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This trip to Japan offers an exceptional itinerary, combining urban energy, ancestral heritage, and iconic landscapes. In Tokyo, let yourself be charmed by the contrasting energy of Asakusa, Shinjuku, Ueno, and Akihabara, then by the elegance of Ginza and the creative atmosphere of Harajuku, before taking in the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

The journey continues in Takayama, where you will discover Kusakabe House, Sanmachi-dori, Miyagawa Market, and Takayama Jinya, in the heart of a preserved city with traditional charm.

You will then visit major Japanese heritage sites, from Himeji Castle to the sacred island of Miyajima, before ending on a high note in Kyoto. Between Fushimi Inari, Nishiki, Sanjusangendo, Kennin-ji, Tenryu-ji, Gion, and Arashiyama, not to mention the exceptional Okochi Sanso Villa, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji, this tour blends spirituality, nature, and culture in an unforgettable way.

The group package in Japan offered by Gendrontours is ideal for experienced travellers who want to enjoy a fully immersive experience in Japanese culture. During this tour, you will discover Japan from East to West. Most of your travel will be on foot (10 to 12 km per day).

Includes

  • Round-trip flight from Montreal to Narita.
  • Tokyo
    • 4 nights’ accommodation at The B Ikebukuro 3★ or similar
    • 4 breakfasts
    • Visit to the Asakusa district, home to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.
    • Stroll through the Ginza district, a hub for luxury shopping.
    • Walk around Harajuku, the fashion mecca for (pre)teens.
    • Visit to Shinjuku; the business district and shopping area.
    • Ascend the twin towers of the Tokyo government office building.
    • Stroll through the Ueno district, home to several museums, temples and shrines, a zoo, and a great many cherry trees.
    • Walk through Ameyoko Market; more than 180 shops.
    • Stroll through the Akihabara district; small shops and a culture centred on anime, manga, and video games.
  • Takayama
    • 2 nights’ accommodation at Takama Green in a traditional Japanese room 4★ or similar
    • 2 breakfasts
    • 2 dinners
    • Visit to Kusakabe House; a cultural heritage site of Japan
    • Visit to the city’s old quarter and its iconic Sanmachi-dori street
    • Visit to Miyagawa Market
    • Visit to Takayama Jinya
    • Private bus tour to Shirakawago
    • Discovery of the village of Shirakawa-go
    • Visit to Kanda House
  • Himeji
    • Visit to Himeji Castle
  • Hiroshima
    • 2 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Vista Hiroshima 3★ or similar
    • 2 breakfasts
    • Visit to Miyajima Island:
      • Visit to Senjokaku, the largest building on the island
      • Visit to Itsukushima Shrine
      • Stroll along the Miyajima Omotesando shopping street
      • Visit to Daisho-in, home to no fewer than 500 Buddhist statues
    • Visit to Peace Park, as well as its memorial and museum
  • Kyoto
    • 4 nights’ accommodation at Hotel Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo 4★ or similar
    • 4 breakfasts
    • Visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine
    • Stroll through Nishiki Market
    • Visit to Sanjusangendo Temple
    • Visit to Okochi Sanso Villa
    • Short hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park
    • Free time in the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka lanes
  • All transfers and luggage forwarding according to the program
  • Excursions and visits scheduled in the program
  • Entrance fees to sites and parks according to the program
  • Services of a French-speaking guide (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
  • Services of a Gendrontours tour group leader
  • Protection provided by the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents
  • Taxes

Not included

  • Beverages
  • Gratuities
  • Meals other than those mentioned
  • Excursions and transfers other than those mentioned
  • Entrance fees to the sites mentioned as suggestions

Options

Important information

Deposit required of 10% at the moment of booking.
Final payment due before January 21, 2027.

First 10 seats at this price.

