Highlights of Japan

In Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, our hotels are centrally located with excellent, modern facilities and English-speaking staff. Please note, room sizes in standard Japanese hotels are normally smaller than in Europe or North America. If you request a double bed, these can be smaller than Western double beds so couples may prefer twin beds. For the one night in Nikko, we stay in a traditional inn/guesthouse where we can feel the timeless rhythms and customs of the Japanese countryside. Ryokans and minshukus, while comfortable and full of local character, do not run along the same lines as Western hotels and all have their own unique style. Some are more like Japanese B&Bs (minshukus) with a homestay/guesthouse feel (guests make their own Japanese-style beds up), while others are managed more like a standard hotel (ryokans) with bedding made up for guests. Rooms do not generally have private facilities and bedding is usually in the Japanese style with thick futon mattresses placed on tatami mats on the floor. Rooms are always doubles or twin-share but bathrooms and showers are generally communal. Please be advised, while females and males have access to separate gender-specific bathrooms, inside showering and bathing facilities can lack the level of privacy you would be used to in a Western-style shared bathroom. 2024 departures The below accommodations are the standard hotels used for 2024 departures. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at different hotels of a similar standard and quality. Tokyo (two nights): Dormy Inn Kodenmacho Nikko (one night): Turtle Inn Nikko or Annex Turtle Hotorian Kyoto (two nights): Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi Hiroshima (one night): Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Osaka (one night): Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba Onsen (Japanese public bath) For many visitors to Japan, the onsen is a somewhat unfamiliar territory. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns frequently situated around them. The combination of a strict bathing etiquette, that nudity compulsory, and that the water temperature is often hotter than most hot tubs can cause some reluctance for first timers. However, once the courage is mustered, you may discover that an onsen dip is likely to be a trip highlight. You may have the opportunity to try a public onsen. Please be aware, you may be refused entry if you have large and visible tattoos. Single supplements Single supplements can be pre-booked for six nights only. In Nikko, single supplements are not available and rooming is based on twin share (sharing with another group member of the same gender). Please be advised, single supplements are limited and payable at the time of booking. In Japan, often single supplements can be accommodated in either an actual single and/or double for sole-use room.