Best of Japan

12 days / 11 nights

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Experience the best of Japan on this 12 day journey through the country. Start in Tokyo and explore its many temples and famous shopping districts, before visiting the iconic Mt. Fuji and staying at a traditional Japanese Ryokan Onsen (Inn with hot springs). Then proceed to Kyoto and Nara, the cultural heart of Japan, to learn about Japanese spiritual beliefs, architecture, and traditions, and marvel at the natural beauty of its parks, especially during the Cherry Blossom season. Next, visit Hiroshima to see how this city has rebounded from its tragic and painful past, and gaze at the iconic Floating Torii gate on Miyajima Island, one of the most photographed sights in Japan. Finally, visit Osaka to experience its eclectic mix of historical and modern sights.

Key sights to see

Tokyo
Tokyo
A city of contrasts, Tokyo is famous for its pioneering modernity, soaring skyscrapers, and world-class shopping, as well as its temples, shrines, and bonsai gardens. Some of the most famous sights in the city include the Senso-ji temple, the Meiji Shrine, the Skytree tower, the Ginza shopping district, the Shinjuku Gyoen National park and Hamarikyu Gardens, and the Tsukiji Temple & Fish Market.
Hakone & Mt. Fuji
Hakone & Mt. Fuji
Located less than 100 km from Tokyo, Hakone is famous for its spectacular views of Mount Fuji from scenic Lake Ashi, its hot springs (called "onsen"), the many Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) that offer onsen facilities, and various outdoor activities and cultural sights. The most popular attractions are a boat ride on Lake Ashi, and a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, which provides panoramic views of the area.
Kyoto
Kyoto
Kyoto is the Japan’s former capital and was the residence of the emperor from 794 until 1868. With 2,000 religious buildings, including 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens and associated architecture, it is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan. Kyoto is also famous for its traditional Japanese culture, such as geisha and tea ceremonies, and for its crafts, such as pottery and textiles.
Nara
Nara
Nara is a city that predates Kyoto. It was Japan’s capital from 1710 to 1784. The city's key attractions include the Kasuga Taisha shrine established in 768 AD, the Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue, Nara Park, the beautiful Isuien Garden, and the historic Naramichi merchant district, which showcases some exceptionally well preserved "machiya," or traditional Japanese town houses.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima
On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima was devastated by the first-ever wartime use of an atomic bomb. The Atomic Dome is one of the few buildings that survived the blast and remains standing. The nearby Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park features numerous monuments, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the Children's Peace Monument. Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima today is a thriving, modern city with several cultural, natural and culinary attractions.
Miyajima/Itsukushima Island – Floating Torii Gate
Miyajima/Itsukushima Island – Floating Torii Gate
Miyajima, officially known as Itsukushima Island, is a picturesque island located in Hiroshima Bay. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the iconic red "floating" Torii gate of the Shrine, one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks in Japan. Miyajima Island is accessible from Hiroshima by ferry in about 10-15 minutes.
Osaka
Osaka
Osaka is the the third-largest city in the country and an eclectic mix of traditional and modern. Some of the key sights in the city include the Osaka Castle, which dates back to the 16th century, the Dotonbori, a lively entertainment district known for its colorful illuminated signs, the 6th century Shitenno-ji Temple, the Umeda Sky Building, and Universal Studios Japan. The city is often referred to as the "Kitchen of Japan," for its culinary prowess, and is also known as a shopper's paradise.

Great places to stay

What’s Included
  • Meet and greet services and airport transfers
  • Accommodation and meals as specified
  • Drivers and guides as specified
  • Entrance fees to all parks, conservancies and other sights
  • Domestic transport (trains, flights etc.)
What’s Not Included
  • International flights
  • Visa fees (if any), airport, city or local taxes
  • Additional meals & beverages
  • Incidentals (e.g. laundry), tips and gratuities
  • Personal medical and travel insurance
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