Itinerary:

Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Tokyo (Narita)
  • Arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport.
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the exit of the international arrivals area.
  • Transfer by private bus to your hotel in Tokyo (approximately 68 km, 1 hr 20 min).
  • Tokyo (formerly Edo): the capital and economic heart of Japan, a megacity of more than 40 million inhabitants, where skyscrapers, traditional houses, cutting-edge technologies, and ancient sanctuaries coexist.
  • Upon arrival at the hotel, your guide will provide you with an IC transport card loaded with 2500 JPY (useful for getting around during your free time).
  • Drop off your personal belongings at the hotel.
  • Remainder of the day and meals at leisure.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2
Tokyo (free day)
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Day and meals at leisure.
  • Suggested visits (at leisure):
    • Tsukiji Outer Market: a variety of stalls (fish, snacks to eat on site, tea, Japanese pastries, tableware, knives, etc.).
    • Hama-rikyu Garden: a walk along Tokyo Bay, contrasting a traditional park (Edo period) with the skyscrapers of Shiodome; a teahouse in the middle of the pond.
    • Odaiba: a modernized artificial island, now lively with hotels and shopping centers; featuring a Statue of Liberty gifted by France.
    • GUNDAM Statue: pass by the statue (RX-0 Unicorn model), which comes to life in the evening.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3
Tokyo: Asakusa, Ginza, Meiji Jingu, Harajuku & Shibuya
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Visits on foot and by public transportation.
  • Asakusa: discover the “old town” and Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple; stroll through the surrounding streets, including the famous Nakamise Street, lined with traditional shops and souvenirs.
  • Ginza: stroll through this hub of luxury shopping, art galleries, upscale restaurants and cafés, often nicknamed the “Japanese Champs-Élysées.”
  • Free time for lunch.
  • Meiji Jingu: visit Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrine, set in the heart of a forest of more than 170,000 trees; a striking contrast with the bustle of the city.
  • Harajuku: walk through the iconic district of pre-teen and teen fashion, especially Takeshita Street.
  • Shibuya: district renowned for its crowds, restaurants, karaoke venues, bars and nightlife; stop in front of the Hachiko statue.
  • Return to your accommodation by public transportation at the end of the day with your guide. End of guide service (6:00 p.m.).
  • Dinner at leisure.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4
Tokyo: Shinjuku, Ueno, Ameyoko & Akihabara
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Visits on foot and by public transportation.
  • Shinjuku: discover a multifaceted district around the world’s busiest station; on the west side, the business district and its skyscrapers (including the Park Hyatt Tokyo and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building); on the east side, the lively and colorful shopping area.
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: go up the twin towers for a panoramic view of the city.
  • Ueno: stroll through a popular shitamachi district around the park and station; museums, temples, shrines, zoo, and cherry trees popular for hanami.
  • Free time for lunch.
  • Ameyoko Market: walk through this historic market (a former post-war black market), today with more than 180 shops over 500 meters; one of the few places where bargaining is possible.
  • Akihabara: immersion in the electronics and pop culture district (manga, video games); introduction to the famous maid cafés.
  • Return to your accommodation by public transportation at the end of the day with your guide. End of guide service (6:00 p.m.).
  • Dinner at leisure.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5
Tokyo → Takayama
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Luggage forwarding to Takayama: prepare what you need for 1 night (1 suitcase per person sent ahead).
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Transfer by private bus to Tokyo Station.
  • Travel by Shinkansen and train to Takayama (approximately 535 km, 4 hrs 25 min, 1 change).
  • Takayama (Hida-Takayama): a former feudal town in the Japanese Alps, with a rich Edo-period heritage, artisans, sake breweries and gastronomy.
  • Transfer on foot to your accommodation with your guide.
