Highlights of Japan including Istanbul extension

Let's set off for our holiday to Japan, arriving in Osaka.

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

Breakfast at our hotel is included on each day of our ten night stay in Japan.

After breakfast, we enjoy a full day guided tour of Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, located approximately one hour each way from our hotel in Kyoto.

During our guided excursion, we visit the Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and among the tallest buildings in Osaka. We also visit Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous historic sites. Afterwards, we take a stroll through Dotonbori, known for its bright lights and extravagant signage. This lively area is considered one of the most colourful districts in Osaka and is a centre of the city’s vibrant food culture. Later, we return to our hotel in Kyoto.

Join us for Dinner 

The day is not quite over. In the evening, we come together for dinner at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, we return to the hotel to relax and unwind following our first full day of exploring Japan.

We begin by uncovering the treasures of Sanjusangendo Temple, founded in 1164 and famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The main hall, measuring 120 metres in length, is the longest wooden structure in Japan. Afterwards, we visit Nijo Castle, the official Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa period, and a site that witnessed many important events in Japanese history. Within this 400-year-old complex, we experience one of the golden ages of Japanese architecture and design, dating back to the early Edo period.
 

After lunch, we continue to explore more of Kyoto’s highlights. We begin with some peaceful “Zen time” at Ryoan-ji, originally a private villa that was later converted into a temple and is home to one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens.

We then finish the day at the awe-inspiring Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. The surrounding garden and architecture are said to represent the world of paradise.

Please note: For departures in September, October and November 2026, the itinerary will change to include a visit to Arashiyama and the Bamboo Forest.

In the evening, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a captivating Geisha performance, offering a glimpse into one of Japan’s most unique and elegant cultural traditions.

Return to our hotel after a captivating day.

Today, we enjoy a full day excursion to Nara, the former eighth century capital of Japan. The city is rich in historic treasures and is home to some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples. We also visit the famous Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, where over one thousand deer roam freely.

Another highlight of our tour is Tōdai-ji Temple, one of the country’s most notable religious sites and home to one of the largest Buddha statues in Japan, standing an impressive fifteen metres tall.

We also visit the ancient Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s celebrated Shinto shrine, set along peaceful forest pathways and decorated with numerous bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers over the centuries.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

At the end of the tour, we return to our hotel in the evening and enjoy the remainder of our time in Kyoto at our leisure.

Today is free to enjoy Kyoto. Take time out to enjoy this vibrant city at your own pace. Uncover the fascinating Gion Geisha Disctrict, explore some of the tea houses, explore shops for traditional Kimonos and quirky Japanese souvenirs. Our expert guide will be happy to tell us of further sightseeing and activities to do in this area.

Optional Full Day Excursion to Hiroshima

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 lunch at a local restaurant.
 

This morning, we walk to the train station with our luggage transferred separately. It’s time to experience one of Japan’s most iconic travel highlights as we board the famous bullet train to Odawara. We say farewell to our Kyoto guide and begin a new chapter of our journey. Goodbye, Kyoto and hello, Odawara.

On arrival, we meet our new local guide and begin a full-day guided 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 transfer to our hotel in Hakone.

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

Dinner is included tonight.

We check out of our hotel and travel by coach to Kamakura. Today, we uncover its highlights on a full day tour, taking in some of the area’s most popular sights. These include Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai.

We then visit Kotoku-in, home to the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan, followed by Hase Kannon Temple, which houses an impressive eleven headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. We also enjoy time on Komachi Street, a lively area lined with fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, cafés, restaurants and bakeries.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

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

Today, we uncover more of bustling Tokyo as we take in some of the city’s sights and sounds. Our visits include the Imperial Palace Plaza, home to the Japanese Imperial family, and Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most celebrated Japanese gardens, known for its beautiful seasonal contrasts.

In the late afternoon, we return to our hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure to further explore our surroundings. You may choose to take a stroll through nearby gardens, visit a sweet shop for a pre dinner treat, or head to an observation deck to take in the night time skyline. The choice is yours, and Tokyo offers plenty to enjoy during your free time.

This morning, we continue to explore this vibrant city on a half day excursion, including a visit to Ueno Park, which is home to over one thousand cherry trees.

Afterwards, we uncover more of Japan’s ancient arts by witnessing a traditional tea ceremony and learning about the Japanese art of Ikebana, or flower arranging. This provides a calm and relaxing way to conclude our sightseeing 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 knowledgeable 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 discover more of this fascinating city on a full day tour, beginning with visits to Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Street, famous for its traditional shopping arcade.

In the afternoon, we visit the Meiji Shrine, a grand Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji from 1852 to 1912 and Empress Shoken, Japan’s first modern emperor and empress.

We then marvel at the views from the Tokyo Skytree. On a clear day, it may be possible to see Mount Fuji rising in the distance. Alternatively, we may visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views across the city.

Later, we enjoy an iconic Japanese experience as we stroll across the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, new to the itinerary for 2026.

After another busy day of sightseeing, spend an evening at leisure to relax and unwind.

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

Enjoy time at leisure and some last-minute shopping, before transferring by coach to Tokyo Airport for our flight to Istanbul Turkey.

On arrival in Istanbul Airport, we meet our transfer assistant and transfer to our hotel.  Once we have checked into our hotel, take some time to soak up our new place of stay.  Our evening is at leisure.

Stroll to Taksim square, or wander down the bustling Istiklal street and the network of side streets filled with bars and restaurants. Savour some San Sebastian cheesecake under the historic Galata Tower, and Instagram Hotspot. Shop for souvenirs, the choice is yours.

Breakfast only, is included each day of your stay in Istanbul.

Please note that the extension in Istanbul is based on an individual rather than a group experience.  

Balat/Fener Walking Tour
Start your day with a half-day guided tour uncovering some of Istanbul’s most charming historical gems.

After breakfast, we will travel by coach to the colourful neighbourhoods of Balat and Fener. These lively districts are a photographer’s dream, bursting with vibrant streets, quirky staircases, traditional wooden houses, and charming antique shops, perfect for capturing those unforgettable holiday moments. During our stroll, we will also visit a distinctive historic church, adding a fascinating touch of local history to your morning.

Sultanahmet
Next, we continue by coach into the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, Sultanahmet. Here, you will admire some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the stunning Blue Mosque, ancient Egyptian obelisks, and the Roman Hippodrome. We will also enjoy an exterior view of the magnificent Hagia Sophia, soaking in its grandeur from the outside.

During the day, we will pause for some Turkish tea or coffee, either in Balat, Fener or Sultanahmet.

Istanbul is a fascinating blend of old and new, where modern skyscrapers rise alongside centuries-old mosques, churches and palaces. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you wish to continue exploring or simply relax. Your guide will be happy to suggest places to visit or hidden spots to discover.

*In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic Blue Mosque, restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding; thus a clear view of the entire Mosque may not be possible. 

St Sophia is no longer a Museum and now a working Mosque. During times of prayer it may not be possible to visit the inside, in your free time after our city tour.

Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended for the cobbled streets

Today is free to take in some sightseeing and shopping. Istanbul has so much to offer; no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to uncover or rediscover.

Perhaps a visit to the Underground Cistern, a fascinating network of water channels and ornamental pillars, dating back to Roman times.  Dare to look upon the face of Medusa! Explore Topkapi Palace with its museum of national treasures, discover the ancient harem of the Ottoman Sultans. See more on a cruise down the Bosphorus, or shop till you drop in the busy İstiklal Avenue. 

Istanbul is a city that has many layers and so much to uncover or rediscover.

This morning we bid farewell to Istanbul and transfer to the airport for our flight home.