Japan Onsen & Heritage

Japan Onsen & Heritage is a journey that blends cultural discovery with time to truly slow down and relax. From the fast-moving streets of Tokyo to the traditional beauty of Kyoto and the peaceful atmosphere of Kinosaki Onsen, this itinerary offers a balanced experience of Japan’s modern life and deep-rooted traditions.

Travel by the famous Shinkansen bullet train, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and experience a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto. The highlight of the journey is Kinosaki Onsen, a charming hot spring town where visitors can stroll through the old streets in yukata and enjoy its relaxing public bathhouses, surrounded by a timeless atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy cities.

DAY 1: Welcome to Tokyo

Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to take a walk through the Imperial Palace Gardens or visit Odaiba for its modern waterfront views.

DAY 2: Tokyo Highlights & Evening Food Experience

Meet your guide this morning for a short trip briefing before exploring some of Tokyo’s most interesting districts. Visit the peaceful Hamarikyu Gardens and discover the traditional atmosphere of Asakusa, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods.

In the evening, enjoy a guided food experience in Ebisu, known for its lively dining scene and local specialties.

DAY 3: Bullet Train to Kyoto

This morning, travel by Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. After arriving, spend the afternoon exploring the city’s famous temples and gardens, including the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the peaceful Zen garden at Ryoan-ji Temple.

DAY 4: Traditional Kyoto Experiences

Today, experience some of Kyoto’s most famous traditions. Dress in a traditional kimono, take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, and learn the art of origami with a local instructor. The experience offers a wonderful introduction to the elegance and culture of old Kyoto.

DAY 5: Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine

Today, you may wish to visit Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, famous for Todai-ji Temple and its giant bronze Buddha. Spend time walking through Nara Park, home to the city’s well-known deer.

On the way back to Kyoto, stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk through its thousands of red torii gates stretching into the hillsides.

DAY 6: Kyoto to Kinosaki Onsen

Leave Kyoto behind and travel to Kinosaki Onsen, one of Japan’s most charming hot spring towns. After checking into your traditional ryokan, change into a yukata and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the town as you stroll between its famous public bathhouses.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients.

DAY 7: Relaxing Day in Kinosaki Onsen

Enjoy a slower pace today as you continue exploring Kinosaki Onsen. Take the ropeway for views over the town and coastline, relax in the hot springs, or simply enjoy walking along the quiet canals lined with willow trees.

During warmer months, optional activities such as kayaking or visiting the nearby beach can also be arranged.

DAY 8: Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo today by express train. Spend your final afternoon exploring the city, shopping for souvenirs, or revisiting your favourite neighbourhoods before enjoying your last evening in Japan.

DAY 9: Departure from Tokyo

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Depart Japan with wonderful memories of its culture, traditions, and relaxing hot spring experiences.

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Peter

20 March 2025 ★★★★★

We had a wonderful 12-day trip across Thailand, beautifully arranged by Mr. Stephen from Absolute Asia. Every detail was taken care of, from comfortable stays to fully organized vegetarian meals throughout the journey. Our itinerary covered Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, then we spent five blissful days in Koh Samui. There, we relaxed on palm-fringed beaches, explored Ang Thong Marine Park by boat, and savored fresh tropical fruits at sunset. A big shoutout to our lovely guide, Mr Krit who made the experience even more special with him warmth and knowledge. We’re heading home with unforgettable memories of Thailand’s hospitality and charm. Thank you, Absolute Asia Tours.

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Gari

22 May 2024 ★★★★★

Our recent trip to China and Mongolia was a great success. Overall we found Absolute Asia Tours services to be excellent throughout the two weeks we were in Asia. For us, Mongolia was definitely the highlight. We thoroughly enjoyed or local guides and drives and they were unfailingly knowledgeable, helpful and amusing. Their languages skills were excellent and we felt that we recieved real insight into this fascinating country. We were intinially drawn to the idea of this trip by the reports of the world class fihing and we were absolutely not disappointed. The fishing guide was first rate and we caught more fish than we could have hoped for - more than 25 each day - with the added bonus of being the only other people in sight for miles arround. AAT created a private ger camp for us on the Onon River and we enjoyed delicious food prepared by our chef in a beautiful unspoled atmosphere. They alo arranged for us to visit a nomadic family and spend time with them at home and organized a dinner with an anthropologist with expert knowledge of the region. AAT fullfilled their promise to tkae us to us to one of the world's best fishing destinations in comfort and style. We would be happy to travel with AAT again and will definitely recommend them to our friends.

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Cherry

16 May 2024 ★★★★★

We've had two "A+" experience with Absolute Asia Tours. It is a pleasure to work with an organization where I feel confident that what you say will happen, happens. This was true with our complicated China itinerary six years ago, and was true with our recent itinerary in Vietnam. your on the ground guides and logistics were top - notch, and I would recommend you to anyone to visit Asia.

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James

17 January 2024 ★★★★★

Absolute Asia tours gave us a wonderful tour of Southeast Asia (working with sister-agency My Way Travel based in Vietnam). For our Siem Reap/Angkor Wat journey, our party of two had a private driver and guide named Jak, who was a cheerful and knowledgeable companion, explaining the history, culture, architecture and religious significance of the sites while keeping it always fun. We moved efficiently from site to site, and finished with a boat tour of the fishing village on stilts at Kampong Pluk on the Tonle Sap Lake. During most of our trip we stayed at top-notch locally-owned hotels, but in Siem Reap we were at the excellent local Hyatt hotel. Absolute Asia and My Way Travel our outstanding local providers, less expensive than name-brand group tours, and customized to our interests and schedule.

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Hope

2 January 2024 ★★★★★

We had an awesome time on cycling tour with AAT! It was incredible, filled with good vibes, laughs & a fantastic way to explore Vietnam & Cambodia. Tony our guide made it special by introducing us to locals and showing us the real charm of these countries. The whole tour was well-organized & the way they took care of us awesome. It's an unforgettable trip and I'll definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Southeast Asia.

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Nas

1 January 2024 ★★★★★

My group of six completed a 30 day cycling tour in Asia with AAT. We traveled form Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Saigon to Siem Reap. Every day we pedaled through stunning countryside views, passing villages, fields & limestone karsts. Our guide Tony was fantastic-interesting, friendly & personable. This experience stood out as the highlight of our Asia trip.

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