Essence of Japan - From Tokyo to Osaka

Japan is a country of striking contrasts, where ancient traditions continue to shape daily life and centuries of history are quietly woven into the modern world. This journey brings together the country’s cultural highlights and lesser-known corners, offering a thoughtful exploration of both its past and present.
From the energy of Tokyo’s streets to the refined elegance of Kyoto’s temples and gardens, you’ll experience places that have shaped Japan’s identity over generations. Along the way, travel into the Japanese Alps, visit traditional villages, and discover regional crafts, cuisine and customs that reflect the depth of local life.
Carefully paced and rich in variety, this tour blends guided visits with time to explore independently, allowing you to immerse yourself in each destination. The result is a rewarding and well-rounded introduction to Japan—one that captures its character through landscapes, heritage and distinctive cultural experiences. 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Departure from London
Depart London on your overnight flight to Tokyo. As you travel east, look ahead to a journey that blends centuries-old traditions with the energy of modern Japan.

Day 2: Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and meet your tour manager, who will guide you through your first glimpse of this remarkable city. Begin with views across the skyline from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observatory before stepping into the calm of Meiji Jingu Shrine, set within a peaceful wooded park. Continue to the lively streets of Harajuku, known for its youthful character, then stroll along the elegant boulevard of Omotesando. Later, visit Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, and see the much-loved Hachiko Statue. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Tokyo: Old Traditions and New Ideas
This morning, visit historic Asakusa, home to Sensoji Temple, where incense drifts through the air and visitors gather in quiet reflection. Take time to explore Nakamise Street, lined with traditional stalls. View the impressive Tokyo Skytree before enjoying a hands-on sushi-making experience, offering a taste of Japanese culinary culture. In the afternoon, visit teamLAB Planets, an immersive digital art space, followed by a walk at Odaiba Seaside Park, looking across Tokyo Bay. End the day with views of Tokyo illuminated at night, before a free evening.

Day 4: Tokyo: Contrasts of the Capital
Walk along Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue, especially striking in autumn, before visiting the Imperial Palace Plaza, home to the Emperor. Continue to Ginza, Tokyo’s refined shopping and cultural district, known for its mix of tradition and modern design. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore independently.

Day 5: Mount Fuji & Matsumoto
Leave Tokyo and travel towards Mount Fuji, Japan’s most recognisable landmark. Stop at Oishi Park for views across Lake Kawaguchi, then continue up to the 5th Station for a closer perspective. Travel onward to Matsumoto, pausing for a sake tasting along the way—an introduction to one of Japan’s oldest traditions. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 6: Matsumoto to Takayama
Visit the Daio Wasabi Farm, set among clear mountain streams, before exploring the striking Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s best-preserved historic castles. Learn about traditional food production at a miso brewery, then continue into the Japanese Alps to Takayama. Spend time wandering its Old Town, where wooden merchant houses reflect the Edo period. Dinner is included.

Day 7: Shirakawa-go & Kanazawa
Travel to Shirakawa-go, known for its distinctive thatched farmhouses. Visit Kanda House to gain an understanding of life in this rural community.
Continue to Kanazawa, where you’ll explore the former samurai district, including the Nomura Samurai House, followed by a walk along Higashichaya Street, once a centre of geisha culture.

Day 8: Kanazawa to Kyoto
Begin at Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens, carefully designed to reflect the changing seasons. Take part in cultural workshops that offer insight into traditional crafts, then travel to Kyoto via Lake Biwa, stopping at a local shrine along the way. Dinner is included on arrival.

Day 9: Kyoto: Temples and Landscapes
Discover some of Kyoto’s most well-known sites, including the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and Ryoanji Temple, famous for its rock garden. In Arashiyama, walk through the Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryuji Temple, set within landscaped gardens. The evening is at leisure.

