Japan: Land of the Rising Sun
13 days
Day 1: Tokyo
Priced From:
$6262 pp *
Sales Ends: 31/12/2025
Travel Date: -
This 13-day tour of Japan will introduce you to the cultures – old and new – that define this small but influential archipelago. Beginning in tech-mecca Tokyo and finishing with three nights in Kyoto, this immersive tour will also introduce you to lesser-known cities through Japan’s centre and southern reaches. Discover scenic beauty on the Hakone ropeway, sip the best sake in Takayama, find out about the Hiroshima of today and wonder at the floating torii gate of Miyajima. You’ll have a local to guide you through these lesser-known destinations and reveal layers of culture and history.
Day 1: Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. You can arrive at any time during the day, as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. After, join your new travel companions for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Tokyo - Nikko
Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo. This afternoon, you’ll catch a local train to Nikko. Japanese trains are a quintessential experience and one of the best insights into culture (and efficiency!) of the country. Go shopping for some snacks or a bento box at the train station and watch the scenery pass you by. Arrive in Nikko in the late afternoon – tonight, you'll stay in a small inn with shared facilities.
Day 3: Nikko
You have a full day to explore Nikko today – this ancient town is overflowing with shrines and temples, some a UNESCO World Heritage site! You'll visit Toshugu Shrine – the resting place of a Tokugawa shogun who was one of the most powerful rulers of the country. The opulent shrine contrasts with the traditional minimalist style commonly used throughout Japan. Every corner of this monument is covered in intricate gold leaf, lacquer work, paintings and patterns. Here, you can also visit the Nikko Toshogu Museum of Art at the back of the temple complex (for an extra fee). In your free time, maybe visit the red-lacquered Shin-kyo bridge and the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji. Or you may prefer time exploring Nikko’s beautiful natural setting with a visit to Chuzenji Lake and Kegon Falls. Kanmangafuchi Abyss is another highlight in Nikko that your leader will take you to visit, where you'll see about 70 Jizo Buddhas looking out to the river.
Day 4: Hakone
Say goodbye to Nikko and set out for a bit of a travel day to Hakone. Hop on a local train, followed by two shinkansen bullet trains and finally a bus. The journey is certainly worth it, as Hakone is a scenic hot spring resort in the foothills of Mt Fuji. You’ll be staying at a family-run ryokan tonight, with tatami-mat rooms, shared bathroom facilities and a lovely outdoor hot-spring onsen.
Day 5: Hakone
This morning, hop on a boat across Ashinoko Lake, then ride the Hakone ropeway cable car to the top of the surrounding mountains. The area around the lake offers plenty of stunning views, and you may even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance if weather conditions are clear. The afternoon is free to further explore Hakone’s mountain scenery and volcanic sites. Perhaps visit the boiling sulphur springs of Owakudani or Hakone Jinja Shrine with its red torii gate rising from the shore of Ashinoko Lake. Or, go for a walk through the hills of the famed grassland ecosystem of Sengokuhara. There’s also a great collection of art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Pola Museum of Art – an eclectic mix that includes work by Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Galle. Not what you would expect to find in a small Japanese town, right?
Day 6: Takayama
Travel by a local train, then a shinkansen towards Takayama – a charming Edo period town in the Japanese Alps, famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the Hida Folk Village. The village is your first stop – an outdoor museum where the traditional thatched-roof architecture unique to the area has been relocated to a mountain setting to preserve traditional Japanese culture. Discover the techniques used to build farmhouses that could withstand fierce winters and long periods of isolation due to snow-closed roads. The thick thatching kept in warmth, and the roofs were angled to minimise snow build-up. Each house is like its own self-contained museum, with displays of personal items and traditional tools.
Day 7: Takayama
This morning, you’ll head to the markets in Gifu prefecture – these markets have been held for over 600 years and are known for their array of high-altitude vegetables. Browse the stalls of seasonal produce that’s brought in from the surrounding countryside and set up by local farm women from 7 am every morning. Look out for the unique local style of pickles, the bags of miso wrapped in leaves, Genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices and the delicious marshmallow treat owara tamaten. You leader will advise a series of local's favourite snacks for you to sample as your breakfast today while you stroll through the market. The alpine climate and mountain waters are perfect for creating sake, so you'll also visit a local brewery for a taste of the region's prized signature drop. Then, head to Zenkoji Temple to learn how to make incense, which is believed to have purifying qualities. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the town at your own pace.
