Treasures of Japan

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK to Tokyo

  Depart on your overnight flight to Tokyo.

• Day 2 • Tokyo

  On arrival in Tokyo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the day at leisure.

• Day 3 • Tokyo

  After breakfast, enjoy a full day of sighseeing. Begin your journey with a visit to Sensoji. Visit Asakusa Kannon Buddhist Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down the age-old Nakamise Shopping Street. The street leads you to the main hall and pagoda, where the air is filled with the fragrance of incense and the soothing sounds of Buddhist prayer chants. Next, continue to the magnificent Imperial Palace Plaza. Stroll through the landscaped gardens, admire the serene moats, and picturesque views of the Niju Bridge. In the afternoon, head to the popular area of Ginza. Experience world-class shopping as you explore the streets lined with flagship stores of international luxury brands and Japanese department stores. Ginza seamlessly blends centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge trends, offering a unique shopping experience that reflects Tokyo's dynamic character.

• Day 4 • Tokyo & Hakone

  Following breakfast, visit Hakone National Park, home to one of Japan's most instantly recognisable sights - the iconic Mount Fuji, fringed by thick forests and a crescent-shaped ring of shimmering lakes. Take a Hakone Ropeway cable car ride to a mountaintop station with spectacular vistas of the sparkling, blue waters of Lake Ashi and Fuji's snow-capped peak. From here, a short walking trail leads to Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic crater, where hot springs, bubbling pools and steam vents serve as reminders of the area's volcanic might.

• Day 5 • Tokyo to Takayama

  After breakfast, travel to Matsumoto, a charming city nestled among the towering peaks of the Japanese Alps. Matsumoto is home to the exquisite Matsumoto Castle, known locally as 'Crow Castle' due to its striking black and white design. This city offers a perfect blend of historical exploration and natural beauty. After exploring Matsumoto, continue your journey to the picturesque mountain town of Takayama. Known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and traditional wooden houses, Takayama provides a glimpse into Japan's past.

• Day 6 • Takayama

  After breakfast, immerse yourself in the warm, lively, and vibrant atmosphere of the morning market alongside the river. This bustling market, filled with local vendors and fresh produce, offers a glimpse into the daily life of Takayama's residents. Established as a merchant town, the remote mountain village of Takayama provides a truly unique insight into a bygone Japan. Your fascinating guided tour will take you past picturesque canals flowing under the eaves of traditional sake brewing houses. Look for the bundles of cedar leaves hanging outside, indicating that the new season's rice wine is available.

• Day 7 • Takayama to Kyoto

  Departing Takayama, journey into the ancient capital of Kyoto. Once the imperial capital of Japan, the ancient city of Kyoto boasts a history of over 1200 years and as many as 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was lucky enough to be relatively unscathed from the devastation of World War II and pockets of the old world still linger where traditional geishas can be seen shuffling along narrow streets in their wonderfully colourful kimonos.

• Day 8 • Kyoto

  A full-day tour delves into the city’s rich history exploring the Zen Buddhist temple of Kinkakuji, the impressive Fushimi Inari shrine and the 400 year old Nikshiki Market. Enjoy a stroll around the Gion area, a collection of streets defined by old wooden buildings, teahouses and exclusive restaurants before experiencing an age-old tradition with an evening of geisha performances while having dinner.

• Day 9 • Kyoto to Hiroshima

  Today, enjoy a morning journey to Hiroshima aboard the Bullet Train. In the afternoon, explore the poignant Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where you can view moving displays of photos and personal belongings from the victims of the Hiroshima bombing, offering a powerful reminder of the tragic events that shaped history.

• Day 10 • Hiroshima to Osaka

  Start your day with a boat ride to Miyajima Island, known as the 'Island of the Gods' and visit the awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine with its towering, freestanding wooden gate which stands in the middle of the sea. Later, a bullet train carries you to Osaka, arriving in time for a stroll around Dotonbori and for your farewell meal.

• Day 11 •Osaka to UK

  This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.

• Day 12 • Arrive in the UK

  Your flight lands back in the UK today.