Upon arrival at Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your knowledgeable tour guide who will provide your first introduction to Japanese hospitality.

Enjoy a comfortable bus transfer through Tokyo’s fascinating urban landscape to your centrally located hotel, offering glimpses of the city’s remarkable blend of ultra-modern skyscrapers and traditional neighbourhoods. The short walk from the bus stop to your accommodation allows you to immediately absorb the unique energy of this incredible city.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax after your journey and perhaps enjoy a quiet stroll nearby, allowing you to acclimatise gently to Japan’s colourful capital.

Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple, where the striking red Kaminarimon Gate and giant lantern welcome you into a space rich with tradition and spirituality.

Stroll down Nakamise Street, a bustling thoroughfare lined with stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs, seasonal treats, and classic Japanese confections. Then, enjoy a tranquil 35-minute cruise along the Sumida River, passing beneath graceful bridges and taking in the city skyline from a new perspective.

In the afternoon, wander through the peaceful Edo-period Hamarikyu Garden before experiencing the exhilarating energy of Shibuya Crossing, a quintessential Tokyo moment.

Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar

Breakfast

Board Japan’s remarkably efficient bullet train system for your high-speed journey to historic Kanazawa, reaching speeds of up to 260 kilometres per hour whilst enjoying comfortable seating and stunning countryside views. Your luggage will be efficiently transferred ahead to Kyoto, allowing you to travel with just an overnight bag.

Upon arrival in Kanazawa, explore the vibrant Omicho Market, known as “Kanazawa’s kitchen,” where local vendors offer exceptional fresh seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan. Visit the contemplative D.T. Suzuki Museum, dedicated to the renowned Zen Buddhist philosopher who introduced Zen concepts to the Western world. The museum’s thoughtful architecture and serene atmosphere provide perfect preparation for the cultural discoveries ahead in this beautifully preserved castle town.

Hotel Forza Kanazawa or similar

Breakfast

Discover Kanazawa’s remarkable cultural heritage beginning with Kenrokuen Garden, widely considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. This meticulously maintained masterpiece features seasonal flowers, ancient pine trees, and traditional water features that have been carefully tended for over 300 years.

Step back in time at the beautifully preserved Shima Old Geisha House, where you’ll learn about the sophisticated world of geisha culture and traditional entertainment.

Explore the atmospheric Higashi Chaya Geisha District with its wooden ochaya (tea houses) and narrow cobblestone streets that transport you to Japan’s Edo period.

Conclude with a visit to the historic Samurai Residence of Kurando Terashima, offering fascinating insights into the daily lives and customs of Japan’s warrior class during the feudal era.

Hotel Forza Kanazawa or similar

Breakfast

Travel by a combination of bullet train and express services to reach Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital and the country’s cultural heart for over 1,000 years.

Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of bright vermillion torii gates that create stunning tunnels winding up the sacred Mount Inari. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity since the 8th century.

Explore the surrounding traditional Sando streets with their charming local shops selling everything from traditional crafts to regional specialities and street food. The afternoon allows time to settle into your Kyoto accommodation and begin absorbing the unique atmosphere of this ancient city where traditional culture remains active.

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA or similar

Breakfast

Begin today’s Kyoto tour at the stunning Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its wooden stage that juts out 13 metres above the hillside, offering panoramic views over Kyoto’s traditional rooftops and modern cityscape. This architectural marvel was constructed without using a single nail, demonstrating remarkable ancient Japanese engineering skills.

Wander through the historic preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, lined with traditional wooden buildings housing tea houses, craft shops, and restaurants that have served visitors for centuries.

Continue to the mystical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo creates natural green tunnels and the gentle rustling creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Explore the atmospheric Gion District, Kyoto’s most famous geisha quarter, before visiting the serene Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple founded in 1202.

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA or similar

Breakfast

Journey by bullet train to Hakata, the vibrant heart of Fukuoka on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu.

Visit the fascinating Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, housed in traditional merchant buildings that showcase authentic Edo-period crafts, lifestyles, and architectural techniques.

Explore the nearby Kushida Shrine, famous for its connection to the spectacular Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival held each July.

As evening approaches, experience Fukuoka’s famous yatai food stalls along the riverside, where your knowledgeable guide will help you navigate the local dialect and sample authentic regional specialities. These mobile food stalls represent a unique aspect of Japanese street culture, serving everything from fresh ramen to grilled seafood whilst providing opportunities for genuine cultural exchange with local residents.

