We enjoyed every minute of it. It combined a wealth of opportunites to get closer to an understanding of the Japanese view of life with many of the 'must see' sites. Add to that the exposure to a fantastic cuisine and a great bunch of fellow travelers, and what more could you ask for?
Home to sumo wrestling, sake, geishas, karaoke and onsens, Japan’s got a lot going for it. And on this nine-day trip to some of its most acclaimed cities, you’ll get to see the country at its best. Take in the neon nightlife of Tokyo, reflect during a visit to Hiroshima, discover thousands of years of culture and history in Kyoto and finish in the eclectic Osaka. And have you heard about the food? World-class sushi, ravishing ramen, delectable donburi – you certainly won’t be going hungry. With your local leader to point you in all the right directions and plenty of time to explore at your own pace, experience the culture and charm of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Visit and explore historical Hiroshima on the super-fast Shinkansen bullet train on this short but sweet 3-day tour that leaves from and returns to Osaka.
Walkthrough Hiroshima's Memorial Peace Park with its sprawling, reflective grounds; see the Atomic Bomb Dome, originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall; and visit the beautiful island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Accommodation, train transport, and full-day guided tour all included. Please see the itinerary and what's included sections for more information on this excellent tour!
This 13-day tour of Japan will introduce you to the cultures – old and new – that define this small but influential archipelago. Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing with three nights in Kyoto, this immersive tour will also introduce you to lesser-known cities through Japan’s centre and southern reaches. Discover scenic beauty on the Hakone ropeway, sip the best sake in Takayama, find out about the Hiroshima of today and wonder at the floating torii gate of Miyajima. You’ll have a local to guide you through these lesser-known destinations and reveal layers of culture and history.
Uncover Japan in-depth on this 10-day exploration from Tokyo to Kyoto! Get set to tantalize your taste buds with Japanese street food, sushi, and Sake in the capital city. Wander through the historic war ruins from Hiroshima’s atomic bomb attack. Explore Kyoto like a local. Witness Japan’s iconic attractions including Nijo Castle, Mt Fuji, Shinjuku, and Miyajima Island. Travel in style with bullet trains, gondola rides and boat trips to ensure you get the most out of your adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Highlights of Japan trip as it basically picked up from my 2020 Japan tour which was cancelled half way through due to Covid. The tour gives a good insight into Japan and is perfect to get ideas for a longer trip to Japan for places to revisit and see in more depth as there is so much to see. The trip was a good pace and our guide, David Lam, was excellent and really went out of his way to ensure everyone in the group enjoyed the tour, thanks David for enhancing my trip to Japan.
Experience Japan’s perfect harmony of ancient tradition and a modern way of life on this 12-day Premium adventure through the cultural heart of the country. You’ll start among Tokyo’s soaring skyscrapers, making your way to Hakone’s mountainous hot springs and find the meaning of relaxation in a cloud of fragrant steam. Then, head to Takayama, which delights with its Edo-era beauty. Shirakawa-go immerses you in charming countryside life before you discover the intriguing cultural diversity of Kyoto. Find a passion for peace in Hiroshima, take a sushi-making class with an expert, soak away your worries in an onsen and travel with a local leader who will share the rich variety of their country as you visit temples, castles, shrines and holy mountains.
Our guide, Karique, was extremely knowledgeable and an expert in steering the group through crowded rail stations without losing his cool or any members of the group. He also led us to some very unique restaurants, giving us a real introduction to the flavours of Japan.
The tour itself was full on and pretty comprehensive, providing a good introduction to many aspects of this amazing country.
Begin your Japanese adventure in the tech-haven of Tokyo, then discover scenic beauty on the Hakone ropeway. Sip the best sake in Takayama and be reminded of the sobering past of Hiroshima. Visit the floating torii gate of Miyajima and make use of your local leader and guides to reveal layers of culture and history in lesser-known cities. Spend some time in Kyoto, then veer off the main island of Honshu to the naturally beautiful southwest. Wander through art-laden castles, spend a night in a tranquil homestay in Usuki and relax in the steam of Beppu’s onsens. Soak up the peace in the caldera of Mt Aso in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. Visit the Peace Park in Nagasaki and end it all back in Osaka.
Say kon'nichiwa to the land of sushi, samurai & sake! In a country where the ancient and the modern collide in truly mesmerising style, you’ll make your way from Osaka to Tokyo, taking in temples, teppanyaki, geishas and gardens, plus miniature deer along the way.