Japan is a country with an amazing blend of the modern and the traditional where futuristic cities, smoking volcanoes and snow-capped mountains stand alongside manicured gardens and ancient temples.
This predominately self-guided itinerary begins in the nation’s capital Tokyo before a temple stay in Nagano located in the Japanese Alps. Travel to the coastal city of Kanazawa which boasts a well-preserved geisha and samurai culture before heading to beautiful Miyajima Island where you can easily visit the historical city of Hiroshima. After spending a few nights in spectacular Kyoto, Japan’s former Imperial capital, finish your journey in the culinary capital of Osaka.
Tokyo – Nagano – Kanazawa – Kyoto – Miyajima & Hiroshima – Osaka
Trip Highlights
- Head to Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo, home to some of the city’s best fish and sushi
- Stay in the Buddhist temple complex of Zenkoji and experience meditation and prayer
- In Kanazawa take a guided tour of the beautifully preserved samurai district
- Visit the UNESCO-listed site of Shirakawa-go famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses
- Japan’s cultural capital Kyoto is home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples
- Discover Hiroshima’s thought-provoking Peace Memorial Park and A-Bomb Dome
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the flight to Tokyo.
Day 2
Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met by a representative and taken to the airport shuttle bus which will provide your transfer to your accommodation. One of Asia’s great cities, over the decades Tokyo has cemented its position as a global economic powerhouse. With its futuristic skyline, dazzling neon advertisements and surging crowds, it is easy to forget that Tokyo started life as a small 16th century fishing village named Edo. Reminders of this ancient past remain which, when coupled with the surrounding modern city, give Tokyo a unique, forward-thinking identity but one in touch with its past.
Park Hotel Tokyo
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Day 3
Tokyo
Today enjoy a day of sightseeing with your guide. This morning visit the Meiji Shrine, which is dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji and the city’s most iconic Shinto shrine which is steeped in spirituality and history. Pass through the decorated torii gates that lead to the shrine’s inner forest of over 100,00 trees. Continue to the tree-lined avenue of Omotesando before exploring Harajuku, a vibrant neighbourhood that offers a unique and eclectic atmosphere and is home to izakayas and boutiques. After lunch visit the Koishikawa Korakuen Garden before continuing to the district of Asakusa which is home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s crowning jewel.
- Breakfast
Park Hotel Tokyo
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Day 4
Tokyo
Today is a self-guided day. You may wish to make an early start to visit the world famous Tsukiji Outer Market, a sprawling market of fresh fish and seafood where you can sample some of the city’s best street food, or visit the electronics district of Akihabara or discover Tokyo’s world class museums and art galleries. Alternatively, it is possible to travel outside of Tokyo to the delightful seaside town of Kamakura. One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a home to many ancient temples and the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha. Alternatively, another option would be to visit the Toshogu Shrine complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which sits high in the mountains of Nikko National Park.
- Breakfast
Park Hotel Tokyo
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Day 5
Tokyo to Nagano – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Take the high-speed train from Tokyo to Nagano, the biggest city of the Japanese Alps. Tonight you will stay in a shukubo, a temple lodging within the Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most revered temples founded 1,400 years ago. Join a Buddhist meditation which focuses on breathing, posture and mindfulness, and witness the ‘Goma Prayer’ where a monk performs a fire ceremony. In the afternoon you may wish to take the train to Matsumoto to visit its castle which is one of the only twelve remaining original castles in Japan.
- Breakfast
Zenkoji Fuchinobo
Day 6
Nagano to Kanazawa – by train
Today is a self-guided day. After attending the early morning memorial service at the temple, prepare for another stunning journey as you travel by train through the mountains towards the Sea of Japan and the coastal city of Kanazawa. In the 17th century this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest developing into a thriving centre for culture and the arts. This afternoon can be spent exploring at leisure or we can arrange a guide. A highlight of any visit to Kanazawa are the Kenroku-en Gardens, which are considered one of the finest horticultural gardens in Japan. From here continue to the nearby 16th century Kanazawa Castle, reached via the elegant Ishikawa-mon Gate, then head on to the impressive, and futuristic, Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Breakfast
Sainoniwa Hotel
The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
Day 7
Kanazawa – visit Shirakawa-go
Today is a self-guided day. This morning travel by bus to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. This unique architectural style was developed over many generations where the roofs were constructed without any nails and are intricately designed to withstand large amounts of snow. Despite being private houses, some are open to the public including the Wada House, a legacy left behind by the Wada family who were once the most affluent in the area. In the evening you may wish to take a food tour of Kanazawa. Sample sashimi, local seafood and grilled meats along with sake as you wander through the lively Korinbo District.
