Wonders of Japan Tour

Depart with Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow, via Dubai.

Alternative airline – Japan Airlines.
Should you prefer, fly direct to Tokyo from London Heathrow with Japan Airlines for a supplement, from £250 per person return.

On arrival into Japan’s metropolitan capital, we transfer to our centrally-located hotel, the Hilton Tokyo, our base for the next four nights. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Tokyo at your own pace.

After breakfast, we visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, a sacred Shinto site surrounded by a peaceful forest, planted in memory of the Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. We then head to the Imperial Palace Plaza for a photo stop before continuing to Tokyo Tower, where the panoramic city views offer a breathtaking perspective. Afterwards, experience the excitement of Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections – a spot not to be missed on a trip to Tokyo! There is time to relax this afternoon, before joining our Tour Manager for a welcome drink and a chance to get to know our fellow travellers.

Today, we head out of the city on a day trip to Hakone, a region renowned for its natural beauty, geothermal activity and of course, Mount Fuji. Our day begins with a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway, offering stunning views of Owakudani’s geothermal hot springs from our gondola high up above the valley. Next, we enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi and absorb the picturesque landscapes, before visiting Hakone Shrine. Mount Fuji can be a little shy, but fingers crossed a clear sky will reward us with some impressive views of this iconic peak, the famous red torii gate of the shrine providing the perfect frame for this stunning sight.

We continue to explore Tokyo’s cultural and historic heart today. Starting in the district of Asakusa, we visit the city’s oldest temple, Sensoji, which was built in AD645, where we take in the detailed design and bustling atmosphere. Take time to wander through Nakamise shopping street, lined with stalls that have been selling traditional snacks, souvenirs and handicrafts to temple-goers for centuries. We finish our morning with an immersive drumming experience, learning the art of traditional Japanese percussion, at the Taiko Drum Museum. Having worked up an appetite, we head to Ameyoko Street, a bustling market area filled with food stalls, where we have a chance to taste some local specialities. We return to our hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

This morning, we board the bullet train to Nagano, a city known for its rich history and natural beauty. Our first stop is the historic Zenkoji Temple, a revered pilgrimage site that dates back over 1,400 years and one of Japan’s most important and popular temples. Zenkoji boasts stunning traditional architecture, with its massive wooden gate and the main hall housing a hidden Buddha statue said to have been the first Buddhist image brought into Japan. Later, stroll through the charming streets of Obuse, before continuing to Yudanaka onsen town. On arrival, we check into our traditional accommodation, Ryokan Biyunoyado, with tatami-matted rooms, soothing onsen baths and views over the surrounding mountains. In the evening, we come together to enjoy a kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal made using local seasonal ingredients.

Tour Highlight

Our adventure today begins with a visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are known to take a dip in the park’s natural hot springs. Enjoy watching these playful creatures and if we are lucky, see them soaking in the steaming waters – an unforgettable and unique experience. Later, we board the bullet train to Kanazawa with its well-preserved samurai districts, serene gardens, and rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, we check in at the Kanazawa New Grand Hotel or the Hotel Nikko Kanazawa, our home for the next three nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today, we delve into the cultural richness of Kanazawa, beginning with a visit to Wakatsuru Shozo, a rare combination of both sake brewery and whisky distillery. Here, we learn about the intricate processes involved in crafting these traditional Japanese beverages before enjoying a delicious lunch at the brewery’s restaurant, featuring local specialties paired perfectly with the drinks they produce. Our next stop is the stunning Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscaped gardens, known for its plentiful flowers, trees, stone bridges and tranquil ponds. Finally, we explore the Nomura Samurai House, a restored samurai residence with a small but beautiful garden.

This morning, we set off for picturesque Takayama, famed for its vibrant cultural heritage. Our first stop is Miyagawa morning market, a bustling open-air market sitting along the riverbanks and offering a variety of local produce, handmade crafts and traditional snacks. We head to the Takayama Float Museum to marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the ornate floats used in the region’s famous festivals. There’s time to explore Kamisano Machi, the old town district of Takayama, with its beautifully preserved wooden merchant houses and atmospheric streets. This afternoon, we discover Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site preserved for its unique Gassho-Zukuri thatched-roof houses, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Tour Highlight

Boarding our train to Kyoto, we head for the city that epitomises the cultural and historic heart of Japan. On arrival, we participate in a unique experience – a traditional Japanese lunch accompanied by a maiko performance. Here, we get a rare glimpse into the world of these apprentice geishas, learning about their training, customs, and the ancient art of dance and entertainment. After lunch, we take a walking tour through the enchanting Gion District, known for its historic wooden machiya houses and narrow alleyways. We stroll down Hanami Koji, lined with traditional teahouses, explore the vibrant Pontocho area, and visit the iconic Yasaka Shrine. Later, we check into our hotel, the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or The Hotel Higashiyama, where we stay for two nights. Tonight, there is an opportunity to experience a Japanese barbecue at a local restaurant.

Tour Highlight

Today we explore two of the most iconic landmarks in Kyoto, beginning with Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple covered in glistening gold leaf. Set against a backdrop of tranquil gardens and a reflective pond, the Golden Pavilion is one of Japan’s most photographed sights, offering a serene beauty that captivates visitors year-round. We then visit Ryoanji Temple, famous for its minimalist rock garden, a masterpiece of Zen design. Composed of 15 carefully-arranged rocks set in a bed of white gravel, the garden invites contemplation and has inspired countless interpretations over the centuries. Our afternoon is free to further explore Kyoto. Should you wish, you can join an optional tour of Sanju-Sangendo, with an opportunity to paint and take away your own paper fan. Tonight, there is the option to try Japanese shabu-shabu at a local restaurant.

Sumo Wrestling
Japan’s most popular sport, sumo has a rich history and tradition spanning many centuries. This highly ritualised sport is a fascinating experience to watch. On selected dates, we have rearranged our sightseeing to include an afternoon of sumo wrestling in either Tokyo or Osaka.

Our first stop this morning is Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates that weave an enchanting pathway up the mountainside. We continue to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital from AD710 to 794, to visit Todai-ji Temple, home of one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, which sits proudly in its Great Hall. We take a stroll through Nara Park, famous for its friendly free-roaming deer who are revered as messengers of the gods. Travelling on to Osaka, we enjoy time to explore vibrant Dotonbori Street, renowned for its lively atmosphere, with a chance to try its delicious street food for lunch. Later, we check into our hotel, the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, for our two-night stay and enjoy dinner together this evening.

We begin our final day with a visit to the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s rich history and resilience. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and a wide moat, the castle provides panoramic views of the city from its top floor, along with an informative museum showcasing the castle’s dramatic past and role in Japan’s unification. Next, we travel to the Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake in nearby Nishinomiya, where we delve into the art of sake brewing, learning about the traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries. Here, we enjoy a lunch and taste the delicate flavours of different sake varieties. Returning to Osaka, our afternoon has been left free to relax or possibly purchase some last-minute souvenirs.

Our day is at leisure until we travel to Osaka Airport for our flight to the UK. All flights with Emirates will travel via Dubai. Alternatively, if choosing Japan Airlines, you will fly to the UK via Tokyo.

After an incredible 15 days exploring the Wonders of Japan, we arrive back in the UK, bringing our memorable journey to an end.