Highlights of Japan Escorted Tour

Start your journey in style with VIP airport lounge access before boarding your overnight flight to Tokyo.

Your exploration of Japan begins in a city where the traditions of old meet with ultra-modern architecture and cutting-edge technology. After checking into your centrally-located hotel, you’ll enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a charming local restaurant. The next day, head out on a half-day guided tour of Tokyo’s must-sees, by way of the city’s famously user-friendly public transport system. You’ll stop at the fascinating Edo-Tokyo Museum before moving on to the immaculately maintained Kokyo Gaien National Garden at the Imperial Palace. Then, you’ll return to your hotel for some well-earned relaxation – or, if you’d prefer, some time to explore the city at your own pace. Dinner included on Day 2 only.

Stay: Hotel Ann Asakusa (or similar)    

You’ll start your day at the iconic Matsumoto Castle, steeped in 400 years of history and breathtaking in its grandeur. Take in its towering black-and-white structure and brave the steep, narrow staircase to be rewarded with magnificent views over the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto City and the swans circling the moat below. Next you’ll move on to Tsumago, one of the best preserved ‘post towns’ in the country, which still retains its traditional Edo Period appearance and ambience. Round off a busy day with a mouthwatering included dinner at your hotel. 

Stay: Hotel Kisoji (or similar)

You’ll board the world-famous Shinkansen, or ‘bullet train’, as it’s more widely known, for the journey to Kyoto – Japan’s spiritual heart. After transferring to your hotel for check-in, you’ll be free to embark on your own exploration of the city’s traditional teahouses, food markets and Zen gardens. After breakfast the next day, it’s out of the hotel and onwards to a tour of the famed Arashiyama area. Experience the tranquil Gio-Ji Temple, a monument known for its verdant moss garden and dense tangle of maple trees, before moving on to Okochi-Sanso Villa to savour a complimentary matcha green tea and Japanese sweets in the charming gardens. Appetite satisfied, you’ll set your sights on the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to enjoy a stroll amidst the high-reaching stalks. 

Stay: The B Kyoto Shijo (or similar)    

You’ll meet with the Shinkansen for a second time as you make the short train journey to the historic city of Kurashiki, a former rice distribution centre that remains remarkably unspoiled by the passage of time. After exploring the romantic canal-side laneways, you’ll stop off at the Ohashi House, a one-of-a-kind property complete with beautiful tatami floors and paper sliding doors. The final stop of the day will be the port city of Takamatsu, where the afternoon will be yours to spend as you please.

Stay: Takamatsu Tokyu REI Hotel (or similar)    

Built by feudal lords during the Edo Period, the Ritsurin Garden is one of the most famous gardens in Japan – and it’s here that you’ll begin your day. With plenty of masterfully kept ponds, bridges, and footpaths to explore, there’s no better place to relax and feel at one with nature. Refreshed and rejuvenated, you’ll move on to the mountain slopes and deep gorges of the remote Iya Valley and settle into your traditional Japanese-style hotel accommodation. You’ll have time to take a dip in the open-air hot spring baths, known as onsen, and soak up the beauty of your stunning surroundings before dinnertime. 

Stay: Hotel Iya Onsen (or similar)   

After leaving the mountains behind you, you’ll stop off in Okayama to purchase authentic Japanese bento boxes to eat during the bullet train journey to Hiroshima, the infamous site of the 1945 atomic bombing. On arrival, you’ll pay a moving visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, taking in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed A-Bomb Dome, the tragic remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall and one of the few buildings to remain standing after the catastrophic explosion. 

Stay: Vista Hotel Hiroshima (or similar)

You’ll head today for Miyajima Island, where a combination of mountains, sea and the world-famous ‘floating’ Torii gate* make for mystical views and excellent photo opportunities. You’ll visit the 12th-century World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine before moving on to the delightful Momijidani Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to climb Mt Misen via ropeway. Although the surrounding area is renowned for its colourful autumn foliage, the vistas from the mountaintop are undeniably beautiful at any time of year. 

Your journey will continue to its final stop, the gastronomic haven of Osaka. This morning, you’ll have some time to explore the city’s famous 16th-century castle and its surrounding park. Five storeys high and decorated with lavish gold motifs, the castle is filled with fascinating artefacts detailing Osaka’s history. After paying an afternoon visit to the striking Umeda Sky Building’s observatory, you’ll be free to hunt down some delicious cuisine on Takimi-Koji Street, a renowned foodie haunt. 

Stay: Shin Osaka Esaka Tokyu REI Hotel (or similar)

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head for the airport ready for your return flight to the UK.