Japan Unveiled
From
£5,252pp
From
£5,252pp
Japan Unveiled
From electric futuristic metropolises, incandescent and thrilling, to ancient shrines and gardens, hushed and serene, it’s the extremes and the in-betweens that will enthral and amaze.
Overview
Whether cloaked in cherry blossoms and drapes of wisteria, or enveloped in rich autumnal shades, this country exudes its spectacular charm throughout every season. Embarking on a thoughtfully paced journey commencing in Tokyo, a guided tour delves into the vibrant core, aglow with neon signs. Discover solace in the historic downtown district, where behind shrouds of incense, pagodas, palaces and the art of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony can be observed.
Transitioning to the shadow of Mount Fuji, a cruise across Hakone's Lake Ashinoko is followed by a cable car ascent to the sulphuric pools of Owakudani, aptly named the 'Boiling Valley.' The pilgrimage then continues to the sacred springs of Oshino and the tranquil expanse of Lake Kawaguchi. Matsumoto, an artistic haven, invites exploration, with its galleries and Japan’s oldest wooden castle while Takayama's markets and Shirakawa-go's time-honoured thatched farmhouses offer a glimpse into the past.
Ambling across Kanazawa's meticulous gardens and lantern-lit cobblestone streets precedes an immersion into Kyoto's allure. Gaze upon gilded temples, the weathered façades of former merchant dwellings, and the graceful performances of geishas. A pause in serene Nara, inhabited by over 1,000 revered deer and home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, leads to a lesson in crafting wagashi sweets.
High-speed bullet train rides offer an additional authentic Japanese experience, and a stay in Hiroshima encompasses the wooded Miyajima Island and a ‘floating’ 12th-century shrine, along with the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and its accompanying memorial park. The grand finale unfolds in Osaka, where the dynamic neighbourhoods of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi-suji ensure you get your fill of the destination’s profusion of offerings.
Itinerary
✓ Day 1-2: Travel to Japan
✓ Day 3: Included tour of Tokyo, lunch and tea ceremony
✓ Day 4: Full day at leisure in Tokyo and optional team Lab Planets visit, Tokyo-Edo Museum tour and optional Yakatabune dinner cruise
✓ Day 5: Included transfer to Mishima with a visit to Hakone, cruise and cable car ride
✓ Day 6: Included travel to Matsumoto with visits to Oshino Hakkai and Lake Kawaguchi
✓ Day 7: Included tour of Matsumoto and afternoon at leisure
✓ Day 8: Included visit to Takayama, lunch and Shirakawa-go
✓ Day 9: Included morning tour of Kanazawa and transfer to Kyoto
✓ Day 10: Included full day tour of Kyoto
✓ Day 11: Included excursion to Nara and wagashi making experience with optional Kyoto night tour
✓ Day 12: Included bullet train to Hiroshima, ferry to Miyajima Island and tour
✓ Day 13: Included visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and bullet train ride to Osaka with afternoon city tour
✓ Day 14: Day at leisure in Osaka and included farewell dinner
✓ Day 15-16: Return home
- Guests: 2 Adults
- Duration: 15 Nights
- Board: 16 Meals
- Departing: Heathrow
- Offer Date: Departures between November 2026 & November 2028
Contact us
Why book this tour?
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✓ 13 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in a series of good quality hotels in Tokyo (3 nights), Mishima (1), Matsumoto (2), Kanazawa (1), Kyoto (3), Hiroshima (1) and Osaka (2)
✓ 12 breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner
✓ A tour of Tokyo and tea ceremony
✓ A visit to Hakone, cruise and cable car ride
✓ A visit to Oshino and Lake Kawaguchi
✓ A tour of Matsumoto
✓ A visit to Takayama and Shirakawa-go
✓ A tour of Kanazawa
✓ A tour of Kyoto
✓ An excursion to Nara and wagashi making experience
✓ A ferry to Miyajima Island
✓ A tour of Hiroshima
✓ A tour of Osaka
✓ Two bullet train journeys to Hiroshima and Osaka
✓ Transfers throughout
✓ Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Tour Highlights
✓ Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an ancient and spiritual practice
✓ Journey to the sacred eight natural springs and traditional thatched houses of Oshino and Lake Kawaguchi
✓ Immerse yourself in the energy of Japan’s electrifying capital, Tokyo, on a guided tour
✓ See the sacred and protected deer of Nara and the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world
✓ Cruise across the tranquil waters of Hakone’s Lake Ashinoko, with a backdrop of Mount Fuji
✓ Travel by cable car and explore the volcanic crater, Owakudani ‘Boiling Valley’
✓ Discover Matsumoto, home to one of Japan’s oldest castles and meander along the historic Nakamachi Street
✓ Wander around the markets and charming lanes of Takayama and visit the farmhouses of UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go
✓ Board a high-speed bullet train for Hiroshima and view the shrine of Miyajima Island
✓ Learn how to make the traditional, intricate and colourful Japanese sweets, wagashi
Accomodation
✓ Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo, Tokyo (nights 2-4)
✓ Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel, Mishima (night 5)
✓ Tabino Hotel Lit, Matsumoto (nights 6-7) or
✓ Iroha Grand Hotel, Matsumoto Ekimae (nights 6-7)
✓ Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, Kanazawa (night 8)
✓ Keio Prelia Hotel Kyoto Karasuma Gojo, Kyoto (nights 9-11)
✓ Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-Ekimae, Hiroshima (night 12)
✓ Miyako City Osaka Hommachi, Osaka (nights 13-14)
Further Information
Operator: Newmarket
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