Guided Trips to Japan: 14-Day Japan’s Golden Route Echizen Crafts

Highlights of the Trip 

This 14 day unique twist on the golden route tour of Japan gives a masterful insight into the art that is Echizen Crafts. On this tour you will explore the key locations of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa and the unique town of Echizen. During the tour you will see some classic sites such as Tsukiji Market, Asakusa area, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Kayomizudera Temple, Nishiki Market, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Osaka Castle, Kinkakuji Temple, and Kuromon Market.

More unusual sites dedicated to the uniqueness of this tour include Yanaka Ginza district (Tokyo), Kabuzika Theatre (Tokyo), Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa), Higashichaya district (Kanazawa), Samurai district (Kanazawa), Iwano Heizaburo Paper Factory, Udatsu Craft Center, Takefu Knife Village, temple stay in Kyoto with tea ceremony, city of Uji, optional tour of Nara, Koyasan, and Mount Koya with trekking routes for those that wish to explore the beauty of the landscapes for themselves.

You might like to consider our 14-day flight only package below which aligns perfectly with this tour.

Japan, 14-Day Flight-only Package (asiara-holidays.com)

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Tokyo

• Ginza District: One of the most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods in the city. It is a bustling and dynamic commercial hub that is known for its luxury shopping, high-end restaurants, and lively nightlife.
• Asakusa: A lively neighbourhood that perfectly blends traditional and modern elements of Japanese culture.
• Sensoji Temple: Built in the year 628, the temple has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years.

Kanazawa

• Kenrokuen Garden: Covering an area of approximately 11.4 hectares, the garden is divided into six distinct sections, each with its own unique charm and beauty.
• Higashichaya: Known for its well-preserved Edo period buildings and traditional teahouses.

Fukui Prefecture

• Okamoto Shrine: Believed to have been established during the 10th century and has since become an important religious and cultural landmark in the region.

Kyoto

• Kiyomizudera Temple: Founded in 778 AD, this temple holds a long and rich history, making it a popular tourist destination and a significant religious site for Buddhists.
• Kinkakuji Temple: Originally built in 1397 as a private villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, but was later converted into a temple after his death.

Nara

• Todaiji Temple: Founded in the 8th century by Emperor Shomu and served as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan.

Osaka

• Osaka Castle: The castle holds great significance in Japan’s history and culture, serving as a symbol of power and resilience throughout the centuries.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Tsukiji Market: A bustling and vibrant seafood market located in the heart of Tokyo. It is one of the largest and oldest fish markets in the world, with a history dating back to the 16th century. Over the years, it has become an iconic tourist destination. The market is divided into two main sections: the inner market and the outer market. The inner market is where the famous tuna auctions take place early in the morning, with giant bluefin tuna being sold to the highest bidder. The outer market is a bustling maze of narrow lanes filled with hundreds of shops and restaurants selling a wide variety of fresh seafood, produce, and other local delicacies.

Iwana Heizaburo Paper Factory: The Iwana Heizaburo paper factory has been a central part of the economy and culture of Japan for over a century. Founded in 1902 by Heizaburo Iwana, the factory quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, handcrafted paper. The traditional methods used by the factory have been passed down through generations, ensuring that the paper produced remains of the highest quality.

Takefu Knife Village: Takefu Knife Village is known for its exceptional quality of Japanese hand-crafted knives. Located in the city of Echizen, Japan, this village has a rich history of knife making that dates back over 700 years. The name ‘Takefu’ means ‘bamboo fields,’ reflecting the traditional material used to make knives in the area.

Morning Meditation in Japan: A deeply ingrained spiritual practice that plays a significant role in the daily lives of many Japanese people. It is considered an important ritual to start the day, and is often seen as a way to connect with one’s inner self and find inner peace. The tradition of morning meditation in Japan can be traced back to ancient Buddhist teachings, and is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural and religious heritage. In fact, many temples and shrines throughout Japan offer morning meditation sessions for the public to participate in.

Japanese Sweet Making: Japan has a long history and rich culture surrounding the art of sweet making. This tradition dates back to the 8th century when Buddhist monks introduced sugar to Japan. This sparked a fascination with creating beautiful and intricate confections, not just for their taste, but also as a way to pay homage to nature and the changing seasons.