Day 10: Kyoto: Culture and Daily Life
Visit historic Nijo Castle, once the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Continue to Nishiki Market, a lively food market offering regional specialities. Experience a traditional tea ceremony, then visit Kiyomizu Temple, set on a hillside overlooking the city. End the day in Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district.

Day 11: Hiroshima & Miyajima
Board the bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit Peace Memorial Park, a place of reflection and remembrance. Continue to Miyajima Island to see the Itsukushima Shrine, known for its torii gate appearing to float on the water. Travel onward to Okayama.

Day 12: Gardens & Historic Towns
Visit Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s finest traditional gardens, then explore Shikokumura Museum, which preserves historic buildings from across the region. Later, visit Kurashiki, known for its canal-side warehouses and long-standing merchant history. Continue to Osaka for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13: Osaka
Discover Osaka on a guided walking tour through Namba. Visit Kuromon Market, known for its fresh produce and street food, and continue to the lively district of Dotonbori, famous for its bright signs and atmosphere. The afternoon is free to explore independently.

Day 14: Return to London
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to London.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 20 travellers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as demanding due to the amount of time spent walking and standing for viewing at attractions. Some of the days will be early starts with time spent travelling by coach or train. This tour includes lots of changes of hotel, some just for overnight stays due to the distance covered on tour. For further information, please visit the mobility page on our website, or call our team if you have any questions prior to booking. 

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo
• Flight from Osaka to Tokyo
• Twelve nights’ accommodation at the below listed hotels, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Breakfast daily
• 6 dinners
• 5 lunches
• All tours and entrance fees as detailed
• Airport transfers and full coach touring itinerary
• Three bullet train journeys
• Accompanied by a local tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Twin room for sole use supplement - £720
• Meals other than those stated
• Drinks with meals
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities
• Travel insurance

HOTEL

Tokyo – The Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-chome (3 nights)
This stylish 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most sophisticated districts, within easy reach of shops, restaurants and transport links. Facilities include a restaurant, bar and 24-hour front desk, offering a comfortable base in the capital. Guest rooms are modern and well-appointed, featuring air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Hotel Website

Matsumoto – Hotel Buena Vista (1 night)
The 4-star Hotel Buena Vista enjoys a convenient location close to Matsumoto Station, ideal for exploring the city and surrounding alpine scenery. The hotel offers a range of dining options, along with comfortable public spaces and attentive service. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped, with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge and en-suite facilities.
Hotel Website

Takayama – Hilton Takayama Resort (1 night)
Set on a hillside overlooking the Japanese Alps, this 4-star resort offers a peaceful setting just outside central Takayama. Facilities include restaurants, hot spring baths (onsen) and lounge areas with panoramic views. Rooms are generously sized and comfortable, featuring air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, seating areas and traditional touches.
Hotel Website

Kanazawa – Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (1 night)
This elegant 4-star hotel is centrally located next to Kanazawa Station, providing easy access to the city’s main cultural sights. Guests can enjoy several restaurants and a sky lounge with impressive views over the city. Rooms are bright and well-appointed, offering free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and modern en-suite bathrooms.
Hotel Website

Kyoto – Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (3 nights)
Located opposite Kyoto Station, this well-positioned 4-star hotel offers excellent access to transport and nearby attractions. Facilities include a choice of restaurants, a café and comfortable communal areas. Rooms are practical and comfortable, featuring air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a refrigerator and tea-making facilities.
Hotel Website

Okayama – Hotel Granvia Okayama (1 night)
Directly connected to Okayama Station, this 4-star hotel is ideally situated for travel and sightseeing in the region. The hotel features a range of restaurants, a bar and leisure facilities including an indoor pool (seasonal). Rooms are modern and well-equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and spacious en-suite bathrooms.
Hotel Website

Osaka – Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba (2 nights)
This contemporary 3 to 4-star hotel is located in Osaka’s lively Namba district, within walking distance of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Facilities include a restaurant, fitness centre and relaxed communal spaces. Rooms are compact yet comfortable, offering air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Hotel Website