Journeys - Iconic Japan

Tour Itinerary

• Days 1-3: UK - Tokyo

  Fly to Tokyo and enjoy two full days exploring one of the world’s most populous cities. On the first day, you’ll experience the traditional side of the Japanese capital with a visit to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Then, you’ll witness the modern side of Tokyo on a walk through Harajuku. On day two, visit the Tsukiji fish and seafood outer market, learning about Japan’s massive fishing industry and enjoying a sushi-making class.

• Day 4: Tokyo - Tsumago

  Today, you’ll depart Tokyo by train and arrive in Tsumago, where you’ll stay in a local minshuku (a traditional Japanese bed and breakfast). Soak up the traditional feel of this charming town, where motorised vehicles are prohibited on the main street during the day, and the landscape is filled with lush farms and rice paddies.

• Day 5: Tsumago - Kanazawa

  This morning, embark on a train to the historic city of Kanazawa, the seat of the powerful Maeda clan during the Edo period. Whilst here, venture to Nagamachi, the city’s well-preserved samurai district, and visit the Nomura residence, the beautifully restored home of a wealthy samurai family.

• Day 6: Kanazawa

  Today you’ll visit the Myoryuji Temple where you can explore this military outpost’s many hidden defences and escape routes. Then, take a walk through the Higashi Chaya geisha district to learn about the geisha culture.

• Days 7-8: Kanazawa - Hiroshima

  Board a bullet train to Hiroshima, where you can visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, commemorating the tragic atomic bombings of 1945. Catch a ferry to Itsukushima Island, where you’ll find one of Japan’s most beautiful and sacred temples, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. It’s an iconic sight to behold, built over water, the gateway appears to float at high tide.

• Day 9: Hiroshima - Kyoto

  In the morning, explore Himeji Castle, a World Heritage-listed castle, completed in the early 17th century. In the afternoon, you’ll catch the train to Kyoto, where you can explore the city’s temples and shrines, and take a guided stroll through the lantern lined streets of the geisha district.

• Days 10-12: Kyoto - UK

  Enjoy two full days exploring Kyoto, the city which served as Japan’s imperial capital for more than a thousand years. On your first full day, you’ll visit the Fushimi Inari shrine, discover ancient Nara, and visit the Todaiji temple. On the second day you’ll meet with a local monk for a lesson in Zen meditation and calligraphy, and you’ll learn the basics of samurai etiquette and the practice of traditional Japanese swordplay. On your last day, after breakfast you’ll fly back to the UK.