Japan has a gracious, hospitable people for whom culture, ceremony and protocol form a major part of everyday life. This 10 day tour explores Japan's iconic 'Golden Route' including visits to Tokyo, Mt Fuji and Kyoto.
Starting in Tokyo, visit the Meiji Shrine, the famous Ginza district and Asakusa – part of Tokyo’s old town. From here travel by train to Hakone, stay in a ryokan and explore Hakone National Park with its fabulous views of Mt Fuji before continuing to ancient Kyoto which is home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples including seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This largely self-guided tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the real Japan.
Tokyo – Hakone – Kyoto
Trip Highlights
- Explore Tokyo’s eclectic neighbourhoods from vibrant Shinjuku to traditional Asakusa
- Travel to Kamakura, a picturesque seaside town home to a giant bronze Buddha
- With the marvellous backdrop of Mount Fuji, stay in a traditional onsen hotel in Hakone
- Kyoto is known for its geisha culture, ancient inns and hundreds of majestic temples
- Spend the day in Nara, known for the beautiful Todai-ji temple and free roaming deer
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK and take the flight to Tokyo.
Day 2
Arrive Tokyo
You will be met by a representative on arrival in Tokyo and taken to the airport shuttle bus where you will be transferred to your accommodation. One of the world’s greatest cities with its futuristic skyline, dazzling neon signs and surging crowds, it is easy to forget that Tokyo was once a small 16th century fishing village. Spend the afternoon at leisure to discover this fascinating city, ensuring to try some local Japanese food.
Park Hotel Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 3
Tokyo
Today enjoy a day of sightseeing with your guide. Visit the Meiji Shrine this morning, which is dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji and is Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrine which is steeped in spirituality and history. Pass through the impressive torii gates that lead to the shrine’s inner forest of over 100,000 trees. Continue to the tree-lined avenue of Omotesando before exploring Harajuku, a vibrant neighbourhood that offers a unique and eclectic atmosphere. After lunch visit the Koishikawa Korakuen Garden before continuing to the district of Asakusa which is home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and Geisha district.
- Breakfast
Park Hotel Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 4
Tokyo
Today explore Tokyo on your own. A must-do is 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. Discover Tokyo’s excellent art galleries and museums and explore the technology district of Akihabara. Alternatively, travel out of Tokyo using your included Japan Rail Pass for a trip to Kamakura, one of Japan’s former capitals. This picturesque seaside town is home to ancient shrines, temples and the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha that stands at 13 metres tall. This evening you may opt to take a food tour of the city which includes visits to different types of Japanese restaurants including an izakaya and tachinomi. Enjoy sampling delicacies such a meat or vegetable skewers, tempura, sashimi and hotpot.
- Breakfast
Park Hotel Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo
Day 5
Tokyo to Hakone – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Today make your way to Tokyo Station and take the train to Hakone, gateway to Mount Fuji and the surrounding national park. This modern Ryokan, complete with tatami mats, shoji rice paper sliding doors and onsen baths, is located close to Lake Ashi. Quintessential Japan, should the weather be clear the mountain views from Hakone, crowned by Mt Fuji, are spectacular. Enjoy a kaiseki this evening, a traditional multi-course dinner.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Aura Tachibana
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
Day 6
Hakone
Today is a self-guided day. Today explore Hakone National Park either independently or we can arrange a guide for the day. Ride the world’s second longest cable car up Mount Owakudani for a birds-eye view of Mount Fuji, take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi or ride the Hakone Tozan ‘switchback train’ which zigzags through the mountain giving magnificent views of the surrounding valleys.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Aura Tachibana
Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
Day 7
Hakone 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. Home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sights, the city became capital of Japan in 794 AD and remained the centre of political power 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. Upon arrival you may wish to start exploring the city independently, participate in a traditional tea ceremony or cookery class or visit a sake brewery.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 8
Kyoto
Today explore the World Heritage Sites of Kyoto with a local guide. Early this morning start your tour at one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, where thousands of orange torii gates stretch up the side of the mountainside. Next visit Sanjusangendo, a beautiful temple that is often overlooked by tourists that features 1001 life-sized golden Buddhist statues. After lunch visit the 17th century Nijo Castle which is famous for its Momoyama architecture and beautiful gardens. Continue to iconic Kinkakuji, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples and the 15th century Daitoku-ji Zen temple complex, home to one of Japan’s best Zen rock gardens. End the day exploring the old wooden buildings and atmospheric lanes of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district and uncovering the authentic Geisha culture that is still present throughout the city.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 9
Kyoto - visit Nara
Today take the short train ride to Nara, which was Japan’s capital for approximately eighty years during the 8th century and is a treasure trove of remarkable temples, traditional Japanese gardens and UNESCO World Heritage sites. You have the chance to explore Nara independently or with a local guide. Nara’s centrepiece is the spectacular Tōdai-ji temple complex which was constructed in 752 and served as the head of all Buddhist temples in Japan. Other places of interest include Kofuku Temple, Kasauga Taisha, the city’s most sacred Shinto shrine, and the Naramachi district. You may also wish to visit Nara Park where tame and friendly deer roam freely.
- Breakfast
Noku Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 10
Osaka to the UK
Day at leisure before taking a shared airport shuttle bus to Kansai International Airport in Osaka. Alternatively, you can take the train back to Tokyo for one final night if you would prefer to take the direct British Airways service to London.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Discover traditional Matsumoto, a town located in the heart of the Japanese Alps, framed by a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Highlights include the 16th century Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's finest historic fortresses, and the traditional homes of Nakamachi Street.
Explore Kanazawa, capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Set on the western coast of Honshu Island, the city is famed for beautiful Kenroku-en, often considered Japan’s finest – a meticulously landscaped garden of meandering paths, gentle streams, fountains and wooden teahouses.
Spend an extra day in vibrant Osaka, a major economic hub celebrated for its contemporary architecture, energetic nightlife and plentiful street food. Known throughout Japan as the country’s culinary capital search out takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the lively Dotonbori district.
Koyasan, a secluded forested mountain enclave home to a collection of around one hundred temples. Birthplace of Shingon Buddhism, introduced to Japan in 805 AD, visit sacred Kongobu-ji, the main temple of the sect, and enjoy a memorable stay at a shukubo temple lodging.
Guide to Price
10 days from £3590 - £5990 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 £3590 - £5990
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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