We Love —
- Dscovering this fascinating country at your own pace and relishing a well-deserved rest each evening in a selection of carefully chosen, well-located hotels.
- Enjoying an overnight stay in a ryokan (traditional inn) and discovering the onsen tradition by bathing in the thermal waters of Mount Fuji.
- Taking in the culinary culture of Tokyo's fish markets, sampling Osaka's superior street food and savouring Kobe's famous beef.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
Set off on a 16, 18 or 21-night tour of Japan to discover a stunning mix of modern cities, atmospheric villages, historic sites and breathtaking nature.
Start your adventure in Tokyo, where you'll be immersed in futuristic cityscapes and rich culture, before heading to Hakone where you can relax in hot springs overlooking the iconic Mount Fuji. In Kyoto, the former imperial capital, you'll discover ancient temples, serene gardens and traditional teahouses, while nearby Nara welcomes you with its friendly deer and majestic Todai-ji temple.
In Kobe, the capital of gastronomy, you can sample refined dishes and admire the magnificent port, before heading to Okayama and its breathtaking Kōraku-en, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Osaka, a city bursting with energy, will surprise you with its mix of modern architecture, bustling shopping streets and excellent street food culture.
Choose from the following itineraries:
16 night / 18 day tour:
- Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Days 2 - 4: Tokyo
- Day 5: Hakone
- Days 6 - 9: Kyoto
- Day 10: Nara
- Day 11: Kobe
- Days 12 - 13: Okayama
- Days 14 - 16: Osaka
- Day 17: Tokyo
- Day 18: Departure from Tokyo
18 night / 20 day tour:
- Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Days 2 - 4: Tokyo
- Day 5: Hakone
- Days 6 - 9: Kyoto
- Day 10: Nara
- Day 11: Kobe
- Days 12 - 13: Okayama
- Days 14 - 15: Hiroshima
- Days 16 - 18: Osaka
- Day 19: Tokyo
- Day 20: Departure from Tokyo
21 night / 23 day tour:
- Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Days 2 - 4: Tokyo
- Day 5: Hakone
- Days 6 - 9: Kyoto
- Day 10: Nara
- Day 11: Kobe
- Days 12 - 13: Okayama
- Days 14 - 15: Hiroshima
- Days 16 - 18: Osaka
- Days 19 - 20: Kanazawa
- Day 21: Takayama
- Day 22: Tokyo
- Day 23: Departure from Tokyo
Please note that the itinerary of your tour is subject to change without affecting the interest of the programme.
Your itinerary in detail —
Tokyo - Hakone - Mont Fuji
TOKYO
Tokyo, Japan's vibrant capital, is a fascinating blend of ultra-modern technology and deeply rooted traditions. In districts such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, you'll discover a vibrant city life with neon-lit streets, endless shopping opportunities and a nightlife that never stops. At the same time, Tokyo's serene temples and gardens, such as the Meiji Shrine and the magnificent Shinjuku Gyoen Park, offer peace and tranquillity.
The city is also a culinary paradise, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic ramen and sushi bars. You can also enjoy culture and art in museums such as the Tokyo National Museum and the futuristic Mori Art Museum.
Tokyo is a city of contrasts that never ceases to surprise and inspire, and a destination that has something unique to offer every traveller.
Overnight stays at OMO3 Akasaka 3* or The Blossom Shinjuku 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Enjoy an accommodation-only stay in Tokyo.
Not to be missed:
- 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 gardens of the Imperial Palace The Meiji-jingu shrine
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district
- Harajuku, the avant-garde district
Your included activity:
A guide will take you to Shinjuku, a bustling district of Tokyo known for its vibrant neon-lit streets, impressive skyscrapers and the huge Shinjuku Gyoen Park, an oasis of calm in the middle of the city. Whether you come for the shopping, the culinary delights or the modern architecture, Shinjuku has something for everyone.
