Day 2 Tokyo
Meet your guide and explore Tokyo’s sights on a full day city tour. Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine and head to Omotesando. Wander through the historic streets of Asakusa and stroll through the geisha district.

Days 3-4 Tokyo to Kiso Valley
Relax in a ryokan in the stunning Kiso Valley. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere or hike a section of the ancient Nakasendo Highway.

Day 5 Kiso Valley to Nagano
Journey by bullet train to Nagano where you will meet a local guide and learn about the renowned Zenkoji Temple, home to what many believe to be, the first ever Buddhist statue brought to Japan.

Day 6 Nagano to Matsumoto
Day trip to Matsumoto and visit magnificent Matsumoto Castle, among the oldest and best-preserved castles in Japan.

Days 7-8 Nagano to Kanazawa
This morning, head to the castle town of Kanazawa. The following day, take the bus to admire the unique architectural style of Shirakawa-go before spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 9 Kanazawa to Kyoto
Catch the train to Kyoto. Visit a beautiful wooden townhouse where you will have a chance to try on a kimono and learn the intricacies of the traditional tea ceremony.

Day 10 Kyoto
Spend today with your guide and discover the highlights of Japan’s cultural capital, such as the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple and Gion, the atmospheric geisha district.

Day 11 Nara
Explore the delightful historic city of Nara, with its many temples, shrines and herds of free roaming tame deer.

Days 12-13 Kyoto to Hiroshima
Continue by train to Hiroshima to visit the deeply moving Peace Memorial Museum and Park. Later head to the scenic island of Miyajima to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine.

Day 14 Hiroshima to Tokyo
Head back to Tokyo for a final day in this fabulous city. Tonight, why not consider adding our Tokyo’s Street Food tour for a last supper to remember!

Day 15 Tokyo
Transfer to the airport.

Days 2-3 Kyoto
Over two days get to know this fantastic city. With a full day private tour discover highlights such as the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, Kiyomizudera Temple and Gion, the historic geisha district and enjoy a shared traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Day 4 Kyoto to Fuji Hakone NP
Journey by train to Hakone and enjoy mesmerising mountain scenery. Ride the cable car up Mount Owakudani or take a boat trip across Lake Ashinokoi. Stay overnight in a ryokan and enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner.

Day 5 Fuji Hakone NP to Tokyo
Continue by train to Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital where fast-paced city life lies within reach of historic temples and fascinating museums.

Days 6-7 Tokyo
See Tokyo’s sights with a full day private tour utilising the city’s super-efficient metro system. Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the vibrant, creative districts of Omotesando and Harajuku and the more traditional Yanaka and Asakusa neighbourhoods.

Day 8 Tokyo
Today is free for you to continue your sightseeing or do some shopping in Tokyo before transferring by train or shuttle bus to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 9 Tokyo to Busan, South Korea
Head to the airport for your onward flight to Busan, upon arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 10 Busan
A private guide will take you to visit the poignant United Nations Memorial Cemetery, pop in to the bustling Jagalchi Fish Market, stroll through the colourful Gamcheon Cultural Village and take a scenic cable car ride over the ocean.

Days 11-12 Busan to Gyeongju
Drive north to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gyeongju, known as the ‘museum without walls’. Explore the temples, palaces and tombs and experience the lifestyle of Korean Buddhist monks.

Day 12 Gyeongju to Seoul
Take a high speed train to Seoul. Get your first taste of South Korea’s vibrant capital with a delicious street food lunch at a traditional market before embarking on a sunset cruise for beautiful city views.

Days 13-14 Seoul
See the city’s highlights on a full day private tour including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village and the Seoul City Wall. The following day join a shared tour to the DMZ, the notorious border between North and South Korea.

Day 15 Seoul
Transfer to the airport.

Day 3 Tokyo to Mount Fuji
Depart Tokyo by the illustrious bullet train. Later float across Lake Ashi admiring the spectacular views of this area. Then you’ll ascend Mount Fuji by road to the fifth station for breath-taking views of Fuji.

Day 4 Mount Fuji to Matsumoto
Explore the formidable Matsumoto Castle. After lunch, stop at a Miso House to learn about the process of making this Japanese seasoning before continuing to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region.

Day 5 Takayama
Spend the day walking through the town of Takayama sightseeing. Experience the Miyagwa morning market with its delicious local produce and surrounding traditional houses.