- Breakfast
Sainoniwa Hotel
The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
Day 8
Kanazawa
Today explore Kanazawa with a local guide and understand the role of the samurai in Japanese society and history. Start in a beautifully preserved quarter where samurai and their families resided centuries past and visit a local samurai museum where the exhibition halls house a marvellous collection of armour and weapons as well as paintings and calligraphy created by the well-educated samurai elite. Continue to a restored samurai house where you can experience their domestic life with examples of traditional gardens and tea ceremony rooms on display. You will also visit a local who has inherited several katana swords.
- Breakfast
Sainoniwa Hotel
The Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
Day 9
Kanazawa to Miyajima – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Returning to Kanazawa Railway Station, board a train for the four hour journey to Hiroshima and then the ferry to Miyajima. On arrival to the ryokan you may wish to soak in the natural hot springs after the long journey.
- Breakfast
Iwaso
Istukushima Iroha
Day 10
Mijajima – visit Hiroshima
Today is a self-guided day. This morning explore Miyajima independently where we recommend visiting Itsukushima Jinja, the famous red floating Torii Gate, as well Daisho-in, a temple located at the base of Mount Misen. In the afternoon take the ferry to Hiroshima. Perhaps more than any city in the world, Hiroshima is known for one moment in history when, on the 6th August 1945, it became the first target of an atomic bomb. During the post-war period the city was completely re-built and today is one of Japan’s most laid back and vibrant cities. Head to the Peace Park and Museum for a sobering reminder of the events in 1945.
- Breakfast
Iwaso
Istukushima Iroha
Day 11
Miyajima to Kyoto – by train
Today is a self-guided day. This morning take the two hour Shinkansen Bullet train to Japan’s cultural capital Kyoto after returning to Hiroshima by ferry. This afternoon visit a restored wooden house and take part in a ‘Tea Ceremony’ – a quintessential part of Japanese culture. Home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kyoto became capital of Japan in 794 AD remaining so until 1868. A highlight of any visit to Japan, roughly one out of four of the country’s national treasures can be found in the city.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
Hotel the Mitsui
Day 12
Kyoto
Today explore Kyoto’s with a local guide. After breakfast visit one of the city’s most famous sites, the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, where thousands of orange torii gates stretch up the mountainside. Continue to Sanjusangendo, a less-visited temple where 1001 life-sized Buddhist statues stand in the world’s longest wooden building. After lunch at Nishiki Market travel to Nijo Castle, an ornamental palace built for the shogun in the early 1600s. Walk the halls, see the audience chambers and experience what it was like to visit the military ruler of Japan in the samurai era. The final stop of the day is at Nanzenji Zen Temple, a quiet retreat where monks have lived since 1291, which is also known for its excellent Zen rock garden.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
Hotel the Mitsui
Day 13
Kyoto - visit Nara
Today is a self-guided day. You may wish to continue exploring this beautiful city and visit other points of interest including Kyoto’s famous golden temple Kinkaku-ji, or the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Forest that is located just outside of the city. Alternatively, we would recommend taking the short train journey to the city of Nara which was Japan’s capital for approximately eighty years during the 8th century. Many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain and are easy to explore. Highlights include the Todaiji temple complex – site the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha – and the Kofuku Temple which was moved to Nara from Kyoto in 710 AD. You will also have time to wander through Nara Park, which is home to herds of tame deer.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
Hotel the Mitsui
Day 14
Kyoto to Osaka – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Take the short train ride to Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital. On arrival you may wish to visit Dotonbori, the city’s famous food and entertainment district which is known for its bright neon lights and food stalls that sell local Osakan delights such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and fugu (puffer fish). Other city highlights include Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building where you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views at the Floating Garden Observatory. In the evening you may wish to take a private food tour of the city.
- Breakfast
Osaka Marriot Miyako Hotel
W Osaka
Day 15
Osaka to the UK
Take the shuttle bus to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Scenic Hakone is the best place to view Mount Fuji and serves as a gateway to the surrounding national park. Experience an onsen, stay in a traditional ryokan, cruise Lake Ashi and marvel at Mount Fuji. Hakone is a short journey south from Tokyo and is reachable by train from Osaka.
Matsumoto, located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is famed for its 16th century castle. One of the original castles of Japan, the black exterior of this fortress is instantly recognisable. Explore the complex and visit the historic merchant district just outside the castle grounds.
