Classic Japan

Visit Japan

Day 1

Konnichiwa Tokyo

Tokyo’s futuristic cityscape launches your journey through Japan’s modern centres and ancient capitals.

On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be transferred by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome drink with appetisers.

Day 2

Explore Vibrant Tokyo Dive Into Culture

Rub shoulders with the locals this morning as you Dive Into Culture and wander through Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II.

Continue to the old-time entertainment centre of Asakusa to visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, which has been rebuilt countless times since its founding in 628, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Take a stroll down Nakamise shopping street with some free time for lunch, then join a Local Specialist and learn the mesmerising rhythmic art of Taiko drumming, one of Japan’s most popular cultural icons. Board a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo’s modern skyline, the traditional neighbourhoods of old Edo and beautiful Hamarikyu Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure and dinner at a Sumo-themed izakaya restaurant.

Day 3

Majestic Mt.

Fuji and Owakudani

The towering slopes of snow-capped Mt. Fuji loom in the distance as we journey from Tokyo to this celebrated UNESCO-listed site. Admire spectacular views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a magnificent vantage point at 2,300 metres (weather permitting). After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to Owakudani to see the volcanic activity. Consider sampling the local black eggs boiled in geysers, then head back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 4

Continue to Kyoto

We leave Tokyo, travelling by high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, another former capital of Japan and the centre of Japanese culture for centuries.

On arrival, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the Gion District, embracing the energy of Kawaramachi street. Visit Kinkakuji Temple, whose glittering golden pavilion is widely regarded as the symbol of Kyoto, before returning to the hotel for an evening of leisure.

Day 5

Discover Enchanting Kyoto

Visit one of Kyoto’s highlights – the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees which bloom in the springtime and its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically from season to season.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering Bamboo groves and see its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then return to Kyoto for some free time at Nishiki market, a traditional food market known by locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry”. Return to your hotel or consider joining an optional Japanese tea ceremony experience.

Day 6

Admire Ancient Nara Make Travel Matter

Start the day off with a visit to Sumiyama Village and discover the stunning Kiyomizu Pottery which originated about 500 years ago in central Kyoto.

Learn about the work of the craftsmen and about how they had to move out of the city and into a more rural area due to concerns from the local citizens about air pollution. Next 'Connect With Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch with a local farmer at his home. Gain insights into the life of his family while sampling fresh tea and indulging in a delicious home-made meal, then visit his tea plantation. This afternoon delve into the ancient history of Nara, the first permanent capital city of Japan. Here you’ll visit the landmark Todaiji Temple, one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and home to one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha. Take a stroll around Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming tame deer before returning to Kyoto for an evening at leisure.

Day 7

Bullet Train to Hiroshima Dive Into Culture

This morning, we board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century’s devastation.

Our first stop is to a local restaurant where we’ll join our Local Specialist for an Okonomiyaki making experience. Mix your ingredients to make your own savoury pancake and cook it on a hot plate before enjoying your creation for lunch. This afternoon, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Learn how to make Momiji Manjyu, one of the local specialities, shaping your steamed bun in the shape of a maple leaf and filling it with sweet red bean paste. You’ll have an opportunity to sample your work before returning to Hiroshima by ferry.

Day 8

Experience Hiroshima

This morning, we head to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945.

Take a moment to contemplate its symbolic expression of hope for world peace. Spend the afternoon at leisure or consider joining an Optional Experience.

Day 9

Onwards to Osaka

Today take the high-speed bullet train to Osaka.

On arrival embark on an orientation drive of the central city and your first glimpse of sights including the incredible Umeda Sky Building before checking in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 10

See the Sights of Osaka

Gain a different perspective of Osaka’s landmark city sights, starting your day with a cruise on the ‘aqua-bus’ along Okawa River.

Sail past the Japan Mint, City Hall, Nakanoshima and Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. Visit the downtown district of Shinsekai to see the Tsutenkaku Tower, then continue to the Dotonbori Street area for some time at leisure. Delve into the star-crossed love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei during your visit to the Tsuyunoten Shrine in Umeda, associated with the Edo-period play ‘The Love Suicides of Sonezaki, which tells of the tragic double suicide that took place at the shrine in 1703. To this day, visitors write their prayers for success in love on special wooden plaques called ema, many of which bear the image of Ohatsu and Tokubei. Admire the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open-air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Later join your fellow guests and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 11

Sayonara Osaka

Your journey revealing Japan's past and present is at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.

Dining Summary

10 Breakfast (B)

1 Dinner (D)

4 Lunch (L)

1 Be My Guest (BMG)

1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

Nara: Lunch with a local farmer's family who own a traditional tea plantation in the Nara area.

Dive Into Culture

Tokyo: Visit Ameyoko Street Market, once a black market selling American goods after World War II.

Iconic Experience

Tokyo: Visit Tokyo's renowned landmarks and gain insight into how this modern city preserves its ancient roots. 

Tokyo: Spend some time learning the art of Taiko Drumming with your Local Specialist. 

Tokyo: Bask in the stunning skyline of Tokyo as you embark on your Sumida River Cruise.

Mt Fuji: Admire the stunning countryside at Mt. Fuji 5th Station.

Tokyo: Jump aboard the high-speed Bullet Train towards the cultural hub of Kyoto.

Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.  

Kyoto: Take a walk through the beautiful landscapes of the Arashiyama District.

Nara: Discover the tame deer as you explore Nara Park.

Kyoto: Learn the art of Okonomiyaki making and savour your own creations for lunch.

Miyajima: Discover the majestic Itsukushima Shrine and learn a new skill when you join a Local Specialist to practice making Momiji Manjyu. 

Hiroshima: Discover the rich history when you visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park. 

Osaka: Embark on an orientation drive through the city of Osaka.

Osaka: Discover Osaka's beautiful city landmarks as you embark on your Okawa River Cruise. 

Osaka: See the wonderful Tsutenkaku Tower, the Tusyunoten Shrine which holds the love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei, and then take the time to bask in the spectacuar views as you visit the Floating Garden Observatory.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Kyoto: Help support the work of the Kiyomizu pottery craftsmen with your visit to their workshop.

Must-see Highlights

: Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka

: Visit Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Gion District and Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, the bamboo groves in Arashiyama, Nara Park and Todaiji Temple in Nara, Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and Tsuyunoten Shrine and Umeda Sky Building in Osaka

: See the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama

: Scenic Cruise along the Sumida River in Tokyo and the Okawa River in Osaka

Whats Included

: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

: All porterage and restaurant gratuities

: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

: Optional Experiences and free time

: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

View our great airfares, hotels and travel insurance.