We Love —
- Touring Japan completely at your our own leisure with an included rail pass to take you seamlessly to each destination of your trip!
- Visiting iconic temples, and shrines, admiring beautiful gardens and soaking up the fascinating culture and history.
- Exploring the glittering cities, seeking out the best street food, and marvelling at the co-existance of tradition and modernity.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Immerse yourself in the striking world of Japan with this tour that will take you across the country. Between modernity and ancestral tradition, futuristic cities and traditional countryside, you will be amazed by the culture and history of this fascinating country.
Your itineraries:
14 nights/15 days tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka - Kyoto
Day 4 to 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto - Kanazawa
Day 8: Kanazawa
Day 9: Kanazawa - Takayama
Day 10: Takayama - Tokyo
Day 11 to 14: Tokyo
Day 15: Departure
18 nights/19 days tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka - Hiroshima
Day 4: Hiroshima
Day 5: Hiroshima - Himeji
Day 6: Himeji - Okayama
Day 7: Okayama
Day 8: Okayama - Kyoto
Day 9 to 11: Kyoto
Day 12: Kyoto - Kanazawa
Day 13: Kanazawa
Day 14: Kanazawa - Takayama
Day 15: Takayama - Tokyo
Day 16 to 18: Tokyo
Day 19: Departure
21 nights/22 days tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Day 2: Osaka
Day 3: Osaka - Hiroshima
Day 4: Hiroshima
Day 5: Hiroshima - Himeji
Day 6: Himeji - Okayama
Day 7: Okayama
Day 8: Okayama - Kyoto
Day 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 - Tokyo
Day 19 to 21: Tokyo
Day 22: Departure
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Osaka and Kyoto
Osaka: Arrival in Osaka. Enjoy a short stay in Japan's gastronomic capital and immerse yourself in the culture through food. Known for its quality street food, you will discover a dynamic modern port city with a lively nightlife.
Must-sees:
- Osaka Castle, built in the 16th century
- Sumiyoshi-taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the country
- Dotonbori Street for shopping in the mall
- Umeda Sky Building for a panoramic view
- Shi Tenno-ji, one of the oldest temples in Japan
- The Osaka National Art Museum
- Universal Studios and its theme park
- Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum for food lovers
The city of Kyoto is located only 20 minutes from Osaka by shinkansen included in the JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass included in your offer)
Kyoto: Departure to Kyoto. Millennium, artistic, spiritual and gourmet: visiting Kyoto is an opportunity to discover the cradle of the Japanese soul in all its facets. The must-see stop of a stay in Japan.
Must-sees:
- The Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and the Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
- The Gion district and the Philosophy Road
- Ryoanji Zen Garden, a famous dry landscape
- Kiyomizu-dera, a thousand-year-old temple overlooking the city
- Nishiki market, where you can find the typical ingredients of Kyoto cuisine
- Nijo Castle and its "nightingale" parquet floors
- Arashiyama bamboo grove, west of Kyoto
- Tasting matcha tea in one of the city's tea houses
Suggested day trip from Kyoto:
The city of Nara, 1 hour from Kyoto by JR train and its thousands of deer in the wild.
Hiroshima and Himeji
Hiroshima: (for 18 and 21-night tours only) Travel to Hiroshima from Osaka, and discover the highly emotive historical remains of the city.
Must-see:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- The peace monuments (the dome, the memorial of the young Sadako Sasaki, one of the many victims of radiation)
- The famous Hiroshima Castle
- Itsukushima-jinja Shrine with its world famous and photographed large torii
- Folklore Museum (Egami House)
- Senjôkaku Shinto Temple and its pagoda
Please note that the great torii of Miyajima is under construction for an indefinite period.
Himeji: (for 18 and 21 nights tours only) Immerse yourself in the feudal Japanese culture by visiting Himeji.
Must-see:
- Himeji Castle
- Koko-en Gardens
- Engyo-ji, a Buddhist temple perched in the mountains
- The Shoshazan cable car
Okayama and Nagano
Okayama: (for 18 and 21-night tours only) Enjoy the calm and serenity that emanates from Okayama City. With its picturesque nature and traditional places, this city will be the perfect complement to your trip to Japan.
Must-see:
- Korakuen Garden
- The Kibiji bicycle path
- Kurashiki Bikan historical district
Nagano: (for 21-night tours only) Located on the island of Honshu, near the confluence of the Chikuma and Sai rivers, you will discover a charming city. Originally, Nagano was built around the 7th century Buddhist templa: Zenko-ji.
Must-see:
- Zenko-ji temple
- The ruins of Matsushiro castle
- Togakushi-jinja, a Shinto shrine
- Kagami Lake
Kanazawa, Takayama and Tokyo
Kanazawa: Travel to Kanazawa from Kyoto. Nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, Kanazawa has much to offer travellers.
Must-sees:
- Kenroku-en, Kanazawa's beautiful Japanese garden
- Nagamachi samurai district and the former Nomura residence
- Higashiyama, one of the city's three geisha districts
- The Museum of Contemporary Art and its outdoor gallery
- Omicho, the Sea of Japan fish market
Takayama: Discover a typical Japanese small town. Nestled in the mountainous prefecture of Gifu, this town with strong traditions will take you back in time. Depending on the dates of your trip, you can attend the biennial festival celebrating spring and autumn.