Day 6 Takayama to Kanazawa
Catch a glimpse of rural Japan at Shirakawago, famous for its traditional farmhouses built in the unique gassho-zukuri architectural style. Attempt washi paper making at your next stop in Gokayama before travelling to Kanazawa.

Day 7 Kanazawa to Kyoto
This morning learns the delicate process of making gold leaf. Stroll through classic Higashi Chaya, visiting Ochaya Shima – a historical geisha house. Journey onwards for Kyoto.

Day 8 Kyoto
Today begins with traversing Ryoanji, the ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’ and the iconic Kinkakuji. This afternoon, head to an authentic Japanese wooden townhouse to try your hand at the art of orjgami and enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master.

Day 9 Kyoto to Nara
Stop by the Fushimi Inari Shrine, impressive for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates, enroute to Nara. Stroll through the undisturbed Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, and encounter the resident sika deer, before exploring Isuien Garden.

Day 10 Nara to Osaka
Japan’s most sacred mountain, the holy mountain of Koyasan is the tranquil heart of Shingon Buddhism. Enjoy the harmony and astonishing views as you discover Kongobuji Temple. Later, continue to Osaka.

Day 11 Osaka
Enter Osaka Castle, a beautiful testament to historic Japanese architecture. A short river cruise along Yogogawa River and stroll through Dotonbori, will lead you to restaurant hub, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch.

Day 12 Osaka
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Day 3 Tokyo
This morning visit the largest fish and seafood market in the world, Toyosu Fish Market where you can learn about the fishing industry and join a sushi making class.

Day 4 Tokyo to Tsumago
Take a train to a charming town of Tsumago, a protected cultural area. This evening enjoy an artfully presented dinner at a local minshuku where you also spend the night.

Day 5 Tsumago to Kanazawa
Continue by train to historic Kanazawa and explore the well-preserved samurai district. Learn about the lifestyle of Japan’s ancient, elite warrior class and visit the Nomura residence.

Day 6 Kanazawa
Visit the Myoryuji Temple, take a stroll through the Higashi Chaya district, explore one of the traditional wooden houses and gain insights into geisha culture. Then visit a local craft studio to learn to paint chopsticks with gold leaf.

Day 7 Kanazawa to Hiroshima
Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, where in the heart of the city you pay a visit to Peace Memorial Museum and Park, which commemorates the tragic atomic bombings of 1945.

Day 8 Hiroshima
Catch a ferry to Itsukushima Island to visit one of Japan’s most beautiful temples, the incredible Shinto shrine, which appears to float at high tide.

Day 9 Hiroshima to Kyoto
This morning explore the spectacular Himeji Castle. Later on, board a train to stunning Kyoto full of shrines and gardens to take a guided walk through the lantern-lined streets of the geisha district.

Day 10 Kyoto
Travel to the breathtaking Fushimi Inari shrine. Discover the ancient city of Nara, full of historic treasures and Japan’s oldest and largest temples, including Todaiji temple, home to the largest bronze Buddha in the world.

Days 11-12 Kyoto
Visit a local temple and meet a monk for a lesson in Zen meditation and calligraphy. Head to Kinkakuji, the temple of the golden pavilion. Learn about the basics of samurai etiquette and witness a memorable performance by kembu masters.

Day 4 Tokyo to Hakone
Board a train to the mountainous onsen town of Hakone. Ride a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani. Enjoy your feature stay in a traditional ryokan this evening and relax in your private onsen.

Days 5-6 Hakone to Takayama
Travel to Takayama and head out on a walking tour of the old town. Learn about the culinary scene and explore the Takayama Showa-kan Museum. Visit the morning market and see the colourful stalls.

Days 7-8 Takayama to Hiroshima
Travel to Hiroshima this morning and enjoy an orientation walk with your leader. On day 8 visit the Genbaku Dome and Peace Memorial Park and Museum. After, head to Miyajima to see the Shinto shrine and torii gate.

Days 9-10 Hiroshima to Kyoto
Journey to Kyoto by bullet train, stopping at Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji en route. Walk around the geisha district, visit the extravagant Kinkakuji Temple, enjoy a guided meditation session, and learn about Zen Buddhism from a monk.

Days 11-12 Kyoto
Head to Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine before visiting a sake brewery. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.