  • Drop off personal belongings (check-in possible from 3:00 p.m.).
  • Free time for lunch.
  • Visits on foot:
    • Kusakabe House: a residence designated as a cultural property of Japan, rebuilt after a fire by a renowned craftsman; decorations and an exhibition of objects evoking life in that era.
    • Old Quarter & Sanmachi-dori Street: preserved buildings, shops, sake breweries, restaurants and artisans, some of whom have been active for several centuries.
  • Return to your accommodation on foot at the end of the day with your guide. End of guide service (6:00 p.m.).
  • Dinner at the hotel.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6
Takayama & excursion to Shirakawa-go
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Walking visits in Takayama:
    • Miyagawa Market: a morning market along the river, with local products (fruit, vegetables, flowers, pickles, artisanal miso, senbei and sweets), offering an authentic atmosphere of the Hida region.
    • Takayama Jinya: the former governor’s residence (rice tax administration); the only preserved jinya in Japan; now a museum illustrating life in the Edo period.
  • Free time for lunch.
  • Half-day excursion by private bus to Shirakawa-go (approximately 50 km, 56 min).
  • Discovery of Shirakawa-go: a mountain village surrounded by rice fields, famous for its gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Kanda House (Kanda-ke): visit a large traditional residence (late 19th century) reflecting the prosperity of merchants.
  • Return by bus to Takayama (approximately 50 km, 56 min).
  • Return to the accommodation at the end of the day. End of bus and guide services (6:00 p.m.).
  • Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7
Takayama → Himeji → Hiroshima
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Luggage forwarding to Hiroshima: prepare what you need for 1 night (1 suitcase per person sent).
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Walk to Takayama Station.
  • Travel by train and Shinkansen to Himeji (approximately 445 km, 4h10, 1 transfer).
  • Himeji: a city near Kobe, the historic base of the Ikeda clan, renowned for its castle, considered an architectural masterpiece.
  • Free time for lunch.
  • Transfer by public taxi to Himeji Castle.
  • Visit Himeji Castle: the largest and oldest Japanese castle, nicknamed the “White Heron Castle”; UNESCO-listed; restoration completed in 2015.
  • Transfer by public taxi to Himeji Station.
  • Travel by Shinkansen to Hiroshima (approximately 250 km, 56 min).
  • Hiroshima: marked by August 6, 1945, the city has rebuilt itself and is now lively and welcoming.
  • Transfer by public transport to your accommodation with your guide.
  • Drop off your belongings and check in. End of guide service (6:00 p.m.).
  • Rest of the evening and dinner at leisure.
Day 8
Miyajima (round trip from Hiroshima)
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Train transfer to Miyajimaguchi (approximately 25 km, 30 min).
  • Ferry crossing to Miyajima (approximately 2 km, 10 min).
  • Miyajima: an island in Hiroshima Bay, considered one of Japan’s three most scenic views; according to Shinto tradition, the “island of the gods”.
  • Walking visits:
    • Senjokaku: the island’s largest building, the “hall of 1000 tatami mats”, begun in the late 16th century by Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
    • Itsukushima Shrine: famous for its “floating” torii gate; raised architecture and origins dating back to the 6th century (rebuilt around 800 years ago).
  • Free time for lunch.
  • Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street: restaurants, food stalls, souvenir shops.
  • Daisho-in: a temple housing more than 500 Buddhist statues, founded over 1200 years ago by the monk Kukai; beautiful views and a unique atmosphere.
  • Mount Misen Ropeway: views of the Seto Inland Sea and discovery of the mountain.
  • Return: walk to the port, ferry to Miyajimaguchi, then train to Hiroshima.
  • Return to the accommodation at the end of the day with your guide by public transport. End of guide service (6:00 p.m.).
  • Rest of the evening and dinner at leisure.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9
Hiroshima → Kyoto
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Luggage forwarding to Kyoto: prepare what you need for 1 night (1 suitcase per person sent).
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Visits on foot and by public transport:
    • Peace Museum: a minute-by-minute chronology of the event and an understanding of the scale of the human damage.
