Discover the treasures of Japan, a fascinating country known for technological prowess, gentle elegance, and a collision of tradition and modernity.

Embark on a captivating journey, seamlessly blending the allure of mountains, nature, and urbanity.

Begin with essential stops in Tokyo and Kawaguchiko for a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. Venture high into the Japanese Alps on Honshu island, featuring magnificent peaks and deep valleys - an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts.

For a bespoke stay, choose between an 14, 17 or 19 night tour, selecting charming 3* or 4* hotel accommodation, according to your preference.

Your itinerary:

14 nights: 

• Day 1:Arrival in Tokyo 
• Days 2 - 4: Tokyo
• Day 5: Kawaguchiko
• Days 6 & 7: Matsumoto
• Days 8 & 9: Takayama
• Day 10: Kanazawa
• Days 11 & 12: Osaka
• Days 13 - 15: Kyoto
• Day 16: Kyoto - Home (Outbound flight)

17 nights:

Welcome to Tokyo

Upon arrival at the airport, a local representative will meet you after customs to hand over your travel documents and pocket Wi-Fi. You’ll then be transferred by shuttle to your hotel. Rooms are available from 3pm.

More than just a city, Tokyo is a captivating blend of contrasts - futuristic skyscrapers alongside centuries-old temples, neon lights beside quiet shrines, and distinct neighbourhoods that each tell their own story.

Highlights include:

• Asakusa and the Senso-ji Temple
• Tokyo Skytree (634m) and Tokyo Tower, both icons of the city skyline
• Ueno Park and its many museums
• The lively districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku
• Hamarikyu Gardens, a peaceful haven between glass towers
• The Imperial Palace Gardens
• Meiji-jingu Shrine
• Ginza, Tokyo’s chic shopping district
• Harajuku, the city’s avant-garde heart

Kawaguchiko

In the morning, send your main luggage ahead to your hotel in Matsumoto (see the baggage transfer section in your travel guide for details) and travel light with an overnight bag for Kawaguchiko.

Take the express bus from Shinjuku Station towards Kawaguchiko. As the bus leaves the Tokyo metropolis behind, it winds through mountain valleys towards the foothills of Mount Fuji.

• Check in to your hotel near Kawaguchi Station and the lake, drop your bag, and set out to explore the Five Lakes region:
• Stop by Chureito Pagoda for one of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji
• Admire Fuji from the lakes and various lookout points in the area
• Ride the Kachi Kachi Ropeway for panoramic views over the lake on one side and Mount Fuji on the other

All transport is included with the Mount Fuji Pass, which also offers discounts on local attractions - including the famous Fuji-Q Highland theme park.

Matsumoto

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a final morning in Kawaguchiko before setting off in the afternoon for your next stop in the heart of the Japanese Alps - Matsumoto (around 3.5 hours by train, with two connections).

Matsumoto has preserved the charm of its feudal past, but what truly stands out is its striking black castle, nicknamed The Crow for its dark wooden façade. It’s the oldest of its kind in Japan, with a watchtower offering sweeping views at any time of year. Once a fortified town and a centre of trade and craftsmanship, Matsumoto’s Nakamichi district still retains the traditional Meiji-era warehouses that line its narrow streets.

Takayama

Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps by bus to reach Takayama, a picturesque town set along a peaceful river, dotted with temples, wooden houses, and artisan shops.

Recommended visits:

• The traditional Kusakabe and Yoshijima merchant houses
• Yatai Kaikan, home to ornate festival floats from Takayama’s famous matsuri
• Shōwa-kan, a nostalgic museum showcasing Japan in the 1940s–70s
• The old merchant quarter of Sannomachi
• The Fuji Folk Art Museum

Shirakawago & Kanazawa

Before leaving Takayama, send your main luggage ahead to your hotel in Osaka and keep only a small bag for your overnight stay in Kanazawa.

In the morning, take the bus to Shirakawago, a traditional mountain village known for its steep thatched houses (gasshō-zukuri). Visit a minka (traditional home) or the village’s Zen temple, Myōzenji. The entire site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the early afternoon, continue by bus to Kanazawa, a city framed by the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps - a place rich in culture and character.

Highlights include:

• Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens
• Nagamachi, the former samurai district, and the preserved Nomura residence
• Higashiyama, one of the city’s atmospheric geisha quarters
• The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, with its open-air installations
• Omicho Market, where stalls brim with fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan

Osaka

Experience Osaka - a city famous for its food scene, lively spirit, and mix of modern and historical attractions. From its medieval castle to its vibrant nightlife and world-class entertainment, Osaka is a city that never stands still.

