We Love —
- Deciding when, where, and how you explore the majesty of Japan with the freedom of this self-guided tour and cosy hotels.
- Getting around this beautiful country easily with a Japan Rail Pass to take you where you want to go.
- Visiting historic temples and shrines then sampling the fabulous culinary offerings that are unique to each region of the country.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
This self-guided tour will take you from Osaka to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, via Kyoto, the ancient capital, Hiroshima and Takayama, in the heart of the Japanese Alps.
Your itineraries:
14-night tour:
Days 1 to 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka - Kyoto
Days 4 to 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto - Kanazawa
Day 8: Kanazawa
Day 9: Kanazawa - Takayama
Day 10: Takayama
Days 11 to 14: Takayama - Tokyo
Day 15: Departure from Tokyo
18-night tour:
Days 1 to 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka - Hiroshima
Day 4: Hiroshima
Day 5: Hiroshima - Himeji
Day 6: Himeji - Okayama
Day 7: Okayama
Day 8: Okayama - Kyoto
Days 9 to 11: Kyoto
Day 12: Kyoto - Kanazawa
Day 13: Kanazawa
Day 14: Kanazawa - Takayama
Day 15: Takayama
Day 16: Takayama - Tokyo
Days 17 to 18: Tokyo
Day 19: Departure from Tokyo
21-night tour:
Days 1-8 of this itinerary are identical to those in the 10-night offer
Days 9 to 12: Kyoto
Day 13: Kyoto - Kanazawa
Day 14: Kanazawa
Day 15: Kanazawa - Nagano
Day 16: Nagano
Day 17: Nagano - Takayama
Day 18: Takayama
Day 19: Takayama - Tokyo
Days 20 to 21: Tokyo
Day 22: Departure from Tokyo
Your itinerary in detail —
Osaka, Hiroshima and Himeji
Osaka
Your visit begins in one of Japan's most famous cities: Osaka. Although it looks modern at first glance, it has retained some of its historic sites, such as the castle, which dates back to the 16th-century shogunate and has been restored several times over the years. Enjoy the flavours and nightlife of this lively city.
Hiroshima
Visit Hiroshima and the surrounding area to explore its historic sites, including the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, as well as its vibrant modern culture, ensuring a meaningful and inspiring journey through this resilient city.
Our suggestions:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- The peace monuments (the dome, the memorial to young Sadako Sasaki, one of the many victims of radiation)
- The famous Hiroshima Castle
- Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its large torii, world-famous and much-photographed
- Folklore museum (Egami house)
- Senjôkaku Shinto temple and pagoda
Note: Miyajima's great torii is currently being renovated for an indefinite period.
Himeji
Himeji is one of the jewels in the crown of Japan. Admire the temples and traditional castles, such as the White Heron Castle, or the lush, carefully landscaped gardens of this magnificent piece of land.
Our suggestions:
- Himeji Castle
- Koko-en Gardens
- Engyo-ji, a Buddhist temple set in the mountains
- Shoshazan cable car
Okayama, Kyoto, and Kanazawa
Okayama
Okayama is a city in Japan known for its stunning blend of traditional charm and modern vibrancy. Explore its iconic Korakuen Garden, historic castles, and thriving arts scene, offering a delightful experience where the past gracefully mingles with the present.
Our suggestions:
- Korakuen Garden
- Kibiji cycle path
- Kurashiki Bikan historic district
Kyoto
Step into Kyoto, Japan's cultural treasure trove, where centuries-old temples, traditional tea houses, and serene gardens transport you to a bygone era of elegance and spirituality. Explore the city's timeless beauty, from the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine to the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japanese heritage that awaits at every turn.
Our suggestions:
- Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
- The Gion district and the Philosopher's Trail
- Ryoanji Zen Garden, a famous dry landscape
- Kiyomizu-dera, a thousand-year-old temple overlooking the city
- Nishiki market, where you can find ingredients typical of Kyoto cuisine
- Nijo Castle and its 'nightingale' parquet floors
- Arashiyama bamboo forest, west of Kyoto
- The Ginkaku-ji temple or 'Silver Pavilion'. This pavilion is a national heritage site. The garden is a fine example of Karesansui (stone garden)
- Teramachi, Kyoto's main street. Around 400 metres away, you'll find around a hundred shops and restaurants serving Kansai specialities!
- Take a day trip to Nara, 1 hour from Kyoto by JR train (included in the JR Pass) and its thousands of free-roaming deer
Kanazawa
Located between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, Kanazawa has a lot to offer travellers. Discover its beautifully preserved geisha districts, traditional tea ceremonies, and a flourishing arts scene, making it a destination where the elegance of the past harmonizes with modern innovation.
Our suggestions:
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's magnificent Japanese garden
- Nagamachi, the samurai quarter and the former Nomura residence
- Higashiyama, one of the city's three geisha districts
- The Museum of Contemporary Art and its open-air gallery
- Omicho, the Japanese seafood market
Tokyo, Nagano, and Takayama
Tokyo
Tokyo is more than just a city, it's a fascinating juxtaposition of motley districts, skyscrapers, neon signs, temples and traditional shrines. From the serene beauty of traditional gardens to the bustling energy of Akihabara's electronic shops, Tokyo offers a diverse and captivating experience for every traveler.
