tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Premium

Explorer

Premium Japan

4.8

Excellent

272 reviews

12 days

Start

Tokyo, Japan

Finish

Kyoto, Japan

Trip Code

CJPJ

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, Bullet Train, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nt), Hakone Feature Stay (1 nt)

From £5,374(12 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Soak up some quintessentially Japanese Exclusive Experiences, including a sushi making class and a guided meditation session with a Zen Buddhist monk.

Unwind among the beauty of nature at your Feature Stay accommodation in the hot springs town of Hakone – with mountain views, a traditional ryokan design, modern comforts and a private onsen (thermal pool) for each room, you’ll find relaxation here!

Visit the sobering Hiroshima Peace Park and be reminded of this city’s history with a guided tour. Learn about how the city is recovering and is now dedicated to promoting world peace.

Soak up Japan’s natural beauty – with stays in mountainous Hakone, glimpses of Mt Fuji, a stroll around the stunning island of Miyajima and the views of the Japanese alps in the ancient village of Shirakawa-go.

Take a half-day tour of Tokyo – wander Asakusa (the temple district), explore the buzzing Shibuya area, find a treat in a depachika (underground food hall), discover the thriving Harajuku district and get a birds-eye view of the city from Tokyo Skytree.

Is this trip right for you?

Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.

Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.

