Included in this offer :

• Board according to program
• Flights departing from the city of your choice
• Tokyo airport - hotel transfer included by shared shuttle bus

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JAPON: DES MÉGALOPOLES AUX MONTAGNES SACRÉES

Discover Japan and its nuances: a journey between urban frenzy and mysticism!

The duality between the hustle and bustle of the Tokyo megalopolis and the tranquility of small mountain towns. This trip is the ideal opportunity to discover the must-see cities while getting off the beaten track. Experience the more spiritual side of Japan and embark on an unforgettable adventure where majestic peaks offer an atmosphere of deep contemplation. Immerse yourself in the ancestral traditions of Kyoto. Between urban modernity and mountain serenity, this trip promises an authentic experience, where every moment is an encounter with spellbinding contrasts.

Highlights:

A captivating itinerary of contrasts between big cities and sacred mountain villages

Hotels ideally located for a peaceful stay

An authentic experience in a Japanese inn, with a moment of relaxation in a real onsen, accompanied by a traditional meal.

This private tour is available in 13 days.

Your itinerary, day by day:

**Day 1: Arrival and installation in Tokyo

**Days 2 to 4: Tokyo

*day 5: Tokyo - Matsumoto - Hirayu Onsen** *Day 6: Tokyo - Matsumoto

Day 6: Hirayu Onsen - Takayama

Day 7: Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa

**Day 8: Kanazawa

Day 9: Kanazawa - Kyoto (in French)

**Day 10 to 12: Kyoto

Day 13: Last day and departure from Kyoto (in French)

Your detailed itinerary

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN TOKYO

Welcome to Japan!

Let's start with the must-see capital: Tokyo.

Transfer from the airport to your hotel by shared shuttle.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements. Overnight stay at your hotel.

DAY 2 | TOKYO

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested sightseeing : Start your adventure by discovering the trendy districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. Pose in front of the statue of Hachiko, Japan's most famous dog, and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese fashion. The eccentric looks on the famous Takeshita Street are sure to surprise you. After a visit to the Tokyo Imperial Palace to immerse yourself in Japanese history, enjoy the greenery of Ueno Park.

DAY 3 | TOKYO

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested sightseeing: Discover Tokyo's nightlife through the bustling streets of Shinjuku and the neon lights of Kabukichô. Dine in one of the many izakaya and restaurants dotted between the illuminated billboards and karaoke bars. For fans of Japanese pop culture and retro gaming, seek out bargains and cult items in the electronics district of Akihabara. Explore the various shops spread over several floors, where consoles, video games, goodies, Pokémon cards, and more provide a healthy dose of nostalgia for all generations.

DAY 4 | TOKYO

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested visits: A stroll through the Asakusa district will take you to Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. Here, you'll be introduced to Japanese traditions and spiritual practices. It's the perfect place to have your photo taken in a kimono and purchase some fantastic souvenirs. Don't miss the Skytree Tower for a panoramic view of Tokyo. Now all you have to do is discover the other surprises Tokyo has to offer!

DAY 5 | MATSUMOTO - HIRAYU ONSEN

Breakfast at the hotel.

Bus transfer to the city of Matsumoto.

Transfer by bus to the town of Hirayu Onsen.

Make your own lunch arrangements.

Relaxation, traditional dinner and overnight at a Japanese inn, a "Ryokan", in Hirayu Onsen.

Suggested sightseeing: Hidden away in the mountains of the Gifu Prefecture, the village Okuhida is home to many secret and authentic traditional inns. Enjoy the typical Japanese experience of a night in a Ryokan: after a delicious traditional meal, take advantage of this venture off-the-beaten-track to recharge your batteries in the inn's indoor and outdoor hot springs, known as onsen.

DAY 6 | HIRAYU ONSEN - TAKAYAMA

Breakfast at the Ryokan.

Transfer by bus to the city of Takayama.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay in Takayama.

Suggested sightseeing: Takayama is an ancient city in the Gifu Prefecture, in the heart of the Japanese Alps. For a journey back in time, wander through the old craft and shopping districts and stroll through the thatched-roof village of Hida no Sato. Continue your journey with a visit to one of the city's two retro museums, which perfectly capture the atmosphere of Japan in days gone by. If your consider yourself a gourmet, don't miss the regional specialities: hida beef and local sake. Renowned for its seasonal festivals, the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Musem houses some impressive floats used during the festivities.