Our suggestions:
- The Asakusa district and Senso-ji temple
- The Tokyo Skytree, 634 metres high, and the Tokyo Tower, symbol of the city
- Ueno Park and its many museums
- The districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku
- Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden in the middle of Tokyo's buildings
- The Imperial Palace Gardens Meiji-jingu Shrine
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district
- Harajuku: the avant-garde district
Nagano
Nagano, a city surrounded by the breathtaking Japanese Alps, invites you to discover its serene beauty and cultural heritage. Home to the historic Zenko-ji Temple and host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano seamlessly blends tradition and modernity in a setting of natural splendor.
Our suggestions:
- Zenko-ji temple
- The ruins of Matsushiro castle
- Togakushi jinja, a Shinto shrine
- Lake Kagami
Takayama
Nicknamed "the little Kyoto of the Japanese Alps", Takayama is famous for its feudal city and charming lanes lined with superb traditional houses. Stroll through the charming old town, explore local craft shops, and savor the region's famed Hida beef, all while experiencing the authentic rural culture of Japan.
Our suggestions:
- The old merchant quarter of Sanmachi-dōri
- Takayama Jinya and its buildings dating from the Edo era
- The Higashiyama promenade leading to the Shiroyama public park and castle ruins
- The folk village of Hida
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
For a guaranteed rest during your escapade to discover Japan, you can choose between Standard and Superior accommodation.
Your Standard hotels during the tour:
Osaka: Hearton Nishi-Umeda or Hearton Shinsaibashi
Hiroshima: Apa Hiroshima Ekimae Ohashi or Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima
Himeji: Wing International Himeji or Comfort Hotel Himeji
Okayama: Okayama Koraku or Daiwa Roynet Okayama Ekimae
Kyoto: Hearton Kyoto or Hotel Gimmond
Kanazawa: Kanazawa Mystays Castle or Hotel Kanazawa
Takayama: Spa Hotel Alpina Hidatakayama or Takayama Ouan
Tokyo: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hamamatsucho Daimon or Agora Place Asakusa
Your Superior hotels during the tour:
Osaka: Namba Oriental or Ana Crowne Plaza Osaka
Hiroshima: Ana Crowne Plaza Hiroshima or Oriental Hiroshima
Himeji: Monterey Himeji or Daiwa Roynet Himeji
Okayama: Granvia Okayama or Ana Crowne Plaza Okayama
Kyoto: Oriental Kyoto Rokujo or Almont Kyoto
Kanazawa: Ana Crowne Plaza Kanazawa or Ana Holiday Inn Kanazawa Sky
Takayama: Spa Alpina Hidatakayama or Takayama Ouan
Tokyo: Monterey La Soeur Ginza or East21 Tokyo
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, you will enjoy board as per the itinerary, which consists of a daily breakfast.
Included hotel services —
Pocket Wifi
Stay connected during your trip with included pocket wifi, enabling you to have internet access through your phone in Japan.
Your journey to Japan —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Baggage, meals and other services on board certain flights may be subject to a charge. You will find out whether your airfare includes baggage when you choose your airline and timetable. If your fare does not include baggage, please go to the airline's website before your departure with your travel file reference to find out the exact fare and purchase your extra baggage. If you choose a low-cost airline, you will be able to add your baggage during the booking process. For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving baggage, so you will have to pay for it at the airport counter. You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Kyoto
If you're looking for old Japan, Kyoto is a must: tranquil gardens, sublime temples and colourful shrines can be found in abundance. While the rest of Japan has embraced modernity, Kyoto still keeps traditions alive.
Take a stroll through the Nishijin district and spy some of the older residents emerging from the machiya (traditional townhouses) to ladle water onto their porch. If you go by an old shōtengai (shopping street) you can admire the ancient speciality shops: tofu sellers, fishmongers, pickle vendors and tea merchants.
Kanazawa
Touched with the grand allure of its past, Kanazawa prides itself on being a historical jewel of Japan. It is best known for being home to one of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens - Kenrokuen - a castle garden originating from the 17th century.
It's easy to discover this nostalgic city in a few days, admiring its celebrated penchant for the traditional arts, including hand-painted silks and lacquerware, ceramics and delicate gold leaf work. Spot a geisha at work, discover authentic tea houses and inns, and wade your way through the market.
Okayama
Okayama is the largest city in the Chugoku Region right after Hiroshima. It has its own charm and, like Matsumoto, is known for the 16th-century Okayama Castle with its intriguing black exterior. As well as being an important transportation hub, the city is also home to stunning natural places including the expansive Korakuen Garden, which is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Tokyo
One of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its modernity, neon-lit landscape and towering skyscrapers, it is also home to sprawling parkland, peaceful shrines and temples and lovingly tended gardens.
Despite its love affair with manga pop culture, fashion, high-tech trends and conspicuous consumption, below the surface is a city that has its roots in ancient heritage. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples stand close to skyscrapers as a reminder of a more contemplative time, and at the heart of the hyperactive centre lies the serene Imperial Palace, the home of the ruling emperor that provides a tangible link to the city’s historical past.
Behind the shopping, entertainment and commercial emporia can be found quaint wooden houses, private gardens with meticulously clipped bonsai trees and the Zen-like calm of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Discover the fascinating and exquisite culture of Japan, where the ancient and modern worlds collide. The city’s reputation as a mega-expensive metropolis is ill-conceived, and visitors can take advantage of inexpensive izakaya bars and neighbourhood cafés that serve delicious noodles and rice dishes.
