Jan
min : 1°C
max : 10°C
We Love —
- Wandering through the immersive art dreamscape of teamLab Planets, where light, space, and water blur the lines between you and the artwork.
- Experiencing the magic of a traditional ryokan, where tatami mats, kaiseki dinners, and soothing onsen baths transport you to timeless Japan.
- Taking part in a delicate tea ceremony, a quiet moment of harmony and grace in the heart of Kyoto’s refined culture.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
Enjoy an unforgettable experience on a holiday designed to explore the must-sees of Japan. Between the urban frenzy of Tokyo and the tranquillity of the onsens of Hakone, let yourself be surprised by the striking contrasts of this fascinating country.
Immerse yourself in traditional Japan as you stroll between the centuries-old temples of Kyoto, the ancestral rituals of the geishas and the sublime white castle of Himeji. Discover the poignant history of Hiroshima and its war memorials. Finally, savour the tasty dishes of Osaka and enjoy the warm atmosphere of the city under the neon lights of Dotonbori.
Whether strolling through quiet temple gardens or buzzing local markets, this self-guided tour of Japan gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but with the ease of every hotel and transfer organised in advance.
10-night itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Days 2 & 3: Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone
Day 5: Hakone - Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto - Hiroshima
Day 8: Hiroshima
Day 9: Hiroshima - Himeji - Osaka
Day 10: Osaka
Day 11: Departure from Osaka
12-night itinerary:
Days 1 to 3: identical to the 10-night itinerary
Day 4: Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo - Hakone
Day 6: Hakone - Kyoto
Days 7 & 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto - Hiroshima
Day 10: Hiroshima
Day 11: Hiroshima - Himeji - Osaka
Day 12: Osaka
Day 13: Departure from Osaka
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
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Experience authenticity... If you crave far-flung destinations, untouched beauty, and soul-enriching cultural immersion, this exceptional expedition promises a truly authentic experience. In certain regions, accommodation is refreshingly no-frills, offering you the opportunity to embrace the culture of each destination. Our unwavering dedication to excellence means that each location has been meticulously selected, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Settle into Tokyo with a smooth and comfortable transfer, offering a seamless arrival in the city.
- Lunch and dinner at your leisure, explore Tokyo’s vibrant culinary scene, from sizzling street food to refined sushi bars.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
DAY 2: TOKYO
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before diving into a day of discovery.
- Step into the extraordinary world of teamLab Planets, an immersive, multi-sensory digital art experience where you’ll wander barefoot through mesmerising spaces that blur the line between body and artwork.
- After your teamLab experience, we suggest:
- Uncovering the bohemian spirit of Shimokitazawa, known for its vintage shops, indie cafés, and underground theatres.
- Unwinding in the peaceful beauty of Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
Breakfast included.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
DAY 3: TOKYO
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out at your own pace.
- Explore Tokyo at leisure, we recommend:
- Exploring the historic Tokyo Imperial Palace, wandering its stunning gardens and scenic moats for a peaceful glimpse into Japan’s heritage.
- Taking a leisurely afternoon boat cruise along the Sumida River, offering a refreshing perspective of the city’s skyline.
- For a stylish shopping spree, visiting the sophisticated Roppongi district, renowned for its chic boutiques and lively atmosphere.
Breakfast included.
Overnight stay in Tokyo.
Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before travelling by train to Hakone, with the convenience of the Hakone Free Pass for easy local travel.
- Lunch is at your leisure, allowing you to sample local flavours or relax as you wish.
- Spend the night in a traditional Japanese ryokan in Hakone, complete with a sumptuous Kaiseki dinner.
- After your exquisite dinner, unwind in the ryokan’s soothing indoor and outdoor onsens, a true sanctuary to rejuvenate your body and soul amidst the serene mountain setting.
Your Ryokan experience: Nestled around the tranquil Lake Ashi and famed for its hot spring inns, Hakone offers stunning views of iconic Mount Fuji.
Breakfast & dinner included.
Overnight in Hakone.
DAY 5: HAKONE - KYOTO
- Begin your day with breakfast at the ryokan before exploring Hakone’s main attractions using the convenient Hakone Free Pass.
- Travel by train to the historic city of Kyoto.
- Lunch and dinner are at your leisure, giving you the freedom to discover Kyoto’s rich culinary scene.
Discover Hakone: The Hakone Free Pass grants unlimited access to Hakone Tozan buses and a range of popular sights. Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi and take in breathtaking views of the volcanic Owakudani Valley via the Hakone Ropeway cable car. Plus, benefit from exclusive discounts at partner shops throughout the region.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Kyoto.
DAY 6: KYOTO
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
- Experience an extraordinary futuristic show (on dates outside the Universal Exposition).
- After your experience, we suggest wandering along the charming Takasegawa Canal to explore the atmospheric Pontocho district, then visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mystical wooded hillside, a perfect way to end your day.
