Welcome to Japan, a country that combines the ultra-modern with the ultra-traditional in the most natural way. We’ll start our adventure in Tokyo, a city that’s come a long way from its humble beginnings as the fishing village Edo. Today, Tokyo buzzes with bright neon lights, cutting-edge technology, and a fashion scene that’s as diverse as it is daring, all while keeping its rich traditions close to heart. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive by 5.30pm for dinner at the hotel with the guide. For those arriving in the evening and unable to attend the dinner, we’ll meet you tomorrow morning as we dive into the heart of Tokyo together. Please refer to the letter you received upon check in with further details on the start time and your guide’s information.

Tokyo is a city that truly dazzles. It’s where centuries-old temples quietly sit beside towering skyscrapers, and the pace of modern life hums in harmony with deep-rooted tradition. Today, we’ll enjoy a taste of both worlds as we explore the very best of this incredible city. We’ll start our day at the Imperial Palace East Garden, a calm and elegant escape right in the heart of Tokyo. Once the site of Edo Castle and home to powerful shōguns, these beautifully kept gardens are rich with history and perfect for a peaceful stroll. Next, we’ll wander into Ginza, Tokyo’s famous upscale shopping and dining district. It’s known for its elegant boutiques, art galleries and delicious eateries. We’ll have some free time here to enjoy lunch and take in the lively atmosphere. We’ll then experience the pulse of the city at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, a wildly choreographed moment of urban life where thousands of people cross from all directions at once. It’s pure Tokyo theatre. This evening, we’ll enjoy our welcome dinner aboard a yakatabune, a traditional Japanese houseboat. As we cruise along Tokyo Bay, we’ll enjoy great food, good company and sparkling skyline views.

What’s a trip to Tokyo without a little adventure on the subway? Today, we’ll hop on the city’s fast and efficient trains and travel just like the locals. It’s a fun and simple way to get around, and riding the subway really gives you a feel for the rhythm of Tokyo life. We’ll make our way to the Shitamachi district, often called Tokyo’s 'old town.' This area still holds onto the charm of traditional Japan. In Asakusa, we’ll visit Sensō-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. It’s a peaceful and striking place, with its large red lantern and the soft scent of incense drifting through the air. Just outside the temple, we’ll wander down Nakamise Street, a lively shopping alley filled with stalls selling local snacks, souvenirs and handcrafted treasures. It’s the perfect stop for a leisurely stroll and a little shopping.

Special Experience

Delight in an entertaining sumo wrestling show while savouring a traditional Chanko-Nabe (a sumo hotpot-style stew) lunch.

Sumo wrestling has been part of Japanese culture for over 1,500 years. What began as a ritual to entertain the gods is now a beloved national sport, rich with tradition. Today, we’ll enjoy a lively sumo demonstration, with an English-speaking host to explain the rules and rituals. If you’re feeling brave, you might even have the chance to step into the ring for a friendly match. As we watch, we’ll enjoy the flavours of a sumo lunch, featuring the hearty and delicious Chanko-Nabe hotpot.

After a wonderful day, we’ll return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

This morning, we’ll leave the energy of Tokyo behind and make our way into the peaceful countryside, heading for the town of Fukasawa. Here, we’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch and explore the Gotemba Premium Outlets. It’s one of Japan’s largest outlet centres with a wide range of shops to browse at your own pace. If the weather is kind, you’ll be treated to some truly breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji in the distance, rising gracefully above the rooftops. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in the scenic mountain town of Hakone, a favourite getaway spot for both locals and travellers. We’ll hop aboard the Hakone Ropeway, a cable car that gently glides above lush hills and steaming valleys. As we ride from Tōgendai to Ōwakudani, keep your eyes peeled for postcard-perfect views of Mt. Fuji if the skies are clear. Ōwakudani is a fascinating volcanic valley formed over 3,000 years ago. You’ll see steam vents puffing away and might even smell the sulphur in the air. Later, we’ll check in to our traditional ryokan accommodation and enjoy a delicious Japanese-style dinner to round out the day.

Japan’s bullet trains began as a bold dream back in the 1950s as a plan to connect cities faster than ever before and spark a whole new era of travel. After years of clever innovation, the very first shinkansen zoomed onto the tracks in 1964, just in time for the Tokyo Olympics. Since then, these sleek, speedy trains have become a symbol of Japan’s perfect mix of style, safety and precision. Today, we get to experience this incredible ride ourselves as we travel from Hakone to Nagoya. Then connecting with the local regional service which brings us into Takayama Station. Takayama is a delightful town tucked away in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, famous for its beautifully preserved old town and rich history. When we arrive, we’ll have some time to stretch our legs after travelling by train, soaking up the warm atmosphere of this charming place. We will enter Takayama Jinya, a stunning wooden government building from the Edo period. It’s the only one left in Japan and offers a fascinating peek into how the town was run hundreds of years ago. We’ll also wander down Sanmachi Street, where old merchant houses from the Edo and Meiji periods now house sake breweries, quaint shops and cosy restaurants with an opportunity to pick up a souvenir. After our walk, we’ll finish at our hotel where you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy at leisure.

