The Best of Japan

Duration: 13 Days
27th May 2027 (Other Dates Available)
Tour Highlights

  • See the famous sights of Tokyo including the Meiji shrine, Omotesando Street, and the Akihabara electronic town.
  • Enjoy astonishing views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi and the hot-spring, mountain spa resort of Hakone.
  • Travel at 189 mph on the incomparable high-speed bullet trains and explore Kyoto on a guided tour, experiencing the former imperial capital and the essence of traditional Japan.
  • Reflect on the horrors of war at Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum.
  • Discover the ‘Way of Tea’ with a Japanese tea ceremony and wander around Japan’s first capital Nara, with its huge bronze Buddha, on a guided tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: Departure

Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Tokyo.


Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo 

Upon arrival, you will be met by your tour manager and transferred to the 4-star superior New Otani Hotel, centrally located in the heart of Tokyo.


Day 3: Tokyo Sightseeing

Explore the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji. Continue to the vibrant Omotesando Street and the neon-lit "Electric Town" of Akihabara.


Day 4: Asakusa & Sumida River

Visit the historic Asakusa district and the Senso-ji Temple. Later, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Sumida River toward the upscale Ginza district.


Day 5: Mount Fuji & Lake Ashi

Travel to the foothills of Mount Fuji for breathtaking views from Lake Kawaguchi. Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ashi and a cable car ride over the volcanic Owakudani Valley.


Day 6: The Bullet Train to Hiroshima

Experience the speed and efficiency of the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) as you travel south to Hiroshima. Check into the 4-star Hilton Hiroshima.


Day 7: Miyajima & Hiroshima Peace Park

Take a short ferry ride to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the iconic "floating" Torii gate. In the afternoon, visit Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Park and Museum.


Day 8: Korakuen Garden & Kyoto

Depart Hiroshima for Kyoto, stopping en route to explore the stunning 18th-century Korakuen Garden in Okayama, one of the "Three Great Gardens" of Japan.


Day 9: Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion & Arashiyama

Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and walk through the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Conclude the day with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.


Day 10: Nara & Sake Tasting

Travel to Nara, Japan's first capital. Visit the Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and enjoy a guided tasting at a traditional Sake brewery.


Day 11: Kyoto at Leisure

A full day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Visit the Gion district to spot Geiko or explore the thousands of vermilion gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.


Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Board the Bullet Train for your final journey back to Tokyo. Enjoy a farewell evening in the capital before your departure.


Day 13: Return Flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Accommodation

This tour features hand-picked 4-star superior hotels, selected for their central locations, excellent amenities, and proximity to Japan's most famous landmarks.


Tokyo: Hotel New Otani (3 Nights)

One of Tokyo's most iconic hotels, the New Otani is a "city within a city."

The Highlight: It features a spectacular 400-year-old Japanese Garden once owned by samurai lords, complete with scarlet bridges and koi ponds.

Location: Perfectly situated in the heart of Tokyo, near the Japanese Parliament and just minutes from the metro.

Amenities: Multiple restaurants (Japanese and Western), bars, and a luxury shopping arcade.


Mount Fuji / Hakone: Hakone Hotel (1 Night)

Experience tranquillity on the southern shores of the lake.

The Highlight: Stunning views of Mount Fuji and the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi directly from the hotel grounds.


Hiroshima:  RIHGA Royal Hotel  (2 Nights)

A towering landmark in Hiroshima known for its exceptional service and views.

The Highlight: Its central location is unbeatable—within walking distance of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Castle.


Kyoto: Kyoto Century Hotel (4 Nights)

Ideally located for exploring the cultural heart of Japan.

The Highlight: Situated right in the centre of Kyoto’s bustling shopping and entertainment district, next to the main station for easy exploration.

Amenities: Known for its elegant design and some of the best breakfast selections on the tour.


Tokyo: Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu (1 Night)

A convenient and comfortable final night before your return journey.

The Highlight: Located right at the airport, ensuring a stress-free morning for your flight home.

Amenities: Soundproofed rooms with modern amenities and views of the runways or Tokyo Bay.

Prices

From £5,299pp

Inclusions

What’s Included in Your Tour

When you book the Best of Japan tour, almost every detail of your journey is pre-arranged and included in the price. From the moment you arrive at the airport to your final night in Tokyo, we ensure a seamless and stress-free experience.


Transport & Flights

  • Return Flights: Scheduled flights from the UK to Tokyo.
  • Transfers: All airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in Japan.
  • The Bullet Train: Standard class seats on the iconic Shinkansen high-speed train for your journeys to Hiroshima and back to Tokyo.
  • Local Travel: All transport between cities and for included excursions via air-conditioned coach, ferry (to Miyajima), and local boats.

Accommodation

  • 11 Nights’ Stay: In hand-picked 4-star superior hotels, including the prestigious Hotel New Otani in Tokyo and the lakeside Hakone Hotel.
  • Porterage: One piece of luggage per person is transferred for you at each hotel.
  • Local Taxes: All local accommodation and airport taxes are included.
  • Food & Drink
  • 14 Meals Included: * 11 Daily Breakfasts: Enjoy a mix of Western and Japanese buffet options.
  • 2 Lunches: Including a traditional Japanese bento box experience.
  • 1 Dinner: Typically a welcome or farewell meal.
  • Sake Tasting: A guided tasting session at a traditional brewery in Nara.


15 Expert-Led Experiences

  • Guided tours of Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima.
  • Visit to the Meiji Shrine and the historic Asakusa district.
  • Cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji.
  • Reflective visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
  • Ferry trip to the sacred island of Miyajima.
  • Visit to the Golden Pavilion and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
  • Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Kyoto.
  • Stroll through Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's top three landscape gardens.

Price
From £5,299pp