DAY 7 | TAKAYAMA - SHIRAKAWAGO - KANAZAWA

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the village of Shirakawago.

Transfer by bus to the town of Kanazawa.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Kanazawa.

Suggested sightseeing: Shirakawago, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is as if suspended in time on account of its old buildings - some of which are over 250 years old. Discover the daily life of the people who lived here all those years ago and the unique architecture of the thatched roofs. Explore the silk museum and the village's former monks' residence. Take in the views from the vantage point and admire the picture-perfect scenery, guaranteed to make an impression whatever the season!

DAY 8 | KANAZAWA

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

Suggested sightseeing: In Kanazawa, immerse yourself in feudal Japan. In the traditional Higashi Chaya district, admire the Edo period buildings that once housed the teahouses of the geishas. Its old-world charm is still intact, and it's the perfect place to discover Japanese craftsmanship. Indulge in a dessert covered in gold leaf or one of the many local specialities at the Omicho fish market.

Explore the Nagamachi district and its labyrinth of narrow streets lined with former samurai residences. Then take in the splendour of one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, the Kenrokuen. This garden is a must-see, even for the Japanese. Stroll around its lake and admire the beauty of its flora in every season. Visit Kanazawa Castle, an important site in the town's feudal history.

DAY 9 | KANAZAWA - KYOTO

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer by train to the city of Kyoto.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay in Kyoto.

Suggested sightseeing: Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital, is a treasure trove of Japanese history with its ancient temples and sanctuaries. Start your exploration at must-see spiritual sites such as the Kiyomizu-dera temple, famous for its wooden terrace offering panoramic views over the city, and the dazzling Golden Pavilion.

DAY 10 | KYOTO

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested sightseeing: Don't miss the shrine with over ten thousand red gates winding through the mountain, the Fushimi Inari-taisha. The majestic Yasaka pagoda welcomes you into a maze of streets - ideal for discovering Japanese crafts. This pedestrianised district offers a glimpse of the Japan of yesteryear, the atmosphere of which is even more special at night when the lanterns are lit.

DAY 11 | KYOTO

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested sightseeing: In the picturesque district of Gion, discover the unique atmosphere of the cobbled streets and tea houses with entertainment provided by the graceful geishas. For an immersion in Japanese culture, enjoy a show of traditional dances performed by geishas. Learn the customs and traditions of the tea ceremony and then relax by the river.

DAY 12 | KYOTO

Breakfast at the hotel.

Make your own lunch and dinner arrangements.

Overnight stay at your hotel.

Suggested visits: For an escape from the temples, immerse yourself in the sublime scenery of the Arashiyama bamboo forest. Add a touch of fun to your visit by watching the monkeys at Iwakayama Park before taking a boat trip on the Hozu River. If you have a sweet tooth, sample a delicious tayaki with red bean paste and discover a whole host of culinary specialities at the century-old Nishiki Market!

DAY 13 | DEPARTURE FROM KYOTO

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer by coach to Osaka Itami International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) depending on your return flight.

Your accommodation

During your 13-day/12-night tour, you will stay for 11 nights in the 3-star hotels (local standards) listed below (or similar), plus one night in a Ryokan (traditional inn):

Tokyo, nights 1 to 4: Three-star Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi Nihonbashi.

Hirayu Onsen, night 5: at the traditional three-star Ryokan Okada Warakutei.

Takayama, night 6: at the three-star Hotel Kuretakuso Takayama Ekimae.

Kanazawa, nights 7 and 8: at the three-star Smile Hotel Kanazawa Nishiguchi Ekimae.

Kyoto, nights 9 to 12: at the three-star Chisun Standard Kyoto Horikawa Gojo.

Your board

During your tour, you will enjoy breakfast from day 2 to day 13 as well as dinner on day 5 when spending the night in a Ryokan.

ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELLING TO JAPAN

**To avoid queuing at the airport and to save time, we recommend that you register individually on the Visit Japan website (https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/) before your departure.

As government restrictions are constantly changing, we advise consulting the following websites regularly right up to the day of departure:

https://www.pasteur.fr/fr

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/

We recommend that you register on the Ariane website:

https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane/dyn/public/login.html

It is the traveller's responsibility to find out about any changes to entry formalities in the destination country.

Please note that airlines reserve the right to modify and reinforce their boarding conditions more strictly than the formalities and regulations of the destination country, at any time and without prior notice. Travellers with connecting flights should look into the conditions of access to the airports where they have a stopover.

