Discover Japan
14 days from Tokyo to Tokyo
From $ 4749
Duration14 days

From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines and the soaring beauty of Mt Fuji, this tour provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional ryokan for the ultimate in Japanese luxury.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 14 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Tokyo
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Tokyo
    Ages: 12+
Discover Japan - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Tokyo
We highly recommend booking pre- or post-accommodation in Tokyo to take full advantage of this spectacular city.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Tokyo/Kanazawa

Start place: Tokyo

Take a short train ride to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest, and it became a thriving center for culture and arts.
Arrive in Kanazawa and explore the city's well-preserved geisha district.

End place: Kanazawa

Day 3: Kanazawa-shi

Start place: Kanazawa

After strolling through the expansive gardens of Kenrokuen, opt to stop at the massive Kanazawa castle next door.

Kanazawa is also home to many interesting museums, opt to visit one or learn more about local crafts. Loving the food in the city? Take a trip to the local seafood market to see where some of the fresh, tasty ingredients come from.
Stroll through Keroku-en, ranked one of the nation's top three gardens before exploring the historic Nagamachi samurai district.

End place: Kanazawa

Day 4: Kanazawa-shi/Takayama

Start place: Kanazawa

Arrive in Takayama in the afternoon and begin taking in the beautiful scenery of this traditional city.
Arrive in picturesque Takayama and relax in the traditional Japanese inn.
Day 5: Takayama
Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past in the thatched houses and rice fields. Opt to visit one of the markets or rent a bike and cycle out of the town centre and into the countryside.
Explore the Hida No Sato traditional folk village, and walk the quaint streets of the old town – lined with sake breweries and craft shops. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area.
Day 6: Takayama/Hiroshima
The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.
Arrive in Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the tragic history of this city.

End place: Hiroshima

Day 7: Hiroshima

Start place: Hiroshima

Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast.

Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating torii gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure.

Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Take a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating torii gate and meet the friendly local deer.

End place: Hiroshima

Day 8: Hiroshima/Kyoto

Start place: Hiroshima

Continue on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life.

Take time to enjoy the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion, take a leisurely stroll down the lovely Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji, or just walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse.
Travel to historic Kyoto. Explore the marvellous Fushimi Inari shrine and walk under thousands of torii gates.

End place: Kyoto

Day 9: Kyoto

Start place: Kyoto

Wander the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens before visiting Kyoto's iconic Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion.

End place: Kyoto

Meals: B
Day 10: Kyoto

Start place: Kyoto

Spend a full day discovering the Zen gardens, huge wooden temples, pagodas and shrines of Kyoto.

End place: Kyoto

Meals: B
Day 11: Kyoto/Fujikawaguchiko

Start place: Kyoto

Leave Kyoto and travel to Kawaguchiko arriving mid afternoon. Take the rest of the afternoon to visit the Onsen Spa before dinner.
Travel to the Mt Fuji region and enjoy optional walks around Lake Kawaguchi. Savour an amazing multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinner. Enjoy a multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinner.

End place: Fujikawaguchiko

Meals: B, D
Day 12: Fujikawaguchiko/Tokyo

Start place: Fujikawaguchiko

Enjoy a morning in Kawaguchiko exploring the Five Lakes region on foot. Later, travel to Tokyo by train.

End place: Tokyo

Day 13: Tokyo

Start place: Tokyo

Opt take in some more sights, visit the museums and gardens, or do some shopping. Meet with the group later tonight for our final dinner together.
Explore buzzing Tokyo with a free day.

End place: Tokyo

Day 14: Tokyo

Start place: Tokyo

Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.

End place: Tokyo

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Kyoto Your Wellness Moment: Onsen Spa Visit, Kawaguchiko Your Discover Moment: Tokyo
  • Higashi Geisha District visit (Kanazawa)
  • Kenroku-en garden visit
  • Nagamachi Samurai District walk (Kanazawa)
  • Hida No Sato folk village visit (Takayama)
  • Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum visit
  • Miyajima excursion with floating torii gate visit
  • Nijo Castle and gardens visit
  • Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion visit
  • Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine visit
  • Hiking in the Five Lakes Region
  • Kaiseki dinner
  • Japan Rail (JR) pass (14 days)
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Bullet train, Tram, Ferry, Public bus, Walking
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (10 nts), Traditional inns (1 nt), Traditional inns with shared facilities (2 nts)

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