Starts at
Tokyo
Ends at
Osaka
Duration
13 days
Group Size
Maximum 18
Physical Rating
challenging 
Style
discovery
About your trip
Dive head first into the land of the rising sun with this 13-day in-depth exploration of Japan, including awe-inspiring cultural experiences, fascinating historical sites and wonderfully delicate dishes and flavours. The trip begins in the capital city of Tokyo, where right away you’ll get to try some of Japan’s world-famous cuisine with a lesson from a sushi chef, before heading to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for evening views over the city.
Over the next three days, the highlights of Tokyo can truly be explored including places like Asakusa District and its Sensō-Ji temple, a historic Buddhist site known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional Nakamise-dori shopping street. Here you can also have a sumo experience with lunch, or a scenic river cruise among several optional extras.
You will also visit the Meiji Shrine and the busiest road crossing in the world, the Shibuya Crossing, which can be veiwed from above from Shibuya Sky, along with some stunning city views. The final day in Tokyo will be spent at Fujikawaguchi to get closer to the majestic Mount Fuji, with walks through the Arakurayama Sangen Park, including visitis to the Torii Gate by the Sky and Mother White's Waterfall all offering spectacular glimpses of the mountain on clear days.
From Tokyo, you will head by train to Kamakura, where you’ll take part in a calligraphy class inside a local temple and have the chance to enjoy one of Japan’s lesser-known gems – its beautiful beaches, where you can gaze out at a stunning sunset over the calm ocean waves.
Next up on the itinerary is a trip to Hakone, where you’ll embark upon a pirate ship cruise with the chance of seeing more amazing views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi's clear blue waters, before heading to Owakudani, an active volcanic zone, on the Hakone Ropeway.
A special evening then awaits at a traditional Japanese ryokan where you can have a soak in a Japanese outdoor bath, called an onsen, before enjoying a sake soirée, sampling various sakes in the local yukata (a light kimono) provided by the accommodation.
From Hakone, you’ll head to Kyoto by bullet train for a walk along the Kamo River and an evening of karaoke. Other iconic sites in the former capital include the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates and the small town of Nara, where you will be greeted by the friendly kawaii deer.
The final two stops of the trip include Hiroshima and Osaka, where you will see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Atomic Bomb dome, visit Miyajima Island and try okonomiyaki. From there you will bid farewell to the tour, taking with you some incredible memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Your Itinerary
What's included
- Sushi-making class (Tokyo)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building visit (Tokyo)
- Welcome drinks (Tokyo)
- Tsujiki Outer Market (Tokyo)
- Sensoji Temple (Tokyo)
- Meiji Shrine (Tokyo)
- Shibuya Crossing visit (Tokyo)
- Fujikawaguchiko day excursion (Tokyo)
- Calligraphy class at a local temple (Kamakura)
- Old Tokaido hike (Hakone)
- Sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi (Hakone)
- Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani (Hakone)
- Japanese onsen visit (Hakone)
- Saké soirée – tasting party (Hakone)
- Higashi Hongan-ji Temple (Kyoto)
- Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto)
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto)
- Gion walking tour (Kyoto)
- Todaiji Temple (Kyoto)
- Nara Park excursion (Kyoto)
- Cycle tour of Kyoto (Kyoto)
- Meditation class at Daisen-in Temple (Kyoto)
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum tour (Hiroshima)
- Miyajima Island day trip (Hiroshima)
- Guided exploration of Osaka (Osaka)
- Farewell dinner (Osaka)
What's not included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Hotel Transfers (unless otherwise stated in the Included Activities section above)
- Flights to and from the destination
- Sumo experience with lunch (Tokyo)
- Maid café experience (Tokyo)
- Free time options in Tokyo (Tokyo)
- Free time options in Kamakura (Kamakura)
- Karaoke (Kyoto)
- Free time options in Kyoto (Kyoto)
- Free time options in Hiroshima (Hiroshima)
- Free time options in Osaka (Osaka)
- Return bullet train to Tokyo (tour finishes in Osaka)