Day 8: Hiroshima
Travel by express train and shinkansen to Hiroshima today. Depending on what time you arrive today, you may visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park this afternoon or tomorrow morning. The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated so it was able to retain its shape and the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing has made it an enduring symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims. This evening, head out with your leader for one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood).
Day 9: Miyajima - Hiroshima
Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. You might like to further explore the island by climbing to the top of Mt Miyajima (or hopping on the cable car instead) for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Keep your eyes out for inquisitive and hungry deer that roam the streets. You have the rest of the day free to enjoy some of the other sites. You could stop by the five-storied Hiroshima Castle, which originally dates to the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but reconstructed in all its glory in the 1950s, and now holds an informative museum. The wonderful Shukkeien Garden, with teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress.
Day 10: Kyoto
Leave Hiroshima today and take the train to 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. The moats, baileys, towers and walled alleyways were ingeniously designed to trick attackers – perhaps so intimidatingly that they were never in fact tested! Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families and look out over the castle grounds and the city below from the seventh floor. Hop back on the shinkansen for the trip to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (‘tranquillity and peace capital’) by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, but the emperor and government are now in Tokyo. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there’s plenty to explore. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get your bearings, then you might like to wander through the historical streets at your own pace.
Day 11: Kyoto
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, with its impressive Golden Pavilion, immortalised by Yukio Mishima's novel. Then, join a sweet-making demonstration to learn how yatsuhashi (a traditional Japanese snack of flour, sugar and cinnamon) and matcha tea is made. After, visit the 'Kitchen of Kyoto,' Nishiki Market. Sample a few different popular local snacks here like strawberry dumplings, chicken skewers or soy milk sweets. Finish the afternoon at the red tori gates in Fushimi Inari. For the more active, hiking up the mountain following the red torii gates is a great way to enjoy the forest and the views over the city! Your afternoon is free to hike, relax or wander at your own pace.
Day 12: Kyoto
Enjoy a free day to explore this charming ancient capital at your own pace. Maybe head off to Arashiyama and wander through the Sagano bamboo forest, or cycle along the Kamo River. You could see the architecturally impressive Higashi Honganji Temple and the Sanjusangendo – home to 1001 statues of Kannon. A gentle stroll through Kyoto's eastern hills along the ‘Path of Philosophy’ that links Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, with Nanzen-ji Temple is also recommended. This walk can be extended south through the well-preserved Old Town areas to Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) with its famous viewing platform. For those visiting in spring, you could visit the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (cherry blossom dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha).
Day 13: Kyoto
There are no activities planned for the day and you’re free to depart the hotel at any time after check out. If you would like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Start Date | End Date | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Aug 3, 2025 | Aug 15, 2025 | $7,191.00 | |
Aug 10, 2025 | Aug 22, 2025 | $7,191.00 | |
Aug 17, 2025 | Aug 29, 2025 | $7,098.00 | |
Aug 24, 2025 | Sep 5, 2025 | $7,098.00 | |
Aug 28, 2025 | Sep 9, 2025 | $7,098.00 | |
Aug 31, 2025 | Sep 12, 2025 | $6,680.00 | |
Sep 4, 2025 | Sep 16, 2025 | $7,821.00 | |
Sep 7, 2025 | Sep 19, 2025 | $9,460.00 | |
Sep 9, 2025 | Sep 21, 2025 | $9,945.00 | |
Sep 11, 2025 | Sep 23, 2025 | $9,320.00 | |
Sep 14, 2025 | Sep 26, 2025 | $9,945.00 | |
Sep 21, 2025 | Oct 3, 2025 | $7,576.00 | |
Sep 23, 2025 | Oct 5, 2025 | $10,300.00 | |
Sep 25, 2025 | Oct 7, 2025 | $10,125.00 | |
Sep 28, 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 | $9,945.00 | |
Sep 30, 2025 | Oct 12, 2025 | $8,995.00 | |
Oct 7, 2025 | Oct 19, 2025 | $10,125.00 | |
Oct 9, 2025 | Oct 21, 2025 | $10,225.00 | |
Oct 12, 2025 | Oct 24, 2025 | $10,125.00 | |
Oct 14, 2025 | Oct 26, 2025 | $10,960.00 | |
Oct 16, 2025 | Oct 28, 2025 | $8,995.00 | |
Oct 19, 2025 | Oct 31, 2025 | $10,760.00 | |
Oct 21, 2025 | Nov 2, 2025 | $9,765.00 | |
Oct 23, 2025 | Nov 4, 2025 | $8,139.00 | |
Oct 26, 2025 | Nov 7, 2025 | $10,140.00 | |
Oct 30, 2025 | Nov 11, 2025 | $9,120.00 | |
Nov 2, 2025 | Nov 14, 2025 | $10,390.00 | |
Nov 6, 2025 | Nov 18, 2025 | $10,390.00 | |
Nov 9, 2025 | Nov 21, 2025 | $9,310.00 | |
Nov 11, 2025 | Nov 23, 2025 | $9,410.00 | |
Nov 13, 2025 | Nov 25, 2025 | $8,770.00 | |
Nov 16, 2025 | Nov 28, 2025 | $8,330.00 | |
Nov 30, 2025 | Dec 12, 2025 | $8,330.00 | |
Jan 11, 2026 | Jan 23, 2026 | $8,840.00 | |