Nishiki Market: Also known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this is a bustling and vibrant traditional marketplace located in the heart of Kyoto. This iconic market has been in operation for over 400 years, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is a food lover’s paradise, with over 100 shops and stalls offering a wide variety of fresh and local ingredients, as well as traditional Japanese snacks and dishes.

Cooking Class Oksaka: These are a must for anyone interested in learning the art of traditional Japanese cuisine. These classes offer a unique experience for both locals and tourists, as they provide a hands-on approach to learning about the local food culture. Osaka, known as the ‘Kitchen of Japan,’ is famous for its vibrant food scene and is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. But for those who want to go beyond just sampling these delicious dishes, a cooking class in Osaka provides a deeper understanding of the ingredients, techniques, and history behind Japanese cooking.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Japan

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including sushi, which is a type of rolled or pressed rice topped with fresh fish, seafood, or vegetables. Sushi has become a globally recognised dish and is a staple in Japanese restaurants all over the world. Another popular dish in Japan is ramen, a bowl of wheat noodles served in a savory broth with various toppings such as sliced pork, bamboo shoots, and boiled eggs. Each region in Japan has its own unique style of ramen, and it is a must-try dish for any food lover visiting Japan.

Accommodation of this Tour

Accommodation is included throughout this tour.

Japan guided tours are a wonderful way to see more of the country and ensure a unique and unforgettable experience. At Asiara, we offer some of the best Japan tour packages available. To discover more of our guided trips to Japan, visit our website or contact us at +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Arrival at Narita or Haneda airport in Tokyo. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.

Day 2: Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo tour day begins with Tsukiji Market, then the artistic Ginza district. Next is the old world Asakusa area to explore the roots of Tokyo’s traditional culture. There is also Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest temples from the 7^th century. Evening to explore as your wish.

✓ Breakfast

Day 3: Tokyo Free Time

A free day to enjoy Tokyo but we recommend the following activities:

Option 1: Kabukiza Theatre of local Kabuki performances.

Option 2: Meiji Shrine is a peaceful site away from the busy crowds of the vibrant capital.

These places can be toured alongside a city tour. It’s your choice.

✓ Breakfast

Day 4: Kanazawa Bullet Train Transfer & Kanazawa Free Time

Check out of your hotel and head to Tokyo station to catch the bullet train to Kanazawa. After arrival transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the time to explore this new location.

✓ Breakfast

Day 5: Kanazawa Guided Tour & Samurai District

Today you will have a fully guided tour of Kanazawa starting at Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens of Japan. After enjoying the tranquil gardens and amazing architecture you will head to a workshop to apply the famous local gold leaf to a pair of chopsticks for the ultimate souvenir. Next is Higashichaya district, known for its entertainers and relaxing spots for the enjoyment of matcha tea and Japanese sweets. Nagamachi is the district that houses local samurai and merchants.

✓ Breakfast

Day 6: Echizen Town Train Transfer, Echizen Crafts & Takefu Knife Village

Catch the express train to Takefu Station in Fukui Prefecture. Your guide will meet you to tour the town of Echizen where Okamoto Shrine is dedicated to the god of paper, Iwana Heizaburo paper factory is dedicated to the craft since 1865, Udatsu Crafts Centre creates washi paper, and the Takefu Knife Village to make your very own letter opener. You will stay in a local temple overnight.

✓ Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 7: Meditation Session, Kyoto Transfer, Tea Ceremony & Japanese Sweets

You will wake up to take part in the morning meditation session and then breakfast. Check out of the temple and transfer for the express train to Kyoto. The afternoon arrival will then be followed by transfer to an experience of making traditional Japanese sweets and take part in a tea ceremony, while wearing a kimono.

✓ Breakfast

Day 8: Kiyomizudera Temple, Nishiki Market & Kinkakuji Temple

Your guide will meet at Kiyomizudera Temple from 780 AD. This haloed wooden structure is a great symbol of Japanese history, and one can’t fail to be charmed by the old architectural style used throughout this monument. Nishiki Market is home over 130 stores of mostly food style shops. Late afternoon will be a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, and its gold leaf covered upper floors. The pleasant garden will be perfect for a romantic moment. Free evening to yourselves.

✓ Breakfast

Day 9: Kyoto Free Day With Optional Tours

Free day to explore Kyoto with a variety of options:

Option 1: Arashiyama bamboo forest and Tenryuji Temple.

Option 2: The city of Uji for its green tea plantation and local matcha sweets.

