Experience Japan

This tour not only visits the famous sights of Japan including Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mt Fuji and Tokyo, but is brimful of experiences allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture, from traditional tea ceremonies to origami.

Group Tour Includes:

Full Itinerary

Day 1-2 Fly Overnight to Osaka

Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka! Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 Discover Nara

Visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River. After lunch, continue to Nara and enjoy a leisurely walk through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Gardens before returning to Osaka.

Day 4 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Journey by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Start with a visit to Togetsukyo Bridge located in the heart of the vibrant district of Arashiyama and stroll through the bamboo forest with its towering and impressive thickets. Also visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japans most famous zen garden and the famous Golden Pavilion Kinkakuji Temple. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to further explore the city.

Day 5 Experience Tokyo

Begin the day with a visit to one of Kyotos most famous sites Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates and follow a forested hillside pathway passing numerous shrines along the way. Later, enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master, and try your hand at origami. After lunch, your immersive experience continues with a fan painting class where you will learn the technique of this highly refined and sought-after visual art.

Day 6 See the Snow Monkeys

Spend the morning travelling by bullet train to Nagoya and then journey on the limited express train to Nagano. Upon arrival, head to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen and walk through a picturesque, forested valley to the hot pools where you will see the famous Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play. Also visit the 7th-century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japans most popular Buddhist temples, before continuing by road to Matsumoto.

Day 7 Miso & Sake Tasting

Begin the day with a visit to the magnificent 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, also known as Crow Castle, due to its intense black exterior. Next, head to a miso house and learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. After lunch, visit a sake brewery and enjoy a tipple or two! There will be some free time this afternoon to further explore Matsumoto.

Day 8 Mount Fuji

Travel by road to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th Station to view Mt Fuji (weather permitting). Also, enjoy a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi before taking to the skies on the Komagatake Ropeway to enjoy the breathtaking scenery below. Continue to Mishima and stay overnight.

Day 9 Kamakura Grand Buddha

Journey to Kamakura, a popular coastal city located south of Tokyo. Visit Kotokuin Temple, which houses Japans second tallest bronze buddha statue, followed by a stroll through Komachi Street which is lined with pretty little shops before visiting Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakuras most important shrine. After lunch, continue to Tokyo and enjoy a leisurely walk though Hamarikyu Gardens.

Day 10 Discover Tokyo

Begin the day by ascending to the observation deck at the Tokyo Skytree, the worlds tallest tower, for panoramic views over the city below. Next, head to the old district of Asakusa and soak up the atmosphere at Sensoji, Tokyos oldest and most famous temple, before browsing the stalls on Nakamise shopping street. After lunch, explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about Tokyos historical heritage. End the day with a cruise on the waters of Tokyo Bay and enjoy dinner from the perfect vantage point to admire the supercharged lights of the city.

Day 11 Fly Tokyo to UK

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