Your tea ceremony (ticket, preparation, and tasting included): Immerse yourself in centuries-old Japanese tradition with a captivating tea ceremony demonstration in Kyoto, the birthplace of this art. Watch the precise, graceful movements of the tea masters and savour the delicate flavours in a moment to remember.
Your futuristic show: Enjoy a unique performance blending traditional Japanese arts with cutting-edge stage effects, a magical experience for all ages.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Kyoto.
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Day 7: Kyoto - Hiroshima
- Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel.
- Board a train to Hiroshima using your Kansai-Hiroshima JR Pass, taking in scenic views along the way.
- Spend the night in Hiroshima, a city rich in resilience and cultural heritage.
- Our suggestions before departing Kyoto:
- Uncovering the natural beauty of Arashiyama, a charming district nestled to the west of Kyoto.
- Starting with a tranquil stroll through the famous bamboo grove, where towering stalks sway gently overhead.
- Visiting the playful residents of Arashiyama Monkey Park, which offers sweeping views over the city.
- Continuing to the iconic Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, its gilded façade mirrored in a serene pond, one of Japan’s most admired sights.
- For a memorable farewell to Kyoto, enjoying a boat cruise along the Hozu River, gliding through dramatic green valleys and forested hillsides.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
DAY 8: HIROSHIMA
- Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel before setting out to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Hiroshima.
- We suggest:
- Visiting the Genbaku Dome, the haunting remains of the former Exhibition Hall, evokes a powerful atmosphere.
- Continuing to the Peace Memorial Museum, where deeply moving exhibits tell the story of resilience and hope.
- For a change of pace, savouring Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki, a local culinary delight.
- Then exploring the tranquil Shukkei-en Garden and the historic Hiroshima Castle.
- Venturing further afield to Miyajima Island, where you can snap photos by the iconic torii gate floating in the sea at the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine.
- Watching free-roaming deer wander peacefully and admire panoramic views from Mount Misen, alongside the serene Daishō-in Temple adorned with Buddhist statues.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
DAY 9: HIROSHIMA - HIMEJI - OSAKA
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
- Transfer to Osaka using the Kansai Hiroshima JR Pass, with the option to stop en route in Himeji.
- To discover Himeji, we recommend:
- Visiting the White Heron Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan’s most beautiful castles. Exploring its interior and towering keep to uncover the ingenious defensive features from the feudal era.
- Wandering through Kokoen Garden, a peaceful oasis featuring nine Edo-period-inspired gardens.
- Upon arrival in Osaka, begin your adventure at the impressive Osaka Castle, with its formidable walls and surrounding natural park.
- Take time to stroll through the vibrant covered shopping streets, soaking up the local atmosphere.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Osaka.
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Day 10: Osaka
- Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
- Visit the extraordinary Expo 2025 Osaka (available until 13/10/2025).
- For your evening, we suggest:
- Immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere along Dotonbori’s riverside, famous for its giant LED screens and 3D murals of octopus and crab.
- Experiencing the city’s pulsating nightlife before heading south to the iconic Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower, surrounded by charming old streets and quirky local eateries with flamboyant facades.
Your Expo 2025 experience: The World Expo is a spectacular global event where nations showcase their latest innovations, culture, and sustainable solutions. It’s a unique celebration of human creativity and diversity, offering visitors an inspiring and immersive journey into the future. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover cutting-edge technology and visionary ideas.
Breakfast included.
Overnight in Osaka.
DAY 11: DEPARTURE FROM OSAKA
- Enjoy a final hearty breakfast at your hotel.
- Take a comfortable train transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) using your Kansai Hiroshima JR Pass.
Breakfast included.
FOR THE 12-NIGHT ITINERARY:
The 12-night package includes 2 additional nights on a bed and breakfast basis, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of Tokyo and Kyoto. This includes one extra night at each of these two stops.
Please note: the order and direction of the itinerary may vary depending on local circumstances.
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 itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Your accommodation
During your stay in Japan, you will be accommodated in Standard rooms in 3* or 4* hotels (depending on your choice).
Your 3* accommodation (or similar):
- Tokyo: Comfort Hotel Higashi Nihombashi
- Hakone: Ichinoyu Honkan
- Kyoto: Comfort Hotel Kyoto Horikawa-gojo
- Hiroshima: Comfort Hiroshima Otemachi
- Osaka: Comfort Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Your 4* accommodation (or similar):
- Tokyo: Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro or Sequence Suidobashi
- Hakone: Ichinoyu Honkan
- Kyoto: Hotel Almont Kyoto
- Hiroshima: Mitsui Garden Hiroshima
- Osaka: Noku Osaka
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Important notes:
-In Japan, hotel rooms are often compact, with beds smaller than what you might be used to.
-Ryokan information:
Your stay also includes an authentic experience rooted in local traditions, with a stay in a private room in a tranquil ryokan in Hakone, near Mount Fuji.