Itinerary

Ancient culture, celebrated cuisine and stunning scenery come together in Japan

Experience Japan’s perfect harmony of ancient tradition and a modern way of life on this 12-day Premium adventure through the cultural heart of the country. You’ll start among Tokyo’s soaring skyscrapers, making your way to Hakone’s mountainous hot springs and find the meaning of relaxation in a cloud of fragrant steam. Then, head to Takayama, which delights with its Edo-era beauty. Shirakawa-go immerses you in charming countryside life before you discover the intriguing cultural diversity of Kyoto. Find a passion for peace in Hiroshima, take a sushi-making class with an expert, soak away your worries in an onsen and travel with a local leader who will share the rich variety of their country as you visit temples, castles, shrines and holy mountains.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in the country’s lively capital, Tokyo, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. If you get to the city early, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from history museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole in the wall eateries and bars. After your meeting, join your new travel companions for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Tokyo’s food scene is undoubtedly one of the world’s best, and the city truly celebrates the art of eating well. Sample a range of regional and seasonal delights, including handmade soba noodles, crispy tempura and yakitori. After dinner, you may like to experience Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife and head to a local izakaya.
Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Tokyo - Welcome dinner
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
We will organise to forward your luggage throughout the trip. This will only include one piece of big luggage so please ensure that you have a day pack for your essentials and valuables.
For 2025, we are currently unable to offer a complimentary arrival transfer in Tokyo. Our previous operator is no longer in business, and we haven’t been able to source a reliable alternative supplier. For 2025, arrival transfers are not included.
See the ‘Joining point’ section of the Essential Trip Information for departure-specific joining point hotel information.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Tokyo
Bursting with contemporary urban culture and historic temples and shrines, Tokyo has so much to uncover. Exploring the world’s largest city alone can be a daunting task, but today your leader will introduce you to the old and new Tokyo on a half-day tour. Begin in the Asakusa area, one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo, often called the temple district. Here you’ll stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple – founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. Browse the many interesting stalls filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs that line the shopping street of Nakamise dori. Then, jump on the metro to explore the buzzing Shibuya area. Check out one of the busiest intersections in the world before heading into a depachika (underground food hall) for a tempting array of Japanese treats. Before diving into Harajuku district, the home of quirky youth pop culture. Then get a birds-eye view of Tokyo from Tokyo Skytree which rises to an incredible 634m above the city.
Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour
Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine
Tokyo - Tokyo Skytree
Optional activities
Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000
DAY 3
Day 3 • Tokyo
This morning, get ready for a delicious experience at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, where fresh seafood from Tokyo's largest wholesale fish market (recently relocated to a new site at Toyosu) is delivered and ready to sample daily. Your leader will provide insight into the underwater treasures that go into the local cuisine, then you’ll take a sushi making class to learn about the art and history of this Japanese cuisine that's loved across the world. Learn how to make nigiri sushi, hand-rolled sushi or temari sushi, then enjoy your fresh creations for lunch. After learning some valuable skills to take home with you, you can join your leader for a short walking tour in the Ginza area and then enjoy a free afternoon in the city. Maybe check out the Yayoi Kusama Museum for its amazing exhibits by the avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama (advance reservation required), browse high-end shops in Ginza, experience the theatre of a kabuki play, or create your own entertainment with some karaoke.
Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market
Tokyo - Sushi Making Class
DAY 4
Day 4 • Hakone
Say sayonara to Tokyo this morning and board a train bound for the mountainous onsen (hot spring) town of Hakone. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone offers tranquillity among stunning natural scenery. In the afternoon, take a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani, followed by a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake. Enjoy spectacular views, and on a clear day, you’ll even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance. Later, check in to the Susukinohara Ichinoyu, your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Here, you’ll experience the design and ambience of a traditional Japanese ryokan without sacrificing modern comforts. Each room comes with a private onsen, and there are also larger public indoor and outdoor onsens that overlook the surrounding greenery. Tonight, you’ll have dinner at the on-site restaurant which serves up a feast of classic Japanese dishes. Then, spend a blissful evening relaxing in your onsen.
Accommodation
Susukinohara Ichinoyu (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway
Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Takayama for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your stay in Hakone as you will not have access to your luggage again until Day 5.
DAY 5
Day 5 • Takayama
Today, travel to Takayama via shinkansen (bullet train), with a few changes along the way. Takayama is a charming Edo-period town located in the Japanese alps. Renowned for its traditional inns, sake breweries and tranquil atmosphere, this riverside jewel of central Honshu may well be one of the most enjoyable stops on your trip. When you arrive, head out on a walking tour with your leader who will point out examples of traditional architecture as you explore the old part of town. Learn how the town’s isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene. The area is particularly famous for Hida beef, which comes from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed that has been raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Stop off on your tour to sample delicious Hida beef sushi or skewers. Then pay a visit to the Takayama Showa-kan Museum. This is not your average museum – here you’ll find a celebration of pop culture from the turbulent period of Emperor Hirohito’s six-decade reign.
Accommodation
Hotel Around Takayama or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Takayama - Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling)
Takayama - Showa Museum
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Shirakawa-go - Takayama
Start the day with a visit to the Takayama morning market. The Gifu region is known for its production of high-altitude vegetables, and local women have been travelling in from the countryside to sell their produce for more than 600 years. Your leader will guide you through the market stalls selling colourful pickles, bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices and the delicious marshmallow treat of owara tamaten. After some time to peruse the local treats, hop on a public bus and head to the village of Shirakawa-go – home to charming thatched-roof cottages built in the gassho-zukuri style. Learn about ancient countryside life with your leader and explore the village with the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps. Enjoy some free time in Takayama after you return in the afternoon. If you like, you can also check out Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall which has an excellent array of festival floats on display.
Accommodation
Hotel Around Takayama or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Takayama - Shirakawago Village
Takayama - Morning Market visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Hiroshima for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your second night in Takayama as you will not have access to your luggage again until Day 7.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Hiroshima
This morning, you’ll travel by train to Hiroshima – a cosmopolitan city with a tragic past. Today, the city is full of distinctive cuisine, tightknit communities and a focus on promoting world peace. When you arrive, head out with your leader for an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with the city. After working up an appetite, head to a local restaurant for dinner and try some of Hiroshima’s signature dishes. The city is renowned for its fantastic oysters and okonomiyaki – a delicious savoury pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood.
Accommodation
Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner
Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Hiroshima
This morning you’ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Your leader will share the devastating story of the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was attacked by atomic warfare. The dome was just metres from the atomic site and was able to retain its shape – serving as a reminder of the attack and now symbol of peace. The memorial park serves a similar purpose and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims, education on what lead to the bomb’s use, as well as advocating world peace. After your visit, take a short ferry ride to the island of Miyajima. The island is home to the Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, known for its huge bright orange gate (torii) that rises majestically out of the sea. Miyajima is an ideal place for walking. There is the lovely Momiji Park from where it is possible to walk or take a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen.
Accommodation
Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Hiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip
Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine
Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome
Hiroshima - Peace Museum
Optional activities
Miyajima - Mt Misen Cable Car - JPY2000
Special information
Today, we will send one piece of luggage to Kyoto for you. You will need a small overnight bag for your second night in Hiroshima as you will not have access to your luggage again until Day 9.
On weekends, advanced booking is advised for the Mt Misen Cable Car.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Kyoto
As you speed north to Kyoto on shinkansen, you’ll stop on the way at Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji. The building, which has survived earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, was restored to its full glory in 2015. Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families, learn about their lives and look out over the castle grounds and the city below. Arrive in Kyoto mid-afternoon. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally 'tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto had its golden age during the imperial court's heyday from 794 to 1185. Join your leader and walk around Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, and learn about the history of geisha culture as you explore old wooden teahouses and exclusive restaurants. You might want to return here in the evening when it really springs to life. You may also spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up on their way out to events.
Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Himeji - Himeji Castle
Kyoto - Gion District walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Kyoto
Begin your day with a city tour around some of Kyoto’s sights. Visit the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel 'The Golden Pavilion'. After, visit Daitokuji Temple – the head temple of the Daitokuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism built about 800 years ago. Take part in a short, guided meditation session, then enjoy a cup of green tea while you speak to a monk about the philosophy of Zen Buddhism and the art of meditation. This spiritual experience will reveal a side of Japan that most visitors don’t get to see and is sure to be one of the lasting memories of your journey. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy – perhaps grab a bite to eat at the Nishiki Market, called ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’ by the locals.
Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple
Kyoto - Zen Buddhism meditation session
Special information
The time of the visit to the Daitokuji temple and the meditation session may be shifted depending on the availability of our meditation master. Your leader will inform you of the exact time of the activities and help you plan your time in Kyoto.
DAY 11
Day 11 • Kyoto
This morning, head to Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you’re feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views. Continue with a short train ride and walk to a renowned sake brewery. Your visit to the brewery covers every aspect of sake creation – with full-scale historical artefacts in abundance and a chance to taste different types of sake at the end of your visit. In the evening, celebrate the end of your adventure over dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant sharing the authentic flavours of Kyoto.
Accommodation
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha
Kyoto - Sake Brewery & tasting
Kyoto - Final dinner
Optional activities
Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500
Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free
Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple Gardens (additional JPY300 to visit the temple) - JPY500
Kyoto - Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace - JPY1300
DAY 12
Day 12 • Kyoto
There are no activities planned for the day and you’re free to depart at any time after check out. If you’re departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. If you’d like to extend your stay in Kyoto, and it’s recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals
Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Transport

