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 dinner with drinks.

Day 2

Explore Vibrant Tokyo Dive Into Culture

This morning, Dive into Culture with a Local Specialist and learn the mesmerising, rhythmic art of Taiko drumming, one of Japan’s most popular cultural icons.

Enjoy lunch at a Sumo-themed izakaya, then continue to the old-time entertainment centre of Asakusa to visit the Sensō-ji Buddhist Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Take a stroll down Nakamise shopping street before boarding a cruise along the Sumida River to admire Tokyo’s modern skyline, the traditional neighbourhoods of old Edo and the beautiful Hama-rikyū Garden. Later, return to your hotel for time at leisure.

Day 3

Majestic Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi

The slopes of snow-capped Mt.

Fuji welcome you as you journey from Tokyo to this UNESCO-listed site. Admire views of the surrounding countryside from its 5th station, a vantage point at 2,300 metres (weather permitting). After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. On a clear, still day, you may even catch the perfect reflection of Mt. Fuji mirrored in the lake’s calm waters—a picture-perfect moment.

Day 4

Continue to Kyoto

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, you’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 that bloom in spring and its stunning landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering bamboo groves and see the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. Connect with nature in the Zen gardens of Tenryuji Temple, then spend some free time at Nishiki Market, a traditional food market known to 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, board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima, a lively city that celebrates peace in the shadow of the previous century’s devastation.

Your first stop is to a local restaurant where you’ll enjoy an Okonomiyaki 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 like 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, 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 through the central city for your first glimpse of sights including the incredible Umeda Sky Building, before checking in to your hotel. 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. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 10

See the Sights of Osaka

Start the day with a visit to Osaka Castle, learning how this rebuilt landmark has watched over the city through centuries of change.

Later, join a Local Specialist to walk through downtown Osaka and the Dotonbori area, passing canalside eateries, neon signs and narrow Hōzenji Yokocho with its lanterns and small temple. You’ll then have free time to shop for last-minute gifts, try street food like takoyaki or explore more of the city. This evening, come together for a final dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers to mark the end of your journey through Japan.

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)

5 Lunch (L)

1 Dinner (D)

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: Spend some time learning the art of Taiko Drumming with your Local Specialist. Once used in temples and battlefields, this tradition is all about energy and rhythm. After a demonstration, it’s your turn to get hands-on—discovering the techniques and coordination behind this instrument.  

Iconic Experience

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

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

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 another side of Osaka in Dotonbori, a lively entertainment district known for its theatres and street food. You’ll walk the main strip with your Local Specialist 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. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Kyoto: Support the craft of Kiyomizu pottery artisans with a visit to their workshop. Your participation directly contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka

Visit Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Gion District and Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Nara Park and Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, and Tsuyunoten Shrine and the 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

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