Today, we’ll explore the beautiful area around Takayama, starting with a visit to one of Japan’s largest morning markets, the Miyagawa Open Air Market. This lively market buzzes with local farmers and artisans selling fresh produce, handmade crafts and tasty snacks. It’s a colourful, cheerful spot where you can enjoy browsing and maybe find a special keepsake or a little treat to nibble on. Next, we’ll journey to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go. This charming village is famous for its unique gasshō-zukuri houses, with their steep thatched roofs designed to handle heavy snowfall. The roofs look like hands pressed together in prayer, exactly what gasshō means. We’ll visit one of these traditional houses, step inside, and get a real feel for how people lived here hundreds of years ago while soaking in the beautifully preserved cultural traditions. After exploring Shirakawa-go, we’ll have some free time to enjoy lunch and explore. You might want to try the local Hida beef, a delicious specialty of the region, or simply stroll the peaceful streets and take in the serene mountain views. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Gokayama, another mountain area known for its gasshō-zukuri houses and rich heritage. We’ll visit the Japanese Paper Village, where you can watch delicate washi paper being handmade using techniques passed down for centuries. It is commonly used in the traditional paper-folding art of Origami. Later, we’ll return to our hotel to relax and enjoy a lovely dinner to end the day.

We’ll leave the peaceful mountain scenery of Takayama behind this morning and head to the station, where we’ll board the local train to Nagoya. Once we arrive in Nagoya, there will be time to grab a bite before we hop onto the famous bullet train bound for Kyoto. Sit back and enjoy the changing views from the window as we make our way through the countryside. Kyoto is often considered the cultural heart of Japan. With over a thousand years of history, it’s home to elegant temples, serene gardens, traditional tea houses and wooden laneways that seem to pause time. The shift in atmosphere is something you’ll feel as soon as we arrive. Sake holds a special place in Japanese culture, from family celebrations to spiritual ceremonies. Once we arrive in Kyoto, we’ll visit a sake brewery where we’ll learn how this time-honoured drink is carefully crafted. After exploring the process, we’ll enjoy a tasting and savour the delicate flavours that make sake so beloved across Japan.

Special Experience

Enjoy a tasting experience at a local sake brewery in Kyoto and learn how Japan’s drink of choice is made.

After our tasting, we’ll explore the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its winding trail of more than 10,000 bright red torii gates. Dedicated to the god of rice and sake back in the 8th century, it’s one of Japan’s most iconic and photogenic spots.

Later, we’ll head to our hotel for a restful evening in this timeless city.

Kyoto is the quiet heartbeat of traditional arts, and this morning we begin with one of its most elegant expressions, Japanese black ink calligraphy known as shodō. This beautiful, meditative art form has deep roots in Kyoto where monks and scholars practised it in ancient temples. The city’s calm and scholarly atmosphere helped it flourish, with generations of masters refining their techniques here over the centuries. This morning, we will have the chance to try it ourselves.

Special Experience

Delve into the stunning art form of Japanese black ink calligraphy and try your hand at perfecting this ancient art.

Afterwards, we will take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Rooted in Kyoto’s Zen traditions, this graceful ritual is all about mindfulness, quiet hospitality and taking a pause to appreciate the present moment. It is both soothing and deeply cultural.

Following this rich cultural morning, we will enjoy a stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk. This peaceful stone path follows a narrow canal lined with cherry trees and weaves gently between temples in northern Kyoto. It is named after a Kyoto University philosopher who walked it daily, deep in thought. Depending on the season, you may see soft cherry blossoms overhead or fiery autumn leaves beneath your feet. Along the way are shrines, little art galleries and cosy cafés perfect for a quiet rest or a sweet treat.

We will return to the hotel in the afternoon with the rest of the day free to enjoy at your leisure.

Home to over 1,600 temples, Kyoto offers a wonderful glimpse into Japan’s rich spiritual and cultural history. Today, we’ll explore some of its most famous sites, starting with Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion. This temple, covered in shimmering gold leaf, reflects beautifully in the calm pond that surrounds it. Originally a shogun’s retreat turned Zen temple, it was lovingly rebuilt after a fire in 1950 to preserve its timeless beauty. After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Kinkaku-ji, we’ll head to a local restaurant to dive into Japan’s amazing food culture.

Special Experience

Partake in a hands-on class where you'll make your own tofu and mix up shichimi, the famous Japanese seven-spice blend—then enjoy a delicious lunch featuring the dishes you helped create!

Tofu has been a cornerstone of Japanese cooking for centuries, prized for its fresh, delicate flavour and endless versatility. Shichimi, a fragrant blend of seven spices, adds warmth and a gentle kick to many dishes, showing how Japanese cuisine celebrates balance and subtlety in every bite.

