Journey through Japan

Overview

This Japan tour showcases the very best that the country has to offer. You’ll start in Tokyo and end in Kyoto with many stops in between to see stunning scenery and visit many of Japan’s celebrated sites.

During your tour of Tokyo, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple and Meiji Shrine, built in the 1920s to enshrine the emperor. Journey to nearby Nikko to see the Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Kegon Falls. See Shirakawa’s unique Gassho-Zukuri thatched houses, which can only be found here, then continue to historic Kyoto where you will visit several popular sites including the shimmering Temple of the Gold Pavilion.

In Hiroshima, visit Peace Memorial Park and see the only remaining structure—the Atomic Bomb Dome—that predates the 1945 atomic blast. An excursion from Hiroshima takes you to the Itsukushima Shrine, built over water and known for its iconic floating Torii gate.

All of this—and more—await you on this value-minded tour through Japan!

Depart UK

Tokyo, Japan

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for three nights (check in from 2pm).

Welcome to Japan’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Tokyo

Today’s sightseeing tour takes you to the MEIJI SHRINE, a magnificent 20th century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Afterward, pass by the Imperial Palace Plaza, the State Guest House, the Akihabara district, and the famous Ginza shopping street. Your tour concludes with a visit to the ASAKUSA KANNON TEMPLE and the NAKAMISE SHOPPING ARCADE. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in this cosmopolitan city.

Tokyo

Enjoy a full day at your leisure in Tokyo. You may choose an optional excursion to the Mount Fuji area for a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi and an aerial cable-car ride (weather permitting) over the beautiful Owakudani Valley.

Tokyo–Nikko–Utsunomiya

Journey north to Nikko for a visit to TOSHOGU SHRINE and its famous YOMEIMON GATE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, continue on to the scenic Iroha-zaka Driveway, which reaches elevations of 3,940 feet, to visit LAKE CHUZENJI and the KEGON WATERFALL. Continue to Utsunomiya, home of Japan’s famous gyoza dumplings.

Utsunomiya–Matsumoto.

This morning, travel to Matsumoto where you will see MATSUMOTO CASTLE and the MATSUMOTO CITY MUSEUM.

Matsumoto–Takayama

Continue through Japan’s beautiful mountain scenery to one of the country’s most remote regions, SHIRAKAWA. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unique Gassho-Zukuri (joined hands) thatched houses can only be found here. This afternoon, journey through the Japanese Alps to the secluded town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time.

Takayama–Kyoto

Journey to Kyoto, one of the most fascinating cities in Japan. The remainder of your day is free to explore. This evening, you may choose to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan (additional expense).

Kyoto

Enjoy a tour of Kyoto, visiting many of the city’s temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas. A highlight of the day is a visit to the extraordinary NIJO CASTLE, built in 1603 as the official residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. You will also visit the TEMPLE OF THE GOLD PAVILION and the HEIAN SHRINE AND GARDEN. During the day, there will also be a chance to participate in a traditional JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY.

Kyoto–Matsue.

Journey to the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan. After a brief visit, continue to ADACHI MUSEUM OF ART to view Japanese-style gardens and view paintings by one of the greatest Japanese painters, Yokoyama Taikan. Later, visit Matsue to see MATSUE CASTLE and BUKE YASHIKI, a former samurai residence.

Matsue–Hiroshima.

En route to Hiroshima, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of ITSUKUSHIMA SHRINE and its famous FLOATING TORII GATE. From here, continue to Hiroshima. This city bear’s significant historic importance, for it was here that the world’s first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Your tour features the PEACE MEMORIAL PARK to see the PEACE MEMORIAL. Commonly referred to as the Atomic Bomb Dome, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the bombing. Also, visit the SHUKKEI-EN GARDEN, which dates back to 1620.

Hiroshima–Osaka

Your fascinating journey to Osaka, aboard one of Japan’s famous BULLET TRAINS, is sure to be a highlight of your tour. The rest of the day is yours to explore Japan’s second largest city.

Osaka - UK

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK

Home landing in the UK