Imperial Hotel Tokyo and check in for 2 nights. The remainder of the day is free to either relax or explore a bit of Ginza. Your tour coordinator will help you organise your activities. Relax this  evening with farewell drinks and light meal at the Imperial lounge.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 10 Tokyo [B]

Day at leisure. Your tour coordinator will help you organise your activities.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 11 Tokyo [B]

Today is our last day in Japan, so you might wish to do some last-minute souvenir hunting or an optional half day activity. Late afternoon, we check out from the hotel and leave for Tokyo airport.

Day 12 Guests will arrive home

Other Tour Inclusions

JANESCO 12 Day Japan Spring Tour – Platinum 2023
TOUR INCLUSIONS

  • Fully Escorted Tour by Experienced, Licensed staff Luxury Accommodation,
    Luggage delivery service
  • Business class train travel.
  • Airport transfers for all Tokyo arrival and departure flights
  • Ryokan stay experience at one of the oldest and most famous ryokans in Kyoto.
  • A private, traditional Kaiseki dinner with the accompaniment of Geisha and traditional dance performances.
  • Total Meals: 20 meals, Daily Breakfast (10), Lunch (3), Dinner (7)
  • Sightseeing with local tour guides
  • All tipping – coach drivers, hotels (and service fees) and restaurants

Exclusions: Airfares, your travel insurance, beverages during meals (except where specified)

    Make an Enquiry

    Platinum Series

    Platinum 13 Day Japan Autumn Northern Tour 2023- Ainu Marimo Festival

    pLATINUM Series

    13 Day Japan Autumn Northern Platinum Tour 2023 – Ainu Marimo Festival

    11 days in Japan

    Small Escorted Luxury Tour

    Departs

    Wednesday 4th October 2023

    From $10,940

    Per person / twin share / economy class flight land & air package.  Plus taxes & fees.  Land only package available

    Learn about the hidden culture of Japan’s “Ainu” aboriginal people, with an itinerary organised to coincide with the Ainu Marimo festival in Hokkaido. This Platinum tour has been designed for experienced visitors to learn about the hidden culture of Japan’s “Ainu” aboriginal people. Experience the wonderful wild nature of the unspoiled Northern Mountains, the sea and rivers. Stay in a fishing village and explore the nearby Shiretoko peninsula and Oshinkoshin waterfall. Stay in the onsen resort of Lake Akan, where you can also enjoy the colourful torchlight evening procession and the haunting chants of the Ainu tribal representatives as they deliver the Marimo spheres to the village center. Visit the port town of Otaru and stroll along the beautifully restored canal and warehouses. The Autumn colours at this time of year start in Hokkaido and Kamikochi, the gateway to the Northern Alps’ climbing routes. We complete the tour in the Kamikochi mountain resort in Nagano, where one can enjoy walking through the vast virgin forests of birch and Japanese larch trees in this glacial valley. Or perhaps simply kick back and relax at the Alpine Resort, where we will also dine in style on gourmet meals prepared by a the Imperial Hotel chefs.

    Platinum Series Tours Include

    Gourmet Food

    Gourmet Food

    Fine Dining

    Luxurious Dining

    Limo Chauffer

    Chauffer Pick Up

    Luxury Rooms

    Luxury Accommodation

    ENquire Now
    View Itinerary
    View Inclusions
    Shutterstock 1735415390

    Days 1-3

    Tokyo – Shiretoko

    Lake Akan Walking Track

    Day 4-6

    Shiretoko – Lake Akan

    Kappa Bridge On A Crisp Morning, Kamikochi

    Days 7-9

    Lake Akan – Sapporo – Kamikochi

    Asakusa Interior Courtyard, Tokyo

    Days 10-13

    Kamikochi – Tokyo

    Tour Itinerary

    Day 1 Sydney – Tokyo

    Leave from Sydney by All Nippon Airways overnight flight NH880 at 21:45.

    Day 2 Tokyo [B]

    05:25 Arrive at Tokyo Haneda airport and on arrival a transfer service will take us to our 5 star hotel, the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, where we check in for 1 night.  For your comfort, an early check in arrangement is organised.

    Land arrangement only passenger: check in at hotel after 2:00pm

    Accommodation: 1 night at The Imperial Hotel Tokyo Superior type room or similar

    Day 3 Tokyo – Shiretoko [B, D]

    After breakfast, we check out from our hotel. 11:10, we fly to Memanbetsu to the east coast of Hokkaido. We head on to the peaceful rustic fishing village of Utoro in the World Heritage listed Shiretoko Peninsula National Park, home to deer, foxes and squirrels. We visit Oshinkoshin waterfall and may be able to see the salmon run in the local stream as they head upstream to spawn. We make our way to The Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel and check in for 2 nights

    Accommodation: 2 nights at The Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel or similar

    Day 4 Shiretoko [B, L]

    Morning at leisure. This afternoon we will visit Shiretoko Goko (5 lakes) and do a little bush walking along carefully curated tracks and take in the scenery. Dinner at hotel. 

    Day 5 Shiretoko – Lake Akan [B, D]

    We leave the hotel by chartered coach this morning to view the beautiful caldera lake, Lake Mashu. After viewing the lake we travel on to Lake Akan, the centre of Ainu culture in Hokkaido. Ainu from all over Japan congregate at Lake Akan each year for the ancient Marimo Festival, which we will be enjoying tomorrow. We check-in at the Tsuruga hotel hot spring resort for 2 nights. After dinner at the hotel we will soak up some of the local culture with a walk around the Lake Akan shopping strip, lined with little shops plying handicrafts and sculptures for which the Ainu are so famous.