HAKONE
Explore the Hakone and Mount Fuji region, where there are no fewer than 17 hot springs to relax in. Also not to be missed is a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, created 3,000 years ago by the last eruption of Mount Fuji.
The black eggs of Owakudani are said to prolong life by 7 years, so why not try them?
If you're an art lover, you might enjoy a visit to Japan's first open-air museum. And all with a breathtaking view of the mighty Mount Fuji.
Overnight stay at Tenseien Ryokan 3* or Ryokan Yutowa 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Enjoy a half-board stay (excluding drinks) in Hakone - Mount Fuji, and discover a traditional Japanese dinner.
Kyoto & Nara
KYOTO
The former imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto is a city steeped in history and tradition, where ancient temples and shrines blend harmoniously with picturesque gardens and historic districts. Discover the serene beauty of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the Zen-style Ryoan-ji, famous for its mysterious rock garden. In the Gion district, time seems to have stood still. Graceful geishas in colourful kimonos can still be seen strolling through the atmospheric lantern-lit streets.
Kyoto is also famous for the enchanting bamboo forests of Arashiyama and the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha, which stretch endlessly across the wooded hills. An unforgettable culinary experience is possible thanks to sophisticated kaiseki cuisine, local specialities such as yudofu, and the traditional tea ceremony. Kyoto is a destination that reflects the soul of Japan, and a visit here is like a journey back in time, full of culture and natural beauty.
Overnight stays at The Royal Park 3* or Nohga Hotel 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Enjoy an accommodation-only stay in Kyoto.
Not to be missed:
- The Kinkakuji (golden pavilion) and the Ginkakuji (silver pavilion)
- The Gion district and the Philosopher's Path
- 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
- The bamboo forest of Arashiyama, west of Kyoto
- The Ginkaku-ji temple or 'silver pavilion' in Kyoto. This pavilion is a national heritage site. The garden here is a fine example of karesansui (stone, or zen garden)
- Teramachi, Kyoto's main street. Some 400 yards away, you'll discover a plethora of shops and restaurants serving Kansai specialities.
Included activities:
- Stroll through Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district, which exudes an enchanting atmosphere with its traditional wooden machiya houses and narrow lantern-lit alleyways. You can catch a glimpse of elegantly dressed geishas and maikos, and admire the serene beauty of the nearby Yasaka Shrine. This region offers a unique combination of rich culture and timeless charm that takes you back to ancient Japan.
- A traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto is a refined and serene experience that reflects the essence of Japanese culture and hospitality. The hostess or tea master prepares the matcha tea with the utmost precision, each movement imbued with symbolism and attention to detail. The calm atmosphere and ritual nature of the ceremony invite contemplation and appreciation of the simple beauty of the moment.
NARA
A one-hour train journey takes you to Nara, Japan's first capital, where you will be greeted by cute and curious local deer.
Overnight stay at Kenroku Hotel 3* or Kankaso Hotel 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Breakfast included.
Not to be missed:
- Visit the Kofuku-ji temple and its opulent pagoda, and Todai-ji, the city's must-see temple with its imposing Buddha statue.
Continue to the Kasuga-taisha sanctuary along a magical path dotted with hundreds of stone lanterns. - If you still have some energy left, you can climb Mount Wakasuka for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
- Take a stroll through the old quarter of Nara-machi to admire the beautiful wooden houses that take you back to the Edo period.
Kobe & Okayama
KOBE
Kobe, an elegant port city on Japan's southern coast, combines modernity with a rich history and breathtaking natural surroundings. Famous for its world-famous Kobe beef, the city offers a wide range of culinary specialities in chic restaurants and welcoming izakayas.
Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the bay from Kobe's harbour tower, or relax at the Arima Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs. The charming Kitano district, with its well-preserved Western villas, offers a glimpse of Kobe's multicultural past. With its blend of culture, gastronomy and natural beauty, Kobe is a destination that surprises and inspires.
