From the Meiji Jingu sanctuary in Tokyo to the great torii of Itsukushima on the island of Miyajima, this tour is ideal for discovering the different facets of Japan, between tradition and modernity. After intense days in Tokyo, you'll love relaxing in the hot springs at Hakone, just outside Mount Fuji.

Choose between a 10, 12 or 15 night stay:

10 night tour:

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo 

Day 2 and 3: Tokyo

Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone Mount Fuji

Day 5: Hakone Mount Fuji - Kyoto

Day 6 and 7: Kyoto

Day 8 and 9: Hiroshima

Day 10: Tokyo

Day 11: Departure from Tokyo

TOKYO

Touch down in Tokyo ready for an unforgettable adventure in Japan. Leave customs and meet a friendly airport assistant who will hand over your travel documents and Pocket Wifi, if you've chosen to purchase it. Take a shuttle transfer to your hotel, check-in, and get settled in the city (rooms available from 3pm).

Explore at your leisure, and visit the iconic sights of the Japanese capital. Tokyo offers up a fascinating juxtaposition of unique districts, towering skyscrapers, glowing signs, serene temples and traditional sanctuaries.

 
Don't miss :

• The Asakusa district and Senso-ji temple
• The 634 metre Tokyo Skytree 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 

Optional: guided tour

Discover the spectacular Mount Fuji region and enjoy a stay in a ryokan, a typical Japanese inn, complete with futons and beautiful mountain views. A delicious Japanese dinner is included in your stay.

Leave Hakone and head to Kyoto, an artistic, spiritual and culinary hub. Check in at your next hotel and get ready to explore. Visit Kyoto's highlights, or head out on a day trip to treasures further afield.

INCLUDED:

Enjoy an evening stroll in an authentic Kyoto neighbourhood. 

In English only, and in groups (max. 12 people). Duration: 45 minutes.

Don't miss :

• Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion)
• The Gion district and the Philosophers’ path
• 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

Example day trips from Kyoto :

• The city of Nara, 1 hour from Kyoto by JR train (included in the JR Pass) and its thousands of wild deer.
• Osaka, the gastronomic capital of Japan, is located just 20 minutes from Kyoto by Shinkansen (included in the JR Pass.)

Leave Kyoto for Hiroshima and check in at your hotel, ready to discover this place of great history. Visit Miyajima, 'The Island of Gods'.

Don't miss :

• 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.

At this point in the itinerary, those staying for 10 nights will return to Tokyo. 

Visitors staying for 12 or 15 nights will continue to Kanazawa.

KANAZAWA

Depart Hiroshima for Kanazawa, and check-in at your hotel. Nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, Kanazawa has plenty to offer.

Don't miss :

• 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

At this point in the itinerary, those staying for 12 nights will return to Tokyo. 

Visitors staying for 15 nights will continue to Takayama.

TAKAYAMA

Visit Takayama, resting in the heart of the Japanese mountains. This pretty town is bordered by a charming river, numerous temples and many craft shops.

After your stay in Takayama, return to Tokyo and take advantage of your final few days in Japan to explore the city's hidden treasures.

Return to the airport for your flight home after an incredible experience in the land of the rising sun.

At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully chosen hotels. Throughout your tour, you will stay in 3* or 4* accommodation depending on the offer selected.

Your hotels during the tour (or similar):

3* accommodation:

Tokyo: OMO3 Akasaka

Hakone Mont Fuji: Ryokan Ichinoyu Shinkan*

Kyoto: Royal Park Sanjo

Hiroshima: Hotel Intergate Hiroshima

Kanazawa: OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi

Takayama: Spa Hotel Alpine Hida Takayama

4* accommodation:

Experience a serene World Heritage gem near Kyoto, where a local guide will lead you through tranquil Buddhist temples, stunning waterfalls, and pristine wilderness on an easy hike.

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in an authentic district of Kyoto. Taste the delicious matcha tea and understand the complexity of its service in one of the best tea houses of the city.

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.

Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan, offers an authentic glimpse into the country's rich cultural past. Steeped in history, it is a city where tranquil gardens, beautiful temples, and vibrant shrines coexist with the timeless beauty of well-preserved architecture. While much of Japan has embraced modernity, Kyoto stands as a guardian of the old ways, preserving its heritage through its quiet charm.

Must-sees:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A breathtaking Zen Buddhist temple, surrounded by an idyllic garden and reflecting pond.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up Mount Inari.
• Gion District: A traditional geisha district, where visitors can catch glimpses of these iconic figures in their ceremonial attire.

Culinary culture:

Kyoto’s culinary landscape reflects its deep cultural roots. The city is renowned for kaiseki, a multi-course meal that highlights seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation. Be sure to sample yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a temple restaurant or savour matcha-based desserts in one of the many tea houses that dot the city. Kyoto’s kyo-yasai (local vegetables) are a must-try, often found in dishes prepared with techniques passed down through generations.

Dive deeper:

For a more authentic Kyoto experience, visit the Nishijin district, a charming area where traditional weaving techniques are still practised. Walk through the shōtengai (shopping streets), where small speciality shops continue to thrive, selling everything from tofu to pickles, often run by families that have passed down their trades for centuries. These glimpses into everyday Kyoto life are essential for understanding the enduring spirit of the city.

Good to know:

Kyoto is known for its traditional tea ceremonies, which can be experienced at various tea houses throughout the city. Participating in one is an opportunity to witness the artistry and deep cultural significance of tea preparation, where every movement is purposeful and steeped in centuries-old tradition. Additionally, Kyoto is home to kimono rental shops, where visitors can dress in the city’s iconic garments and stroll through historic districts like Gion, creating an unforgettable experience that blends past and present.