11-Day Japan Adventure: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Osaka in Comfort

Welcome to vibrant Tokyo, the beginning of your Japan Premium Tour! Today, you'll rendezvous with your Adventure Leader in the hotel lounge for a comprehensive trip briefing. They'll map out the thrilling adventures ahead, offer insights for acclimating to local customs, and share essential tips for safe travels.

Following the briefing, delight your palate with a delectable traditional welcome dinner at a local restaurant, marking your inaugural experience of Japanese cuisine. Afterward, prepare to be whisked away to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you'll ascend to the pinnacle for an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city skyline.

You’re out & about bright and early today, with a morning visit to teamLab Planets Tokyo. Step into an immersive world, where glowing rooms, interactive art and water-filled spaces create pure magic.

Next, we’re heading to Tokyo’s vibrant waterfront area, Odaiba! You can grab some lunch, enjoy a relaxing stroll and snap a selfie with the famous Statue of Liberty or the towering Gundam.

We’ll then be heading to the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Completed in 1920, it was built in honour of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Once you’ve explored here, we’ll head off to the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world: Shibuya! Can you find the Hachiko statue?

We hope you worked up an appetite, because we’re taking you to a sushi-making class, where you’ll get the chance to create Japanese culinary staples with the help of a professional teacher.

We’ll kick off the day with a visit to the iconic Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can stroll through the bustling stalls and snack on some authentic Japanese treats – perfect to fuel up for the adventures ahead!

Next stop: Asakusa district, making sure to pay a visit to the world-famous Sensoji Temple – arguably one of the city’s most vibrant temples. The hall for the Kannon statue was built in 645, and it’s now also home to a bustling market selling local snacks and traditional souvenirs.

For lunch, your Adventure Leader will share top tips on what to eat and see, whether you want to explore the historic Asakusa area or head to the nearby Sumo district in Ryogoku to dive into sumo culture and try a hearty Chanko Nabe hotpot for lunch! If you want to venture out during this time, you can opt for a sumo experience with lunch. A rare chance to meet ex-sumo wrestlers and enjoy Chanko Nabe together. Just a heads up, this activity must be pre-booked at least 8 weeks before departure.

We thought we’d wind down after all of that sumo excitement with a relaxing Sumida River cruise from Asakusa Pier. Sit back and enjoy the calm as you glide past some of Tokyo’s most iconic sights!

We’ll leave the rest of the afternoon in your hands but can suggest some great options! Try your hand at baseball at a Shinjuku batting cage, marvel at the VR starry night at Planetaria Tokyo, shop till you drop in Ginza (don’t miss GSix Mall), or catch a Kabuki performance at Kabukiza Theater (be sure to book tickets in advance).

It’s time for a change of scenery, so we’re heading to the next stop on your Japan Plus Culture Tour – Hakone!

We’ll arrive in Moto-Hakone just before lunch, ready to try out our sea legs. We’re climbing on board a boat cruise with a twist – it’s a pirate ship! We’ll cruise over Lake Ashi, and from the decks of this man-of-war you’ll see towering mountains, crystalline waters – and on a good day, Mount Fuji. We’re not back on land for long, because our next adventure takes us up into the mountain peaks via cable car!

This evening, you’ve got a free evening to relax in a traditional Japanese onsen. Grab your robe and soak in the sulfuric waters – renowned for their healing properties!

Dinner tonight will be arranged for you in your accommodation.

After a delicious breakfast at your accommodation, if time allows, enjoy a couple more hours of last-minute zen at the onsen before we head off to Kyoto.

We’ll jump on a train and arrive in the early afternoon, with enough time for us to drop our luggage before we start exploring. You’ll explore the beautiful Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded over 1000 years ago. Set into the hillsides over Kyoto, on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, as well as exploring the temples grounds you’ll also get spectacular views across the city.

Back in the city centre, we’ll take you on a tour of Kyoto’s most famous geisha districts – and one of the most photogenic spots around – Gion. Not content with simply showing you around, however – we’ll also take you to a traditional geisha show, where you can learn about the area, the history of geishas, and enjoy a delightful performance.

The evening is yours to explore Kyoto in search of something yummy for dinner. If you head back into the Gion area, you’ll find many traditional restaurants serving Japanese cuisine.

Up and at ‘em! Your morning kicks off with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine – arguably one of the most famous sites in Japan. This incredible Shinto shrine is famous for containing almost 10,000 bright red torii gates, which line trails that lead into the foothills of Mount Inari.