Must-Sees:
- The historic district of Sanmachi Suji
- Mount Norikura, a volcanic peak
- Hida Kokubun temple and its pagoda
- The ruins of Takayama Castle and Shiroyama Park
- The Shin-Hotaka cable car
Tokyo: Last stop of your adventure: Tokyo. More than a city, Tokyo is a fascinating juxtaposition of heterogeneous districts, skyscrapers, illuminated signs, temples and traditional sanctuaries.
Must-sees:
- The Asakusa district and Senso-ji temple
- The Tokyo Skytree, culminating at 634 metres, and the Tokyo Tower, symbol of the city
- Ueno Park and its many museums
- The Shibuya and Shinjuku exit districts
- Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden between the buildings of Tokyo
- The gardens of the Imperial Palace
- Meiji-jingu Shrine
- Ginza, the chic district of Tokyo
- Harajuku: the avant-garde district
No matter how long your tour is, it will end in Tokyo, the capital, for a beautiful ending!
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The tour programme may be amended due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is indicative only and subject to change (without affecting the overall conditions of the tour). Important information about your JAPAN RAIL PASS: JAPAN RAIL PASS, is a joint offering of the six companies comprising the Japan Railways Group (JR Group), and is the most economical means of travelling throughout Japan by rail. It offers unlimited access to all national trains of the JR group, as well as bus, ferry and transfer services from the airports to the centre of the main cities. Make the most of your adventure in Japan by discovering the country in the most economical way possible. Travelling with your Japan Rail Pass you will be enjoying the unique opportunity to move around the entire country at the best price. You will be able to use: All lines of Japan Railways Group (JR) including: Changes in travel dates cannot be modified. The POCKET Wi-Fi: This is a portable router received upon arrival to carry with you throughout your tour to share data with your devices. Your POCKET Wi-Fi can navigate at 4G speed, with national coverage and unlimited data consumption, so you can share your holiday pics as you go! You can share your Internet connection with several devices, with a reach of around 20 meters.
Your Hotels —
Just for you:
- Included Japan Rail Pass for 14, 18 or 21 consecutive days depending on the option chosen
- Transfer out by Airport Limousine Bus from Tokyo to Tokyo Airport (14 & 21-night tour only)
- One pocket WiFi per reservation for the duration of your stay (21-night tour only)
Hand-Picked Just For You
Maximum room capacity
During your tour, you will stay in the following hotels (or similar) - destinations are dependent on your chosen duration:
In 3* accommodation:
In Osaka: Hearton Nishi-Umeda or Hearton Shinsaibashi
In Hiroshima : Apa Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae Ohashi or Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hiroshima
In Himeji: Wing International Himeji or Comfort Hotel Himeji
In Okayama: Okayama Koraku Hotel or Daiwa Roynet Hotel Okayama Ekimae
In Kyoto: Hearton Hotel Kyoto or Hotel Gimmond
In Takayama: Spa Hotel Alpina Hidatakayama or Takayama Ouan
In Nagano: Hotel Sunroute Nagano Higashiguchi or Chisun Grand Nagano
In Kanazawa: Kanazawa Mystays Castle or Hotel Kanazawa
In Tokyo: Agora Place Asakusa or Super Hotel Tokyo Otsuka
In 4* accommodation:
In Osaka: Namba Oriental Hotel or Ana Crowne Plaza Osaka
In Hiroshima: Ana Crowne Plaza Hiroshima or Oriental Hotel Hiroshima
In Himeji: Monterey Himeji or Daiwa Roynet Himeji
In Okayama: Hotel Granvia Okayama or Ana Crowne Plaza Okayama
In Kyoto: Oriental Hotel Kyoto Rokujo or Almont Hotel Kyoto
In Takayama: Spa Hotel Alpina Hidatakayama or Takayama Ouan
In Nagano: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano or Kokusai 21 International Hotel
In Kanazawa: Ana Crowne Plaza Kanazawa or Ana Holiday Inn Kanazawa Sky Hotel
In Tokyo: Hotel Monterey La Soeur Ginza or Hotel East21 Tokyo
Hotels listed in the programme, in case of unavailability of these, accommodation in hotels of similar category.
Your Dining Choices
This offer is based on a Bed and Breakfast stay.
Your Optional Services —
Optional Pocket WiFi (14 or 18-Night Stay)
Stay connected for the duration of your stay in Japan and enjoy one pocket WiFi per group!
Please note: One pocket WiFi per reservation is already included for 21-night offers only.
Your Journey to Japan —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Your Destinations —
Osaka
Explore Japan's second city and enjoy the lively neighbourhoods of Namba and Dotombori, try an izakaya, Japanese bar-restaurants! Enjoy the local specialities: okonomiyaki, savoury cabbage pancake, or takoyaki, small octopus dough balls. Continue your adventure with a trip to Osaka Castle Park with its 300 Yoshino cherry trees or to Shi-Tennoji Temple which is the oldest in Japan.
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.
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.
