Japan

Today your holiday will officially start with a tour of Tokyo that is specifically designed to give first-time visitors (or returning enthusiasts) the perfect comprehensive overview of this amazing city. 

You’ll see everything from Tokyo Tower and the Ginza shopping center to the famous Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace.

Later in the day, you’ll visit another of the city’s iconic attractions, the Tokyo SkyTree and Observation Deck. This gives you a unique chance to see the bustling city from a different perspective as you look down from the tallest building in Japan. 

Today you’ll be visiting the mythical, mystical, and incredibly beautiful Mount Fuji, Japan’s national volcano. This sacred place has inspired poets, writers, and artists for centuries and it makes a wonderful photo backdrop. 

Next, you’ll visit another natural wonder, Lake Ashi, where you can enjoy beautiful views and a mini boat cruise along the crystal clear waters. 

Another highlight of the day is that you’ll get the chance to travel in style on one of Japan’s famous bullet trains to and from Tokyo. 

Today you’ll be exploring more of Tokyo, this time away from the modern skyscrapers and neon lights. The walking tour will take you around one of the city’s most historic districts, Yanaka, which dates back to the Edo period in the 16th century.

You’ll be guided along ancient streets, through old cemeteries, and among the variety of temples found in this peaceful oasis.

Later in the day, you’ll take a train from Tokyo to the city of Kanazawa which is also known for its historic value.

Today you’ll enjoy a comprehensive, full-day tour of Kanazawa. You’ll travel around the city in a small group and visit a variety of historic and cultural landmarks, including the beautiful Kanazawa Castle and the enchanting Kenrokuen Gardens. 

One of the highlights of this tour is the perfectly preserved Samurai districts which bring Japan’s most unique and iconic legacies to life. 

Today you’ll leave Kanazawa and head to Kyoto, the country’s former capital and a treasure trove of traditional Japanese culture. 

Once you arrive you’ll be off exploring the city on a guided cultural tour around this unique city. You’ll explore classic Zen gardens, visit ancient temples and shrines, see the Geisha district and learn about some of the city’s iconic statues. 

Today you’ll be seeing even more of Kyoto and the surrounding countryside on a scenic train tour. You’ll get to see everything, from mountains to temples all from the comfort of your train carriage.

One of the highlights of this tour is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Kiyomizudera Temple, where you’ll stop for lunch and to take photos. 

By the end of the day, you’ll have had a full overview of this beautiful part of Japan and you’ll have plenty of pictures to show off as well.

You’ll start the day by learning about one of Japan’s most famous cultural phenomena – the Samurai. The Samurai and Ninja Museum is full of authentic armor and artifacts from the Heian and Tokugawa periods and is sure to delight visitors of any age. 

After you visit the museum you’ll join another toru to explore even more of Kyoto. This tour will take you first to Nora Park where you can see herds of wild deer that are considered divine messengers in Japanese culture. 

You’ll also visit Todaiji Temple which is famous for its huge bronze statues and Kofukuji Temple which enjoys the status of being the tallest temple in all of Japan. 

You’ll start your day by visiting the stunning Kyoto Imperial Palace which was the former home of the Emperor in the old days. 

You’ll also enjoy a guided tour around Kyoto’s Nishiki shopping district and a visit to the Ninja Castle which contains over 1,00 beautiful painted pictures. 

Later in the day, you’ll travel to Osaka, Japan’s street food capital. This colorful, bustling metropolis has a completely different atmosphere compared to tranquil Kyoto but it is an equally wonderful place to visit. 

Today you start exploring Osaka on a local walking tour that will take you from the city’s modern business center to the smaller but no less vibrant surrounding neighborhoods. 

You’ll also take the subway to visit the beautiful Dotonbori waterfront as well as Hozenji Temple. Your walking tour guide will also introduce you to some of Osaka’s famous street food and snacks. 

Next, you’ll visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Osaka Castle, an ancient and beautifully traditional building hidden among myriads of modern skyscrapers. You’ll also have the chance to learn about the castle’s fascinating history that stretches back over 100 years. 

Your day will finish with a relaxing, evening walking tour that will take you around even more of Osaka’s hidden neighborhoods, including the former Ghetto and the infamous Red Light District. 

Today you’ll leave Osaka and travel by train to another famous Japanese city, Hiroshima. Primarily remembered for the tragic atomic bomb strike during WWII that destroyed most of the city, today the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a prominent feature.

Today you’ll join a small, guided tour to learn more about Hiroshima’s history and future. From the Peace Park and A-Bomb Dome to the nearby Miyajima Island, you’ll get both a vivid history lesson and a chance to see the beautiful scenery that Japan is known for.

Other highlights include Hiroshima Castle, a five stories tall building surrounded by an imposing moat, and the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, with its tall torii gate that actually sits in the sea. 

Today will be the last day of your holiday in Japan. You’ll depart from Hiroshima with a suitcase full of memories and plenty of stories to tell when you get home.

Our optional extra days (at an additional cost) allow you to explore even more of this beautiful country. Popular additional activities include: 

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony: This cultural introduction in Kyoto is a wonderful way to learn more about Japan’s ancient tradition of tea ceremonies. You’ll be given a classic Kimono to wear as you sample matcha green tea and learn more about this unique custom. 

Edo Wonderland Samurai and Ninja Theme Park: This unique theme park is devoted to the Edo period and is filled with Samurai, Ningas and Geishas in full costume. You’ll see live performances, shibitons and much more on this fun and educational tour.