Day 1 – Welcome to Tokyo!
One of the world’s truly great cities, Tokyo is a thrilling mix of the past and future, complete with incredible cuisine, neon-lit nightlife and unique pop culture. After being picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel near the heart of the city, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the contrasting areas which make up this unique metropolis. If you’re feeling a little jaded from the flight, then there are plenty of places on your doorstep where you’ll be able to have a little drink and get your first taste of real Japanese cuisine, before turning in for the night.
Day 2 – Tour the city with a local
In order to see the best of what Tokyo has to offer this morning, you will meet your local, English-speaking guide who has lived in the city for a while and can give you a unique insight into the people, customs and Japanese etiquette, as well as visiting the well-known attractions. You will meet the guide around 10 am and explore the city together on foot and by metro (payable locally). Tokyo’s hi-tech public transport system is an experience in itself and makes it easy and fast to travel through the different parts of the city.
Discover the old and the new Tokyo as you walk along the Ameyoko market street and through the Ueno Park, which is full of historical sights and gives you a good insight into Japanese history. Continue to the famous Yanaka Cemetery, where your guide will tell you more about Japanese funeral traditions. The cemetery lies in the beautiful Yanesen district, which was largely spared during the Second World War so you can discover many small temples and old houses here. After lunch (not included) you will get to know modern Tokyo. Find an insight into some of the most interesting subcultures of Tokyo in Nakano, and as a last stop you will visit the districts of Harajuku or Shibuya. Finally, your guide will give you tips for the rest of the afternoon and where you can eat in the evening. In total, this city tour takes about 6 hours and you always have the option to add the night tour if you wish.
Day 3 & 4 – Time to explore independently
Tokyo is a vast metropolis, yet remarkably well organized and easy to navigate. The city is made up of numerous distinct districts, each with its own unique character. Rather than trying to see everything at once, we recommend focusing on one or two areas, whether you would like to explore Tokyo’s traditional side, experience its trendy neighbourhoods, or observe a sumo training session. A wide range of excursions in and around Tokyo are available.
If you would like to discover the surroundings of Tokyo, we suggest a self guided day trip to the Great Buddha of Kamakura or to Nikko, famous for its impressive temples and shrines. Would you prefer to visit Kamakura or Nikko on a guided tour instead? We will be happy to plan the perfect excursion for you.
Day 5 – At the foot of Fuji
Today, you will make your own way to the train station and get your first taste of train travel in Japan en route to Hakone at the foot of Mount Fuji. For the next couple of days you’ll stay in Hakone, located near the foot of the mountain and beside Ashino-ko Lake, providing a spectacular setting from which to take in the majesty of Fuji. The town is understandably popular and provides multiple tourist attractions and facilities, so we’ll provide a pass so that you can experience them at your own pace.
You’ll have plenty of options – ride the railway, take a boat trip on the lake, visit the impressive Hakone Shrine or some of the many museums – it totally up to you! There are also some great hiking trails if you feel like escaping the crowds. After a full day of exploring you can relax in one of the town’s many Onsen, and grab yourself some tasty Japanese cuisine at one of the many excellent restaurants.
Day 6 – Exploring Hakone
You’ll have plenty of options today – you could ride the railway, take a boat trip on Ashino-ko Lake, visit the impressive Hakone Shrine or some of the many museums – it’s totally up to you! There are also some great hiking trails if you feel like escaping the crowds. After a full day of exploring you can relax in one of the town’s many Onsen; baths heated by volcanic hot-springs.
The town has lots of great places to eat and drink, so as evening draws in you can find yourself a nice spot to watch the world go by whilst filling up on delicious Japanese cuisine. We can recommend The Gyoza Centre for traditional Japanese dumplings.
Day 7 – Onward journey to Matsumoto
Today you will travel onward to Matsumoto, the next stop on your three week journey through Japan. The city is set in a valley and surrounded by the striking peaks of the Japanese Alps. You will stay here for two nights in a comfortable, centrally located hotel within walking distance of JR Matsumoto Station. Thanks to the hotel’s central location, you can explore Matsumoto and its surroundings with ease.
Spend the remainder of the day discovering the charming town of Matsumoto and soaking up its relaxed atmosphere. A walk along the small river promenade is highly recommended, where you will find lovely little shops and local snack vendors.
Day 8 – Time to explore Japan’s traditional Kiso Valley
From Matsumoto, you will head to the idyllic Kiso Valley, known for the charming towns of Magome and Tsumago. Here, traditionally built houses line narrow streets, giving a glimpse into Japan’s past. We recommend the nearly eight kilometer hike from Magome to Tsumago, where you can still follow sections of the former main trade route. The trail offers beautiful scenery, with lush forests, fields, and quaint houses along the way.
After your excursion, you will return to Matsumoto for another night. Alternatively, we can arrange an overnight stay in a traditional Minshuku in the Kiso Valley. Once the day tourists have left, the towns of Tsumago and Magome take on a peaceful and uniquely special atmosphere.
Day 9 – On the road to Takayama
You will travel by bus to Takayama, enjoying views of forested mountains and valleys along the way. At first, the town may seem similar to other small Japanese towns, but as you explore the streets of the charming Old Town you will quickly discover its unique character and experience the traditional side of Japan. Many of these buildings now house shops, cafes, museums, and sake breweries, giving visitors a taste of traditional Japanese life. Takayama’s sake is highly regarded, and local breweries often offer tastings, with the option to try it cold or warmed depending on the type.
Day 10 – Time to explore Takayama
We have planned a full day in Takayama so that you can fully enjoy the charm of this historic city. Wander through streets lined with beautifully preserved 17th-century buildings, explore the many museums, galleries, and temples. You can take a leisurely stroll along the river, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Be sure to sample the region’s famous Hida beef at a local restaurant, pairing it with Takayama’s renowned sake for a true taste of the area. With time to explore at your own pace you can discover the unique character and small details that make Takayama so special.
