Japan
10 nights 9 Departures Available
View All Dates & BookTraversing Japan by Bullet Train, from neon-lit cityscapes to geisha lanes, from Shinto shrines to views of Mount Fuji, from Osaka to Kyoto, Hakone, and Tokyo, this small-group tour reveals the country’s seamless blend of timeless tradition and mesmerising modernity
Exploring the country’s culture and contrasts, past and present, the tour begins in commercial and very contemporary Osaka. With a castle and ancient Shinto shrine, it is not without historic sites but doesn’t dwell on heritage, focused instead on vibrant shopping streets, with pretty riversides thrown in for good measure. Kyoto is quite the opposite, with imperial palaces, over a thousand Buddhist temples, timber townhouses and old-world shopping streets. Of course, modernity has made a mark on the city, but in the home of geishas, manners, and tradition, it may take much longer to alter the essence of Kyoto. Another sharp contrast follows as we visit Hiroshima, still an affecting site, but defying predictions of its permanent demise with a modern downtown, and the Peace Memorial Park’s reconstruction of heritage monuments. Tranquillity comes naturally to Hakone, a blissful retreat of botanical gardens, forest-shrouded shrines, the gorgeous Lake Ashinoko, and matchless views of Mount Fuji, white-capped and wondrous. One last transition is to Tokyo’s famously soaring skyline, but, down at street level, it masters the mix of old and new with simple wooden structures, and cobbled lanes weaving between the towers.
Fly overnight from your chosen airport, via Tokyo to Osaka.
Unpretentious, energetic, and industrious, Japan’s second city is known as a hub of great food and neon-lit nightlife. On arrival, transfer to the 4-star Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu and later visit the Floating Garden Observatory, topping the 40-storey Umeda Sky Building, for fantastic, full-circle, panoramas.
Visit the 16th-century, though much-rebuilt, Osaka Castle, a moated confection within fortress walls, constructed with hundreds of thousands of huge stone blocks. Stroll in the city’s entertainment area, Dotonbori, hemming the canal side with neon lights and garish signs; and enjoy an ‘Okonomiyaki’ savoury pancake lunch. Travel to Kyoto, the country’s capital for eleven centuries, and still the epicentre of Japanese culture. Visit Gion, the city’s geisha district, a combination of high-end restaurants, shrines, temples, and stone-fenced merchants’ houses. Three nights at the 3-star Rihga Gran Hotel.
(B, L)
A full day of discovery in Kyoto includes visits to the Buddhist Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, gloriously coated in gold leaf; the 15th-century Zen dry garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, and Arashiyama Park, renowned for its bamboo groves and beautiful landscapes, and particularly scenic during cherry blossom time and in autumn foliage.
(B)
For an immersive introduction to the rhythm and culture of Kyoto, we use local transport to visit the Buddhist Kiyomizu-dera (‘Temple of the Pure Water Spring’), the complex, with its three-storey pagoda, part of the Historic Monuments of Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site; explore on foot in the stepped lanes of Ninenzaka Street, lined with traditional architecture, shops and cafés, pagodas and shrines; and experience a Zen meditation, and a lesson in making Japanese tea.
(B)
Travel by Bullet Train to Hiroshima, etched in collective memory as the ‘ground zero’ of 6th August, 1945. Visit the Peace Memorial Park, created around one of the few buildings still standing, in what was once the commercial heart of the city, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the museum. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Granvia.
(B)
Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to view Itsukushima Shrine and its ‘torii’ gate, built over the water and, at high tide, seemingly floating on the inland sea. Travel by Bullet Train (via Osaka) to Odawara, and transfer to Hakone, set within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and with far more than its fair share of natural splendour. Overnight at the 4-star Yunohana Prince Hotel, peacefully positioned and furnished in Japanese style.
(B, D)
A scenic tour of the area includes a cable car ride over Owakudani Valley, a cruise on the blue waters of Lake Ashinoko, and a visit to Onshi Park, with breathtaking views from the hilltop, across the lake to the fabled form of Mount Fuji. Travel by road to high-tech Tokyo, the country’s sleek, chic, multi-faceted capital, for three nights at the 4-star Royal Park Hotel.
