Scenic Japan (3 Star) - 8 Days

Welcome to Japan! After landing in Tokyo, our English-speaking assistant will meet you and guide you to a shared car for transfer to your hotel. Please note that shared cars operate until 20:30. If your arrival is later, you will need to take the metro or a taxi on your own. Taxis are considerably more expensive – around USD 210–250 from Narita Airport and USD 90–110 from Haneda Airport, about ten times the cost of the metro. When deciding, consider factors such as luggage and the number of travellers. Alternatively, you can arrange a private pickup with us.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to Tsukiji Outer Market, a lively hub of traditional food stalls. Here you can try sushi, seafood bowls, and tamagoyaki omelette – but remember, in Japan eating while walking is considered poor etiquette, so please enjoy food at the designated areas outside each shop.

We continue to Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Following his death in 1912, the shrine was built in Yoyogi, a quiet area where Emperor Meiji once dreamed of creating a garden. Today, the shrine’s lush forest of 120,000 trees – donated from across Japan and overseas – offers a green oasis in the city.

Next, we visit the Imperial Palace. In the main square, the statue of Kusunoki Masashige (1294–1336) stands guard, honouring a loyal samurai commander. The palace grounds feature serene ponds, bridges, and classical architecture, set dramatically against Tokyo’s modern skyline.

After lunch, we head to Asakusa to explore Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. The Kaminarimon Gate, with its giant red lantern, has stood for centuries as a symbol of prosperity and protection. Walk along Nakamise-dori Street, lined with traditional shops, before reaching the temple’s main hall. Many visitors fan the incense smoke towards themselves – believed to have healing properties.

Your guide will return with you to the hotel. Rest well tonight, as we journey to Hakone tomorrow.

Tokyo - Hakone - Tokyo. Today we embark on an exciting day trip to Hakone, using five different forms of transport. From Tokyo, we take the bullet train to Odawara, then transfer to the Tozan Railway – Japan’s steepest mountain line – climbing through forested slopes. A cable car takes us to Sounzan, where we continue on the ropeway to Owakudani Valley.

Here, sulphuric steam rises from volcanic vents. This is also the place to try the famous black eggs – boiled in hot spring waters – said to add seven years to your life.

We continue by ropeway to Lake Ashi, with sweeping views of Mt Fuji on clear days. At Togendai Port, board a pirate ship-style cruise to admire the mountain, lake, and the iconic Hakone Shrine torii gate. Legends tell of a nine-headed dragon once dwelling here, subdued by a monk and enshrined as the lake’s guardian spirit.

Your guide will then escort you back to Tokyo.

Flexible Mt Fuji Viewing Service Since Mt Fuji is only visible around a third of the year, we offer flexible scheduling. Your guide will monitor the forecast and adjust the itinerary within the first two days to maximise your chances of seeing Japan’s most iconic peak.

Tokyo - Kyoto. This morning, take the train to Kyoto using reserved tickets we’ve arranged. From Tokyo Station the ride takes about 2.5 hours. On arrival, your Kyoto guide will meet you.

We begin with Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, shimmering above its reflecting pond. In 1950, it was famously set on fire by a young monk whose obsession with its beauty inspired Yukio Mishima’s celebrated novel The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.

Next, stroll the historic slopes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka to reach Kiyomizu-dera, the Pure Water Temple. Its wooden stage, supported by 18 massive pillars, has overlooked Kyoto for over 400 years. Legend says the temple’s origins date back to a monk’s vision at Otowa Falls, where he encountered the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

We then explore the atmospheric Gion district, Kyoto’s geisha quarter, made famous by the film Memoirs of a Geisha. Around 9 pm, you may see geisha walking gracefully to teahouses. Please note – while geisha are artists and hosts skilled in conversation and performance, foreign guests should not expect private services.

Your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto. After breakfast, we visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of over 30,000 dedicated to the god of harvest. Walk through the famous Senbon Torii – thousands of vermilion gates leading up the sacred mountain – one of Japan’s most photogenic sights.

We then travel to Nara, where sacred deer roam freely in Nara Park. Local belief says the animals are messengers of the gods, a tradition dating back over 1,300 years. If you spot a deer with white hair on its hind feet, it’s said to bring good fortune.

Our next stop is Todai-ji, the Great Eastern Temple, home to the colossal bronze Buddha. Built in the 8th century, it was a project so vast it nearly bankrupted the government, involving millions of workers across Japan.

We continue to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, approached by paths lined with stone lanterns, its red-and-white halls preserved by tradition through periodic rebuilding. Finally, wander the peaceful lanes of Naramachi, where old townhouses with wooden lattice windows offer a glimpse into Edo-period life.

Return with your guide to Kyoto in the evening. If your luggage is heavy, you may wish to arrange hotel delivery to Osaka for the next stage of the trip.

Kyoto - Osaka. We begin at Nijo Castle, once the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Its grand gates and defensive walls stand as reminders of their power. In 1867, the last shogun formally returned authority to the emperor here, ending centuries of rule.

Later, we take the train to Osaka. Known as the “nation’s kitchen”, the city is famous for its love of food. At Kuromon Market, explore stalls brimming with fresh seafood, pickles, sweets, and street food.

We then visit Osaka Castle. Once four times larger than today, it has been rebuilt multiple times due to war and fire. The current main tower, reconstructed in 1931, features golden shachihoko ornaments – mythical fish believed to protect against fire. From the top floor, enjoy panoramic city views.

Finally, explore Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi – a lively district of neon lights, giant signboards, and bustling eateries. Your guide will orient you before leaving you free to enjoy Osaka’s nightlife.

Take the bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima (tickets provided). On arrival, meet your local guide.

We begin with a boat trip to Miyajima, one of Japan’s “Three Scenic Views”. Here stands Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO site built over the water, with its giant torii gate appearing to float at high tide.

In the afternoon, return to Hiroshima to reflect on its wartime history. Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome – preserved as it was after the 1945 blast – and the Peace Memorial Museum, which documents the devastation and promotes the message of “No More Hiroshimas”.

After the tour, your guide will escort you to the station for your return train to Osaka.

Today marks the end of your Japan tour. For your transfer to Kansai Airport, the JR train and shuttle bus are the most economical options. Taxis cost around USD 110–140. We can also help with onward travel arrangements if required.

If you have free time, explore Hozenji Yokocho, a charming 17th-century alley near Dotonbori. Lined with lantern-lit izakayas serving local favourites such as oden, skewers, and robatayaki, it’s a perfect farewell to Osaka before heading to the airport.