With its juxtaposition of ancient pagodas and palaces, amongst vibrant and futuristic cities, a trip to Japan is a feast for all the senses, and on this 16-day tour, you'll have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the traditions and cultures of this fascinating country.
Starting in Tokyo, you'll enjoy escorted and independent exploration of this bustling city, seeking popular landmarks as well as lesser-known neighbourhoods. From here, you'll cruise across Hakone's Lake Ashinoko and take the cable car to the sulphuric pools of Owakudani.
Visit Oshino, renowned for its series of eight natural springs and continue to Lake Kawaguchi, positioned at the foothills of Mount Fuji, before spending time in Matsumoto, home to Japan's oldest wooden castle, which dates back to the 16th century. You'll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, whose famous thatched farmhouses offer a glimpse of the past.
Explore peaceful pagodas and glorious gardens, including the Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa. A three-night stay in Kyoto offers the chance to see some of its most iconic landmarks, including the 'Golden Temple', Kinkaku-ji; the Ryoanji Temple; and Nijo Castle. Your tour ends in Osaka, where culinary delights at the street food markets await.
There will also be time to experience traditional Japanese customs, such as attending a tea ceremony where you'll partake in the preparation and presentation of matcha. You'll also learn to make wagashi, a traditional Japanese confection often served with green tea.
A trip to Japan isn't complete without riding the iconic bullet train, and on this tour, you'll take two high-speed journeys - one to Hiroshima, where you'll visit the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and its accompanying memorial park, and the other to Osaka.
With multiple departure dates available, you can take in the spring cherry blossom or the bright red autumnal hues. Whenever you travel, you can be sure that Japan will enthral and astound.
Hotel information:
Nights 2-4: Four-star Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo, Tokyo
Night 5: Four-star Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel, Mishima
Nights 6-7: Three-star Tabino Hotel Lit, Matsumoto
Night 8: Four-star Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, Kanazawa
Nights 9-11: Three-star Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo, Kyoto
Night 12: Four-star Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae, Hiroshima
Nights 13-14: Three-star Miyako City Osaka Hommachi, Osaka
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, subject to availability and based on 15 September 2025 departure date from London Heathrow. Regional airports available on request. Various departure dates are available, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1,143. Deposit £300pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. ABTOT 5509.
Fly from London Heathrow to Tokyo, Japan (regional flights available on request).
Upon arrival in Tokyo, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel for your three-night stay. After checking in, the rest of the day will be free to get settled in, perhaps enjoying a drink in the lounge before having dinner at your leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, head into the heart of the city for a guided sightseeing tour. Explore the Meiji Shrine, one of Japan's most famous landmarks. Later, partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an ancient cultural activity that involves the preparation and presentation of matcha. Your guide will explain how this is a spiritual process and a type of art form based on Zen philosophy and intended to bring about inner peace and harmony to those involved. Continue on to the main residence of the Imperial Family, the Imperial Palace Plaza, which is built on the former site of Edo Castle (please note: the inner grounds of the palace are not open to the public). This evening, return to your hotel for dinner at your leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, you have the full day to explore Tokyo at your leisure. You may wish to return to downtown to visit the historic neighbourhoods of Yanaka and Nezu. These quieter parts promise a warren of alleys, bordered with traditional wooden houses, cosy cafés, retro stores and authentic Japanese-style izakaya bars. Alternatively, take to the observation deck of Tokyo's Metropolitan Government building for a panoramic view, escape to one of the city's peaceful parks, like the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, browse the boutiques of Harajuku Takeshita Street or sample local delicacies at the open-air Tsukiji Outer Market, a foodie hotspot. You'll also have the chance today to visit two of Tokyo's cultural treasures with optional excursions (not included) to teamLab Planets, a digital art installation, and the Toky-Edo Museum, which offers the opportunity to step into the city's rich history. Later, return to your hotel for dinner at your leisure - or choose to venture out on a Yakatabune river cruise (at a supplement) for a unique dining experience as you tuck into authentic local flavours and delicacies against the backdrop of Tokyo's evening skyline.
