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.  

Join us for a welcome dinner at a nearby local restaurant.

Please note your welcome dinner may be on day two, if your flight arrives in late in the evening.

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

After breakfast, we set off on a full-day guided tour. We begin with a visit to Ginkakuji Temple and the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

Next, we travel by coach to Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka, which is approximately one hour each way from our hotel in Kyoto.

During today’s excursion, we visit the Umeda Sky Building Observatory, the nineteenth tallest building in Osaka and one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. We also explore Osaka Castle, another of Japan’s iconic historic sites.

Later, we enjoy a walk through Dotonbori, known for its neon lights, extravagant signage and lively atmosphere. This colourful district is a hotspot for street food and a great place to experience Osaka’s vibrant culinary scene.

We return to our hotel in Kyoto after an exciting day of sightseeing.

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 the day with our expert local guide to explore some of the highlights of the beautiful and historic city of Kyoto.

Our first stop is the Sanjusangendo Temple, founded in 1164 and renowned for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple hall, stretching 120 metres, is the longest wooden structure in Japan. We then visit Nijo Castle, the official Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa era. This 400-year-old complex offers a glimpse into the architectural beauty of the early Edo period and its significant place in Japanese history.

We pause for lunch, which is included, at a local restaurant, where we enjoy some typical regional dishes.
 

After lunch, we continue our exploration of Kyoto. We begin with a peaceful visit to Ryoan-ji, originally a private villa later converted into a temple. It is best known for its iconic Zen rock garden, one of the most famous in Japan.

Our final visit of the day is to the stunning Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion. The top two floors of this iconic building are covered entirely in gold leaf. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the setting is said to reflect the concept of paradise on earth.

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 continue our journey with a full-day guided excursion to Nara, Japan’s former capital in the 8th century. This historic city is home to some of the country's oldest and most impressive temples.

Our tour begins with a visit to Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan. The park is famous for its population of over one thousand freely roaming deer, considered sacred messengers in Shinto tradition.

We then explore Tōdai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant religious sites. The temple houses a giant bronze Buddha statue, standing an impressive fifteen metres tall.

Also included is a visit to Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s revered Shinto shrine. Nestled within peaceful forest paths, the shrine is known for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, many of which were donated by worshippers over the centuries.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we visit Kōfuku-ji Temple. Once the spiritual centre of the powerful Fujiwara clan, this historic site features a striking five-storey pagoda and a rich collection of sacred relics. Please note that the Tokondō Hall is not included in this visit.

At the end of the day, we return to our hotel in Kyoto. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you wish to explore further or simply relax.

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 to Kamakura to experience its most popular sights, including Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the city’s most important Shinto Shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general.

Also included is a visit to Kotokuin which has the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan, and Hase Kannon Temple with its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy. We also visit trendy Komachi Street, filled with fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, 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.

Let's see more as we take in some of the sights and sounds of bustling Tokyo! We set off and visit Imperial Palace Plaza, home to the Japanese Imperial family, and Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo’s oldest and best Japanese gardens, with its beautiful contrasts throughout the seasons.

We continue to the Hamarikyu Gardens, a traditionally styled garden landscape in central Tokyo. After the tour, in the late afternoon, return to your hotel

Enjoy an evening at leisure in Tokyo. Our guide will be pleased to offer recommendations for sightseeing and dining.

This morning, we see more of this vibrant city 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).

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 on a full day tour of this fascinating city, with visits to Asakusa Kannon Temple, Nakamise Street with its traditional shopping arcade, and high-end shoppers’ paradise Ginza, before we enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant (included).

In the afternoon we stroll through the Harajuku district, known internationally as the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion and renowned for its colourful street art.  We will also view the Meiji Shrine. This Shinto grand shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken, modern Japan's first emperor and empress.

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.  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.

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
Join us for a half-day guided tour as we uncover some of Istanbul’s historical gems.

After breakfast, we travel by coach to the colourful neighbourhoods of Balat and Fener. A delight for photographers, these lively districts are known for their vibrant streets, antique shops, quirky staircases and traditional wooden houses, perfect for capturing that ideal holiday photo. Our walk will also include a visit to a distinctive church, adding a touch of history to your morning.

Sultanahmet
We then continue by coach into the heart of the Old City, Sultanahmet. Here, we admire some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, including the striking Blue Mosque, the ancient Egyptian obelisks and the Roman Hippodrome. We also enjoy an exterior view of the magnificent Hagia Sophia.

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. Savour some San Sebastian cheese cake under the historic Galata Tower, the choice is yours!

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

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