Experience the scenic Kiso Valley with a hike along the ancient Nakasendo Trail. Japan’s central Alps are famous for their post towns and the best way to discover them is on foot, following the beautiful Nakasendo Trail which once linked Kyoto to Edo, modern-day Tokyo.
Charming Takayama in Gifu Prefecture is often referred to by locals as ‘Little Kyoto’. A lovely place in which to spend a couple of days, discover well-preserved Edo-era streets lined with wooden merchant houses and sake breweries as well as numerous temples and shrines.
Guide to Price
15 days from £4790 - £9790 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Train travel as specified
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- English speaking guides where specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4790 - £9790
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways, Japan Airlines, ANA and Virgin Atlantic all offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo, the Japanese capital. Indirect flights are available from most major UK airports to Tokyo and other Japanese cities including Osaka and Nagoya with flights connecting in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Hong Kong and other main Asian cities.
Flying Times From UK
Flight times from the UK to Japan range from 12 to 14 hours for direct flights. Connecting flights with stopovers can take considerably longer.
Time Zone
Japan is +9 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
UK citizens do not require a visa before arrival in Japan as long as the visit lasts less than 90 days and does not include periods of paid work. Those wishing to stay longer will need to obtain a visa prior to travel.
Do’s & Don’ts
Japanese culture is complex and often confusing for foreign visitors to get to grips with However, it is well worth diving in to and the locals will appreciate any effort you make.
Remember to bow in almost any social situation, from saying hello to taking leave and saying thank you. Bow with hands at the sides and with a deep nod of the head. Japanese people are, on the whole, very polite so while they might not outright chastise tourists for forgetting to bow, you can be sure they will respect you more if you do!
Japanese matted flooring does not work well with muddy shoes – most people will expect you to take shoes off in their private housing, in traditional ryokan hotels and even in some public areas like restaurants and temples.
When drinking from a shared bottle, usually rice wine or sake, pour for others and wait for someone to pour for you as pouring for yourself is considered impolite.
The Japanese people value privacy and are generally reserved in public so noisy phone calls or shouting is frowned upon.
Money
The currency of Japan is the Yen. Yen comes in notes or coins, in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 denominations for coins and 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 notes. Japan has been making efforts to move away from cash as a system but in rural areas or traditional places they may not accept credit or debit cards. Currency exchange in Japan is easy and reliable ATM machines are found throughout the country.
Tipping
Tipping is not a custom in Japan and if you leave a tip do not be surprised to see someone run out after to return your money or refuse with a polite bow. A guideline for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Japanese cuisine has a long tradition and is renowned the world over – since 2001 Japan has had the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world. Japanese food usually centres on rice, noodles, fish and vegetables with many kinds of broths and soups. Japan is also famous for its excellent sushi bars which have since been exported in various forms around the world. The Japanese love to drink green tea which is consumed in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. A widely consumed alcoholic beverage is a rice wine called sake, beer is also common and Japanese whisky has become more popular, and respected, in recent years.
Accommodation
In all main Japanese cities the range of accommodation is extensive and there will always be a wide-range of different options. All major internationally recognised hotel companies are present in Japan and many of their flagship properties can be found in Tokyo. Further afield, in provincial towns and cities, accommodation is usually in smaller, independent, Japanese owned hotels. In nearly all cases hotels will be very modern in both style and design. To fully experience the culture and hospitality no visit to Japan is complete without a stay in a ryokan – a Japanese-style inn. Found throughout the country, ryokans vary greatly in quality and style but all will have a special Japanese atmosphere with tatami floors, futon beds, traditional cuisine and hot spring ‘onsen’ baths.
Shopping
Shopping in Japanese cities is a hectic and busy experience but one you will not forget. You will find crowded streets and a huge variation of shops from high end fashion stores to teenage manga comic book emporiums and everything in between – all splashed with bright neon lights. Tokyo is world renowned for its street-wear and style scene, so for the latest fashions head to the districts of Harajuku and Shibuya. In contrast for the latest technology, Ginza is the place to visit. Outside major cities, shopping is more traditional, with many markets and locally made goods.
Suggested Reading
A recommended book is ‘Gateway to Japan’, published by Kodansha, although there are many other detailed guides available, including ‘The Donald Richie Reader: 50 Years of Writing on Japan’, by a westerner who has lived in Tokyo for over 50 years. Good works of fiction about Japan include anything by Haruki Murakami, David Mitchell's ‘Number9dream’ and ‘Who is Mr Satoshi?’ by Jonathan Lee.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Japan the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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