Jump Into Japan - 14 Days

Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, you will be met in the arrival lobby by an English-speaking assistant. The assistant will provide your airport bus ticket and direct you to the correct stop for your transfer. The bus will take you either directly to your hotel or to a nearby stop within a short 10-minute walk. Before the assistant departs, feel free to ask any final questions. Once at your hotel, settle in and enjoy a restful evening. Your welcome briefing will take place tomorrow.

After breakfast, meet your fellow travellers and tour leader in the hotel lobby at 9:00 for a welcome briefing - a chance to get acquainted and review the adventure ahead.

We then set out to explore Tokyo using its efficient railway network. Our first stop is the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, who led Japan’s modernisation. Enter beneath a towering 12-metre-high torii gate, then stroll through the peaceful 200-acre forest that surrounds the shrine.

Next, we walk through Harajuku’s lively Takeshita Dori, known for its colourful shops, quirky boutiques, and tempting street food. A short train ride brings us to Shibuya, home to the famous scramble crossing, where crowds flow in every direction beneath towering neon screens. We finish the day browsing one of Tokyo’s renowned department store food halls, or "depachika", before heading back to the hotel. The evening is at leisure.

We begin today at Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most beloved temple, where we learn about the influence of Buddhism on Japanese culture as we explore the lively temple grounds. If time allows, we may visit nearby Kappabashi Dori, famed for its specialist shops selling kitchenware and the intricate plastic food displays seen in restaurant windows across Japan.

Next, we ascend the Tokyo Skytree’s 450-metre-high observation deck, taking in sweeping views across the vast metropolis. In the afternoon, we visit Yanaka Old Town, a charming district that survived wartime bombings, retaining its nostalgic atmosphere. We stroll through the tranquil Yanaka Cemetery, more park-like than somber, and for those interested in textiles, an optional visit to Nippori Fabric Town can be arranged.

Tokyo - Hakone. After breakfast, we meet our guide in the lobby at 8:45 and depart for Hakone, famed for its hot springs and mountain scenery. Our main luggage will be sent ahead to Takayama, so you'll need to pack an overnight bag for tonight.

On arrival in Hakone, we cruise the calm waters of Lake Ashi before taking a ropeway ride (weather permitting) for sweeping views of the mountains and, with luck, Mount Fuji in the distance. This evening we check into a traditional Japanese hotel. After slipping into a yukata, we relax in the onsen before enjoying a multi-course Japanese dinner. Depending on availability, accommodation may be in a Japanese-style room with tatami flooring and futon bedding, or a Western-style room - Japanese style rooms unfortunately cannot be guaranteed.

Hakone - Takayama. This morning we meet our guide at 8:20 and travel by train to the mountain town of Takayama. The journey includes a bullet train ride to Nagoya, followed by a scenic limited express train to Takayama, arriving around 14:00. We then explore Takayama’s well-preserved streets and wooden buildings, wandering along Kami Sannomachi Street with its craft shops, food stores, and sake breweries. An evening stroll along the Miyagawa River offers a peaceful end to the day, and your evening is at leisure.

Takayama - Kanazawa. We begin the day at the Miyagawa Morning Market, browsing stalls offering fresh produce, sweets, and local crafts. Next, we visit the historic Takayama Jinya, a former government office that sheds light on Japan’s feudal era.

In the afternoon, we travel by private coach to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses. Set against a backdrop of mountains and fields, these unique homes offer a glimpse into traditional rural life. After our visit, we continue to Kanazawa for an overnight stay.

Kanazawa is renowned as one of the best preserved Japanese cities, spared the heavy WWII bombing that damaged so much of the country's historic legacy. We begin today by exploring Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden, one of the most celebrated gardens in Japan.

Next, we visit Omicho Market, steeped in over 300 years of food culture, where you can sample fresh seafood and local specialities. After lunch (not included), we step into the Shima Teahouse, a well-preserved 19th-century geisha house offering insight into traditional geisha culture. We end the day in the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District, strolling narrow streets lined with Edo-period buildings, teahouses, and shops.

Kanazawa - Osaka. This morning, we travel by train to Osaka, bringing an overnight bag while our main luggage is sent ahead. On arrival, we dive into the vibrant Dotonbori district, famed for its neon lights, street food and lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, we visit Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, surrounded by spacious gardens that are especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. The evening is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Osaka - Nara - Osaka. Today we take a day trip to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. After a scenic train ride, we visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the 15-metre-tall Great Buddha, one of Japan’s largest bronze statues. We stroll through Nara Park, where tame deer, regarded as sacred messengers, freely roam - grab some food from the feeding stations and feed the deer if you wish, they will bow in front of you. We then continue to Horyu-ji Temple, home to the world’s oldest wooden structures. In the evening, we return to Osaka.

Osaka - Hiroshima. We board the bullet train to Hiroshima, a city forever marked by the events of 6 August 1945.

On arrival, we enjoy an included lunch featuring Hiroshima’s specialty, okonomiyaki. This afternoon we visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb and the pursuit of peace. We also see the A-Bomb Dome, a haunting yet powerful symbol of the city’s history - it was one of the only buildings in Hiroshima to survive the impact of the nuclear bomb dropped by the USA. The evening is free to explore Hiroshima at your own pace.

Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima - Kyoto. This morning, we take a ferry to Miyajima Island, famed for its iconic floating torii gate and the tranquil Itsukushima Shrine. Explore the island’s charming streets, with their cafes, restaurants, and shops offering local delicacies. Afterwards, we return to Hiroshima and board the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto for an overnight stay.

Our first day in Kyoto begins with a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through Ninnenzaka, a traditional neighbourhood with well-preserved medieval architecture. After free time for a relaxed lunch, we visit Kennin-ji, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple. Our tour ends at Sanjusangendo Temple, renowned for its 1,001 golden statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

In the afternoon, experience a special tea ceremony led by a kimono-clad instructor, who will introduce us to the art of cha-no-yu, the Japanese tea ceremony.

We start today with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountainside. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore Kyoto at your own pace.

In the evening, we discover Kyoto’s geisha culture with a guided walk through the Gion district, followed by a farewell dinner featuring a traditional Maiko performance. This exclusive experience offers the chance to interact with a Maiko, pose for photos, and enjoy a delicious meal.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out. There's no transfer included, so you can make your own way to the airport or your next destination.