    • Peace Park: memorial and museum; view of the gutted dome, a symbol of Hiroshima.
  • Free time for lunch.
  • Transfer by public transport to Hiroshima Station.
  • Travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto (approximately 380 km, 1h40).
  • Kyoto: the former imperial capital and cradle of Japanese culture; temples, shrines and gardens, several of which are UNESCO-listed, a traditional yet vibrant city.
  • Kyoto Station: discover this modern architectural complex (1997, architect Hiroshi Hara): atrium, walkways, illuminated staircase, Sky Garden and views over the city.
  • Walk to your accommodation.
  • Drop off your belongings. End of guide service (6:00 p.m.).
  • Rest of the evening and dinner at leisure.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Nishiki, Sanjusangendo & Gion
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Departure by private bus to explore Kyoto.
  • Fushimi Inari: visit the shrine and hike among thousands of vermilion torii gates dedicated to Inari (wealth, protection).
  • Nishiki Market: stroll through “Kyoto’s Kitchen” (a market dating back to the 14th century) and discover a variety of stalls and products.
  • Free time for lunch.
  • Sanjusangendo Temple: a national treasure; a 120 m wooden building with 1001 statues of Kannon surrounding a major representation.
  • Kennin-ji (Gion): Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple (1202), featuring dry gardens and works of art, including the twin dragons on the ceiling of the Hatto.
  • Gion: a district associated with geiko and maiko, traditional machiya townhouses, and a historic atmosphere.
  • Return to the accommodation at the end of the day. End of service for the guide and private bus (6:00 p.m.).
  • Dinner at leisure.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11
Kyoto: Arashiyama (Okochi Sanso, Tenryu-ji, Monkey Park)
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Luggage forwarding to Narita: prepare what you need for 2 nights (1 suitcase per person to be sent).
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Departure by private bus to explore Kyoto.
  • Okochi Sanso Villa: the former residence of actor Denjiro Okochi, with a garden designed over 30 years and a serene atmosphere with the Hozu River in the background.
  • Arashiyama: discover the district west of Kyoto; Togetsukyo Bridge and mountain views; walk through the bamboo grove.
  • Free time for lunch.
  • Tenryu-ji: a 14th-century temple with a period garden attributed to Muso Soseki, built around a pond.
  • Iwatayama: monkey park; short hike and observation of macaques, with views over Kyoto.
  • Return to the accommodation at the end of the day. End of service for the guide and private bus (6:00 p.m.).
  • Dinner at leisure.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12
Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji & Ryoan-ji (Free Afternoon)
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Meet your French-speaking guide at the reception of your accommodation (9:00 a.m.).
  • Departure by private bus to explore Kyoto.
  • Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji): visit the Golden Pavilion, rebuilt in 1955 after the 1950 fire; reflections on the pond and landscapes shaped by Zen aesthetics.
  • Ryoan-ji: famous Zen dry garden (15 stones, of which only 14 are visible at any one time), contemplative atmosphere, and surrounding park.
  • Return to the accommodation.
  • End of service for the guide and private bus (1:00 p.m.).
  • Remainder of the day and meals at leisure. Suggestions (at leisure):
    • Kiyomizu-dera: a complex in the mountains east of Kyoto; panoramic terrace supported by large pillars; Otowa Waterfall and its legends.
    • Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka: free time in Kyoto’s traditional lanes.
  • Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13
Kyoto → Narita (transfer)
  • Breakfast at the hotel.
  • Your French-speaking guide will be waiting for you at your hotel reception.
  • Transfer on foot to Kyoto Station.
  • Transfer by Shinkansen and train to Tokyo Narita Airport (approximately 580 km, 3 hrs 40 min, 1 change).

14 days | 12 nights | Flight | 14 meals

7,675 $7,275 $/ pers.
Book online

Group leader

Linda Fortin

Flight schedule

Departure from Montréal

October 7 to 8, 2026 | AC 005k
12 h 45 - YUL
15 h 25 - NRT
October 20, 2026 | AC 006K
17 h 35 - NRT
16 h 40 - YUL

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