Highlights of Japan Escorted Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Travel to Japan
Depart for our holiday to Japan, arriving in Osaka.
Day 2 – Arrive in Osaka Japan
We have arrived in Osaka! We meet with our local guide, and transfer by coach to our hotel in Kyoto. Join us for a welcome dinner at a nearby local restaurant.
Day 3 – Kyoto – Transfer to Osaka
After breakfast, we experience our full day guided tour. Start our day with a visit to Ginkakuji temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Next we travel by coach to Japan’s second largest city, Osaka. Today on our guided excursion we visit Umeda Skydeck Observatory, nineteenth tallest building in Osaka and one of the city’s most recognisable structures. We also visit Osaka Castle, another of Japan’s famous landmarks. After, we take a stroll through Dotonbori. Known for its bright lights and extravagant signage, it is considered one of the most colourful districts in Osaka and is also a hub of the city’s vibrant food culture.
Day 4 – Full Day – Discover Kyoto & Geisha Show
Uncover the treasures of the Sanjusangendo Temple, founded in 1164 and famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy. The temple hall, measuring 120 metres, is the longest wooden structure in Japan. Afterwards, we visit Nijo Castle, official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu, and witness to many important events in Japanese history. Within this 400-year-old complex, experience one of the golden ages of Japanese architecture and design, the early Edo period. Join us for dinner this evening at a local restaurant, where we uncover more of Japan’s unique culture with a Geisha performance!
Day 5 – Uncover Nara on a Full Day Tour
Today we’ll see more, on a full day excursion to Nara, former 8th century capital of Japan. The city is filled with historic treasures including some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples. Our guided tour today includes a visit to Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, with over one thousand resident deer. Another stop on the tour is Tōdai-ji Temple, one of the country’s most notable temples, housing one of the largest Buddhas in Japan, fifteen metres tall! Also included is a visit to the ancient Kasuga-Taisha, Nara’s celebrated Shinto shrine, set amidst forest pathways and decorated with many bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers.
Day 6 – Day at Leisure to Discover Kyoto
Today is free to enjoy Kyoto at our own pace. Our expert guide will be happy to tell us of further sightseeing and activities to do in this area. There is the option to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima by ferry. This pre-bookable tour is a full day guided excursion, returning in the late evening.
Day 7 – Odawara by Bullet Train with a Tour of Hakone
This morning, we set off on foot to the train station (bags transferred separately) to experience more of Japan’s highlights. It’s “All Aboard” for your journey on one of the famous “Bullet Trains”, to Odawara. We say farewell to our Kyoto guide and board the train. Bye, bye Kyoto and hello Odawara! On arrival, we meet our new guide and commence a full day tour of Hakone. Afterwards, we set sail on Lake Ashi, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We see even more as we take a ride on the Komagatake Ropeway Cable Car, which on a clear day offers an excellent photo opportunity of Mount Fuji.
Day 8 – Experience Kamakura & Travel to Tokyo
We check out of our hotel and travel to Kamakura to experience its most popular sights, including part of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a Shinto Shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general. Also included is a visit to Kotokuin which has the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan, and Hase Kannon Temple with its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy. We also visit trendy Komachi Street, filled with fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries.
Day 9 – Uncover Tokyo – Full Day
We uncover more as we take in some of the sights and sounds of bustling Tokyo! Included today are visits to Imperial Palace Plaza, home to the Japanese Imperial family, and Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo’s oldest and best Japanese gardens, with its beautiful contrasts throughout the seasons. We continue to the Hamarikyu Gardens, a traditionally styled garden landscape in central Tokyo. After the tour, in the late afternoon, return to your hotel.
Day 10 – Experience more of Tokyo
This morning, we see more of this vibrant city including a visit to Ueno Park, boasting over one thousand cherry trees! Afterwards, we uncover more of Japan’s ancient arts by witnessing a tea ceremony and learning the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging).
Day 11 – Discover Tokyo – Full Day
This morning we discover more of this fascinating city, with visits to Asakusa Kannon Temple, Nakamise Street with its traditional shopping arcade, and high-end shoppers’ paradise Ginza, before we enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant (included). In the afternoon we stroll through the Harajuku district, known internationally as the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion and renowned for its colourful street art. We will also view the Meiji Shrine. This Shinto grand shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken, modern Japan’s first emperor and empress.
Day 12 – Return Home from Tokyo
Cherry blossom season typically runs from late March to middle of April, although some seasons will vary.