    Accommodation: 2 nights at Lake Akan Tsuruga Wings or similar

    Day 6 Lake Akan [B, D] – Ainu Marimo Festival

    Mid morning, we will take a stroll along the shore of Lake Akan and perhaps visit the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center on Churui Island. This evening, after an early dinner, we will watch the traditional Marimo festival of the Ainu people (Japanese Aboriginals) including the colourful torch-lit parade and ceremonial traditional folk dances of the different Ainu tribes

    Day 7 Lake Akan – Sapporo [B]

    After checking out from our hotel we travel by chartered coach to Memanbetsu domestic airport to catch a flight for Sapporo to arrive mid afternoon. Upon arrival at Sapporo, we transfer to our hotel and check in for 2 nights. No dinner is organised for this evening, but your tour coordinator will be happy to assist you with your dinner arrangements. 

    Accommodation: 2 nights at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo or similar

    Day 8 Sapporo [B]

    Today we visit the picturesque port town of Otaru. From the early days of Hokkaido’s colonization in the late 1800s, Otaru served as a major trade and fishing port. Its beautifully preserved canals and herring houses are reminiscent of those times.

    Day 9 Sapporo – Kamikochi [B, D]

    We check out from hotel and transfer to Sapporo airport to travel to Toyama, situated in Hokuriku region on The Japan Sea coast. Upon arrival at Toyama, we will be transferred to The Kamikochi Imperial Hotel snuggled in a secluded glacial valley. The Azusa-gawa River valley is known as the gateway to the Northern Alps’ climbing routes. We check in for 2 nights. Dinner this evening is at the hotel’s French restaurant “Les Saisons” which has been awarded Michelin hats last every year for 17 years since 2005.

    Accommodation: 2 nights at The Kamikochi Imperial Hotel or similar

    Day 10 Kamikochi [B, D]

    Today enjoy walking through Kamikochi and across Kappabashi bridge, one of the most scenic spots in Japan. Surrounded by The Hotaka Mountain Range, Mt. Yake-dake and Jonen Mountains, the area features vast virgin forests of birch and Japanese larch trees. Kamikochi is a small basin some 1,500 meters above sea level on the upper stream area of the Azusa-gawa River and was one of Japan’s first mountaineering resorts after the country was opened to the west in the late nineteenth century. Tonight enjoy a Japanese traditional Kaiseki Dinner at the hotel.

    Day 11 Kamikochi – Tokyo [B, Farewell drinks with light meal]

    This morning, we check-out from the hotel and travel back to Tokyo. We travel to Matsumoto by chartered coach where we will visit the Matsumoto “Crow” Castle, one of Japan’s premier historic castles and which was once the seat of the Matsumoto domain. We catch an express train to Nagano where we change to a Bullet Train to Tokyo. Arriving mid-afternoon in Tokyo, we check in at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo for 1 night. The remainder of the day is free to either relax or explore a bit of Ginza. Your tour coordinator will help you organise your activities.  Enjoy farewell drinks and a light meal this evening at the hotel.

    Accommodation: 1 night at The Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

    Day 12 Tokyo

    Today is our last day in Japan, so you might wish to do some last-minute souvenir hunting or an optional half day activity. Perhaps follow your escort to the Meiji shrine and Omotesando promenade of Harajuku, where Tokyo’s old & new cultures meet.

    Land arrangement only: 12:00 tour concludes.   

    Air & Land package: Late afternoon, transfer to Haneda airport. Depart from Haneda by All Nippon Airways overnight flight NH879 at 22:20

    Day 13 Arrive home

    9:55 Arrive in Sydney

    Other Tour Inclusions

    JANESCO 12 Day Japan Spring Tour – Platinum 2023
    TOUR INCLUSIONS

      Tour Inclusions

      • Fully Escorted by Experienced tour guide.
      • 5 star accommodation and/or best available rooms at Onsen hot spring resorts.
      • Gourmet dinners and variety of local cuisine.
      • All transfers, sightseeing and baggage porterage as specified.
      • Total Meals: 17 meals, Daily Breakfast (10) Lunch (0) Dinner (7).

      Air and Land Package Price:

      • Economy Class             $10,940 + taxes & fees*          
      • Premier Economy        $13,600+  taxes & fees*
      • Business Class             $15,890+  taxes & fees*
      • Single room arrangement  $2,960

      Flights are subject to availability.

      Air & Land package:

      • Air & Land package: Return International flights, 3 domestic flights.
      • Early check-in on arrival in Tokyo, Day 2. Imperial Hotel Tokyo.
      • Return airport transfers on arrival and departure dates..

      Land only arrangement Price:

      • $ 8,990*  
      • Single room arrangement  $2,960

      Land Only Arrangement:

      • Includes 3 x domestic flights in Japan.
      • Does not include airport transfers on 05 October and 15 October between Tokyo airport and Imperial Hotel Tokyo.
      • Does not include early check in on 05 October.

      EXCLUSIONS: your travel insurance, beverages during meals (except where specified)    

      Reservation and deposit payments

      To secure a booking on this tour, please complete the reservation request form and return it to JANESCO together with a copy of your passport and a deposit of AUD1,500 per person. The balance payment for the tour is due by 20 Aug ’23.

      If either the Japanese or Australian government were to prohibit travel after full payment has been made, payments will be fully refundable. If a passenger cancels, normal cancellation conditions apply.

        Make an Enquiry