We hope that got you thirsty… time to visit the Sake Museum! This spot is all about the history, creation, and culture of Japanese rice wine. After that, you’ll have some time to explore as you please and savour a spot of lunch at Nishiki Market aka “Kyoto’s Kitchen”.

Next, why not take a stroll through Pontocho Alley to discover traditional Japanese arts and crafts? If you’re feeling particularly zen, we’d also suggest a peaceful walk along the Philosopher’s Path, where you can admire the majestic temples.

To end the day, channel your inner singing sensation with an evening of karaoke – one of Japan’s favourite pastimes! Just a heads up, this optional activity costs 3,000 JPY per person, and the best part? It includes unlimited drinks, so sing your heart out!

Start your day by discovering your inner peace. We’ll pay a visit to a local Zen temple for a very special meditation class, led by a Buddhist monk. Once we’re all nicely relaxed, we’ll be visiting the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji, one of Japan’s most iconic Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage site – prepare to be amazed by its stunning beauty! This Zen temple is covered in gold leaf, sending shimmering reflections across the pond it stands over.

The Imperial Palace is our next stop! The former place of residence for Japan’s Imperial family until 1868 – when the country’s capital moved to Tokyo – it’s today a historic attraction filled with beautiful traditional buildings, courtyards, and gardens.

After visiting, enjoy some free time to explore Kyoto. Why not check out the Manga Museum or the historic Nijo Castle?

For those interested, take a crack at Japanese calligraphy later this afternoon– we’d definitely recommend it, and it makes for a great souvenir to take home!

We’re checking out of our accommodation this morning – but we’re not leaving Kyoto yet! After dropping our luggage to be looked after, you’ve got the option of boarding a rickshaw for an adventurous sightseeing tour of the Arashiyama district!

We’ll spend some more time here this afternoon, and you can stop to grab some lunch before we visit the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This grove is filled with towering stalks of bright green bamboo, making it a natural wonderland. While you’re here, you’ll also explore the delightful the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens – home to ponds, landscaped zones and traditional structures, it’s a masterclass in Japanese garden design.

This afternoon, it’s time to whiz off to the next stop on your Japan Plus Culture Tour – Hiroshima. We’ll grab the train, arriving into the city in the evening… just in time for you to grab some sleep!

This morning, we’re departing for the beautiful Miyajima island. After a train ride, we’ll jump on the ferry to take us across – here, you’ll get amazing views of our first stop, the Itsukushima Shrine. This enormous torii gate stands on the seabed – at high tide, it looks like it’s floating, but at low tide you can walk out to get a closer look.

It’s then time to get a better vantage point of the entire island, as we take the Ropeway to the top of Mount Misen. From over 500 meters up in the air, you can see the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. Hiking enthusiasts, you can also trek up for an even more rewarding adventure!

Why not wrap up your Miyajima experience with some kayaking? Paddle through the serene waters around the island and take in the breathtaking views. Just a heads up, this activity needs to be booked at least 8 weeks in advance.

Back at sea level, the afternoon is spent exploring Miyajima island some more, before we head back to Hiroshima in the early evening. Once we’re back in the city, you have the option of joining your group for an okonomiyaki dinner. This traditional grilled pancake is a staple of the region, making it a perfect way into the culinary culture of the area.

We start the day early today, ready to depart to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This site is one of the most important places to visit on any trip to Japan, and commemorates the atomic bombing of Japan during the Second World War. Opened in 1955, it’s dedicated to educating visitors on the history of the bombing, the region, and the events – as well as calling for lasting world peace.

You’ll explore with the help of an audio guide, before spending some free time grabbing lunch before we get ready to transfer. We’re moving onto the final location on our Japan Plus Culture Tour – Osaka!

We’ll arrive in the evening, just in time to take a boat ride down the canal, through the Dotonbori district! This bustling, vibrant area is the heart of Osaka, and the river is lined with amazing bars and restaurants. However, there’s no need to panic about where to eat your final meal – we’ve got you sorted. We’re taking you out for a takoyaki dinner, followed by a craft beer crawl that will help you explore ‘Japan’s Stomach’ in style.

Sadly, today’s the final day of your Japan Plus Culture Tour – time to say your goodbyes in Osaka! If you’re heading back to Tokyo, no worries – we can help arrange your Shinkansen tickets.