Day 11 – Discover the Japanese Alps in Shirakawago enroute to Kanazawa
Today on the journey from Takayama to Kanazawa, you will explore the Shirakawago region, famous for its picturesque villages. The traditional gassho-zukuri houses with their steep thatched roofs are particularly striking. The village of Ogimachi is the most well-known and easily accessible. A stroll through the village offers a glimpse into traditional rural life.
We will organise your bus tickets from Takayama to Shirakawago and from Shirakawago to Kanazawa. You will have several hours in Shirakawago to wander through the village or hike up to the viewpoint overlooking the town. Luggage can be stored in a locker on site for convenience. In the evening, you will arrive in Kanazawa, where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in a central location.
Day 12 – Turrets & temples and tea of Kanazawa
The centre of Kanazawa is easy to explore on foot, although there is a regular shuttle bus or even bicycle rental if you prefer. Kenroku-en Castle and the perfectly manicured gardens surrounding it form the centrepiece of the city, and you’ll also have plenty of time to wander through the well-preserved Samurai and Geisha districts.
During the day, you’ll make your way to a local teahouse for an experience which takes you right into the heart of Japanese aesthetics and tradition. We’ll arrange for you to take part in a tea ceremony with a Sado (tea art) master – you’ll never have seen tea so delicately made in your life!
Its proximity to the sea has also made it a hotspot for fish and seafood dishes, so a great place to be if you’re hungry!
Day 13 – Continue to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan
Today you will take the train to Kyoto, a city full of history, temples, beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Depending on your preference, we can book you into either a Western-style or Japanese-style hotel, both in a central location so it’s easy to get out and explore.
You will spend three nights in Kyoto, giving you plenty of time to discover the city and its surroundings. In the afternoon, you could start with a stroll through the historic Gion district, known for its charming streets and traditional teahouses. If you are lucky enough to visit on a snowy day, the temples take on a truly magical atmosphere. The famous Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, is a must-see, and even without snow it is one of Kyoto’s highlights.
Day 14 – Half day bike tour of Kyoto
This morning you’ll head out to meet your English-speaking guide and hop on your bike. Cycling through the back streets feels like a world (and century) away from the car-congested highways. You’ll visit the old entertainment districts with their wooden houses and make a stop at Shinto shrines with their Torri gates. You’ll finish at Kyoto station at about 1pm, giving you the rest of the day to do as you please.
Day 15 – Explore at your own pace
Kyoto has so much to offer on its own, but the surrounding area is also home to some truly special sights which is why we have planned this extra day for you. For excursions outside the city we especially recommend Nara and the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Nara, Japan’s former capital, boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is one of the country’s most visited destinations. Highlights include the Todai-ji Temple, home to the massive Daibutsu, or “Big Buddha.” To the southeast of Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine is renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that stretch along the four-kilometer path to the summit of a small mountain. Visiting in the late afternoon, when the sunlight is soft and most tourists have left, offers an almost meditative and unforgettable experience.
Day 16 – Continue to Hiroshima
During the day, you will travel by train from Kyoto to Hiroshima, where you will spend two days as part of your three week journey through Japan. Hiroshima is a deeply moving city, often first associated with the atomic bomb. While visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Peace Park, and the Peace Memorial Museum, you will gain insight into the events of August 6, 1945, the day of the world’s first atomic bomb attack, and the lasting consequences that followed. These visits are thought provoking, yet Hiroshima today is also a lively city with a welcoming and positive atmosphere.
In Hiroshima, you will stay in a comfortable city hotel. Hotels in this category are conveniently located just a few minutes from the train station, the Shukkei-en Garden, or Hiroshima Castle, making it easy to explore the city.
Day 17 – Historical City tour
You’ll meet your guide this morning and set off by public transport to the centre of the city, where you’ll visit Peace Memorial Park a tranquil, reflective place dedicated to the legacy of the Hiroshima nuclear attack in 1945. The park is home to many beautiful memorials and monuments, as well as a very good museum.
You’ll then visit Shukkeien Garden, which means “shrunken-scenery garden”, where valleys, mountains, and forests are represented in miniature, before your tour finishes around lunchtime and you’re free to enjoy the rest of the city at your own pace.
Day 18 – Final stop in Osaka
At the end of your winter journey through Japan, you will return to the lively city atmosphere of Osaka. You will travel from Hiroshima and stay in a comfortable, centrally located hotel giving you easy access to many of Osaka’s top sights. In the afternoon, you could visit the impressive Osaka-jo Castle or head to the Umeda Sky Building, where the observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views over the city.
In the evening, you’ll be met by a local guide at your hotel, who’ll take you to Dotonburi on the subway and give you the lowdown on all the amazing options available. There are a couple of snacks and a drink included before you’re left to go and have dinner wherever you choose.
Day 19 – Free time in Osaka
Today you’ll have plenty of time to see most of the city’s impressive sites. Head to the ancient Shitennouji Temple, spend some time in the Garden of Paradise, and visit the giant Abeno Harukas skyscraper. There is an excellent subway system here, making it easy to navigate your way around. You can then take it easy and find somewhere to enjoy a green tea.
In the evening you’ll have some more free time to take in Osaka’s fast-paced nightlife, eat some more of the weird and wonderful food on offer, or even pitch up at a local karaoke bar – if you’ve had enough sake. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll check out of your hotel, ready to continue your Japanese journey.
Day 20 – International departure
Today you will make your way to Kansai International Airport, bringing your three week journey through Japan to a close. As you travel, you can reflect on the many experiences, sights, and memories you have collected, from bustling cities and historic temples to scenic mountains and charming villages.
Accommodation