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, usually featuring:
- Tatami-matted rooms (woven straw floors)
- Futon bedding, laid out on the floor each night
- Sliding paper doors (shoji) and minimalist design
- Shared bathrooms and baths (often hot springs, or onsen)
- A strong emphasis on omotenashi, the art of Japanese hospitality
Please note that access to communal onsen areas (Japanese hot springs) is generally not permitted for guests with tattoos.
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The maximum capacity of the rooms is 2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child. Single rooms are available at extra cost.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay, with a half-board experience during your stay at the ryokan in Hakone.
Your optional extras —
Hardback photo album - 21x27 cm (24 pages)
Create a beautiful hardback photo album, personalised and printed on premium paper, to bring your holiday memories to life.
Pack of 50 classic photo prints - 10x15 cm
Preserve your favourite memories with this pack of 50 classic photo prints, easy to print in just a few clicks to display, share and relive every moment.
Your included services —
Pocket wifi
Stay connected throughout your itinerary with complimentary pocket Wi-Fi, perfect for seamless navigation and sharing your journey on the go.
Your journey to Japan —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need 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 —
Tokyo
Tokyo, a dynamic and ever-evolving metropolis, seamlessly blends the ancient with the modern. Known for its neon-lit streets, towering skyscrapers, and futuristic technology, the city also offers serene gardens, traditional temples, and sacred Shinto shrines. Beneath the fast-paced exterior, Tokyo remains rooted in its rich cultural heritage, inviting visitors to explore its unique contrasts.
Must-sees:
- Imperial Palace: A peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, offering a glimpse into Japan’s imperial history.
- Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in the vibrant Asakusa district.
- Hamarikyu Gardens: A tranquil escape, showcasing beautifully landscaped gardens and traditional tea houses.
Culinary culture:
Tokyo’s food scene is as diverse as its cultural landscape. From high-end sushi restaurants to humble izakayas and food stalls, the city offers something for every palate. Indulge in world-class sushi at the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market, savour traditional ramen in local noodle shops, or sample delicious tempura and yakitori. The city’s culinary offerings reflect its blend of both contemporary and age-old traditions, with flavours that range from delicate to bold.
Dive deeper:
Explore the lesser-known gems of Tokyo, such as the Yanaka District, where traditional wooden houses and local artisans offer an authentic view of old Tokyo. Wander through the Nezu Shrine, a serene spot famous for its torii gates, or visit Odaiba, a futuristic entertainment hub, to witness the city's innovative spirit in action. Tokyo’s hidden treasures offer a deeper connection to the cultural roots of Japan.
Good to know:
Tokyo’s public transport system is efficient and easy to navigate, making it ideal for exploration. Japan's capital city is renowned for its neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct charm. For example, Shibuya is known for its youthful energy and fashion scene, while Asakusa offers a more traditional experience with its iconic Senso-ji Temple and historic shopping streets. Visitors should also explore Odaiba, a futuristic waterfront district featuring high-tech shopping malls, entertainment complexes, and stunning views of Tokyo Bay. Don’t miss the quirkily themed cafes, such as the animal cafes or robot-themed establishments, which offer an intriguing and distinctly Tokyo experience.
Osaka
Welcome to Japan
Osaka is Japan’s electrifying culinary and cultural capital, a city that blends historic charm with relentless modern energy. This spirited city is a whirlwind of neon-lit streets, boisterous food markets, and buzzing izakayas, where the locals welcome you with open arms. Whether you're soaking in centuries-old traditions or marvelling at futuristic skyscrapers, Osaka is a city that never stands still.
Don’t miss
- Osaka Castle – A striking remnant of Japan’s past, surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring.
- Shinsekai – A nostalgic throwback to early 20th-century Japan, packed with old-school izakayas and kushikatsu eateries.
- Sumiyoshi Taisha – One of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, known for its unique curved bridge and tranquil setting.
- Universal Studios Japan - A must for theme park lovers, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
- TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka: An enchanting digital art installation that transforms nature into a dreamlike, glowing wonderland.
Culinary culture
Food isn’t just a passion in Osaka—it’s a way of life. Known as Japan’s Kitchen, the city serves up some of the country’s most iconic dishes. Dive into a plate of flavour-packed okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), savour piping hot takoyaki (octopus balls), or feast on melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef. Street stalls and hidden alleyways overflow with local specialities, while bustling izakayas are the perfect spot to sip sake and toast to good company.
Dive deeper
Beyond the bright lights, Osaka has a deep cultural soul. The National Bunraku Theatre keeps the traditional art of Japanese puppet theatre alive, while the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living lets you step back in time to Edo-period streets. If you’re after a quirky experience, explore America-mura, a hub of vintage fashion and underground music.
Good to know
Osaka is best explored on foot and via its efficient subway system. Spring (March - May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather and stunning foliage. Summers can be humid, while winters are mild.
