Introduction
Japan contrasts the contemporary and the historic. It is a place where sleek buildings envelop delicately adorned monuments and geisha glide past speeding bullet trains. This historic country provides a variety of distinctive experiences, from the shimmering lights of Tokyo to the unfathomable heights of Mount Fuji.
A truly magical experience awaits you when you visit the city of Kyoto to learn about the geisha culture and experience a captivating performance by these female artisans. The Geisha are an iconic feature of the city and as such you will be mesmerised. If sampling local cuisine takes your fancy on your adventure, you can discover the hippest neighbourhoods and mouth-watering restaurants in Tokyo. Sushi, such as nigiri and sashimi, soba noodles, tempura and wagashi (Japanese sweets) are all wonderful delights to experience and savour.
Japan is also a great destination for adventure and fun. Take a high-speed ride through Japan on the renowned bullet train, soak in natural hot springs under the imposing Mount Fuji, or relax at serene Miyajima, known for its ‘floating’ torii gate and Shinto shrine.
Highlights
NINJA EXPERIENCE (1-2 hours - Tokyo)
The mysterious, acrobatic ninjas in black have a long history; they are legendary beings from folklore. Learn the ancient stealth and combat strategies that contributed to the ninja’s ferocious reputation.
EMBRACE POP IN TOKYO (Full-day - Tokyo)
You can learn about Tokyo’s well-known pop culture through our guide. Attend a manga school to learn the craft of Japanese comics. subsequently proceed to Nakano Broadway, a four-story mall that specialises in anime retail (Japanese animation).
EXPLORE THE SNOW MONKEYS (Full-day - Tokyo)
Visit the Jigokudani National Park’s hot springs for the day with the assistance of your local guide. Snow monkey families can be observed here as they unwind and interact up close.
ENJOY SAKI IN KYOTO (Half day – Kyoto)
Experience the famous Japanese beverage with the assistance of a sake master. Walk around Fushimi, known for producing the best sake in the world, and then stop by renowned breweries for samples. Some of these establishments are as old as Kyoto’s shrines.
EXPERIENCE A PRIVATE TEA PARTY (3 hours – Tokyo)
Attend a private tea establishment to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Japan’s most exquisite customs. Put on a kimono, see your host carefully prepare the matcha, and then attempt to make your own.
CREATE YOUR OWN SAMURAI SWORD (3 hours – Tokyo)
Learn samurai secrets at one of the oldest samurai sword factories. You will be privately shown around and instructed on the sword-making process by Yoshindo Yoshihara, one of Japan’s best swordsmiths.
JAPANESE WELLNESS
Start with a tour of Tokyo’s culinary scene with a renowned Japanese food writer, which will be centred on the painstaking pursuit of perfection.
Travel close to Karuizawa, a lovely vacation town. Rejuvenate your senses with onsen (hot springs), which are integral to Japan’s wellness practices, and shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), a practise designed to re-establish a connection between people and nature.
Then, aboard Guntû, set off to Japan’s Seto Inland Sea to explore its beauty. This floating hotel was skilfully created to evoke the country’s iconic ryokan inns. You have time to think, refocus, and reveal fresh meaning as you travel.
Your final trip is Okinawa, where we discover the factors that contribute to the long lifespans and contentment of its residents: nuchi gusui (food as medicine for longevity), camaraderie, and meaning.
Recommended Hotels
Benesse House
Tadao Ando, one of Japan’s most well-known architects, created this building, which serves as both a museum and a hotel. Its four unique structures each provide something distinctive, from beach access and sea vistas to original art right outside your door.
Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
The Ritz-Carlton is close to Kyoto’s main attractions and offers a view of the Kamogawa River.
This lavish hotel has the largest rooms in the city, some of which have a private Japanese garden, a top-notch ESPA spa, two excellent restaurants, and a unique style that draws inspiration from the Miyabi culture.
The Palace Hotel
Tokyo’s Palace Hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, is located on the grounds of the famed Edo Castle. The majority of its large rooms have balconies that look out over the Imperial Palace. The five-star hotel is conveniently located in the city’s financial hub and is a great base for sightseeing.
Sample Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Arrival In Tokyo, Japan
Make the most of your vacation by travelling overnight to Tokyo. Your guide gives you a thorough briefing when you arrive so you can experience Tokyo’s neon-lit environment. Transfer to your upscale hotel afterward.
Day 3: Tokyo Japan
Discover Tokyo’s charming neighbourhoods. See the serene Meiji Shrine, the opulent Ginza entertainment area, the glamorous Omotesando fashion boutiques and the whimsical Akihabara cafés.
Day 4: Hakone
Experience the renowned Hakone Mountain hot springs before ascending on a cable car to a traditional ryokan inn, where you will spend the night.
Days 5 & 6: Takayama
Takayama is accessible by scenic rail, and its historic district is studded with sake distilleries and merchant homes from the Edo era. Your second day is for you to enjoy at leisure. You might want to go see Shirakawago’s UNESCO-listed thatched houses.
Day 7: Hiroshima
Taking the train will bring you to Hiroshima, where the Peace Memorial Park serves as a moving testament of the city’s past and its remarkable rebirth.
Day 8: Miyajima
Journey by ferry to Miyajima, often known as the “Shrine Island,” to see the majestic Five Tier Pagoda and the “floating” Itsukushima torii gate. Don’t miss the Inland Sea at sunset, by ascending Mount Misen via cable car.
Days 9 & 10: Visit Kyoto
Travel to Kyoto via bullet train, where you can practice the tea ceremony with a master and gain knowledge of Zen Buddhism. Spend the second day at leisure sightseeing. Explore historic lanes, explore the temples, discover the city’s castles, and stroll through its gardens.
Day 11: Discover Nara
Explore Nara, where you’ll find the largest Buddha in the nation, the UNESCO-listed Todaiji Temple, and the Kasuga Taisha shrine.
Day 12: Last Morning In Kyoto
Spend the morning at leisure before returning to Tokyo for your overnight stay.
Day 13: Depart Tokyo For Flight To Uk
Following breakfast, you will be taken via transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Sample Itinerary
Explore Japan’s Gastronomic Delights
3 Days/2 Nights from £1675pp
Ideal for foodie lovers, Osaka, is known as the “culinary capital” of Japan. Spend two nights discovering the city’s culinary culture, from specialised eateries to food vendors on the street. This is known as kuidaore in Osaka and roughly translates to “to eat until you’re ruined.” Everything is handled in the greatest way. Experiencing scrumptious meals at every corner through night markets and street stalls will spark your hunger.
Discover the Nakasendo Way
3 Days/2 Nights from £1320pp
If you are looking to experience an active/wellness adventure, which combines culture and art, then walk the Nakasendo Way, a historic route that connected Kyoto and Tokyo during Japan’s medieval era. Spend a full day strolling through the most beautiful area of the Kiso Valley while following historic pathways to settlements from the Edo era that have withstood time. Take amazing shots of secluded Shinto shrines, panoramas from deep forests, and spectacular mountain ranges. A ryokan (traditional inn) next to the route serves as your home base.
The Culture Wonders of Japan
3 Days/2 Nights from £1845pp
Do you want to embrace the hidden gems of Japan’s culture and art scene? You can experience geisha culture first-hand for a few days in historic Kyoto. Discover the techniques behind these amazing kimono-clad, red-lipped women’s artistry while gaining an insight into their lifestyle. A geiko will be honoured to be with you at a special tea ceremony, and you’ll then have the chance to eat with a maiko (an apprentice). Enjoy a traditional dance performance thereafter.
