Japan Unveiled

• Partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an ancient and spiritual practice
• Journey to the sacred eight natural springs and traditional thatched houses of Oshino and Lake Kawaguchi
• Immerse yourself in the energy of Japan’s electrifying capital, Tokyo on a guided tour
• Gaze at the sacred and protected deer of Nara and the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world
• Cruise across the tranquil waters of Hakone’s Lake Ashinoko, with a backdrop of Mount Fuji
• Travel by cable car and explore the volcanic crater, Owakudani ‘Boiling Valley’
• Discover Matsumoto, home to one of Japan’s oldest castles and meander along the historic Nakamachi Street
• Wander around the markets and charming lanes of Takayama and visit the farmhouses of UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go
• Board a high-speed bullet train for Hiroshima and view the shrine of Miyajima Island
• Learn how to make the traditional, intricate and colourful Japanese sweets, wagashi
• Take in the cultural treasures of the Japanese capital with optional visits to the TeamLab modern art exhibitions and the Tokyo-Edo Museum
• Stroll through Kanazawa’s beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, the cobblestone district and popular seafood market
• Take in the temples, castles and geisha-centred history of the country’s former imperial capital and cultural hub, Kyoto
  Board a high-speed bullet train for Hiroshima and view the shrine of Miyajima Island
• Understand the atomic bombing impact of Hiroshima with visits to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• Ride a bullet train to the port city and commercial centre, Osaka and explore the entertainment and shopping districts

Day 1 Fly to Japan

Today, you’ll set off on your East Asian adventure to the island country of Japan.

Day 2 Arrive in Japan

You and your fellow travellers will touch down in the vibrant capital city, Tokyo, where you’ll be met by a friendly, local tour manager.

The group will then be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day will be free to get settled in, perhaps enjoying a drink in the lounge before having dinner at your leisure.

Day 3 Included tour of Tokyo, lunch and tea ceremony with optional Yakatabune dinner cruise

Following breakfast, a day of exploring awaits as you’ll embark into the heart of the city on a guided sightseeing tour. Explore one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, which encompasses an expanse of forested land, Meiji Shrine. Built in 1920 and dedicated to Japan's first modern emperor and empress, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this sprawling sanctuary is awash with traditional architecture and hosts many rituals and festivals throughout the year.

Head to the city’s major commercial and financial centre, Shibuya, home to two of the busiest train stations in the world. Also seen as the birthplace of many of the country’s entertainment and fashion trends, this pulsating hub is packed with restaurants, bars and shops, all illuminated by neon signs. You’ll get to navigate the ‘Shibuya Scramble Crossing’ its swell of people before having an included lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 4 Full day at leisure in Tokyo and optional teamLab Planets visit, Tokyo-Edo Museum tour and city night walk with dinner

Enjoy breakfast and then take advantage of a full day of self-exploration. Perhaps return to the downtown area, paying a visit to the historic neighbourhoods of Yanaka and Nezu. These quieter parts promise a warren of alleys, bordered with traditional wooden houses, cosy cafés, retro stores and authentic Japanese-style izakaya bars.

Day 5 Included transfer to Mishima with a visit to Hakone, cruise and cable car ride

Have breakfast and check out before you’re transferred to the picturesque city, Mishima. On the way, the tour will call at the hill town of Hakone, home to hot spring resorts and overlooking Lake Ashinoko with a backdrop of Mount Fuji. You’ll have time to wander around, perhaps strolling along the street by the train station, lined with souvenir shops offering crafts, pottery and food products.

Embark on a boat that will cruise across the waters of the crater lake, admiring the views of Mount Fuji that are particularly spectacular when there are no clouds. The striking Hakone Shrine, set on the shore with its red torii gate appearing to float above the surface, can also be observed.

Day 6 Included travel to Matsumoto with visits to Oshino Hakkai and Lake Kawaguchi

After breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel and travel to the village, Oshino, renowned for its series of eight natural springs referred to as Oshino Hakkai (eight ponds). These springs originating from the mountain's snowmelt and underground sources, have been naturally filtered through layers of volcanic rock, resulting in remarkably clear water. Each one is considered sacred, has its own unique significance and is framed by traditional thatched-roof houses and walking paths. Some of the houses are now used as shops and restaurants, where you can choose to have lunch on your own account.

In the afternoon, the tour will continue to Lake Kawaguchi, positioned at the foothills of Mount Fuji, with its calm waters serving as a mirror, reflecting the majestic mountain's image on clear days. Oishi Park, spread across the northern shores of the lake is next, and this enchanting garden is inundated with vibrant seasonal flowers, particularly cherry blossoms and tulips during spring. If conditions permit, you can view Mount Fuji from one of the observational platforms. Nearby, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum displays the textile art of Itchiku Kubota, a master dyer and artist renowned for his revival of the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing. This ancient art technique is a complex method of colouring fabrics and was heavily influenced by his appreciation of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.

Day 7 Included tour of Matsumoto and afternoon at leisure

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll join your guide for a morning tour of Matsumoto, celebrated for its well-preserved castle, access to the Northern Japan Alps and picturesque landscapes. The internationally acclaimed artist, Yayoi Kusama, was also born in this city – keep an eye out for a bus decorated with her famous polka design.

By foot, you’ll walk to the 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, Japan’s oldest wooden castle, which is also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its black exterior. You can enter its impressive wooden interior, climb to the top for incredible views and learn about its history through exhibits and displays. You’ll then meander along Nakamachi Street, a historic district with traditional wooden storefronts, Edo-period buildings, art galleries, souvenir shops, and cafés.

