Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Takayama Festival

Visit Japan

Day 1

Konnichiwa Tokyo

Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo.

On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a drink and local appetisers.

Day 2

Explore Vibrant Tokyo

Begin your city tour in Asakusa, Tokyo’s historic entertainment district, where you’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, one of the city’s most colourful and popular temples.

Founded in 628 and rebuilt many times over the centuries, Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Next, stroll down Nakamise Street and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colourful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower, for panoramic views of the city skyline. End the day with a stroll around Ginza, Tokyo’s famous shopping district.

Day 3

Off to the Five Lakes District

Start your day at the Imperial Palace Plaza, where you’ll view the two bridges leading to the palace’s inner grounds.

Walk through the East Gardens, a peaceful space once part of the original Edo Castle. At the Tokyo National Museum, take time to browse the country’s oldest collection of Japanese art. Then, join a sushi chef to learn how to prepare this iconic dish. Head into the Fuji Five Lakes District and look out for Mt. Fuji dominating the horizon. In the small village of Oshino Hakkai, discover eight clear spring‑fed ponds—registered as a component of the Mount Fuji UNESCO World Heritage site—and see how snowmelt from Mt. Fuji supports rural life in this scenic part of Japan.

Day 4

Majestic Mt.

Fuji and Timeless Takayama

Journey up Mt. Fuji by road to the 5th Station, sitting 2,300 m (7,546 ft) above sea level. From here, take in sweeping views over Lake Kawaguchiko and the surrounding peaks before travelling through the scenic landscapes of the Japanese Alps to Takayama, a hillside town known for its traditional streets and mountain setting. Tonight, settle into your hotel where you’ll sit down to dinner together.

Day 5

Join the Locals at the Takayama Festival

Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama’s Old Town.

Enjoy lunch featuring Japanese Hida-gyu, beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed renowned for its quality. After lunch, soak up the town’s festive atmosphere as you admire the intricately carved yatai (floats), some dating back to the 17th century, featuring karakuri ningyo (mechanical marionettes) that move and dance under the skilled control of tsuna kata (puppeteers). This evening, head to the peaceful UNESCO-listed village of Gokayama, set among five mountain valleys, to watch local artisans make washi paper and try your hand at crafting your own during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that supports the sustainability of this small business. Later, return to your hotel.

Day 6

Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa

Continue your time in the peaceful UNESCO-listed village of Gokayama this morning.

Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses, built without the use of nails, with steeply sloped thatched roofs designed to prevent snow from accumulating. Then, continue to Kanazawa, take a short walk through Omicho Market and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in this busy coastal town. Next, visit the gardens of Kenroku-en, shaped over a hundred years before meeting a Local Specialist to learn the secrets of gold leaf painting.

Day 7

Onwards to Kyoto Connect with Locals

Board an express train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital.

Begin your visit with a walking tour through the Gion district, known for its wooden machiya townhouses and long-standing geisha traditions. Then visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple. Set in peaceful gardens beside a reflective pond, this Zen temple is best known for the Kinkaku, or Golden Pavilion — once a 14th-century villa and now one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks.

Day 8

Discover Enchanting Kyoto

The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide your path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century.

Continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the intricate detail of its 1,001 statues of the ���thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy. Later, Connect with Locals at a traditional restaurant on your Be My Guest experience. Learn about local Japanese customs from your hosts over a shared meal. This evening, enjoy dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Day 9

Cross the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island Stays With Stories

This morning, leave Japan’s main island Honshu behind as you cross the world’s largest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island.

Enjoy free time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. One of the most striking features is the ‘100 Stepped Garden’ — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens arranged in grids across several levels on an incline. Visit the Water Temple and admire the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters. Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira, where tonight's accommodation is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional Japanese ryokan. You'll have time this evening to climb the steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside. Later, perhaps unwind with a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at the hotel.

Day 10

Spiritual Kotohira and Onwards to Hiroshima

This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, the birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi.

It is the 75th temple on the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey covering approximately 1,200 kilometres, traditionally completed on foot over 60 days. Today, many pilgrims undertake the route, though modern methods includes cars, taxis, buses, bicycles and motorcycles. Continue to Ōshima Island and stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Then, drive to Hiroshima via the scenic Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometre highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 11

Set Sail for Miyajima Island Dive Into Culture

Travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island, where you’ll see the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and admire its iconic torii gate, which stands majestically in the sea.

After some free time for lunch and to explore the island’s spiritual sanctuaries, return to Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that followed the world’s first atomic explosion in 1945 as you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area, now a powerful symbol of hope for world peace. This evening, indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate.

Day 12

High Speed Bullet Train to Osaka

Board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Dotonbori Street area.

Visit Osaka Castle, a historic landmark that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the memories made during your journey.

Day 13

Departure from Osaka

Your encounter with Japan’s age-old traditions and modern cityscapes comes to an end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.

Dining Summary

12 Breakfast (B)

4 Lunch (L)

7 Dinner (D)

Be My Guest

Kyoto: Meet Nakamura Family for a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese Restaurant near Kyoto and learn about local customs.

Iconic Experience

Tokyo: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, in the historic Asakusa district. Wander through Nakamise Arcade, lined with traditional treats and crafts, before arriving at the main hall, a symbol of faith, resilience and local spirit.

Tokyo: Rise above the skyline at Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. From its observation deck, you’ll take in panoramic views of the city, from Mount Fuji to Tokyo Bay. It’s a modern marvel and an unforgettable moment that will leave you awestruck.

Ginza: With the guidance of your professional sushi chef, make your own selection of sushi specialities. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labour with a delicious lunch.

Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.

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

Takayama: Join the locals at the Takayama Festival.

Gokayama: Take some time to admire the peaceful mountain village of Gokayama. Discover their unique homes that have been built without the use of nails and their sloped thatched roofs. 

Kanazawa: Learn about the delicacy of the 16th-century craft gold leaf painting with your Local Specialist.

Kanazawa: Step back in time at the Nomura Samurai House, once home to a respected warrior family. Explore its gardens, traditional architecture and treasured artefacts. You’ll learn about samurai life and honour in feudal Japan with a rare glimpse into the elegance of Edo-period craftsmanship.

Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.  

Kotohira: Bask in the breath-taking views as we visit Kotohiragu Shrine.  

Hiroshima: Admire the islands of the Seto Inland Sea as you travel across the Shimanami Kaido Expressway.

Hiroshima: Spend some time admiring the majestic Itsukushima Shrine.

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

Hiroshima: Sample the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki.

Osaka: Discover another side of Osaka in Dotonbori, a lively entertainment district known for its theatres and street food. You’ll walk the main strip before turning into Hōzenji Yokocho, a stone-paved alley lined with traditional eateries leading to a small temple where locals splash water over a moss-covered statue for good luck.

Osaka Castle: Visit Osaka Castle, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful samurai leader who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Gokayama: Help support a local business with a visit to a washi paper workshop. You'll watch the family at work and test your paper-making skills for yourself. Your experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima

Visit the Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall in Kyoto, the Water Temple on Awaji Island, Zentsuji Temple, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and Osaka Castle

View Mt. Fuji

See the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa

Trafalgar Difference

Kyoto: Enjoy genuine Japanese hospitality at a traditional ryokan in the mountain hot springs village of Kotohira.

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