(B)
Using local transport throughout our time in Tokyo, today’s visits include the National Museum, with a vast collection of Japanese art and archaeological artefacts; Asakusa district’s Nakamise shopping street, crammed with stalls of street food, cultural, and religious souvenirs; and the very different Ginza district, with upmarket shops and glitzy cocktail bars. Later, enjoy a sushi making experience.
(B, L)
Continue exploring the city’s highlights, with a photo-stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza; and visit the Shinto ‘Meiji Shrine’, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort; and the tower-top Shinjuku Observatory, with stunning views of Tokyo from 202m above the ground.
(B, D)
Transfer to Tokyo Haneda airport for the return flight, arriving at London Heathrow the same day.
(B)
Fly overnight from your chosen airport, via Tokyo to Osaka.
Unpretentious, energetic, and industrious, Japan’s second city is known as a hub of great food and neon-lit nightlife. On arrival, transfer to the 4-star Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu and later visit the Floating Garden Observatory, topping the 40-storey Umeda Sky Building, for fantastic, full-circle, panoramas.
Visit the 16th-century, though much-rebuilt, Osaka Castle, a moated confection within fortress walls, constructed with hundreds of thousands of huge stone blocks. Stroll in the city’s entertainment area, Dotonbori, hemming the canal side with neon lights and garish signs; and enjoy an ‘Okonomiyaki’ savoury pancake lunch. Travel to Kyoto, the country’s capital for eleven centuries, and still the epicentre of Japanese culture. Visit Gion, the city’s geisha district, a combination of high-end restaurants, shrines, temples, and stone-fenced merchants’ houses. Three nights at the 3-star Rihga Gran Hotel.
(B, L)
A full day of discovery in Kyoto includes visits to the Buddhist Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, gloriously coated in gold leaf; the 15th-century Zen dry garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, and Arashiyama Park, renowned for its bamboo groves and beautiful landscapes, and particularly scenic during cherry blossom time and in autumn foliage.
(B)
For an immersive introduction to the rhythm and culture of Kyoto, we use local transport to visit the Buddhist Kiyomizu-dera (‘Temple of the Pure Water Spring’), the complex, with its three-storey pagoda, part of the Historic Monuments of Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site; explore on foot in the stepped lanes of Ninenzaka Street, lined with traditional architecture, shops and cafés, pagodas and shrines; and experience a Zen meditation, and a lesson in making Japanese tea.
(B)
Travel by Bullet Train to Hiroshima, etched in collective memory as the ‘ground zero’ of 6th August, 1945. Upon arrival in Hiroshima take a ferry to Miyajima Island to view Itsukushima Shrine and its ‘torii’ gate, built over the water and, at high tide, seemingly floating on the inland sea. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Granvia. (B)
This morning visit the Peace Memorial Park, created around one of the few buildings still standing, in what was once the commercial heart of the city, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the museum. Travel by Bullet Train (via Osaka) to Odawara, and transfer to Hakone, set within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and with far more than its fair share of natural splendour. Overnight at the 4-star Yunohana Prince Hotel, peacefully positioned and furnished in Japanese style.
(B, D)
A scenic tour of the area includes a cable car ride over Owakudani Valley, a cruise on the blue waters of Lake Ashinoko, and a visit to Onshi Park, with breathtaking views from the hilltop, across the lake to the fabled form of Mount Fuji. Travel by road to high-tech Tokyo, the country’s sleek, chic, multi-faceted capital, for three nights at the 4-star Sunshine City Prince Hotel.
(B)
Using local transport throughout our time in Tokyo, today’s visits include the National Museum, with a vast collection of Japanese art and archaeological artefacts; Asakusa district’s Nakamise shopping street, crammed with stalls of street food, cultural, and religious souvenirs. Later, for lunch enjoy a sushi making experience. Continue exploring the city’s highlights, with a photo-stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza before returning to the hotel.