Day 8 Included visit to Takayama, lunch and Shirakawa-go

Have breakfast, check out and board the coach for Miyagawa Morning Market in the city of Takayama, enclosed by mountainous scenery. Spread across the banks of Miyagawa River, this market features open-air stalls and small shops selling crafts, traditional goods and fresh produce.

You’ll then head into the old town district and walk along Sanmachi Street, bounded by traditional merchant house-style houses, sake breweries and storehouses, artisan shops and cultural centres. Many locals open their doors to the public, so you can gain a glimpse into the former living quartets of merchants before having an included lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 9 Included morning tour of Kanazawa with afternoon at leisure

After breakfast, you’ll join your tour manager for a morning sightseeing tour, beginning with beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’. Constructed during the Edo Period, this landscaped haven is celebrated for its year-round seasonal beauty and features a large pond, bridges, walking paths, tea houses and rest areas.

A break will be had for lunch on your own account before the tour visits the Higashi-Chaya District, which is characterised by its tea houses, known as chaya that border the cobbled stone streets. These buildings were historically venues for geisha performances, tea ceremonies, and traditional entertainment. You’ll also stop at Omicho Market, also known as Kanazawa's Kitchen, popular with locals and visitors for its fresh seafood and local produce. Keep an eye out for specialty items like Kanazawa's famous gold leaf products, including gold leaf-covered ice cream and sweets.

Day 10 Included full day tour of Kyoto

Fuel up on breakfast as a full day of sightseeing awaits in Japan’s former imperial capital and cultural hub. Discover Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Reflecting onto the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond), this 14-century Buddhist temple covered in shimmering gold leaf is surrounded by meticulously landscaped grounds.

Ryoanji Temple, another Buddhist temple on the itinerary, is known for its minimalistic rock garden, which is considered a masterpiece of Zen design. This garden has 15 carefully placed rocks and white gravel, designed to evoke a sense of tranquillity and balance. There’s a nearby tea house, where you can sip on a matcha tea and admire the view from, too.

Day 11 Included excursion to Nara and wagashi making experience with optional Kyoto night tour

Have breakfast and then set off on a morning excursion to Nara, a former capital of Japan, known for its ancient temples and holy sites. This tour will kick off with a visit to Todaiji Temple, a Buddhist shrine that houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. Displayed in the Great Buddha Hall, a sprawling wooden building, the statue is a testament to the craftsmanship of the time.

You’ll then venture over to Nara Deer Park, an expansive public common, home to over 1,000 tame deer, considered sacred and protected by the city. Kasuga-taisha, a Shinto shrine is next, and a spectacle to observe with its scarlet structures, vast assortment of stone lanterns, and ethereal forest surroundings.

Day 12 Included bullet train to Hiroshima, ferry to Miyajima Island and tour

Following breakfast, you’ll check out and head to the station to board the high-speed Nozomi bullet train for Hiroshima. Japan’s bullet trains are one of the fastest and most efficient ways to travel between major cities in a relatively short amount of time.

Once you’ve arrived at Hiroshima station, you’ll journey on a ferry ride to Miyajima Island located in Hiroshima Bay. Covered in forests and peppered with ancient temples, this island is home to Itsukushima Shrine. A ‘floating’ torii orange gate, which becomes partially submerged at high tide, serves as the entrance to this 12th-century shrine that you’ll visit. There’ll then be time for lunch on your own account – make sure you sample okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake dating back to the pre-war period.

Day 13 Included bullet train to Osaka, tour and afternoon at leisure

Post-breakfast, you’ll check out and then transfer to the station to board another bullet train to the port city and commercial centre of Osaka. A coach will pick you up and you can have lunch on your own arrangement.

You’ll then reunite with your tour manager and fellow travellers to explore two of the city’s main districts. Dotonbori is the first, and this entertainment hub is positioned along the Dotonbori Canal, and famed for its neon lights, over-the-top signage and lively nightlife. You can’t miss the Glico running man – a massive brightly illuminated sign and one of the most well-known landmarks in Osaka.

Shinsaibashi, the second stop, has been a go-to shopping spot since the 1600s, and is packed with modern shopping centres, department stores and arcades. Your tour manager will take you down to Shinsaibashi-suji, an undercover shopping avenue in the centre with familiar brands and unique boutiques edging the street.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll check into your hotel and take advantage of an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 14 Day at leisure in Osaka with an optional tabe aruki experience and included farewell dinner

You can enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning as you have a full free day to do as little or as much as you like in this city. Perhaps, return to the districts you experienced yesterday, or tick some additional experiences off your list, like seeing Osaka Castle, taking in the views from the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory or visiting Shitenno-ji Temple, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple.

You'll also have the chance to join an optional tabearuki (culinary tour) around Osaka's popular Kuromon Ichiba Market. Revel in culinary delights from across the world as you make your way along this covered market street. Be sure to try some of Osaka’s favourite street foods while here, from Takoyaki (battered octopus balls) to Kushikatsu (deep-fried vegetables and meats, served on skewers).  

In the evening, you’ll join the other travellers for a final farewell dinner, no doubt sharing special memories of the trip.

Day 15 Day at leisure and fly to the UK

It’s your last breakfast and opportunity to make the most of your time in Osaka. Store your luggage at the hotel and seek out more historical, cultural and culinary sights.

When evening comes around, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Day 16 Land back in the UK

You’ll arrive back in the UK after your once-in-a-lifetime holiday.