Discover Japan: Luxury Tour of Tokyo, Kyoto & Beyond

14 days

|

£5,355pp

Our fourteen-day luxury Japan journey is the perfect introduction to this magical destination. It reveals a country of striking contrasts, where ancient rituals coexist alongside futuristic cities.

At a glance...

From the bright lights of Tokyo to Kyoto’s quiet temples, each stop offers a glimpse into Japan’s layered identity – modern yet deeply rooted in tradition.

Travel by bullet train through ever-changing landscapes, stay in exceptional hotels and traditional ryokans, and experience the heart of Japanese culture through guided encounters, exquisite cuisine and countless moments of stillness.

Why Discover Japan: Luxury Tour of Tokyo, Kyoto & Beyond

In detail

  • Days 1-3: Tokyo

    Days 1-3: Tokyo

    Arrive in Tokyo and meet your local guide for a private transfer to your hotel. The city’s contrasts unfold quickly: peaceful shrines beside neon skylines, centuries-old markets alongside futuristic streets.

    Begin at Meiji Jingu, a forested Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji, then stroll Omotesando – Tokyo’s answer to the Champs-Élysées – lined with architectural landmarks and designer boutiques. Visit Shibuya Crossing, explore Harajuku’s creative energy, and pause in a quiet garden for some authentic matcha tea.

    Optional experiences include an early visit to the Tsukiji fish market for the tuna auction, or an evening in Golden Gai’s intimate bars; a window into Tokyo’s unique nightlife culture.

  • Day 4: Hakone and Mount Fuji

    Day 4: Hakone and Mount Fuji

    Leave the capital for Hakone, gateway to Mount Fuji and a region known for its hot springs and natural beauty. Use your Hakone Pass to explore the national park, ride the ropeway across volcanic valleys, and cruise across Lake Ashinoko with views of Fuji on clear days.

    Enjoy a night at a traditional ryokan, where tatami floors, onsen baths and multi-course kaiseki dinners create the perfect introduction to Japanese hospitality.

  • Day 5: Hakone to Takayama

    Day 5: Hakone to Takayama

    After breakfast, board the Shinkansen for a high-speed journey through the countryside to Takayama. Continue by scenic rail into the Japanese Alps, passing mountain peaks and forested valleys.

    Takayama’s well-preserved old town reflects Edo-period architecture and craftsmanship. Visit local sake breweries, wander morning markets and dine on regional Hida beef. Your ryokan stay includes another kaiseki dinner and access to mineral-rich hot springs, allowing you unwind blissfully after a busy day of exploration.

  • Day 6: Shirakawa-go

    Day 6: Shirakawa-go

    Spend the morning browsing Takayama’s markets before travelling to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These steep thatched roofs, shaped like hands in prayer, were designed to endure heavy snowfall.

    Stay overnight in a converted farmhouse for an authentic glimpse into rural Japanese life. Share a home-cooked meal and experience the warmth of traditional craftsmanship and community.

  • Days 7-8: Kanazawa

    Days 7-8: Kanazawa

    Continue to Kanazawa, a city of samurai houses, geisha districts and living tradition. Begin at Kenroku-en Garden, considered one of Japan’s finest, then visit Kanazawa Castle and the Higashi Chaya district, where teahouses still operate as they have for centuries.

    The next day is yours to explore. Visit the Nomura Samurai House in Nagamachi, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, or the D.T. Suzuki Museum dedicated to Zen philosophy. Sample fresh seafood at Omicho Market and explore the city’s gold leaf workshops – a craft unique to Kanazawa.

  • Days 9-10: Hiroshima and Miyajima

    Days 9-10: Hiroshima and Miyajima

    Travel south by train to Hiroshima, a city that balances remembrance with renewal. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum for powerful insight into its history, then explore the modern city’s galleries, cafés and gardens.

    The following day, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous “floating” Torii Gate at Itsukushima Shrine. Walk along wooded paths, visit the island’s temples, or hike Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Inland Sea.

  • Days 11-14: Kyoto

    Days 11-14: Kyoto

    Your final stop is Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, this former imperial capital embodies the country’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

    With your guide, visit Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and Ryoan-ji’s renowned Zen rock garden. Walk through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama and the vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine.

    Spend time in the Higashiyama district exploring artisan shops and teahouses. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony and try on a kimono in a restored machiya townhouse for a peaceful and reflective end to your journey through Japan.

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