(B, L)
Start this morning's exploration with the Shibuya Crossing; followed by visiting the Shinto ‘Meiji Shrine’, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort; and the towertop Shinjuku Observatory, with stunning views of Tokyo from 202m above the ground.
(B, D)
Transfer to Tokyo Haneda airport for the return flight, arriving at London Heathrow the same day.
(B)
Fly overnight from your chosen airport, via Bangkok to Osaka.
Unpretentious, energetic, and industrious, Japan’s second city is known as a hub of great food and neon-lit nightlife. On arrival, transfer to the 4-star Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu.
Visit the 16th-century, though much-rebuilt, Osaka Castle, a moated confection within fortress walls, constructed with hundreds of thousands of huge stone blocks. Stroll in the city’s entertainment area, Dotonbori, hemming the canal side with neon lights and garish signs; and enjoy an ‘Okonomiyaki’ savoury pancake lunch. Visit the Floating Garden Observatory, topping the 40-storey Umeda Sky Building, for fantastic, full-circle, panoramas. Travel to Kyoto, the country’s capital for eleven centuries, and still the epicentre of Japanese culture. Visit Gion, the city’s geisha district, a combination of high-end restaurants, shrines, temples, and stone-fenced merchants’ houses. Three nights at the 3-star Rihga Gran Hotel.
(B, L)
A full day of discovery in Kyoto includes visits to the Buddhist Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, gloriously coated in gold leaf; the 15th-century Zen dry garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, and Arashiyama Park, renowned for its bamboo groves and beautiful landscapes, and particularly scenic during cherry blossom time and in autumn foliage.
(B)
For an immersive introduction to the rhythm and culture of Kyoto, we use local transport to visit the Buddhist Kiyomizu-dera (‘Temple of the Pure Water Spring’), the complex, with its three-storey pagoda, part of the Historic Monuments of Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site; explore on foot in the stepped lanes of Ninenzaka Street, lined with traditional architecture, shops and cafés, pagodas and shrines; and experience a Zen meditation, and a lesson in making Japanese tea.
(B)
Travel by Bullet Train to Hiroshima, etched in collective memory as the ‘ground zero’ of 6th August, 1945. Upon arrival in Hiroshima take a ferry to Miyajima Island to view Itsukushima Shrine and its ‘torii’ gate, built over the water and, at high tide, seemingly floating on the inland sea. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Granvia. (B)
This morning visit the Peace Memorial Park, created around one of the few buildings still standing, in what was once the commercial heart of the city, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the museum. Travel by Bullet Train (via Osaka) to Odawara, and transfer to Hakone, set within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and with far more than its fair share of natural splendour. Overnight at the 4-star Yunohana Prince Hotel, peacefully positioned and furnished in Japanese style.
(B, D)
A scenic tour of the area includes a cable car ride over Owakudani Valley, a cruise on the blue waters of Lake Ashinoko, and a visit to Onshi Park, with breathtaking views from the hilltop, across the lake to the fabled form of Mount Fuji. Travel by road to high-tech Tokyo, the country’s sleek, chic, multi-faceted capital, for three nights at the 4-star Sunshine City Prince Hotel.
(B)
Using local transport throughout our time in Tokyo, today’s visits include the National Museum, with a vast collection of Japanese art and archaeological artefacts; Asakusa district’s Nakamise shopping street, crammed with stalls of street food, cultural, and religious souvenirs. Later, for lunch enjoy a sushi making experience. Continue exploring the city’s highlights, with a photo-stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza before returning to the hotel.
(B, L)
Start this morning's exploration with the Shibuya Crossing; followed by visiting the Shinto ‘Meiji Shrine’, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort; and the towertop Shinjuku Observatory, with stunning views of Tokyo from 202m above the ground.
(B, D)
Transfer to Tokyo Narita airport for the return flight, via Bangkok.
Arrival in the morning at London Heathrow.
Fly overnight from your chosen airport, via Tokyo to Osaka.
Unpretentious, energetic, and industrious, Japan’s second city is known as a hub of great food and neon-lit nightlife. On arrival, transfer to the 4-star Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu.
