Heart of Japan

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted by a driver and taken to our hotel in Ikebukuro by shared transfer. Our tour leader will meet you there to kick off the trip with a welcome meeting and dinner.

Day 2 will be packed with a walking tour of Tokyo, also making use of public transport. We will see the oldest temple in the city, Senso-ji, explore the Asakusa district, and see the famous Meiji Shrine.

On day 3, you can choose to stay in Tokyo and further explore the Japanese capital independently. Or you can join our tour leader for an optional day trip to Kamakura. At this poular seaside town, take in the 'great Buddha' of Daibutsu and the temple of Hase-dera, with an included afternoon hike into the forest before you return to Tokyo.

Accommodation: The B Ikebukuro or similar

Tokyo - Hakone. Today we leave Tokyo's glistening skyscrapers behind and journey to Hakone, a picturesque national park where Mount Fuji stands tall.

While in Hakone, we embark on a boat ride across Lake Ashi and catch sight of Mount Fuji from the Komagatake Ropeway or cable car, which will take us up the mountainside for exploration. You can also sample the 'black eggs' that the area is famous for, boiled in the bubbling hot springs of Hell Valley.

For the night, experience a stay at a charming traditional ryokan inn featuring tatami mat floors, futon mattresses, and indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Hot spring bathing is a cherished part of Japanese culture, so be sure to take advantage of this relaxing experience.

Accommodation: Fuji Hakone Guest House or similar

Hakone - Kyoto. With over 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto is a treasure trove of Japanese tradition and history. On day 5, we travel to Kyoto at high speeds by bullet train. On arrival our tour leader guides you through the city's backstreets to the enchanting Gion district, where you may catch a glimpse of a geisha.

Our itinerary for day 6 is flexible, our tour leader will take into account the season and weather, as well as any group preferences to help you see even more of Kyoto. Alternatively, if you wish to further explore Kyoto solo, you may do so. Perhaps engage in activities like yuzen dyeing, attend a kimono show, or visit the Toei Movie Park. For manga enthusiasts, there is also a museum dedicated to Japan's renowned comic book culture.

Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Shijo or similar

Kyoto - Hiroshima. Take a bullet train to Hiroshima and then a short ferry ride to Miyajima, a small island known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly deer population, and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Later in the day, we enjoy an included dinner, comprising the local specialty, okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is made with noodles and vegetables cooked on a hotplate at your table.

Accommodation: Washington Hotel or similar

Hiroshima - Osaka. Today, we explore Hiroshima's solemn Peace Park and Museum, offering a poignant reflection on the events of World War Two and promoting a message of peace for the future.

We then board another bullet train, this time bound for Osaka. We recommend heading out to explore the cool downtown area of the city, and you may also wish to join an optional street food tour. Sample dishes including octopus balls, kushikatsu deep-fried skewers and a range of tiny bars and food stalls tucked away in back streets.

Accommodation: Cross Hotel Osaka or similar

Osaka - Tokyo. Spend the morning of day 9 relaxing in the hotel or further exploring Osaka at leisure. You could visit Osaka Castle, or enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck at the Umeda Sky building.

In the afternoon, we make our way back to Tokyo by train. We are staying in the upmarket Ginza area this time, which is packed with boutique shops and restaurants, as well as the famous Tskukiji wholesale fish market - a wonderful place to enjoy your last sushi meal!

Day 10 is our last full day, and it's free for you to tick off any final sightseeing or souvenir shopping in Tokyo. We suggest heading to the SkyTree for incredible views across the city, heading to Nakano Broadway or Akihabra if you want to take a deep dive into manga and anime ‘geek culture', visiting the bustling Shinjuku district to glimpse the busiest train station in the world, or opting for the quieter Yanaka area for a taste of local Tokyo life. Whatever you want to do, our tour leader will be on hand to help you plan your day. There's an optional farewell group dinner in the evening.

On day 11, our tour comes to an end after breakfast. There is an included shared transfer back to the airport.

Accommodation: Vista Tokyo Tsukiji or similar