Wonders of Japan ending in Osaka - 12 Days

Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will clear customs and be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will provide you with important details about the upcoming tour to help you prepare. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

This morning, we embark on an extensive guided tour of Tokyo, lasting around five hours. Experience the dynamic blend of cutting-edge neighbourhoods alongside tranquil, historic sites. We begin with a brief stop at Zojoji Temple, where you’ll see hundreds of Jizo statues—stone guardians of children—adorning the grounds near the iconic Tokyo Tower. Next, we visit Shibuya Crossing, known as the world’s busiest intersection, before exploring Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife.

Continuing by bus, we travel along the fashionable Omotesando Avenue and then tour the scenic Imperial Palace grounds, including a stop at the famous Nijubashi Bridge. We pass through Akihabara, the hub of manga and anime culture. Admission is included for Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure, where we enjoy panoramic city views. Our day ends in Asakusa with visits to Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street before returning to the hotel.

At 6:30 p.m., we meet in the hotel lobby to take the subway (tickets included) to Shinjuku. We will stroll through this vibrant district before dining together at a local restaurant (included). After dinner, we return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide.

Please note that the order of visits may change depending on Tokyo Skytree’s admission times. In case of poor weather or other issues restricting access, we will provide an alternative visit to another iconic city viewpoint.

We depart Tokyo and make our way to the Mount Fuji region, taking in the scenic countryside en route. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, renowned for its striking pagoda and some of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. We then continue to Kawaguchiko, a picturesque town nestled beside a tranquil lake, surrounded by mountains and charming homes. Upon arrival, we visit Fuji Sengen Shrine, traditionally regarded as the starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji, where we pause to give thanks in this peaceful, wooded setting. Afterwards, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko before ascending towards Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station. Travelling along a forested mountain road, we reach an altitude of 2,305 metres (7,562 feet), weather permitting. If the road is closed due to snow or conditions, we will go as far as possible. We return to Kawaguchiko to spend the night at a traditional ryokan, where you can unwind in the onsen (public hot spring bath). Dinner is included. Rooms may be Japanese-style with tatami mats or Western-style, and occasionally accommodation may be in a Western-style hotel instead.

We follow a scenic route around picturesque lakes to reach Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a village rebuilt as an open-air museum after being destroyed by a typhoon in 1966. Its traditional houses now host arts and crafts shops, restaurants and cultural exhibits, offering insight into Japan’s past. Next, we visit the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, admired for its 20-metre-high cascading waters. We then travel to Nagoya to explore the Toyota Museum, where admission is included—a highlight for car enthusiasts and those interested in automotive innovation. Finally, we continue to Kyoto for our overnight stay.

We’ll spend the entire day exploring Kyoto, the city that was Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably untouched by bombing during World War II, Kyoto retains a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Our tour begins in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, known as the ‘Bridge over the Moon,’ offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We’ll visit Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a peaceful walk through its bamboo forest. The day continues with visits to the majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple—the famed Golden Pavilion—set amidst beautiful gardens. The order of these visits may vary. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district, known for its lively atmosphere and geisha culture.

We leave Kyoto for Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, a remarkable Buddhist site dating back to 752, housing a giant Buddha statue. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely around the temple grounds. Lunch is included. Afterward, we visit Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is one of the oldest wooden structures in the world and represents Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. In the evening, we arrive in Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, known for its vibrant, modern atmosphere. We’ll explore Dotonbori, a lively district famous for its nightlife before settling in for the night.

We’ll set off for Himeji to visit its expansive castle complex, renowned for its exemplary Japanese castle architecture – admission is included. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to Okayama to explore Korakuen Garden, celebrated for its lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses. Crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the chance to see Okayama Castle from the outside; this sixteenth-century fortification was rebuilt in 1966 following destruction during World War II (please note, entry inside the castle is not included). Afterwards, you’ll have free time to discover Okayama at your own pace, an active provincial capital with a population of around 700,000. On some dates, our accommodation may be in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, and the visit to Kurashiki might take place on the same afternoon.

We’ll depart for Kurashiki, known for its beautifully preserved historic district. You’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, where the atmosphere of past centuries remains vivid. From there, we travel to Hiroshima, a city profoundly shaped by the atomic bombing in 1945. We’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the poignant Peace Memorial Museum, offering a powerful insight into the city’s history and resilience. Afterwards, we’ll take a ferry to the island of Itsukushima, famous as a place where men and gods coexist. Here, we’ll explore Itsukushima Shrine, partially built over water and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll have time to wander through the picturesque town and enjoy lunch before we return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where dinner is included. Please note the order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without affecting the overall itinerary.

Today we travel by ferry to Shikoku Island, a pleasant two-and-a-half-hour journey that highlights Japan’s nature as an archipelago. Upon arrival in Matsuyama, we take the cable car up to visit the impressive Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s finest hilltop castles. We then visit Ishiteji Temple, a significant Buddhist site and part of the famous Shikoku pilgrimage. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we include entrance to Dogo Onsen, a historic bathhouse dating back to the 19th century, where you can experience traditional Japanese bathing culture.

We travel to Kotohira to visit a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to the God of sailors, set on Mount Zosu. Access involves climbing 785 steps, marking it as a significant pilgrimage site. Next, we explore Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu, renowned as one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we stop at Naruto to see the impressive sea-spanning bridge. Here, we’ll walk along its glass floor 45 metres above the water, offering a unique view of the powerful whirlpools below. Our scenic route continues across a series of stunning bridges connecting islands over the sea. We conclude the day with our arrival in Kobe, where we stay overnight.

In Kobe, we’ll visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, which honours the 1995 disaster and highlights the city’s impressive recovery efforts. On select dates, this visit may be substituted with a trip to the Sake Museum or a ride up Kobe Tower. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Osaka for the next stage of our journey.

After breakfast, your journey concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of your time in Japan.