Visit the 16th-century, though much-rebuilt, Osaka Castle, a moated confection within fortress walls, constructed with hundreds of thousands of huge stone blocks. Stroll in the city’s entertainment area, Dotonbori, hemming the canal side with neon lights and garish signs; and enjoy an ‘Okonomiyaki’ savoury pancake lunch. Visit the Floating Garden Observatory, topping the 40-storey Umeda Sky Building, for fantastic, full-circle, panoramas.Travel to Kyoto, the country’s capital for eleven centuries, and still the epicentre of Japanese culture. Visit Gion, the city’s geisha district, a combination of high-end restaurants, shrines, temples, and stone-fenced merchants’ houses. Three nights at the 3-star Rihga Gran Hotel.
(B, L)
A full day of discovery in Kyoto includes visits to the Buddhist Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, gloriously coated in gold leaf; the 15th-century Zen dry garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, and Arashiyama Park, renowned for its bamboo groves and beautiful landscapes, and particularly scenic during cherry blossom time and in autumn foliage.
(B)
For an immersive introduction to the rhythm and culture of Kyoto, we use local transport to visit the Buddhist Kiyomizu-dera (‘Temple of the Pure Water Spring’), the complex, with its three-storey pagoda, part of the Historic Monuments of Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site; explore on foot in the stepped lanes of Ninenzaka Street, lined with traditional architecture, shops and cafés, pagodas and shrines; and experience a Zen meditation, and a lesson in making Japanese tea.
(B)
Travel by Bullet Train to Hiroshima, etched in collective memory as the ‘ground zero’ of 6th August, 1945. Upon arrival in Hiroshima take a ferry to Miyajima Island to view Itsukushima Shrine and its ‘torii’ gate, built over the water and, at high tide, seemingly floating on the inland sea. Overnight at the 3-star Hotel Granvia. (B)
This morning visit the Peace Memorial Park, created around one of the few buildings still standing, in what was once the commercial heart of the city, including the Atomic Bomb Dome and the museum. Travel by Bullet Train (via Osaka) to Odawara, and transfer to Hakone, set within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and with far more than its fair share of natural splendour. Overnight at the 4-star Yunohana Prince Hotel, peacefully positioned and furnished in Japanese style.
(B, D)
A scenic tour of the area includes a cable car ride over Owakudani Valley, a cruise on the blue waters of Lake Ashinoko, and a visit to Onshi Park, with breathtaking views from the hilltop, across the lake to the fabled form of Mount Fuji. Travel by road to high-tech Tokyo, the country’s sleek, chic, multi-faceted capital, for three nights at the 4-star Sunshine City Prince Hotel.
(B)
Using local transport throughout our time in Tokyo, today’s visits include the National Museum, with a vast collection of Japanese art and archaeological artefacts; Asakusa district’s Nakamise shopping street, crammed with stalls of street food, cultural, and religious souvenirs. Later, for lunch enjoy a sushi making experience. Continue exploring the city’s highlights, with a photo-stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza before returning to the hotel.
(B, L)
Start this morning's exploration with the Shibuya Crossing; followed by visiting the Shinto ‘Meiji Shrine’, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort; and the towertop Shinjuku Observatory, with stunning views of Tokyo from 202m above the ground.
(B, D)
Transfer to Tokyo Haneda airport for the return flight, arriving at London Heathrow the same day.
(B)
This is a full itinerary with most visits on foot including the use of public transport and carrying luggage on and off trains.
On Day 6, main luggage is transported to Hakone so an overnight bag is needed for the Hiroshima stay.
Please note that in Japan room sizes are generally smaller than in Europe and double beds are not available at all hotels.
A taisho will demonstrate how to create diff erent pieces of sushi. Enjoy preparing your own sushi lunch. Sushi is prepared from vinegared rice, accompanied by a variety of ingredients, such as raw seafood and vegetables. Styles of sushi and its presentation vary widely, but the one key ingredient is ‘sushi rice’.
