We Love —
- Discover the fascinating and exquisite culture of Japan where the ancient and modern worlds merge whilst staying in comfortable accommodation throughout
- Experience the glories of Kyoto (the cultural heartland of Japan), the buzzing city of Tokyo and the beautiful old town of Shirakawago (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Experience old and new with a ride on the high-speed bullet train & a visit to the enchanting historical centre of Nara.
Book Now, Pay Later —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
For any additional information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email [email protected]
Your Destination —
The JR Pass allows you almost unlimited travel for 7 days on all Japan Rail lines throughout the country. It allows you to travel on the world-famous Bullet Train (Shinkansen) as well as the popular ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima.
Your Japan Rail Pass will be activated as soon as you use it. Please do not use your pass until day 4 of your tour if you have chosen a 9 night itinerary, otherwise your pass will not last for the duration of your stay.
Itinerary 1 - 6 Nights —
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to explore the lively districts of Japan's capital, Meiji-jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park, in Harajuku are a particular highlight, especially in Spring when the park is nestled uner a canpy of 700 cherry trees. Although with the time difference and after your long flight you might prefer to simply relax at your hotel.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 2: Free Time in Tokyo
Today is free to do as you please but we suggest you roam through Tokyo's traditional Asakusa district and Senso-ji temple which would be a beautiful contrast to the neon lights of the day before.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Take the train to the coastal town of Kamakura (approx. travel time: 1 hour). Visit the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine which is flanked by cherry blossoms which are reflected in the clear water below only adding to the magic of this scene...the fallen petals floating on the water are a must-see!
Discover the beauty of Kencho-ji Temple: the path leading to the oldest and largest Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura (1242) is lined with cherry trees. The sight of the pink petals standing out against the dark brown wood of the grand entrance door or the green of the bronze roof is a delight. Then there's Hase-dera temple which offers a breathtaking view of the bay. If you want to experience true serenity you have to visit the giant Buddha at Kotoku-in temple.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 5: Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka
Depart for the famously spiritual city of Kyoto where you will find countless shrines to ensnare your imagination (approx. travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes). While your in the city you can pay a visit to Nijo Castle which has become an icon of traditional Japan or simply walk through the Gion district with its traditional wooden houses and elaborately dressed Geisha's strolling past. Kiyomizu-dera is a must, this temple commands a spectacular view over the city.
Continue onto Oska (approx travel time: 30 minutes).
Overnight in Osaka.
Return to Kyoto and explore more of this beautiful city: walk down the path of Philosophy which is lined with ancient temples and fringed with cherry blossoms. Drink in the majesty of Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion) then find your inner peace at The Zen Garden of Ryoanji Temple, with its famously mesmerising rock garden.
Return to Osaka by train. Enjoy the lively neighbourhoods of Namba and Dotombori, try an izakaya, Japanese bar-restaurants! Enjoy the local specialities: okonomiyaki, savory cabbage pancake, or takoyaki, small octopus dough balls.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 6: Osaka - Nara - Osaka
Take the train to Nara (approx. travel time: 45 minutes). This enigmatic city was the first fixed capital of Japan and is famous for its 1,200 fallow deer who roam freely, Todaiji Temple & the surrounding area is a spot of particular serenity.
Return to Osaka and 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. Otherwise you might prefer to enjoy the lively districts of Dotombori & Namba.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Itinerary 2 - 8 Nights —
Day 1: Arrival in Japan
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to explore.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 2: Tokyo
Tokyo embraces the modern and ancient like no other city on earth and offers something for everyone who wants to delve into the Japanese phenomenon: the towering skyscrapers and frenzied neon of Shinjuku, the pop culture and gadget paradise of Akihabara, the sophisticated chic of Ginza, the biggest and liveliest fish market in the world, the old downtown area of Asakusa, and the tranquil, understated beauty of Meiji Shrine. Please see itinerary 1 for suggestions.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 3: Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo
Take the train to the coastal town of Kamakura (approx. travel time: 1 hour). Please see itinerary 1 for suggestions.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Depart for this hub of traditional artwork (approx. travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes). Any trip to Kanazawa would not be complete without visiting Kenrokuen Garden, a 17th century park which is widely beleived to be 1 of the 3 most beautiful parks in Japan, especially in Spring. Kenrokuen Garden is celebrated for its classic & calming designs which incorporat ponds and streams & is adjacent to Kanazawa Castle, a marvellous 1500s castle.
Overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 5: Kanazawa - Shirakawago -Kanazawa
Take the bus from Kanazawa Station to Shirakawago (approx. travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes). This enchanting village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture surrounded by monumental scenery.
Return to Kanazawa. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's modern art museum or visit the Nagamachi district with its samurai houses.
Overnight in Kanazawa.
Please note that your bus trip to Shirakawago will not be included in you Japan Rail Pass. The price of the return ticket is approx. £24.
Day 6: Kanazawa - Kyoto - Osaka
Depart for the famously spiritual city of Kyoto where you will find countless shrines to ensnare your imagination (approx. travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes). Please see itinerary 1 for suggestions on what to see. Afterwards, continue onto Oska (approx travel time: 30 minutes).
Overnight in Osaka.
Return to Kyoto and explore more of this beautiful city then return to Osaka by train & soak up the local culture.
