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.
An amazing way to experience Japan in a short trip for your first time. Being able to meet people all over the world and share the experience was perfect. For the price and freedom to explore when not busy was worth every cent. Almost overwhelming how much you get to see and do in the prettiest place in the world. Felt safe and if I needed anything my guide was able to help. Met so many amazing people that I consider valued friends in just 10 days of fun. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
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!
Stray off the tourist trail with an eight-day hiking adventure on some of the great ancient pilgrim routes in Japan. The Koya-san and Kumano Kodo treks take you deep through the wilderness and into the mountainous landscapes of Honshu, as you gain insight into the strong connection with past and present pilgrims. Along the way, stop by peaceful temples and monasteries, soak in traditional onsen and discover the cultural hubs of Kyoto and Osaka. This small-group adventure will give you both a physical and cultural workout around the best of enchanting Japan.
One of Japan’s greatest attractions is its blend of the modern and the traditional. On this 12-day trip, you’ll veer off the main island of Honshu and travel to the less-touristed southwest. Discover revived art on the island of Naoshima, wander the castle in Matsuyama and spend a night in a tranquil homestay in the village of Usuki. Steam away your worries in the onsens in Beppu and be treated to a night in the volcanic Mt Aso, staying right in the middle of a caldera in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. Remind yourself of the sobering history of Nagasaki and end it all back where it began – in thriving Osaka. This adventure is the ultimate combination of modern art, bullet trains, countryside villages, traditional inns, delicious feasts and onsens, surrounded by impressive views of rice terraces, volcano craters and grasslands. If you’re looking for a new side of Japan – head to the south!
Home of the sumo, geishas, sake, karaoke, onsen and izakaya – Japan is a feast for all your senses. This nine-day journey hits all the right spots, giving you a true appreciation for the land of the rising sun. Absorb the bustle of Tokyo before heading into the countryside for a homestay with fantastic home-cooked meals and take in the views of the iconic Mt Fuji. Travel on a futuristic bullet train to Kyoto and Hiroshima and step into this nation’s history before wrapping up your adventure in the foodie paradise of Osaka.
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.
Japan in a week was incredible! The tour and the people were a blast and created memories ill cherish for the rest of my life! Tokyo and Kyoto were amazing, the Nara Deer park add on is well worth the money and day!
I do wish we spent a little more time in Osaka however
An excellent fortnight's overview of Japan's main island, in which we saw/ experienced a huge amount in the time available - ranging from modern cities to centuries-old gardens, temples and culture; snow monkeys and temple homestays (surprisingly comfortable and enjoyable), islands and the (very moving) Peace Museum in Hiroshima; markets and a wide range of Japanese food. Our tour guide was exceptional, too - immensely knowledgeable about both the history and the modern-day culture, and guiding us in a laid-back way through the marvels of the Japanese transport systems.
Take your tastebuds on an 11-day culinary journey through Japan’s most delicious hotspots, relishing the flavours of the land of the rising sun. Uncover the secrets of sushi in Tokyo, pick local produce with an expert in Kanazawa, feast on plant-based monastic cuisine in Koya-san, meet local farmers in Uji and go on a food crawl in Osaka. Take part in cooking classes, cooking demonstrations and market visits, feasting on local delights along the way. From temples to tempura, shrines to sashimi, seafood markets to sake breweries, you’ll join a local leader on a food-focused adventure that has all the best Japanese ingredients.
Discover some of the best landmarks and cultural gems on this 23-day adventure through Japan. Ride the scenic Hakone ropeway, wander through the Hida Folk Village in Takayama and learn about the sobering past of Hiroshima. See the floating Torri gate of Miyajima Island, veer off the veer off the main island of Honshu to the naturally beautiful southwest and walk through art-laden castles. Spend a night in a tranquil homestay in Usuki, relax in the steam of Beppu’s onsen and soak up the peace in the caldera of Mt Aso in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. See the Peace Park in Nagasaki, indulge in traditional dishes and try local sake along the way.