Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Upon arrival at Tokyo’s airport, you will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant and transferred to your hotel via public transport. Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is where futuristic innovation meets ancient tradition. After check-in, spend the evening at leisure, resting or beginning your exploration of this electrifying city.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Meals: None
Day 2: Tokyo City Tour – Cultural Wonders & Skyscraper Views
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before joining a full-day guided city tour of Tokyo. Begin with a panoramic view from the Bunkyo Civic Center observation deck, followed by a walk around the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge. Dive into Edo-period life at the Edo Fukagawa Museum and continue to the historic district of Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple and the vibrant Nakamise shopping street. Conclude your day with lunch and return to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3: Tokyo at Leisure or Optional Kamakura & Hakone Excursion
After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure or opt for an optional tour to the historic coastal town of Kamakura and the scenic hot spring region of Hakone. Highlights may include the Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, Owakudani volcanic valley, and Lake Ashi, with views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Return to Tokyo for a relaxed evening.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Tokyo to Kanazawa – Samurai Streets & Garden Serenity
After breakfast, depart Tokyo via high-speed Shinkansen to Kanazawa. Discover the exquisite Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s three great landscape gardens. Visit the Nomura Samurai Residence and the Geisha district of Higashi Chaya. In the evening, transfer to nearby Kaga Onsen for a traditional ryokan experience, where you’ll enjoy a Japanese-style dinner and soak in an onsen hot spring.
Overnight stay in Kaga Onsen.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Main luggage sent ahead to Osaka.
Day 5: Shirakawa-go & Journey to Osaka
After breakfast, check out and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go. This alpine village is famed for its gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses. Explore the charming architecture and scenic mountain views before continuing to Osaka. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Osaka.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Osaka to Hiroshima via Himeji Castle
Today, visit the iconic Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s best-preserved and most beautiful feudal-era castles. Wander the grounds and the tranquil Koko-en Gardens nearby. After the visit, travel onward to Hiroshima. Enjoy a Japanese-style dinner at your hotel and reflect on the historical depth of your journey.
Overnight stay in Hiroshima.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Main luggage sent ahead to Kyoto.
Day 7: Miyajima Island & Hiroshima Peace Memorials
Take a ferry to the spiritual island of Miyajima to visit the famed Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate. Return to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum. Later, board the Shinkansen for a scenic journey to Kyoto.
Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8: Kyoto, Nara & Fushimi Inari Exploration
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Kyoto and Nara. Visit the dazzling Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the serene Ryoan-ji Zen Garden. In Nara, marvel at the immense Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and meet the friendly deer in Nara Park. On the way back to Kyoto, explore the mesmerizing red torii paths at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Return to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9: Kyoto at Leisure or Optional Arashiyama Excursion
Spend your final full day in Japan at your own pace or join an optional guided tour to the scenic Arashiyama district. Highlights include the peaceful Tenryu-ji Temple, the photogenic Bamboo Grove, and the charming streets of Gion. A visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple can also be included for panoramic views over Kyoto.
Overnight stay in Kyoto.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Departure from Osaka (Kansai International Airport)
After breakfast, check out and make your way to Kansai International Airport for your flight back to London.
Meals: Breakfast
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