Days 1-2

Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the vibrant, neon-bright metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
- Dinner
Day 3

Explore Tokyo
As modern as Tokyo may appear, behind the neon facade is a traditional soul that is easy to find amongst the old alleyways, temples and shrines of the Edo era. Today, you will explore the city, ascending the Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest tower. Stop to soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji and browse the stalls of Nakamise shopping street. Drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and take a stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens. This evening, cruise the waters of Tokyo Bay and enjoy dinner from the perfect vantage point to admire the supercharged lights of the city.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4

Mount Fuji
Travel by road from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, where you'll ascend 2,400 metres up Japan's most iconic sight to the 5th Station (weather permitting - if the road to the 5th Station is closed, you will instead visit the Fuji Visitor Centre). Transfer to the spa region of Hakone. Embark on a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi, keeping an eye out for the vermilion torii gates that nestle in the surrounding hills and in the shallows of the lake itself. Next, fly high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway to the summit of Mt Komagatake for views of Mt Fuji. Stay overnight in Mishima.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5

Bullet train to Kyoto
Transfer to Odawara Station, jump onboard the bullet train and whizz your way to Kyoto. Capital for a millennium, Kyoto was also the heart of religion, philosophy, art and cuisine, making it a treasure trove of history and culture. It is here that all of the best known cultural arts were born. This afternoon, visit the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine, the most important of several thousands of dedicated to the god Inari. Follow the pathway through thousands of vermilion torii gates that leads through a complex of shrines spread over a peaceful, forested hillside.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6

Explore Kyoto
Begin the day with a visit to one of Japan's most famous temples, Kinkakuji, the 'Golden Pavilion'. Set amongst classical Japanese Zen gardens and on the edge of a reflecting pool, the temple's main hall is covered in gold leaf - a breathtaking sight no matter what season you visit in. Continue to Ryoanji, a zen temple that is home to Japan's most famous Zen garden. Enjoy a taste of authentic Japanese culture, experiencing the elegant ritual of a tea ceremony with a tea master and learn the traditional art of calligraphy.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7

Explore Nara and Osaka
This morning, depart for Nara. Another former capital, Nara also has a huge cultural legacy, considered second only to Kyoto’s. This picturesque, compact city is truly charming. Spend the morning discovering Todaiji Temple which houses the magnificent Daibutsu, a 15-metre-tall bronze statue of Buddha. Here, you will also meet Nara’s famous sika deer. Stroll around Isuien, a prime example of a Meiji-era (1868-1912) garden. Continue to Osaka, and explore the Dotonbori district. Later, you can learn about the turbulent history of the magnificent Osaka Castle.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8

Fly Osaka to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
- Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Nights 2

Sunshine City Prince Hotel

3-1-5 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima 170-8440 Tokyo Prefecture
The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
- Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking
Night 1

Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

1320 Gora, 1320 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0408, Japan

This contemporary spa hotel in the mountainous Hakone area features sleek rooms with balconies or terraces, and include minibars, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. There are 2 stylish restaurants in addition to a plush lounge. Other perks include a day spa and a geothermal traditional onsen.
Nights 2

Rihga Gran Kyoto

1 Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8003 Kyoto Prefecture
Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
- Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking
- Bar
Night 1

Hotel Monterey Osaka

3-3-45 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0001 Osaka Prefecture
Situated in central Osaka, the Hotel Monterey Osaka is directly connected to Namba train station and just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori Shopping Street. The hotel features 4 dining options with panoramic city views. Guest rooms feature British-Style interiors and modern practical amenities.
- Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life and autumn (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.