Option 3: Northern Kyoto for Rurikoin Temple, Mount Kurama, and Kifune Shrine.

✓ Breakfast

Day 10: Nara Transfer, Nara Tour & Osaka Transfer

Take a transfer to the nearby city of Nara, home to Nara Park and its 1200 deer that roam freely. Food streets line the route to Todaiji Temple, which until recently used to hold the record for the world’s largest wooden structure. Includes the bronze statue of Buddha. Take a connection to Osaka for overnight stay.

✓ Breakfast

Day 11: Osaka City Tour & Cooking Class

Your Osaka tour will start with Osaka Castle, which was restored in 1931 after sustaining damage during wars. The surrounding park is certainly worth visiting for its peaceful walks or a place to unwind. Kuromon Market is a worthy stop with over 150 stores and shops of the best local produce. In the afternoon take part in a cooking class of foods of local festivals.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 12: Free Day to Explore Osaka

A free day to explore Osaka. Koyasan mountain is a site deeply meaningful for the resident Buddhist monks and acts as a more peaceful location unlike any other place in Japan. Access to the mountain can most easily be done via train and connecting cable car ride. There are some hiking routes available as well.

✓ Breakfast

Day 13: Bullet Train Tokyo Transfer & Free Time

Check out of your Osaka hotel for the bullet train back to Tokyo. After hotel transfer the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure.

✓ Breakfast

Day 14: Free Morning & Departure Flight

After a free morning check out of your hotel and transfer for your outbound flight back home.

✓ Breakfast

Japan guided tours are a wonderful way to see more of the country and ensure a unique and unforgettable experience. At Asiara, we offer some of the best Japan tour packages available. To discover more of our guided trips to Japan, visit our website or contact us at +01473356000 or enquiry@asiara-holidays.com

Price

£9,717

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive at Narita or Haneda airport and check into your hotel in central Tokyo. Enjoy the evening exploring the area.

Day 2: Visit Tsukiji Market, Ginza, Asakusa, and Sensoji Temple on a guided tour, followed by free time in the evening.

Day 3: Free day in Tokyo – Choose between Kabukiza Theatre or Meiji Shrine or explore Tokyo at your leisure.

Day 4: Take a bullet train to Kanazawa and explore the city on your own.

Day 5: On a guided tour, explore Kenrokuen Garden, gold leaf workshop, Higashichaya district, and Nagamachi samurai district.

Day 6: Visit Okamoto Shrine, Iwana Heizaburo paper factory, Udatsu Crafts Centre, and Takefu Knife Village. Stay overnight in a local temple.

Day 7: Transfer to Kyoto Participate in a morning meditation session, then take a train to Kyoto. Enjoy a tea ceremony and traditional sweets experience.

Day 8: Visit Kiyomizudera Temple, Nishiki Market, and Kinkakuji Temple with free time in the evening.

Day 9: Free day in Kyoto – Choose from options like Arashiyama bamboo forest, Uji green tea plantation, or northern Kyoto sights.

Day 10: Visit Nara Park and Todaiji Temple in Nara, then transfer to Osaka for the night.

Day 11: Explore Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, and take part in a cooking class of local festival foods.

Day 12: Explore Koyasan mountain via train and cable car or choose your own adventure in Osaka.

Day 13: Take a bullet train back to Tokyo and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

Day 14: Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

FAQs

1. Is transportation included from the airport to the hotel upon arrival in Tokyo?
   • Yes, transportation from Narita or Haneda airport to the hotel in central Tokyo is included.
2. Are meals included in the tour package?
   • Breakfast is included throughout the tour, and some dinners and lunches are provided as specified in the itinerary.
3. Do we need to book tickets for the bullet train transfers ourselves?
   • No, the tour package includes arrangements for bullet train transfers between cities.
4. Is accommodation provided in traditional Japanese settings like temples or ryokans?
   • Yes, the itinerary includes stays in a local temple in Echizen Town and provides opportunities for authentic cultural experiences.
5. Are entrance fees to attractions covered in the tour cost?
   • Yes, entrance fees to specified attractions mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
6. Are tour guides available throughout the trip?
   • Yes, knowledgeable guides will accompany the group during guided tours and provide assistance throughout the journey.
7. Is free time available for personal exploration?
   • Absolutely, the itinerary includes designated free days and evenings for participants to explore each destination at their own pace or choose from optional activities.