After our tasty and immersive lunch, we’ll return to the hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure.

We’ll start our final day in Kyoto with a visit to the nearby Arashiyama district, where the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge awaits. Known as the 'Moon Crossing Bridge,' this charming wooden structure has been a favourite spot for centuries. It frames the river and surrounding mountains perfectly, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season and autumn when the colours burst to life. Next, we’ll wander through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Towering bamboo stalks sway gently above us, creating a peaceful, whispering canopy. Walking along the winding paths feels almost magical as soft sunlight filters through the lush green. After our stroll, we’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tenryū-ji Temple. Founded in 1339, this important Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its stunning gardens that blend nature with traditional design. Though rebuilt after fires, Tenryū-ji still holds its peaceful, meditative spirit. For lunch, we’ll enjoy a traditional Japanese meal right on the temple grounds. We'll savour the Buddhist vegetarian cuisine with highlights of fresh, seasonal ingredients with delicate flavours. Later, we’ll board the bullet train at Kyoto Station bound for Hiroshima. This city, known for its inspiring story of resilience and peace, will welcome us as we check into our hotel. The evening is yours to relax and explore at your leisure.

While Hiroshima is known around the world for the events of 1945, today it stands as a powerful symbol of hope, peace and renewal. This morning, we’ll set out to explore one of Japan’s most scenic and spiritual places, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Island of Miyajima. We’ll begin with a short drive to Miyajimaguchi Station, then enjoy a peaceful ferry ride across the bay to reach the island. Once there, we’ll visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine. This stunning shrine is built over the water and, during high tide, appears to float in the sea. Its bright red torii gate has become one of Japan’s most iconic views, and the shrine itself is a beautiful example of traditional Shintō design that dates back to the 12th century. After exploring, we’ll take the ferry back to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome. The park stands as a powerful tribute to the lives lost in 1945 and as a heartfelt call for peace. The A-Bomb Dome, left standing near the blast’s epicentre, has been preserved as a symbol of resilience and remembrance. As we walk through the park, past memorials and thousands of colourful paper cranes, it’s hard not to be touched by the quiet strength of this place. Later, we’ll return to the hotel for a well-earned rest. If you’re in the mood to explore, you might like to try Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake layered with noodles and local flavour.

We’ll say goodbye to Hiroshima this morning as we catch our last bullet train of the trip, heading to the city of Himeji. Known as the home of one of Japan’s most spectacular castles, Himeji gives us a wonderful glimpse into the country’s feudal past. Often called the White Heron Castle because of its elegant, white exterior, Himeji Castle is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture and one of the best-preserved castles in Japan. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site dates back to 1617 and has stood strong through war and earthquakes, making it a true symbol of resilience. We’ll take our time exploring its stunning grounds before strolling over to the nearby Kōkoen Garden, a peaceful haven filled with beautiful traditional landscaping. After some free time for lunch, we’ll drive to the lively city of Osaka. Known as Japan’s Kitchen for its mouthwatering food, warm locals and energetic spirit, Osaka is a playful city where tradition meets fun. This vibrant city will be our home for the next two nights. Once we arrive, we’ll check in at our hotel and collect our luggage. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. For dinner, why not explore nearby Namba? This bustling district is a food lover’s paradise, bursting with eateries, vibrant street stalls and delicious local flavours. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the lively streets and soak up the energetic atmosphere that makes Namba truly special.

Nara’s story begins over 1,300 years ago when it became Japan’s very first permanent capital in 710 AD. Before that, the capital moved with each new emperor, but Nara was chosen to bring stability and grow into a grand centre for culture, religion, and government. This morning, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive from Osaka to explore this historic city. Our first stop is the magnificent Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. This impressive temple is a marvel of ancient architecture and has been a spiritual heart of Japan for centuries. After soaking in its peaceful atmosphere, we’ll stroll through Nara Deer Park, where gentle deer roam freely. These sacred creatures are considered messengers of the gods and have become one of Nara’s most beloved sights. Later, we’ll return to Osaka and explore the lively Dōtonbori district. Famous for its colourful neon lights and bustling streets, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some free time and lunch.

Special Experience

Dive into the world of pre-modern Japan with a fun, interactive session on the way of the Samurai. Unleash your inner warrior as you learn their legendary skills.

The samurai were more than warriors, they were noble guardians living by a strict code of honour, loyalty and discipline. Their stories of bravery still inspire us today, offering a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s rich past and traditions. We’ll explore their art and even try out some of their movements ourselves, which is sure to bring a few laughs along the way!

Afterwards, we’ll head back to the hotel and prepare for our group farewell dinner, toasting the wonderful memories we’ve made together.

Our time together concludes this morning after breakfast, but the laughter, discovery and gentle hospitality of Japan are yours to keep forever. We hope you leave with new friendships and wonderful stories to share!