Hotel Monte Hermana Fukuoka or similar

Breakfast

Travel by bullet train to Kumamoto, then journey through spectacular countryside to magnificent Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanic calderas with a circumference of over 120 kilometres. From the viewing platform, marvel at the dramatic volcanic landscapes, smoking craters, and vast grasslands that stretch to the horizon.

Return to Kumamoto city to visit the impressive Kumamoto Castle, considered one of Japan’s three premier castles and a masterpiece of defensive architecture. Originally completed in 1607, this fortress complex features innovative design elements including curved stone walls that become steeper towards the top, making them virtually impossible to scale. Your guide will explain the castle’s remarkable history and its recent restoration following earthquake damage, demonstrating Japan’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

One Station Hotel Kumamoto or similar

Breakfast

Explore the dramatic natural beauty of Takachiho Gorge, where the Gokase River has carved spectacular cliffs up to 17 metres high through ancient volcanic rock, creating one of Kyushu’s most photographed natural wonders.

The gorge features the stunning Manai Falls cascading from the cliff face, particularly beautiful when illuminated by filtered sunlight. Visit the mystical Amano Iwato Shrine, deeply connected to Japanese mythology as the legendary hiding place of the sun goddess Amaterasu.

Explore the atmospheric Amano Yasukawara Cave, where thousands of small stone cairns have been built by visitors making wishes, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

Continue to the renowned hot spring resort town of Beppu, famous throughout Japan for its therapeutic waters and unique geothermal phenomena, arriving in time for a relaxing evening.

Rex Hotel Beppu or similar

Breakfast

Experience Beppu’s world-famous geothermal attractions beginning with the Mount Tsurumi Ropeway, which provides stunning panoramic views across Beppu Bay and the surrounding mountainous landscapes of Kyushu.

Participate in a unique onsen steam cooking class, learning to prepare traditional Japanese dishes using nothing but natural geothermal steam, a cooking method unique to this volcanic region.

Visit the fascinating Jigoku Onsen Museum, which showcases the science and cultural significance of hot springs in Japanese society. Marvel at the mesmerising Umijigoku (Sea Blue Hell) hot spring, where cobalt blue waters bubble at temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Celsius, creating otherworldly colours and steam formations.

Conclude your day relaxing in your hotel’s therapeutic onsen, experiencing first hand the rejuvenating properties that have attracted visitors to Beppu for over 1,000 years

Rex Hotel Beppu or similar

Breakfast

Enjoy a completely flexible day exploring Beppu at your own pace, perhaps visiting additional therapeutic hot springs, browsing local craft shops, or taking an optional excursion to the charming nearby town of Yufuin with its art galleries and boutique shops.

Alternatively, participate in hands-on cultural activities at Space Beppu or simply relax and reflect on your Japanese journey.

In the evening, transfer to the port and board the Ferry Sunflower for your overnight journey across the Seto Inland Sea to Osaka. This comfortable ferry offers restaurants, entertainment facilities, and the opportunity to watch a spectacular sunset over the water whilst enjoying dinner on board.

The overnight sailing provides a unique perspective of Japan’s maritime heritage and offers a peaceful transition from Kyushu back to the main island.

Ferry Sunflower or similar (Inside Cabin)

Breakfast

Arrive at Osaka Port and transfer to your hotel before beginning your final day of sightseeing in Japan’s “kitchen”, a city renowned throughout the country for its exceptional food culture and merchant heritage.

Visit the magnificent Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japanese unity and one of the country’s most important historical landmarks. The castle’s extensive grounds feature beautiful gardens that change dramatically with the seasons.

Continue to the impressive Umeda Sky Building Observatory, an architectural marvel featuring the “Floating Garden Observatory” suspended between two towers 173 metres above the city. From this unique vantage point, enjoy spectacular panoramic views across Osaka’s sprawling urban landscape.

Conclude your comprehensive Japanese tour with a farewell dinner in the atmospheric Dotonbori district at a traditional izakaya restaurant, celebrating the memories and friendships formed during your adventure.

Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba or similar

Breakfast & Dinner

On your final day, make your way to the station or airport for your departure, filled with memories of your unforgettable journey through Japan.