Overnight stay at Candeo Hotel Kobe 3* or The Royal Park Canvas 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Breakfast included.
Not to be missed:
- Chinatown
- The European houses district, Kitano Ijinkan
- The district of luxury homes, Kyû-kyoryûchi
- The port and shopping centre
- Kobe Harbour Tower, for a panoramic view of the city
- Mount Rokko and the Nunobiki herb garden, and the cable car to enjoy the view from Mount Rokko
OKAYAMA
Okayama is the Japanese town whose takes pride in its floral logo: a chrysanthemum.
Admire the castle and its surrounding gardens and enjoy the prevailing peace and quiet. You can also take the time to visit a number of famous museums for a total immersion in Japanese culture.
Overnight stays at Koraku Hotel 3* or Ana Crowne Plaza 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Breakfast included.
Not to be missed:
- Korakuen Garden
- Kibiji cycle path
- Kurashiki Bikan historic district
Osaka
Enjoy Osaka, its famous gastronomy and its tourist attractions (its medieval castle, aquarium, nightlife, Universal Studios, to name a few...).
Overnight stays at Intergate Hotel 3* or Royal Classic Osaka 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Enjoy an accommodation-only stay in Osaka.
Not to be missed:
- The lively districts of Dotonbori, Namba and Shinsaibashi
- The electronic district of Denden-machi
- Osaka's medieval castle and cherry blossom parks
- Japan's largest aquarium
- The unique and futuristic Umeda Sky Building
- Spa World, the world's largest thermal baths
- Universal Studios theme park
- Minoh Falls, for an immersion in Japanese nature
- Hiroshima and Miyajima can also be visited on a day trip from Osaka
Hiroshima, Kanazawa & Takayama (exclusively for the 18 & 21 night trips)
HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima, a city of great historical significance, is known the world over for the message of peace that emerged from the devastation caused by the atomic bomb in 1945. The park and the impressive Peace Monument remind visitors of the need for world peace, while the nearby Peace Museum tells the poignant stories of the survivors. Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima is bustling today, with modern shopping streets, delicious local dishes such as okonomiyaki, and a thriving arts scene.
Not far from the city is the serene island of Miyajima, famous for its torii gate which appears to float on water, and for its breathtaking natural scenery, which completes the city tour. Hiroshima is a destination that not only moves but also inspires, with its intrinsic resilience and beauty.
Overnight stay at Intergate Hotel 3* or Sheraton Grand Hotel 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Breakfast included.
Not to be missed:
- The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- The peace monuments (the dome, the memorial to the young Sadako Sasaki, one of the many victims of radiation)
- Hiroshima's famous castle
- Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its world-famous and much-photographed large torii
- Folklore museum (Egami house)
- Senjôkaku Shinto temple and pagoda
KANAZAWA
Situated between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, Kanazawa is a culturally rich town on Japan's west coast, famous for its magnificent Kenrokuen Garden, one of the country's most beautiful landscaped parks. Its well-preserved samurai and geisha quarters, such as Nagamachi and Higashi Chaya, offer a fascinating insight into traditional Japanese life. In addition, visitors can enjoy local art, such as Kanazawa's famous gold leaf, and the town's sophisticated cuisine, which features freshly caught seafood and artisanal dishes.
Overnight stay in Kanazawa: OMO5 Kanazaw Katamachi 3* or Kumu Kanazawa 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Breakfast included.
Not to be missed:
- 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
TAKAYAMA
Takayama is located in the Hida mountains, in the Japanese Alps. It's a very pleasant town, with a charming river, numerous temples and craft shops.
Overnight stay at OMO5 Kanazaw Katamachi 3* or Kumu Kanazawa 4*, depending upon your chosen accommodation category.
Breakfast included.
