Itinerary Highlights
- Enjoy a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
- Learn about the legendary samurai warriors and the basics of the sword-dance, Kenbu
- Visit stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine with its 10,000 red torii gates
- Experience the thrill of the iconic Bullet Train
What's Included
- Accommodation Throughout
- Breakfast
- English Speaking Guide
- International Flights
14 nights from £8,850 per person
Lucy
Travel Specialist
Get to the heart of Japan through its most iconic destinations and landmarks. This route is perfect if you’re looking to see the country under its famous canopy of cherry blossom – however, it’s important to note that you’ll need to book around a year in advance, as hotels fill up fast during this period.
Spring isn’t the only time to travel, though, and there's much more to discover beyond the petaled displays. In bustling Tokyo, you’ll see ancient temples standing alongside neon-lit skyscrapers, while a cruise across Lake Ashi reveals the snow-capped crown of Mount Fuji rising in the distance. In Kyoto, you’ll brush shoulders with geishas and walk under the vermilion torii gates, while a bullet train journey to Hiroshima takes you to see the hauntingly beautiful Peace Memorial Park.
Itinerary
Day 1 UK to Toyko
Upon arrival at Tokyo airport you will be transferred to your hotel.
The rest of the day is to be spent at your leisure. Wander out and explore some of Tokyo’s bustling streets, with plenty of shops and restaurants to discover. Or take a relaxing stroll around the Imperial Palace Park.
Day 2 Tokyo
Start your day in Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town, before visiting Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Wander down Nakamise shopping street, then travel down the Sumidagawa River on Tokyo’s water bus and arrive at Hamarikyu Garden, an Edo period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district’s futuristic skyscrapers. After lunch, enjoy a visit to Meiji Shrine. As dusk arrives, take a walk down Omotesando, a broad tree-lined avenue full of flagship stores and modern architecture.
Staying at
Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 3 Tokyo
Enjoy a Samurai Sword dance experience, where you will learn about the legendary samurai warriors and wear a samurai costume while learning about the lifestyle and etiquette of the samurai. You will then be shown the basics of Kenbu, a highly stylised sword-dance that samurai used to perform as training and to find concentration. The instructors are skilled Kenbu masters who are also fluent in English.
Staying at
Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 4 Tokyo – Hakone
Today an English-speaking assistant will escort you from your hotel to the train station. From here you will ride the Bullet train to Odawara station. The journey takes around 30-minutes, and then the rest of the day is yours to enjoy.
Tonight, experience a stay in a traditional ryokan and indulge in a gourmet Japanese Kaiseki dinner.
Day 5 Hakone
Today visit Hakone, the gateway to Mt. Fuji and the surrounding national park. Ride the world’s second longest cable car up Mt. Owakudani, passing over the sulphurous hot springs and rivers in this volcanic area. A majestic replica pirate ship will sweep you across Lake Ashinoko where you will hopefully admire the wonderful view of Mt. Fuji (sightings are not guaranteed). Later, experience the Hakone Tozan “switchback train” that zig-zags through the mountains.
Staying at
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
Day 6 Hakone - Kyoto
Today you will travel to Kyoto on the Bullet train. The journey takes around three hours - we recommend you upgrade to Green class with reserved seats (premium class). Upon arrival in Kyoto you will be transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon, experience a traditional tea ceremony and learn about the rituals, different types of tea and the instruments used to prepare it.
Day 7 Kyoto
Today explore the former imperial capital with a local guide. Visit Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto’s most well-known temples, then explore Nijo Castle with its famous ‘chirping’ nightingale floors. Take a walk down Nishiki Market, known as ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’ and experience the lively market, specialising in fresh seafood, local produce and other Japanese specialities. End the day at Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple, where you can enjoy amazing views of the whole of Kyoto.
Staying at
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 8 Kyoto
Head to the Arashiyama district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. Explore Okochi Mountain Villa, the former villa of the popular samurai film star Okochi Denjiro. Take a walk through the famous Bamboo forest before discovering Tenryuji Temple and its attractive gardens, one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. Experience a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway, known as the Romantic Train, running along the Hozugawa River.
Staying at
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 9 Kyoto
Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its 10,000 red torii gates which form an impressive path through thick forest and along the mountain behind the temple. After, quench your thirst at a sake brewery. Learn about traditional brewing processes and sample different types of sake. In the evening take a train to Osaka to experience the lively street food culture and sample local foods, including the ubiquitous and delicious ‘octopus dumplings’.
Staying at
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 10 Kyoto – Hiroshima
Today you will travel to Hiroshima on the Bullet train. The journey takes around two hours and we recommend you upgrade to Green class with reserved seats (premium class). Upon arrival at Hiroshima station, make your own way to the hotel, which is conveniently located in front of the station.
The rest of the day can be enjoyed at your leisure.
Day 11 Hiroshima
Visit the Peace Memorial Park. Stroll through the park and discover the many memorials, monuments and statues in the park before heading into the Peace Memorial Museum. From Hiroshima take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island where you will find Itsukushima Shrine and possibly the most photographed site in Japan, the stunning ‘Floating’ Torii Gate.
Staying at
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
Day 12 Hiroshima – Nagasaki
Today you will travel by Bullet train to Nagasaki. The journey takes around four hours, with one change at Hakata station. We recommend you upgrade to Green class with reserved seats (premium class). Upon arrival at Nagasaki station, you will be transferred to your hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own leisure.
Day 13 Nagasaki
Nagasaki
Enjoy a day tour of Nagasaki and explore the Glover Hill open air museum, where exhibited buildings include the mansions of British merchants and a stunning panorama of the city and bay can be enjoyed from the garden. Visit Koshi-byo, a shrine dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. Next stop is Chinatown and its delicious street food, then walk around Nagasaki Peace Park and view the massive Peace statue.
Day 14 Nagasaki – Tokyo
Today you will travel back to Tokyo on the Bullet train. The journey takes around five hours, with one change at Hakata station. We recommend you upgrade to Green class with reserved seats (premium class). Upon arrival at Tokyo station, you will be transferred to your hotel.
The rest of your day will then be free to enjoy at your leisure.
Staying at
Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 15 Tokyo – UK
Your day is at your own leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Lucy
Travel Specialist
Would you like to speak to a Asia expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
14 nights from £8,850 per person
