Japan Uncovered

Welcome to Japan! On arrival in Tokyo, make your own way to the start hotel. At 16:00, you will meet the rest of the group and your adventure leader at a welcome meeting in the lounge of the hotel.

We then head for an included kaiseki dinner - a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. Afterwards, enjoy panoramic views over the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

After dinner, we'll watch the TMG Light Show, a night-time light display projected on the main facade of the TMG Building No.1.

We start the day with a visit to an authentic sushi cooking class, before heading for Meiji Jingu Shrine, completed in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Your tour leader will get a charm for you and share the meaning behind omamori and its role in Japanese culture.

Later, we explore Harajuku, Tokyo’s trendiest neighborhood, known for fashion, street food, and youth culture. The adventure continues to the bustling Shibuya district, where you can experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Take a moment to find the Hachiko statue, an iconic symbol of loyalty and devotion.

Begin today in Shibamata, a nostalgic neighborhood in northeastern Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward, known for its charming Showa-era atmosphere, traditional shopping street, and deep connection to Japanese film history. We'll visit the Shibamata Taishakuten temple here before heading to Asakusa for our included Sumo Experience. This is a rare opportunity where you can interact with ex-sumo wrestlers, and enjoy the famous Chanko-Nabe for dinner.

Later, your main luggage will be sent forward to Kyoto, so please prepare a small overnight bag for Hakone on day 4.

Tokyo - Hakone. After breakfast this morning, we depart Tokyo and head for the mountains, and one mountain in particular...

We'll arrive in Moto-Hakone just before lunch. Once here, prepare to test your sea legs aboard a pirate ship cruise over the scenic Lake Ashi. This unconventional vessel offers panoramic views of towering mountains, clear waters, and, on a clear day, the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji. We'll then ascend into the mountain peaks via a cable car. This journey promises the chance to admire the natural beauty of the Hakone region.

We will be staying in Hakone at a hotel offering a ryokan experience. A ryokan is a Japanese bath and sleeping house. You will have the chance to relax in a steamy onsen bath and will enjoy a mouth-watering multi-course Kaiseki dinner.

Hakone - Kyoto. Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hakone - you have time to enjoy another onsen bath before we bid farewell to Hakone and make our way to the rail station for the journey to Kyoto.

Our first visit in Kyoto is the East Hongwanji temple complex near the main station. The complex is known for its massive wooden halls, especially the Goei-do Hall which is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. It’s peaceful, less crowded, and features a unique rope made from human hair used in its reconstruction.

Later, enjoy an included calligraphy class and we'll head out for a fun night of karaoke this evening.

Learn how to make matcha, the drink that is taking the world by storm, in this morning's included tea ceremony. We then take a stroll around the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu Dera Temple. The ancient temple is perched on the hillsides and offers panoramic views of Kyoto. Enjoy free time for lunch and a wander around Kiyomizu and then enjoy a guided tour of Gion, Kyoto's legendary Geisha district.

Also today, we wander through Pontocho Alley, one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric alleys, known for traditional lanterns, teahouses, and riverside dining. After a busy day, you've got some free time this afternoon to further explore Kyoto at your own pace.

Kyoto - Hiroshima. Spend this morning at leisure. You could get up early for sunrise at Fushimi Inari, or perhaps visit Nijo Castle. In the afternoon, we head to the train station to board the bullet train to Hiroshima. On arrival, we'll enjoy an included dinner (drinks not included) of okonomiyaki, Hiroshima's speciality.

Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima. Today we make the short ferry trip to Miyajima Island, famous for the iconic red torii gate which appears to float on the water. Enjoy panoramic views of the island as we ride the Miyajima Ropeway cable car to the top of Mount Misen. Returning to sea level, the afternoon is dedicated to further exploration of Miyajima Island's captivating landscapes.

Back in Hiroshima, we'll pay a sobering but fascinating visit to the Peace Memorial Museum to learn more about the atomic bomb attack that occurred here in 1945. An audio guide is included.

Hiroshima - Okayama - Osaka. This morning, we take the bullet train from Hiroshima to Okayama, where you can opt to store your luggage. From here, we visit the city's Kurashiki Bikan Quarter, a beautifully preserved Edo-period district with canal area, traditional streets lined with coffee shops, local sweets shops or souvenir shops. Our visit also includes a river boat ride, where we gently cruise along the willow-lined canal and enjoy the picturesque scenery of this old merchant town.

We then visit the Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. After our visit, we head back to the train station and complete our journey to Osaka, arriving around 19:30.

Enjoy a short orientation walk of Shinsaibashi, Osaka's lively shopping district, There's time for lunch (not included) before we embark on our included Dotonbori boat cruise, allowing you take in the views of Osaka from the water.

In the evening, we gather for an included farewell meal (drinks not included) to toast the end of our trip.

Your Japan adventure ends today. If you would like us to arrange post-tour accommodation or train tickets back to Tokyo, then we can do this on request for you.