Japan in a Week - 8 Days

Kon'nichiwa Tokyo! Welcome to this dazzling orchestra of light, sound and intersecting subway lines. This is the city where the future fuses with the past in the most fascinating way possible, and we'll have a free evening to bond, explore and soak it all in.

Today we'll get ready to uncover Tokyo (on the metro!). We'll kick off with the ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji & the famous Meiji Jingu shrine. And then, you have a free afternoon to discover the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street, or take to the streets of Shibuya for an attempt to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

Today is yours to do Tokyo your way. (Just don't forget to charge your transport card before you head off for the day!). Anime fan? Check out Akihabara, the ultimate anime & gaming district. Looking for something uniquely Japanese? Head to a cafe where you're served by robots, eat a kawaii lunch (like a curry shaped like a pink teddy bear), visit Ueno Park for the museums and monuments, or even check out a cosplay cafe. Oh, and it's our last evening in Tokyo, so it's also the perfect time to check out some of the traditional bars at the Izakaya Alleys for a sip of sake.

Today it's time to take that famous example of Japanese efficiency, the aptly named bullet train. Our train will whizz us past the iconic Mount Fuji, of which we'll hopefully grab a glimpse, before heading for the zen gardens, teahouses of Kyoto and Fushimi Inari Shrine. With no time to waste, we'll hop on our private coach for a sightseeing tour, exploring this glorious showcase of ancient Japan.

Today is yours to walk the sublime gardens, explore mystical temples and marvel at the architecture of this unforgettable city. We recommend taking the opportunity for a half-day trip to Nara, where you'll find the towering 8th century Great Buddha, as well as numerous examples of beautiful shrines and temples, alongside the roaming, slightly cheeky deer.

There is still so much to see in Kyoto. Don a kimono and check out the bamboo forest, take some photos at the iconic Yasaka Pagoda or spot Geishas in the Gion district. Don't forget to sign up for the optional traditional tea ceremony and enjoy a cup of matcha tea.

It's just a short trip on the metro to Osaka this morning... And we have the whole day to explore. Check out Osaka castle or simply wander down Dontonburi tasting all of the delicious street food. Opt for the Izakaya dinner tonight for one last family meal before our sad goodbyes tomorrow.

And just like that, the trip’s a wrap. Grab some brekkie, say your goodbyes, and soak up the final feels. Sticking around in Osaka? Lucky you - there’s still time to dive into this city’s epic food, culture, and you can’t forget Universal Studios. See ya soon!