Japanese cherry blossom are about appreciating the present so we have selected departures coinciding with the brilliant colours of autumn foliage (koyo) to be surrounded by scarlet maple and golden ginkgo trees.
Spring: 22 & 29 March 2024
Autumn: 25 October & 1 November 2024
Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.
A modern 4-star hotel, close to Namba Shrine. Restaurant, bar, gym, WiFi (free). 364 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea making facilities and satellite TV.
3-star hotel in Kyoto’s Minami neighbourhood and close to the railway station. Restaurant, bar, public bath and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Hiroshima is directly connected to the JR Hiroshima Station and a 20-minute tram ride from Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park and a 10-minute drive from Hiroshima Castle. This Michelin 3-star rated hotel offers modern accommodation with 6 restaurants, massage services and WiFi (free). Rooms with air-conditioning and heating, fridge, trouser press and a flat-screen TV. Buffet breakfast daily.
A traditional Japanese-style 4-star hotel with hot spring baths. Restaurant, WiFi (free) and 59 air-conditioned Japanese-style rooms with hairdryer, mini-fridge and satellite TV.
A classic 4-star hotel in Tokyo’s Chuo neighbourhood, close to Suitengumae underground station. Restaurants, bars and WiFi (free). 419 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A stylish 4-star hotel in the Ikebukuro area. Restaurants and WiFi (free). 1085 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea making facilities and satellite TV.
Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.
You can find out more about the country on the travel guide.
12 Sep 25, 8 May 26 and 1 more
Venture deep into the heart of a land of legends where age old traditions exist side by side with modernity, an extraordinary 18 days exploring Japan and the embodiment of the ancient culture of the Samurai
From £6995 pp
incl Flight
10 Nov 25, 22 Mar 26 and 4 more
In the 'Land of the Rising Sun', natural splendour is embellished with man-made treasure. From Shinto shrines to Buddhist temples, from moated castles to Zen-calm gardens, from Tokyo to Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Matsue, this is a tour through time and traditions
From £5535 pp
incl Flight
9 Sep 25, 14 Oct 25 and 6 more
Spectacular sights, sumptuous scenery and four very varied cities are the hallmarks of this splendid journey, visiting China’s highlights from Beijing to Shanghai, from the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, and including a cruise through Yangtze River gorges
From £4195 pp
incl Flight
We need to check availability for this departure date. Please proceed with the reservation, and we will get in touch within 72 hours to confirm and take payment.
The below departures are available - please click into the booking process for a quote and to book.
| Date | Two sharing | Solo traveller | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Oct 25 (10 nights) |
Sold Out | £5345pp | £6070pp | |
| 07 Nov 25 (10 nights) |
£4745pp | £5470pp | Book Now | |
| 20 Mar 26 (11 nights) |
£5295pp | £6200pp | Book Now | |
| 27 Mar 26 (11 nights) |
£5475pp | £6380pp | Book Now | |
| 03 Apr 26 (11 nights) |
£5275pp | £6180pp | Book Now | |
| 08 May 26 (10 nights) |
£4625pp | £5330pp | Book Now | |
| 23 Oct 26 (10 nights) |
£4945pp | £5850pp | Book Now | |
| 30 Oct 26 (10 nights) |
£4985pp | £5890pp | Book Now | |
| 13 Nov 26 (10 nights) |
£4945pp | £5850pp | Book Now |
Private Groups Available
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 9 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
The following extensions are available to book with this tour. Please click through to the booking process to check your preferred departure date and to make a reservation.
Extra nights are priced per person, per night.
Please contact us to check availability and book alongside your tour.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Sunshine City Prince Hotel (2026 Only)
(Per person per night) £145
Single supplement £95
Royal Park Hotel Tokyo (2025 Only)
(Per person per night) £145
Single supplement £105
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu - Osaka
(per person per night) £175 (2026 £170)
Single supplement £82
Arrival transfer from Itami Airport £165 (2026 £155)
Arrival transfer from Kansai Airport £265 (2026 £235)
Departure transfer to Haneda Airport £345 (2026 £295)
Departure transfer to Narita Airport £365 (2026 £325)