Jan 25, 2026 | Feb 6, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Feb 1, 2026 | Feb 13, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Feb 15, 2026 | Feb 27, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Feb 22, 2026 | Mar 6, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Mar 1, 2026 | Mar 13, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Mar 8, 2026 | Mar 20, 2026 | $9,870.00 | |
Mar 10, 2026 | Mar 22, 2026 | $10,030.00 | |
Mar 12, 2026 | Mar 24, 2026 | $10,030.00 | |
Mar 15, 2026 | Mar 27, 2026 | $10,030.00 | |
Mar 17, 2026 | Mar 29, 2026 | $10,175.00 | |
Mar 19, 2026 | Mar 31, 2026 | $9,850.00 | |
Mar 22, 2026 | Apr 3, 2026 | $10,030.00 | |
Mar 24, 2026 | Apr 5, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Mar 26, 2026 | Apr 7, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Mar 29, 2026 | Apr 10, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Mar 31, 2026 | Apr 12, 2026 | $10,575.00 | |
Apr 1, 2026 | Apr 13, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 14, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Apr 3, 2026 | Apr 15, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Apr 5, 2026 | Apr 17, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Apr 6, 2026 | Apr 18, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Apr 7, 2026 | Apr 19, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Apr 12, 2026 | Apr 24, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
Apr 13, 2026 | Apr 25, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
Apr 14, 2026 | Apr 26, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
May 7, 2026 | May 19, 2026 | $9,450.00 | |
May 8, 2026 | May 20, 2026 | $9,450.00 | |
May 12, 2026 | May 24, 2026 | $9,360.00 | |
May 14, 2026 | May 26, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
May 17, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
May 20, 2026 | Jun 1, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
May 24, 2026 | Jun 5, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
May 26, 2026 | Jun 7, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
May 28, 2026 | Jun 9, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
May 31, 2026 | Jun 12, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
Jun 7, 2026 | Jun 19, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jun 14, 2026 | Jun 26, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jun 18, 2026 | Jun 30, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jun 21, 2026 | Jul 3, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jun 28, 2026 | Jul 10, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jun 30, 2026 | Jul 12, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jul 2, 2026 | Jul 14, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jul 16, 2026 | Jul 28, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jul 23, 2026 | Aug 4, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
Jul 26, 2026 | Aug 7, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jul 28, 2026 | Aug 9, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Aug 16, 2026 | Aug 28, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Aug 18, 2026 | Aug 30, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Aug 23, 2026 | Sep 4, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Aug 27, 2026 | Sep 8, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Aug 30, 2026 | Sep 11, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Sep 1, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
Sep 3, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
Sep 6, 2026 | Sep 18, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
Sep 8, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
Sep 10, 2026 | Sep 22, 2026 | $9,100.00 | |
Sep 13, 2026 | Sep 25, 2026 | $9,450.00 | |
Sep 17, 2026 | Sep 29, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Sep 27, 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Sep 29, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Oct 4, 2026 | Oct 16, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Oct 8, 2026 | Oct 20, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Oct 11, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Oct 13, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 27, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Oct 18, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | $10,415.00 | |
Oct 20, 2026 | Nov 1, 2026 | $10,030.00 | |
Oct 22, 2026 | Nov 3, 2026 | $10,030.00 | |
Oct 25, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | $10,030.00 | |
Oct 27, 2026 | Nov 8, 2026 | $10,030.00 | |
Oct 29, 2026 | Nov 10, 2026 | $10,030.00 | |
Nov 1, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | $9,645.00 | |
Nov 8, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 | $9,645.00 | |
Nov 12, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 | $9,645.00 | |
Nov 15, 2026 | Nov 27, 2026 | $9,645.00 | |
Nov 22, 2026 | Dec 4, 2026 | $9,645.00 | |
Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 11, 2026 | $9,645.00 | |
Dec 6, 2026 | Dec 18, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Dec 13, 2026 | Dec 25, 2026 | $8,750.00 | |
