Kon'nichiwa! And welcome to our ultimate trip to Japan. Experience traditional Japanese hot springs in Hakone, explore Kyoto, the cultural hub of Japan, by visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine & travel around Tokyo, taking in all the bright lights and quirks, as well as eating as much sushi as possible. This is the only way to be guided around Japan, one of the most unique countries in the world.
What’s included:
- 8 Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- Expert Trip Manager, Local Guides
- 18 included experiences
- ALL INTERNAL TRANSPORT
- ALL ACCOMMODATION
What's not included:
- Flights to/from the start/end location
- Travel insurance
- Free-time Add-ons
What makes this trip special...
The one that takes in bustling cities, relaxing hot springs, and majestic mountains for the ultimate Japan experience.
Itinerary
Tokyo
Konnichiwa, Tokyo! Welcome to this dazzling orchestra of light, sound and intersecting subway lines. Meet your crew, get the trip vibes flowing, then your evening’s yours.
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Tokyo
Today we'll bounce out of bed ready and raring to uncover Tokyo. The ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji & the Meiji Jingu shrine are just some of the doors we will open to this city. If history and religion don't get you going, the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street might see you more wide-eyed. Or perhaps your idea of fun is to take to the streets of Shibuya, attempting to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world! You do you.
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Breakfast included
Tokyo
Today’s yours to do Tokyo your way (just remember to top up your transport card before you head out). Dive into everything the city does best, from neon streets and anime hubs to museums, parks, and food spots. There’s a couple of optional experiences on offer too. First up, a robot café where robots deliver your drinks and each table has an avatar you can chat with, piloted by people with disabilities who can’t work in a traditional setting. Then tonight (since it’s our last evening in Tokyo), it’s the perfect time to check out a Maid Café in Akihabara, Tokyo's tech paradise.
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Tokyo to Isawa via Hakone
Tokyo
Before we leg it out of Japan's capital, we have some very serious business to tend to - a visit to Tsukiji - one of the world's most famous fish markets. After, you can opt to join a sushi making class or enjoy one last wander in Tokyo before we head to the countryside.
Hakone
Our first overland journey takes us south to Hakone, completely removing us from Tokyo's fast city pace. We will take in Japanese mountain vistas from the Hakone Ropeway & hopefully catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji.
Isawa
It's time to pamper ourselves! Check-in at our super chill Ryokan special stay, soak in those healing hot springs, and chillax. Tonight's dinner is a feast of flavors - Japanese kaiseki style!
Ryokan Special Stay
Dinner included
Isawa to Takayama via Matsumoto
Isawa
Waving our supremely hospitable hosts goodbye, we’ll hit the road in search of a long valley amidst the Japanese mountains, checking out the tranquil Tenkuno Torii Gate first. And then picking & eating fresh fruit at a nearby farm (if that's your vibe).
Matsumoto
Welcome to Matsumoto, nestled beside Japan’s highest mountain range – the Hida Mountains. First things first, we'll check out Matsumoto castle for a dose of samurai history and grab a quick conbini lunch before hitting the road once again.
Takayama
Tonight is yours to explore as you wish, but we have an inkling you won't want to miss the mouthwatering hida beef for dinner.
Takayama Green Hotel (or similar)
Breakfast included
Takayama
Takayama
In usual circumstances we'd be quite sad to be leaving the soul-stirring town of Takayama, but with the bullet train experience whizzing us to Hiroshima it's hard not to get excited.
Hiroshima
We’ll arrive in Hiroshima after a ride on Japan’s iconic Shinkansen, then head out on a private tour with a local guide to learn the city’s story. This includes entry to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, before you’ve got time to explore the city your way afterwards.
Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Breakfast included
Takayama to Hiroshima
Takayama
In usual circumstances we'd be quite sad to be leaving the soul-stirring town of Takayama, but with the bullet train experience whizzing us to Hiroshima it's hard not to get excited.
Hiroshima
We’ll arrive in Hiroshima after a ride on Japan’s iconic Shinkansen, then head out on a private tour with a local guide to learn the city’s story. This includes entry to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, before you’ve got time to explore the city your way afterwards.
Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Breakfast included
Hiroshima (Including Miyajima)
Hiroshima
Wakey wakey. After brekkie, we’re on the move again, hopping on the tram and ferry over to the magical island of Miyajima.
Miyajima
A gateway island. We’ll take a detour to the tranquil isle of Miyajima, where you’ll get a spellbinding view of the giant orange Great Torii Gate (you know the one, even if you don’t.) Expect forests, temples, roaming deer and much more...
Hiroshima
We’ll end our day in Hiroshima with more excitement to follow tomorrow.
Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Hiroshima to Kyoto
Hiroshima
With 3 more destinations left to uncover on the Japanese map, we hit the road this morning and leave the historical metropolis of Hiroshima behind.
Kyoto
Welcome to the culture hub of Japan. Geisha, artfully manicured gardens, shrines & temples aplenty - looks like we're in Kyoto! Thinking of checking out the Fushimi Inari Shrine? Approx 233 metres above sea level, the journey to the shrine begins at the base of the mountain. We won't waste a minute peeling back this city's layers, taking you to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion & the Gion Area with our guide. You'll also have plenty of free time to check the place out any old way you please, and go on the lookout for glamorous geishas.
Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Breakfast included
Kyoto
Didn't feel like you had enough time yesterday to really get under the skin of this utterly unique city? We've got good news for you - today is completely free for Kyoto adventuring. Ask your Trip Manager for the essentials on what to eat and where to go, then our best advice? Go get yourself a little lost, it's undeniably the best way to get to know a new city.
Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Kyoto to Mount Koya
Kyoto
Enjoy a slow and leisurely morning in Kyoto to get in the zen frame of mind for what lies ahead. On the train we make tracks for Mt Koya.
Koyasan
You would think that by this stage of the trip all the phenomenal moments might be behind us. Oh how wrong you would be. Tonight we stay in a Buddhist Monastery, eating traditional vegetarian food and savouring the mindfulness & beauty of this incredible experience. For those looking for a digital detox amongst nature, it doesn't get better than this.
Henjoko-in Wakayama (or similar)
Breakfast, Dinner included
Mount Koya to Osaka
Koyasan
It's our last full day of the trip - make the most of it by rising early and partaking in the tradition of an early morning Buddhist service. A Local Guide will then walk us through the beauty of the Koyasan area and centuries old cemetery before we move on to our last destination.
Osaka
After a morning of peaceful serenity, it's time to get back to the big city life as we head to Osaka. Known as Japan’s kitchen, here you will have a chance to taste your way through the local food scene (which is basically mandatory). Once your food cravings are satisfied, why not shop around Americamura, pop into a Pokémon store, or just wander and see what grabs you - options aplenty.
Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)
Breakfast included
Osaka
Today our Japanese fairytale comes to an end. Whilst we'll be crying silent (or not so silent) tears, our life-lasting memories, army of new friends and deep appreciation for Japan will be enough to keep the smiles on our faces. Sayōnara, globe trotters!
Breakfast included
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