Kyoto is the heartbeat of traditional Japan. Not to be missed are Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji and Kiyomizu temples, although be aware that these do become crowded. For a more peaceful, intimate temple experience we recommend the temple complex of Daitoku-ji, in particular Daisen-in sub-temple, and the Arashiyama area to the west of the city.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 8: Osaka - Nara - Osaka
Take the train to Nara (approx. travel time: 45 minutes). Please see itinerary 1 for suggestions on what to see. Return to Osaka.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Itinerary 3 - 9 Nights —
Day 1: Arrival in Japan
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to explore.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 2: Tokyo
Please see itinerary 1 for suggestions.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 3: Tokyo & The Surrounding Area
Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding area: you can learn more about Japan's spiritual heritage with a trip to the Shrines & temples of Nikko or head for Hakone for its magnificent view of Mount Fuji & relax in their hot springs.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Activate your rail pass & take the train to the coastal town of Kamakura (approx. travel time: 1 hour). Please see itinerary 1 for suggestions.
Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 5: Kanazawa - Hiroshima
Depart for Hiroshima (approx. travel time: 4 hours 30 minutes). Spend some time exploring ukkei-en garden, with 200 yoshino cherry trees, mountain cherry trees and weeping cherry trees that blossom in the spring! The Memorial Peace Park & Museum is definitely worth a visit too.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
Day 6: Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima
Depart for Miyajima Island by train and ferry (approx. travel time: 45 minutes). If you wish to properly explore Miyajima you should seek out Goju-no-tou, a five-storey pagoda & discover the peaceful surroundings of Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its iconic red gate (ootorii) in the water. Those who are more active might like to climb Mount Misen, Shishi-no-iwa: from the top you will have a breathtaking view of the 2,000 cherry trees that grow on the island!
Return to Hiroshima where you can ask the hotel to have your luggage delivered to your next hotel, making your onward journey easier.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
Day 7: Hiroshima - Kyoto - Osaka
Depart for the famously spiritual city of Kyoto where you will find countless shrines to ensnare your imagination (approx. travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes). Please see itinerary 1 for suggestions on what to see. Afterwards, continue onto Oska (approx travel time: 30 minutes).
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 8: Osaka - Kyoto - Osaka
Return to Kyoto and explore more of this beautiful city then return to Osaka by train & soak up the local culture.
Kyoto is where you will find the Japan of silent temples nestling in bamboo groves, gardens of finely raked sand and bewitching geisha. This city is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, exquisite crafts and some of the best cuisine in the country.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 9: Osaka - Nara - Osaka
Take the train to Nara (approx. travel time: 45 minutes). Please see itinerary 1 for suggestions on what to see. Return to Osaka.
Overnight in Osaka.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Optional Extras —
Our members can choose to enhance their stay with one of the following options at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee.
Full-Day Guided Tour of Tokyo
Delve into Tokyo's cultural side with a tour which will take you to both century-old temples and ultra-modern high-rise buildings, districts which are illuminated by neon lights and neighbourhoods stuck in the past, showing you the fascinating range of Japanese landscapes within one city.
Full-Day Guided Tour of Kyoto
A visitor to Kyoto can quickly become overwhelmed by the city's rich tapestry of treasures. Take advantage of your guide’s know-how, leave the well-trodden trails behind and let them help you discover the true Miyako (another name for Kyoto).
Full-Day Guided Tour of Nara
Despite its population of 350,000, Nara retains a rural atmosphere. Your guide will lead you through the famous park as the deer roam freely around you, to discover the Shinto and Buddhist temples that have helped forge the Japanese soul.
Half-Day Guided Tour of Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture & a history which stretches back centuries. Spend half a day with a knowledgable guide and discover both the major sites & hidden spots of the city. At the end of the tour you’ll have made the most of your stay in Kanazawa, one of Japan's must-see cities.
Pock WiFi
Despite it's Hi-Tech reputation, free WiFi is still rare throughout Japan. Renting a pocket wifi while in Japan is ideal if you need fast and unlimited internet access for the duration of your stay. Lightweight and with a long battery life, it guarantees you access to the internet wherever you are, and on any type of device (smartphone, tablet, laptop…).
Your Hotels —
You will be staying in Standard Rooms throughout with breakfast included.
Hotel B Akasaka Mitsuke - Tokyo (3 nights)
A 3-minute walk from Akasakamitsuke train station, this chic hotel is 3 km from Tokyo Tower and 4 km from Tsukiji fish market. The contemporary & minimalistic rooms feature free Wi-Fi & flat-screen TVs.
Hotel Dormy Inn - Kanazawa (1 or 2 nights, Itinerary 2 & 3 only)
A 3-minute walk from Kanazawa train station, this casual tower hotel is 3 km from both Kenroku-en garden and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Your rooms is enhanced by wood accents & features free Wi-Fi & minifridges.
Dormy Inn Shinsaibashi - Osaka (3 nights)
A 3-minute walk from the lively Amerikamura entertainment & shopping district, this modest hot spring hotel is also a 7-minute walk from Osaka-Namba train station & 13 km from Universal Studios Japan. There's a complimentary train station shuttle
Your Journey —
Flights: Our members can choose between economy or business class seats.
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.
Transfers: Transfers, rail tickets, coaches and a 7-day rail pass are included.