Boat, Public Bus, Cable Car, Ferry, Metro, Bullet Train, Train

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nt), Hakone Feature Stay (1 nt)

Included activities

Tokyo - Welcome dinner

Tokyo - Sensoji Temple

Tokyo - Shibuya walking tour

Tokyo - Meiji Jingu Shrine

Tokyo - Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market

Tokyo - Sushi Making Class

Hakone - Cable car/Ropeway

Hakone - Lake Ashinoko boat cruise

Takayama - Leader-led walking tour (with street food sampling)

Takayama - Showa Museum

Takayama - Shirakawago Village

Takayama - Morning Market visit

Hiroshima - Okonomiyaki dinner

Hiroshima - Leader-led orientation walk

Hiroshima - Miyajima Island day trip

Miyajima - Itsukushima-jinja Shrine

Hiroshima - Peace Park & A - Bomb Dome

Hiroshima - Peace Museum

Himeji - Himeji Castle

Kyoto - Gion District walk

Kyoto - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kyoto - Daitokuji Temple

Kyoto - Zen Buddhism meditation session

Kyoto - Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Kyoto - Sake Brewery & tasting

Kyoto - Final dinner

Optional activities

Tokyo - Tokyo National Museum - JPY1000

Miyajima - Mt Misen Cable Car - JPY2000

Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera - JPY500

Kyoto - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Free

Kyoto - Tenryuji Temple Gardens (additional JPY300 to visit the temple) - JPY500

Kyoto - Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace - JPY1300

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Friday Sep 19, 2025

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Sunday Sep 21, 2025

Thursday Oct 02, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Tuesday Sep 23, 2025

Saturday Oct 04, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Thursday Sep 25, 2025

Monday Oct 06, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Friday Sep 26, 2025

Tuesday Oct 07, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left

£7,079

Sunday Sep 28, 2025

Thursday Oct 09, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left

£7,018

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025

Saturday Oct 11, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left

£7,244

Wednesday Oct 01, 2025

Sunday Oct 12, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 6 spaces left

£7,018

Thursday Oct 02, 2025

Monday Oct 13, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left

£8,118

Friday Oct 03, 2025

Tuesday Oct 14, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Sunday Oct 05, 2025

Thursday Oct 16, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 2 spaces left

£8,129

Tuesday Oct 07, 2025

Saturday Oct 18, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left

£8,146

Thursday Oct 09, 2025

Monday Oct 20, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out

Sunday Oct 12, 2025

Thursday Oct 23, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left

£8,118

Tuesday Oct 14, 2025

Saturday Oct 25, 2025

Trip size max: 12 - 1 space left

£8,118

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. When travelling by train, we include the transfer of one piece of luggage from destination to destination. Please review the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details on luggage transfers and luggage size.

3. We are currently unable to offer airport transfers in Japan. Please refer to the Joining Point Instructions of the Essential Trip Information for our recommendations on arrival. Your leader will be able to advise the best way to reach the airport at the end of your trip.

Reviews (3)

5 stars

4 stars

Vicki

Oct 17, 2024

This trip was absolutely fabulous . Loved every part of it. Our leader,Yuka, was incredible. The amazing members of the group made the trip so memorable. Definitely recommend this trip.

Graham

Sep 03, 2024

Hiro was our Hero on our Japanese Adventure, Guiding us Through Nippon and making Sure we Avoided the Typhoon Down South, A Terrific Group and MAGNIFICENT LEADER IN HIRO!!!

Gleb

Apr 28, 2025

This was my first time in Japan. The country is amazing. Very colorful and rich in history. This trip was the break I desperately needed. Itinerary is fairly packed with key cultural sites, you will see a lot of Japan. The downside is that there may be a lot of other tourists. I suggest you read up on Japanese history and customs to get more out of the trip and use the free time to the maximum extent to visit less known places. The organization of the trip has been excellent, the lead was great and made sure everyone in the group is comfortable. The accommodations were good, you can expect to stay most of the time in 4-star hotels with a really good, filling, breakfast. A word of advise though: this is not a truly "premium" trip - it's a "comfortable" well-organized trip. You won't be going to/staying in expensive places (except in your free time on your own dime). You won't be traveling in business class ("green cart") on the trains, or in group busses, it'll be 100% regular public transport. So should you take this tour: I would consider it if this is your first time in Japan and you don't want to worry about booking, connections. You are getting a well executed comfortable trip that you don't need to plan yourself. After that it's a question of cost.

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