On arrival, travellers must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return. A visa is only required for stays of more than 3 months. Non-Japanese nationals entering Japan are required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographic portrait). Non-French nationals or dual nationals are advised to consult the consulate or embassy of their destination country. Minors: Minors must have their own passport. We strongly recommend that minors who are not accompanied by their legal representatives bring a copy of their family record book. Specific formalities: If you are travelling abroad as a minor, please note that minors resident in France and travelling unaccompanied by their legal guardians must bring with them, in addition to their ID, a form authorising them to leave the country: CERFA no. 15646*01 downloadable here: https://www.formulaires.modernisation.gouv.fr/gf/cerfa_15646.do

Health

Covid-19 public health emergency: travellers with a complete vaccination schedule are no longer required to carry out a PCR test less than 72 hours before the flight. However, a PCR test is still compulsory if your vaccination schedule is incomplete. Don't forget to check the latest information on diplomatie.gouv. No vaccination is compulsory. Don't forget to check that your vaccination record is up to date (DTP). Health level is equivalent to that of Western Europe. Natural and climatic risks are high in Japan, so make sure you keep informed. As a general rule, travellers should always carry a mask and hand sanitiser.

GOOD TO KNOW

Currency

The currency used is the yen (JPY). As of 17 June 2024, 1 euro is equivalent to 169 Japanese yen.

Climate

Spring (March to May) is a very pleasant time to travel to Japan, as the flowers in bloom provide a stunning landscape, and the climate is mild, but it is also the peak tourist season; there are often many people visiting the places of interest. Summer (June to August) is fairly hot and humid in most regions, but it is still possible to visit the country, particularly in mountainous areas. Autumn (September to November) is mild, with beautiful colours that add to the charm of the landscape, but it is also rainy. Winter (December to February) is dry and often sunny, so it's a great time to take photos and admire the scenery without too many tourists. It's cold in most parts of the country (with snow in some areas), which is ideal for making the most of the famous 'Onsens', which will bring you a little warmth!

Language

Japanese people don't all speak English very well, especially outside the big cities, so writing down some useful phrases can be very handy.

Time Difference

From March to October, the time difference is CET +7, and from October to March it is CET +8.

Onsens

If you want to try out the Onsens (traditional baths), it is customary to go in completely naked (men and women are separated). Those with tattoos are not always accepted in Onsens.

Pocket Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is not available everywhere in Japan. Ideally, you should travel with a small 'Pocket Wi-fi' dongle so that you have a fast connection wherever you are during your stay. This makes it much easier to check useful information or get in touch with friends and family.

Tips

It is not necessary or customary to leave tips in restaurants, for guides, drivers, etc. If you want to thank your hosts, a gift is preferable.

Driving

In Japan, cars drive on the left and the steering wheel is on the right. Gearboxes are automatic. The Japanese drive quite calmly and are very respectful of the highway code. The motorways are well maintained. To drive in Japan, you need your driving licence and a Japanese translation of it.

ACCOMMODATION

The order of the stages and the itinerary may be modified according to any local constraints.

Hotels:

For technical or unforeseen reasons, the hotels mentioned may be replaced with other accommodation of the same category.

Any specific requests concerning bed type (double bed, separate beds) are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.

In Japan, hotel rooms are often rather narrow and the beds small.

Check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon (3 - 4 p.m.). Check-out is usually in the morning (10 a.m.). The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or babies (0-2). For more information, please contact customer services.

Ryokan accommodation: Access to the communal onsens (Japanese thermal baths) is generally prohibited for people with tattoos.

Tourist tax: not included, payable locally. Approximate amount to be paid today (intended only as a guideline): Three-star hotel = €2/room/night.

TRANSPORT / JOURNEYS

TRANSFER TOKYO AIRPORT - TOKYO HOTEL:

Transfers from Tokyo Airport are by shared shuttle bus. It will transfer you directly to your hotel. Please note that the shuttle can make several stops along the way.

RAIL TRANSPORT:

In Japan, the train is the most practical way to travel. Both large towns and villages are well covered, and the Japanese rail network is diverse and highly efficient. Travel on the famous Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed rail service, with 320 kilometres of tracks!

**Please note that some of the transfers included on this tour are by bus **.

TRANSFER KYOTO - OSAKA AIRPORT:

The transfer to Itami (ITM) or Kansai (KIX) airport for your return flight will be by coach. Note that the shuttle may make several stops along the way.