Not to be missed:
- The historic district of Sanmachi Suji
- Mount Norikura, a volcanic peak
- Hida Kokubun temple and pagoda
- The ruins of Takayama Castle and Shiroyama Park
- The Shin-Hotaka cable car
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 —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
For a tailor-made getaway, choose to stay in 3* or 4* accommodation:
3* accommodation:
- Tokyo: OMO3 Akasaka
- Hakone - Mount Fuji: Tenseien Ryokan
- Kyoto: The Royal Park
- Nara: Kenroku Hotel
- Osaka: Intergate Hotel
- Hiroshima: Intergate Hotel
- Okayama: Koraku Hotel
- Kobe: Candeo Hotel Kobe
- Kanazawa: OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi
- Takayama: Wat Hotel
4* accommodation:
- Tokyo: The Blossom Shinjuku
- Hakone - Mount Fuji: Ryokan Yutowa
- Kyoto: Nohga Hotel
- Osaka: Royal Classic Osaka
- Nara: Kankaso Hotel
- Kobe: The Royal Park Canvas
- Okayama: Ana Crowne Plaza
- Hiroshima: Sheraton Grand Hotel
- Kanazawa: Kumu Kanazawa
- Takayama: Hotel Wood Takayama
Important information about accommodation in Japan:
- Hotels listed in the programme; if these are unavailable, accommodation in hotels of a similar category.
- For ryokan accommodation, you will sleep on comfortable futons placed on tatami mats. As is customary in Japanese temple hotels, the onsen bathroom is shared (not mixed). The toilet and washbasin are usually in the room, but this is not guaranteed. Japanese baths in the room are optional.
- Rooms for 2 people in Western-style hotels have 2 separate single beds (twin rooms) by default.
- 3*** hotels are of a very high standard, but the rooms are often quite small (12 to 16m² for twin rooms, depending on the hotel).
- Japanese ryokan comfort can be rather rustic but promises a real cultural immersion.
- For triple rooms, we cannot guarantee a single room for 3 people in all hotels. Depending on the hotel, you may be offered a double room and a single room.
- For group bookings (> 5 people), depending on hotel availability, not all members of the group may be accommodated in the same hotel. However, the aim is to be close to each other.
- Please note that any single supplement will be applied to all accommodations except the ryokan. As this is traditional accommodation, there are no single rooms, but there are spacious rooms for up to 5 people.
Single rooms are available at an additional cost. Maximum room capacity is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your dining choices
Enjoy a board type according to the programme:
Your optional excursions —
Optional private bathroom in your traditional ryokan
Enjoy a traditional stay in a ryokan in Hakone, with the added comfort of a private bathroom.
Sushi workshop in Tokyo
Learn step-by-step how to prepare one of Japan's most famous delicacies during this sushi workshop. Enjoy tasting your handiwork at the end of this masterclass, and take home plenty of tips for making delicious sushi back home.
Kyoto: Excursion to the mountain village of Takao
Near Kyoto, discover a world heritage treasure that has remained virtually untouched by the tourist crowds.
- Enjoy the fresh mountain air along a crystal-clear stream in the midst of unspoilt, wild nature.
- Our local guide will take you to Buddhist temples in the mountains and into a beautiful landscape. After an easy hike, you will discover a series of waterfalls in the midst of marvellous wilderness.
- This short break from Kyoto is definitely worth the detour.
Please note: transport, lunch and entrance fees are not included in the price.
Full day guided excursion to Hiroshima & Miyajima
Together with your tour guide, you will learn more about Japanese history and discover the cities of Hiroshima and Miyajima, two places that are important for understanding the soul of Japan.
- Hiroshima is a city steeped in history and peace, a message kept alive in the Peace Park and the poignant Peace Museum, which commemorates the events of the 1945 atomic bombing.
- Nearby is the tranquil island of Miyajima, famous for the torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float on the water at high tide.
- Together, Hiroshima and Miyajima form a unique combination of contemplation, natural beauty and culture.
- Your tour guide will put together the best itinerary for you, but it is also possible to contact the guide in advance if you have special needs and requests.
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
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 destination —
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.
