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Colourful Autumn Season and Mountain Fuji with morning fog and red leaves at lake Kawaguchiko is one of the best places in Japan

Simply Japan in 14 Days

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By Hugh Surtees


If you’re looking for a hassle free and great value way to experience the other-worldly wonders of Japan, the Simply Japan tour from Explore is for you. Travel from cosmopolitan Tokyo to unchanged ancient villages, castles, and temples. Experience traditional and modern Japan, stay in a Buddhist temple, and see the iconic snow monkeys.



Days 1-3: Tokyo

Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun! Enjoy three days getting to know the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo. Discover the oldest temple in the city, Senso-ji Temple; attend a morning fire service at Fudo-do Temple; visit Meiji Jingu shrine and head to Shibuya crossing to explore. You can also opt for an additional day tour to Hakone National Park which offers beautiful views of Mt. Fuji.


 

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan

Day 4: Matsumoto

Board an express train and travel north to the pretty town of Matsumoto (a three-hour journey), flanked on each side by the Japanese Alps. Explore the town’s 500-year-old castle, known as ‘Crow Castle’, the oldest and most elegant in Japan.


 

Matsumoto castle in spring season, Nagano, Japan

Day 5: Nagano

Visit Jigokudani Onsen, home to Japan’s indigenous snow monkeys, and observe them as they bathe in the hot springs. This evening, enjoy spending the night at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Japan.


 

Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park, Onsen, Japan

Days 6-7: Kanazawa

Rise early to join the monks for morning prayer, then continue to the samurai district of Kanazawa. Spend a day at leisure exploring the sights at your own pace.


 

Nishi Chaya District of Kanazawa

Day 8: Takayama

Travel to authentic Takayama and explore the narrow streets of the Sanmachi Suji district. Sample some sake at a traditional distillery before spending the night in a family run minshuku, a traditional Japanese guesthouse.


 

Tsumago a Traditional Japanese Village in the Mountains, Japan

Days 9-10: Hiroshima

Travel on the famous Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima where you will visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and museum. On day ten take a small ferry to Miyajima, a tiny island where deer roam freely. See the floating torii gate and head back to Hiroshima for the night.


 

Miyajima Gate in Japan

Days 11-12: Kyoto

Head to Kyoto this morning and explore the imperial Nijo Castle. Marvel at the extensive gardens and impressive architecture. Spend the remaining time at leisure discovering Kyoto. Perhaps explore the zen gardens, temples, and the geisha district.


 

Japanese girls in Kyoto, Japan

Days 13-14: Osaka

Travel to Osaka for your last days in Japan. Visit the Namba area, one of Osaka’s most vibrant and interesting districts. Your tour ends on day 14.


 

Osaka streets in Japan

For more inspiration take a look at our Japan Holidays pages.

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Written by Hugh Surtees

Hugh is a Marketing Executive based in our head office in Kensington. Hugh has worked at Trailfinders since 2016 and has travelled to 33 countries. His favourite destinations include Fiji, Vietnam and India.

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