Cities from Tokyo to Osaka

Golden Japan:

Cities from Tokyo to Osaka

Year round

From £10,890pp

Land-only

13 Nights

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Amazake Osaka Japan

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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Kyoto Japan

Deer Nara Japan

Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto Japan

Torii Gates Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto Japan

Ninomaru-Goten Palace Kyoto Japan

Kiyomizu-dera Temple Kyoto Japan

Tokyo Skytree Japan

Gion Kyoto Japan

City View Tokyo Japan

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Discover the contrasts of Japan from bustling Tokyo to tranquil Kyoto and lively Osaka

Journey through Japan’s dazzling cities and serene landscapes. Experience Tokyo’s energy, Hakone’s volcanic beauty, Kyoto’s temples, Nara’s historic charm, and Osaka’s culinary delights, all connected by first-class bullet trains, immersive cultural encounters, and expert local guidance. A seamless blend of tradition, modernity, and unforgettable experiences awaits.

Itinerary highlights

Experience Tokyo’s contrasts, from Senso-ji Temple and Imperial Palace East Gardens to Shibuya Crossing and a Sumo Morning Practice.

Travel in comfort aboard first-class bullet trains through the scenic Japanese countryside.

Stay in a traditional ryokan in Hakone and soak in the therapeutic onsen waters.

Cruise Lake Ashinoko and ride the Hakone Ropeway for volcanic vistas and fresh mountain air.

Experience a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and explore its historic temples and Gion district.

Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and join a Taiko drumming experience.

Discover Nara’s iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, Todai-ji Temple, and friendly roaming deer.

Delve into Osaka’s culinary heritage with a hands-on miso-making workshop.

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Discover the contrasts of Japan from bustling Tokyo to tranquil Kyoto and lively Osaka

Journey through Japan’s dazzling cities and serene landscapes. Experience Tokyo’s energy, Hakone’s volcanic beauty, Kyoto’s temples, Nara’s historic charm, and Osaka’s culinary delights, all connected by first-class bullet trains, immersive cultural encounters, and expert local guidance. A seamless blend of tradition, modernity, and unforgettable experiences awaits.

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Itinerary highlights

Experience Tokyo’s contrasts, from Senso-ji Temple and Imperial Palace East Gardens to Shibuya Crossing and a Sumo Morning Practice.

Travel in comfort aboard first-class bullet trains through the scenic Japanese countryside.

Stay in a traditional ryokan in Hakone and soak in the therapeutic onsen waters.

Cruise Lake Ashinoko and ride the Hakone Ropeway for volcanic vistas and fresh mountain air.

Experience a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and explore its historic temples and Gion district.

Stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and join a Taiko drumming experience.

Discover Nara’s iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, Todai-ji Temple, and friendly roaming deer.

Delve into Osaka’s culinary heritage with a hands-on miso-making workshop.

Day 1

Journey begins

Board your flight from the UK to Japan, embarking on a journey that will lead you from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the cultural heart of Kyoto and the vibrant energy of Osaka. Rest, dream, and prepare for the discoveries ahead.

Day 2

Tokyo, Japan

Step off your flight and feel the excitement of Tokyo as your English-speaking assistant greets you at the airport. Settle into your hotel and take a moment to soak in your first impressions of this vibrant city. From bustling streets and neon-lit corners to peaceful temples and hidden gardens, Tokyo invites you to discover a captivating blend of ancient traditions and contemporary energy.

Day 3

Tokyo, Japan

Begin the day with a Sumo Morning Practice Tour, witnessing the discipline and strength of Japan’s national sport. Continue to the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, before taking in panoramic city views from the Tokyo Skytree. Experience both spiritual heritage and modern skyline in a single day.

Day 4

Tokyo, Japan

Explore the elegance of Kōkyo Higashi Gyoen, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, followed by the peaceful Meiji Shrine. Wander the famous Shibuya Crossing, feeling the pulse of the city, and stroll through Harajuku, where eclectic fashion and youthful energy merge into a vibrant cultural spectacle.

Day 5

Hakone, Japan

Board a first-class bullet train to Hakone, journeying into a region of volcanic peaks, serene lakes, and hot springs. Transfer to Hakone Kowakien Tenyu, a traditional ryokan, where you can rest and soak in the onsen, letting the mineral-rich waters melt away the city bustle. Enjoy the tranquillity and gentle luxury of Japanese hospitality.

Day 6

Hakone, Japan

Visit Hakone Shrine, nestled in a forest by Ashinoko Lake, then embark on a lake cruise aboard a pirate-style ship. Take the Hakone Ropeway from Tōgendai to Owakudani, where sulphuric steam vents and volcanic landscapes showcase Japan’s geological wonder, providing striking photo opportunities and fresh mountain air.

Day 7

Kyoto, Japan

Travel by first-class bullet train to Kyoto, the former imperial capital. Enjoy the sleek speed of Japan’s famed Shinkansen as mountains and countryside flash by. Upon arrival, check in and take in the calm beauty of Kyoto’s streets, where traditional architecture and historic temples await your exploration.

Day 8

Kyoto, Japan

Experience a traditional tea ceremony, learning from a tea master and savouring your own freshly prepared matcha with Japanese sweets. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nijo Castle with Ninomaru-Goten Palace. Finish the day wandering through Gion, the city’s historic geisha district, where lantern-lit streets evoke centuries of culture

Day 9

Kyoto, Japan

Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, enveloped by towering stalks swaying gently in the breeze. Take a 60-minute rickshaw ride across Togetsukyo Bridge, temples, and hidden gardens, followed by an energetic Japanese Taiko drumming experience, connecting with rhythm and tradition in a lively group activity.

Day 10

Nara, Japan

Journey to Nara, home to Japan’s oldest temples and friendly roaming deer. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousand vermilion torii gates, then explore Nara Park, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, and Todai-ji Temple, where the immense Great Buddha inspires awe. Experience history, spirituality, and nature in perfect harmony.

Day 11

Osaka, Japan

Discover Japan’s culinary heritage with a hands-on miso-making workshop, exploring traditional production and flavours. Sample various miso types and enjoy tasting koji-based drinks such as amazake and sake, delighting in the region’s rich gastronomic culture while learning the craft behind Japan’s iconic flavours.

Day 12

Osaka, Japan

Enjoy a free day to explore Osaka at your own pace. Wander through bustling streets, shop for souvenirs, or savour local street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The city’s energy is infectious, offering a perfect balance of history, modernity, and culinary adventure.

Day 13

Depart Osaka

Your Japanese journey concludes with a private transfer from your hotel to the airport for your return flight. Carry home memories of dazzling cities, tranquil temples, and culinary delights from Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka.

Day 14

Arrive home

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Seamless ground transfers
First-class bullet train tickets
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
Expert English-speaking local guides

Itinerary details

What's Included

International return flights from the UK (upgrade options available)
Seamless ground transfers
First-class bullet train tickets
Handpicked accommodations
Meals as indicated
Curated tours and experiences, including entrance fees
Expert English-speaking local guides

Itinerary details

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Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?

Ashley | Expedition Planner

FAQs

From bustling cities to tranquil temples, these FAQs address the key points travellers want to know before embarking on their journey through Japan.

What is the best time to travel to Japan for this itinerary?

Will I experience traditional Japanese culture on this trip?

Can I visit Japan’s natural landscapes as well as the cities?