Highlights include:

• The lively districts of Dotonbori, Namba, and Shinsaibashi
• Denden-machi, the city’s electronics quarter
• Osaka Castle and its surrounding cherry blossom parks
• The largest aquarium in Japan
• The striking, futuristic Umeda Sky Building
• Spa World, one of the world’s biggest hot spring complexes
• Universal Studios Japan
• Minoh Waterfalls, for a peaceful escape into nature

Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto using your prepaid transport card. The former imperial capital blends past and present with effortless grace - a city of temples, gardens, and traditions that capture the essence of Japanese culture. Artistic, spiritual, and culinary, Kyoto is a journey into Japan’s heritage and heart.

Highlights include:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
• Ryoan-ji Temple, known for its Zen rock garden
• The Gion district and the Philosopher’s Path
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• Nishiki Market, with its stalls of Kyoto’s local delicacies
• Nijo Castle and its famous “nightingale floors”
• The bamboo groves of Arashiyama

Lake Biwa (for 19-night stays only)

Set on the shores of Japan’s largest lake, Hikone is a charming historic town best known for its beautifully preserved castle - a designated National Treasure. With serene lake views and quiet old streets, it offers a tranquil and culturally rich pause in Shiga Prefecture.

Highlights include:

• Hikone Castle
• Genkyuen Garden
• Hikone Castle Museum
• Yume Kyobashi Castle Road
• Matsubara Shimoyashiki Gardens
• Sawayama Castle Ruins (a scenic hiking spot)

At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully chosen 3* or 4* accommodation (depending on offer selected).

 
Your  3* hotels during the tour: 

• Tokyo: OMO3 (or similar)
• Kawaguchiko: Hotel Mystays Fuji Onsen Resort (or similar)
• Matsumoto: Hotel Kagetsu (or similar)
• Takayama: Ryokan Asunaro (in this traditional Japanese accommodation, you’ll stay in a beautifully styled room featuring a comfortable futon. The bathrooms typically offer shared Japanese baths, providing an authentic cultural experience)
• Kanazawa: OMO5 Kanazawa (or similar)
• Biwa Lake: Hikone castle resort and spa (or similar)
• Osaka: Integrate Hotel (or similar)
• Kyoto: The Royal Park (or similar)

Your 4* hotels during the tour:

Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.

Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.

Discover Tokyo on a private guided tour, from the Imperial Palace Gardens to the manga district, passing by centuries-old temples and trendy neighbourhoods. Your personal guide will tailor the tour to your preferences and be available to answer all your questions throughout the day.

Explore Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, filled with majestic temples, stunning gardens, and ancient traditions. Book a private guided tour to explore must-see sites and hidden gems, with an itinerary tailored to your preferences.

Experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto, where every gesture is an art. You will savour green tea and traditional sweets while immersing yourself in Japanese culture and Zen philosophy.

Enjoy a guided day trip from Tokyo to the Zen capital of Kamakura, exploring its iconic sites, including the Daibutsu, Hasedera, and Hachimangu temples, with a knowledgeable local guide.

Escape the crowds near Kyoto on a guided hike through pristine nature, visiting Buddhist temples and waterfalls in a peaceful, untouched World Heritage area.

Explore the Matsumoto region's renowned soba noodles in a traditional cooking workshop, starting with a guided castle tour and an introductory video on making the noodles, followed by hands-on preparation with a Soba Master.

Take a 15-minute train ride from Takayama to Hida-Furukawa, a charming rural village, and explore the Hida countryside by bicycle, enjoying its farming villages, landscapes, and fresh mountain air.

Japan, a land where time-honoured traditions converge with modern marvels, offers a compelling blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, each moment in Japan feels like an exploration of history and innovation. Whether wandering through ancient shrines or hiking the serene trails of Mount Fuji, this country will captivate every type of traveller.

Must-sees:

• Explore the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo, a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.
• Discover the timeless beauty of the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto, reflecting its golden splendour on the surrounding pond.
• Experience the serene atmosphere of Nara Park, where wild deer roam freely beside historic temples.

Culinary culture:

Japan's culinary culture is a feast for the senses, offering an unparalleled array of flavours and textures. Beyond sushi and sashimi, indulge in kaiseki (traditional multi-course dining), savour the delicate richness of ramen from regional varieties, and relish the delicate art of tempura. Japan's culinary creativity extends to street food such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), offering an insight into local life. Be sure to taste matcha in all its forms, from tea ceremonies to modern desserts.

Dive deeper:

For those seeking to uncover Japan's lesser-known cultural gems, explore the peaceful Oniishi Muddy Hell in Beppu or visit the sacred Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO site brimming with unspoiled nature. Wander through the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka for a magical journey into Japan’s celebrated animation culture, or spend time in Kanazawa, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary design.

Good to know:

Japan’s currency is the yen (¥). For those visiting in spring (March to May), the cherry blossoms are a must-see, while autumn (September to November) offers spectacular foliage. Public transport is efficient and reliable, with the Shinkansen (bullet train) being a convenient option for travel between cities.