Highlights of Japan

Depart for your holiday, starting in Osaka Japan.

We have arrived in Osaka! We meet with our local guide, and transfer by coach to our hotel in Kyoto.  

Breakfast is included each day at our hotels for our ten night stay in Japan.

After breakfast, we set off by coach on a busy and enriching full day guided tour of Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, approximately one hour from Kyoto. 

Let's kick start the day as we uncover some of Osaka's treasures; Sanjusangendo Temple, founded in 1164, the Umeda Skydeck Observatory, nineteenth tallest building in Osaka, and one of the city's most recognisable structures.  We also visit Osaka Castle, another of Japan’s famous landmarks. 

After, we take a stroll through Dotonbori. Known for its bright lights and extravagant signage, it is considered one of the most colourful districts in Osaka and is also a hub of the city’s vibrant food culture. 

Later after experiencing the highlights we return by coach to our hotel  in Kyoto and freshen up for dinner.

The day is not over! Let's get together at a local restaurant for dinner.

We return to our hotel and relax for the evening after a busy day exploring our first highlights of Japan.

Today, we set off  on a full day tour with our local guide to discover the timeless beauty and cultural treasures of Kyoto, Japan's ancient imperial capital. Our first stop is the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, where towering bamboo stalks create a unique atmosphere.

Lunch is included today.

We then continue to some of Kyoto's most celebrated UNESCO-listed sights, including the magnificent Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), whose shimmering gold exterior reflects beautifully across the surrounding pond and gardens. Next, we visit the serene Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its world-renowned Zen rock garden and tranquil setting.

Our journey through Kyoto's rich history continues at Nijo Castle, the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun. Within this remarkable 400-year-old complex, admire exquisite architecture, ornate interiors, and beautifully landscaped grounds that showcase the elegance and artistry of Japan's Edo Period.

After a fascinating day uncovering Kyoto's cultural highlights, we return to our hotel in the late afternoon with time to freshen up as the evening is not over!
 

Join us for dinner this evening at a local restaurant, where we experience another side of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage with a traditional Geisha performance. Enjoy an evening of music, dance, and timeless Japanese traditions as we reflect on the day’s discoveries. A wonderful way to end a busy and rewarding day in Kyoto.

Today we experience more on a full day tour starting with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates and one of Japan’s most recognisable landmarks.

We then travel to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, renowned for its rich history and cultural treasures. Highlights include Nara Park, home to over 1,000 freely roaming deer, the impressive Tōdai-ji Temple and its towering Great Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its peaceful forest setting and hundreds of traditional lanterns.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

After a fascinating day exploring Nara’s historic sites, we return to our hotel in the evening, with the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy Kyoto at your own pace.
 

Today is free to enjoy Kyoto at our own pace. Take a stroll through traditional neighbourhoods. The Gion district is famous for its historic wooden houses and teahouses, and with a little luck we may spot a geisha or maiko in the early evening. The Higashiyama area is ideal for a gentle walk, with narrow streets, small shops and cafés.
Savour a traditional and relaxing tea ceremony, or shop till you drop, the choice is yours to uncover this fascinating city in your own free time.

Ask your guide, they will be happy to tell you of further sightseeing and activities to do in this area.

There is the option to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima by ferry. This pre-bookable tour is a full day guided excursion, returning in the late evening.

After breakfast, we walk to Kyoto station (approx.15 mins), for our train journey to Hiroshima (1hr 45 mins each way). The tour includes a visit to Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome

‘Minimum numbers apply for the operation of this tour and subject to availability’. 

To avoid disappointment, it is recommended to pre book this excursion. It may not be available to book locally.

The tour includes a light lunch at a local restaurant.

This morning, we set off on foot to the train station (bags transferred separately) to experience more of Japan’s highlights.  It’s “All Aboard” for your journey on one of the famous “Bullet Trains”, to Odawara. We say farewell to our Kyoto and our guide to board the train for our next destination. Bye, bye Kyoto and hello Odawara! On arrival, we meet our new guide and commence a full day tour of Hakone.

Discover the city of Hakone on a guided tour, including the Hakone Open Air Museum with its unique sculptures and landscaped gardens.  

Afterwards, we set sail on Lake Ashi, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We see even more as we take a ride on the Komagatake Ropeway Cable Car, which on a clear day offers an excellent photo opportunity of Mount Fuji.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

After a delightful day of discovery, we make our way to our hotel in Hakone.

Relax, unwind and take time out to re-charge for tomorrow’s excursions.

Dinner is included tonight.

After checking out of our hotel, we travel by coach to the historic coastal city of Kamakura enroute to Tokyo.

Our first stop is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine and a symbol of the city’s samurai heritage. We then enjoy free time to stroll along lively Komachi Street, where traditional shops, boutiques, cafés, and local food stalls create a vibrant atmosphere.

After lunch (included at a local restaurant) we continue on to Kotoku-in, home to the iconic Great Buddha, the second-tallest bronze Buddha in Japan. Next, we visit Hase Temple, renowned for its gardens and impressive eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

After our full day excursion of Kamakura, we transfer by coach to our hotel in Tokyo.

Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure to discover the bustling metropolis of Tokyo with its ultra modern neon lit skyscrapers.

Today we uncover more of the sights and sounds of bustling Tokyo. Our day begins at Imperial Palace Plaza, home to the Japanese Imperial Family, before continuing to Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful Japanese gardens, renowned for its seasonal beauty and tranquil landscapes.

Visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Nestled within a forested sanctuary in the heart of the city, the shrine offers a striking contrast to Tokyo’s modern skyline.

We return to our hotel in the late afternoon, and the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll through the local neighbourhoods, visit a café or sweet shop, or head to one of Tokyo’s observation decks to admire the city lights and spectacular skyline. The choice is yours in this vibrant and ever-changing city.

This morning, we see more of this vibrant city on a half day excursion, including a visit to Ueno Park, boasting over one thousand cherry trees!  Afterwards, we uncover more of Japan’s ancient arts by witnessing a tea ceremony and learning the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging), a nice relaxing way to end our tour for the day.

The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure, to discover the city at your own pace. “Shop till you drop” in in the trendy Ginza district, a must for shopaholics. Now is also the perfect time to buy some souvenirs, as a reminder of your memorable trip.  Sail on a cruise around Tokyo Bay or explore one of the many beautiful city parks, temples and museums. Or if you are a cat lover, you might like to experience one of Tokyo’s many “cat cafés”, where you can take time out and savour a matcha tea with a few furry café friends!

Our guide will be happy to tell us about other activities to enhance your time in Tokyo and experience even more in this thrilling metropolis.

This morning, we set out to discover more of the energy and culture of Tokyo on a full-day sightseeing tour. Our first stop is Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji), Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, followed by a stroll along Nakamise Street, a lively traditional shopping arcade lined with local snacks, souvenirs, and artisan goods.

We then enjoy spectacular views over the city from either Tokyo Skytree, or Tokyo City View. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of majestic Mount Fuji on the horizon.

No visit to Tokyo would be complete without experiencing the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Join the crowds as we walk across one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic Tokyo landmark.

Tonight dinner is included.

Today we say farewell to our guide and the unforgettable city of Tokyo.  

Pending what time our flight departs, enjoy some time at leisure and last-minute shopping, before transferring by coach to Tokyo Airport for your overnight flights home.