After breakfast at your hotel, check out and travel to the hill town of Hakone. Home to hot spring resorts and overlooking Lake Ashinoko with a backdrop of Mount Fuji, you'll have time to wander around - perhaps strolling along the street by the train station, lined with souvenir shops offering crafts, pottery and food products. Board a boat for a lake cruise and admire the views of Mount Fuji that are particularly spectacular when there are no clouds. The striking Hakone Shrine, set on the shore with its red torii gate appearing to float above the surface, can also be observed. After lunch (not included), venture to Hakone Ropeway to board a cable car. This scenic 24-minute journey will end at Owakudani 'Boiling Valley', a volcanic crater formed by the eruption of Mount Hakone (3,000 years ago), and made up of sulphuric vents, hot springs and bubbling pools. There'll be some time to explore and sample the local speciality, kuro-tamago or black eggs, which are boiled in the sulphurous waters to give the eggshells a distinctive dark colour. Then travel to Mishima and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay, and have dinner at leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, check out and travel to the village of Oshino, renowned for its series of eight natural springs referred to as Oshino Hakkai (eight ponds). Each one is considered sacred, has its own unique significance and is framed by traditional thatched-roof houses and walking paths. After lunch at leisure, continue to Lake Kawaguchi, positioned at the foothills of Mount Fuji, with its calm waters serving as a mirror, reflecting the majestic mountain's image on clear days. Enchanting Oishi Park, spread across the northern shores of the lake is next. If conditions permit, you can view Mount Fuji from one of the observational platforms. Nearby, Itchiku Kubota Art Museum displays the textile art of Itchiku Kubota, a master dyer and artist renowned for his revival of the lost art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing. Continue on to Matsumoto and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay, and have dinner at leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, join your guide for a walking tour of Matsumoto. Walk to the 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, Japan's oldest wooden castle, which is also known as 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior. You can enter its impressive wooden interior, climb to the top for incredible views and learn about its history through exhibits and displays. You'll then meander along Nakamachi Street, a historic district with traditional wooded storefronts, Edo-period buildings, art galleries, souvenir shops, and cafés. This afternoon, lunch and the remainder of the day will be yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps visit the Ukiyo-e Ōta Memorial Museum of Art, or look out for the polka dot buses, inspired by artist, Yayoi Kusama, who was born here. Return to your hotel for dinner at your leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, check out and travel to Takayama. Visit the Miyagawa Morning Market, known for its crafts, traditional goods and fresh produce. Head into the old town and walk along Sanmachi Street, bounded by traditional merchant house-style houses, sake breweries and storehouses, and artisan shops. You'll have lunch at a local restaurant, before continuing on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go. Famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, you'll visit the largest of these properties - Wada House - which is now a museum, where you can learn about the lifestyle and history of the villagers who lived here. Continue on to the historic city of Kanazawa and check into your hotel for an overnight stay, and have dinner at leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, join your tour manager for a morning sightseeing tour of Kanazawa. Visit the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, considered one of the 'Three Great Gardens of Japan', with its large pond, bridges, walking paths, tea houses and rest areas. After lunch, you'll visit the Higashi-Chaya District, which is characterised by its tea houses - once known for hosting geisha performances, tea ceremonies, and traditional entertainment. Stop off at Omicho Market, also known as Kanazawa's Kitchen, popular with locals and visitors for its fresh seafood and local produce. Transfer to Kyoto and check into your hotel for a three-night stay, and have dinner at leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Discover one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion; the Ryoanji Temple, known for its minimalistic rock garden; and Nijo Castle. Built in 1603 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll explore the interior of the Ninomaru Palace with its unique 'nightingale floors', which are designed to chirp like birds, serving as a security measure against intruders. After, head to the city's entertainment and geisha district, Gion. This is one of the few places where you can still encounter these skilled entertainers in their traditional attire. Narrow, traditional wooden houses that once housed merchants and artisans line the lantern-lit streets. This evening, return to your hotel for dinner at your leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, set off on an excursion to Nara, a former capital of Japan. Known for its ancient temples and holy sites, you will visit the Todaiji Temple, a Buddhist shrine that houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu). Venture to Nara Deer Park, home to over 1,000 tame deer and considered sacred, before seeing the Kasuga-taisha (Shinto shrine), with its vast assortment of stone lanterns, and ethereal forest surroundings. Return to Kyoto, where you'll partake in a wagashi making experience. Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that come in various shapes, colours, and flavours, and are often served with green tea. During the lesson, you'll be guided through the process of creating the intricate designs before sampling your hard work. Later, explore Kyoto and have dinner at your leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, check out and transfer to the station to board the high-speed Nozomi bullet train for Hiroshima. Upon arrival, you'll take the ferry to Miyajima Island located in Hiroshima Bay. The island is home to the 12th century Itsukushima Shrine, which you'll visit before having lunch at your leisure. The ferry will take you back to the mainland, where you'll visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which exhibits artefacts, photographic displays, and personal accounts of the atomic bombing's impact on the city and its people. You'll also see Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, with the A-Bomb Dome structure that symbolises the city's resilience, peace efforts and is a remembrance of the atomic bombing during World War II. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay, and have dinner at leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, check out and transfer to the station to board the high-speed bullet train for Osaka. After lunch at your leisure, meet your tour manager to explore two of Osaka's main districts - the entertainment hub of Dotonbori, positioned on the canal, and Shinsaibashi, best known for its shopping. You'll venture down Shinsaibashi-suji, an undercover shopping avenue. Later, check into your hotel for a two-night stay, and enjoy the rest of the day and dinner at your leisure.
After breakfast at your hotel, spend the day exploring Osaka at your leisure. Perhaps, you'll wish to return to the districts you visited yesterday to explore more - like seeing Osaka Castle, admiring the views from the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory or visiting Shitenno-ji Temple, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple. Or perhaps, you'll join an optional (not included) culinary tour around Osaka's popular Kuromon Ichiba Market - trying delicious street foods, such as Takoyaki (battered octopus balls) and Kushikatsu (deep-fried vegetables and meats, served on skewers). This evening, join your fellow guests for a special farewell dinner and share memories of your trip.
After breakfast at your hotel, make the most of the remainder of your time in Osaka. Store your luggage at the hotel and seek out more historical, cultural and culinary sights. This evening, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
You'll arrive back in the UK today.
For general information, click here.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, subject to availability and based on 15 September 2025 departure date from London Heathrow. Regional airports available on request. Various departure dates are available, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1,143. Deposit £300pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. ABTOT 5509.