Jan 10, 2027 | Jan 22, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jan 24, 2027 | Feb 5, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jan 31, 2027 | Feb 12, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Feb 14, 2027 | Feb 26, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Feb 21, 2027 | Mar 5, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Feb 28, 2027 | Mar 12, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Mar 7, 2027 | Mar 19, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Mar 9, 2027 | Mar 21, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 11, 2027 | Mar 23, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 14, 2027 | Mar 26, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 16, 2027 | Mar 28, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 18, 2027 | Mar 30, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 21, 2027 | Apr 2, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 23, 2027 | Apr 4, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 6, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 28, 2027 | Apr 9, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 30, 2027 | Apr 11, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Mar 31, 2027 | Apr 12, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 13, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Apr 2, 2027 | Apr 14, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Apr 4, 2027 | Apr 16, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Apr 6, 2027 | Apr 18, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Apr 11, 2027 | Apr 23, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Apr 13, 2027 | Apr 25, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 6, 2027 | May 18, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 7, 2027 | May 19, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 9, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 11, 2027 | May 23, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 13, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 16, 2027 | May 28, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 19, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 23, 2027 | Jun 4, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 25, 2027 | Jun 6, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 27, 2027 | Jun 8, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
May 30, 2027 | Jun 11, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jun 6, 2027 | Jun 18, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jun 13, 2027 | Jun 25, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jun 17, 2027 | Jun 29, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jun 20, 2027 | Jul 2, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jun 27, 2027 | Jul 9, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jun 29, 2027 | Jul 11, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jul 1, 2027 | Jul 13, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jul 15, 2027 | Jul 27, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jul 18, 2027 | Jul 30, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jul 22, 2027 | Aug 3, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jul 24, 2027 | Aug 5, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jul 25, 2027 | Aug 6, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Jul 27, 2027 | Aug 8, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Aug 15, 2027 | Aug 27, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Aug 17, 2027 | Aug 29, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Aug 22, 2027 | Sep 3, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Aug 24, 2027 | Sep 5, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Aug 26, 2027 | Sep 7, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Aug 29, 2027 | Sep 10, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Aug 31, 2027 | Sep 12, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Sep 2, 2027 | Sep 14, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Sep 5, 2027 | Sep 17, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Sep 7, 2027 | Sep 19, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Sep 9, 2027 | Sep 21, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Sep 12, 2027 | Sep 24, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Sep 16, 2027 | Sep 28, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Sep 23, 2027 | Oct 5, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Sep 26, 2027 | Oct 8, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Sep 28, 2027 | Oct 10, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Sep 30, 2027 | Oct 12, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 1, 2027 | Oct 13, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 3, 2027 | Oct 15, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 7, 2027 | Oct 19, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 10, 2027 | Oct 22, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 12, 2027 | Oct 24, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 14, 2027 | Oct 26, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 17, 2027 | Oct 29, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 19, 2027 | Oct 31, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 21, 2027 | Nov 2, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 24, 2027 | Nov 5, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 26, 2027 | Nov 7, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 28, 2027 | Nov 9, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 29, 2027 | Nov 10, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Oct 31, 2027 | Nov 12, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Nov 4, 2027 | Nov 16, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Nov 7, 2027 | Nov 19, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Nov 11, 2027 | Nov 23, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Nov 14, 2027 | Nov 26, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Nov 21, 2027 | Dec 3, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Nov 28, 2027 | Dec 10, 2027 | $9,210.00 | |
Dec 5, 2027 | Dec 17, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Dec 7, 2027 | Dec 19, 2027 | $8,350.00 | |
Dec 12, 2027 | Dec 24, 2027 | $8,350.00 |