About Your Trip
From neon-lit skyscrapers to bamboo forests dotted with ancient temples, there’s nowhere quite like Japan. This 12-day trip will take you from the foodie capital of Osaka, to the city lights of Tokyo and even down to the floating Torii Gate of Miyajima Island, which sits in Hiroshima Bay. Along the way, you’ll get to see geishas in Kyoto, sample sake in Takayama and watch sumo wrestlers train in the capital. You’ll even get the chance to stay in a traditional ryokan-style hotel and sing your heart out at karaoke alongside your fellow travellers. How can we squeeze so much into one itinerary? You have Japan’s incredible train networks to thank.
Trip Highlights
- 1Experience the comfort, efficiency and thrill of riding the bullet train
- 2Uncover Hiroshima’s past at the Peace Park and Museum
- 3See the floating Torii Gate and deer on Miyajima Island
- 4Hike through bamboo forests and the endless gates of Fushimi Inari
- 5Explore the backstreets of Kyoto by bicycle and see geishas
- 6Stay in a traditional ryokan with an on-site onsen
- 7Admire views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi
- 8Witness sumo wrestling training and learn how to make sushi
- 9Find your rhythm at a Taiko drumming class
What's Included
- One night spa hotel accommodation
- One night Japanese Ryokan accommodation
- Nine nights standard hotel accommodation
- Private and local transport
- 11 breakfasts, two lunches, four dinners
- Local Insider
- Osaka tour
- Hiroshima and Miyajima Island tour
- Bamboo forest and temple visit
- Fushimi Inari sunrise tour
- Kyoto bicycle tour
- Hida Folk Village visit
- Sake tasting
- Lake Ashi cruise
- Ropeway to Hell cable car
- Geyser visit
- Sumo wrestler training visit
- Tsukiji Outer Market tour
- Sushi-making class
- Tokyo tour
- Taiko drumming class
- Karaoke night
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Flights to and from the destination
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Accommodation
Tranquil rooms at Hotel Gracery provide respite from the busy Namba district in Osaka. Tuck into a western buffet breakfast each morning. The bars and restaurants of Dotonbori are a five-minute walk away.
A chic spot to rest your head in Hiroshima. Rooms are sleek and light-filled, while downstairs the cafe lounge is decked in earthy tones and minimalist furnishings. You’re perfectly placed for exploring the city on foot.
A design-led gem plonked next to Kyoto’s main train station, the rooms here are all blonde wood panelling, clean lines and large windows that offer vistas across the city. Common areas are clad with modern art, plus there’s a spa with gendered saunas.
A spa and open-air hot spring baths are a highlight at Spa Hotel Alpina, overlooking the Takayama mountains. Rooms are decked out in neutral tones with plenty of wood for a restful night’s sleep.
With traditional-style tatami rooms (complete with futons), you’ll lap up Japanese culture at this authentic ryokan. Situated at the base of Mount Hakone, you can marvel at the leafy surroundings from the steaming outdoor onsen.
You couldn’t be closer to the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Park at this central Tokyo hotel. Enjoy fresh bagels for breakfast and on-demand drip coffee by front desk, available all day.