Good to know

If you are travelling alone, you will be asked to pay a surcharge for a single room. This additional charge will be automatically included in your quote.

Child rates will be applied for children from 2 to 12 years old in the case where the child shares the room with two adults. If the child is travelling with just one adult, the surcharge may be applied on an adult basis. If your child or children do not fit into the age group mentioned above, the rate will be communicated to you at the time of processing your order. If the room is equipped with a bunk bed, the bed height is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.

For safety reasons, the wellbeing facilities of most establishments are not accessible to children under 16 years old. Similarly, it is possible that some amenities or services require an additional charge or are unavailable for exceptional reasons.

Unless otherwise stated in the service description, activities and any additional services available at destination, are provided in the language of the destination country and in English.

The opening times and hours of the activities, restaurants and bars are provided as an indication only and may be subject to change. Contact the reception desk in order to be informed of any changes.

Appropriate dress is required. We remind you that gambling may involve risks of isolation, indebtedness, and dependency...

Any additional special requirements the traveller may request which are not included in the travel service description will be communicated to our service provider. Sending this information does not imply acceptance and PerfectStay.com cannot be held responsible for the fulfilment of these special requests. Only the service provider of PerfectStay.com can access this request on location and any additional costs may be paid locally by the traveller.

Unless expressly stated in the description of the services and accommodation, the hotel is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Transportation

Choose an offer and, according to your preferences, opt for a seat in economy, business or first class.

See the 'View flight info' section for details on each trip.

In order to best organise your time in the airport, we advise that you arrive 2 hours before boarding for a medium-haul flight, or 3 hours before boarding for a long-haul flight (more than 5 hours). Take advantage of your early arrival to pass through security and check your luggage.

You will be informed whether or not luggage is included at the time of your booking.

You will have the opportunity to add additional luggage for a fee.

There are several different cities that are typically offered as departure points. Your arrival destination will show in your travel documents.

Depending on the flight schedule, some arrivals or returns may be made at night with early arrival or late departure. You will not always be able to have your room available immediately and will need to refer to the check-in and check-out conditions of the hotel.

In the event that your transfer is not included in your hotel reservation, it may be offered at the time of your reservation as an additional option. Unless specifically mentioned, transfers may be made in groups of 15 to 55 people.

Important: the modification or the cancellation of a booking is only possible within the limits and including the fees outlined in our general conditions of sale.

Thank you for kindly taking note of the CO2 emissions produced by your means of transport: http://eco-calculateur.aviation-civile.gouv.fr

Formalities

The following details apply to any British citizen who, during a trip sold by PerfectStay goes to a foreign country. The following is a resource directing you to information related to your travel formalities (identification documents, vaccines, VISA, safety, travel advice, etc.), and may be subject to change. Please note that Brexit negotiations are likely to include travel document modifications, therefore please regularly check most updated information. Please see official resource for British citizens wishing to travel:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

The official UK Foreign Travel site has updates on safety and security, including incidents such as pickpocketing and robbery, along with larger incidents such as measuring the risk of terrorism.
Detailed country by country here:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

If you are travelling with minors, please be sure to verify whether or not you will require a consent: https://www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad

Please note that these details serve as a guiding resource in order to ensure that you have access to important information in order to pursue the necessary travel formalities required before travelling abroad with PerfectStay. Please note that PerfectStay will not engage in obtaining travel documents for you, such as visas, and you are solely responsible for knowing the potential health risks you may face in the course of your travels for which you may require vaccinations or medications. PerfectStay is not responsible for ensuring your travel formalities are properly undertaken and will only act as an intermediary directing you to resources which have been known to provide reliable information concerning travel formalities specific to British citizens.

VACCINE

For information concerning travel health requirements (vaccinations, health risks, etc.) please see the following resources:
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/

VISA

For the latest information on which travel documents (visas, passports, etc.) British citizens will require by destination, please see the following resources:
https://visacentral.co.uk/visa-quick-check
https://www.passportindex.org/comparebyPassport.php?p1=uk&fl=&s=yes
https://www.travisa.com/Visa_Search

IDENTITY

Please be sure to verify that your necessary Identification documents (passport and/or ID card dependent upon the country to which you will be travelling) have valid expiration dates, i.e. verify your ID documents have not yet expired. Also, be sure to remember to bring these necessary documents with you. It is also recommended to make copies of all travel documents in the event of an emergen...