16 days
Grand Japan Tour

Depart from your preferred airport for a scheduled flight to Tokyo.

Arrive in Japan, where you are met by our Tour Assistant and transferred to Tokyo by Airport Limousine bus or train. 

The rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time difference.

Morning city tour of Tokyo visiting Tokyo Tower and Meiji Shrine. Next we drive by the Akasaka Guest House and the National Diet Building, home to the Japanese House of Parliament. Our tour continues to the Imperial Palace East Gardens and a drive and stroll along Ginza high street.

Afternoon is free at leisure, or take an optional afternoon Tokyo city tour. Ask for details at time of booking.

(Includes Lunch)

Full day tour by motorcoach to Nikko National park, a designated World Cultural Heritage site. The tour includes visiting the magnificent Toshogu shrine, Five-Story Pagoda, Niomon Gate, Three Monkeys, Yomeimon Gate and Main Sacred Hall. 

After enjoying a Japanese style lunch at a local restaurant, we travel to see Tamozawa Imperial Villa, the Tokugawa family summer retreat for the Imperial Family.  Later we visit the spectacular Kirifuri waterfall before returning to Tokyo. Tour disbands on arrival in Ginza & Shinjuku.

(Includes Lunch)

Today we take a scenic full day guided tour to Mount Fuji by coach. Japanese lunch will be provided in Hakone.

In the afternoon we proceed to the Hakone National Park where we will take a cable car ride to see the magnificent volcanic Hakone mountain range below. We will then take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. After the tour we return to Tokyo

(Includes Dinner)

This morning take the unassisted transfer to Yudanaka by train via Nagano. Upon arrival at Nagano, our tour assistant will meet you and help you board the correct train to Yudanaka. Upon arrival at Yudanaka go to your Ryokan which has indoor & outdoor Onsen hot spring spa facilities (approx. 8 minutes walk or 2 min by taxi).

For your convenience, we have arranged luggage transfer to take your large luggage directly to Takayama (1 bag per person). Prepare a light carry bag for your stay in Yudanaka & Matsumoto.

Later visit the nearby snow monkey park on your own (entrance fee not included aprox £5pp). Note the hotel offers twice daily free shuttle bus to the snow monkey park, or make your own arrangements.

In the evening return to the Ryokan for a beautiful Japanese dinner and relax in the Onsen hot spring spa.

(Includes Breakfast)

Today enjoy traditional breakfast in your Ryokan before taking the train for the unassisted transfer to Matsumoto via Nagano. Proceed to your Ryokan accommodation.

During your free time in Matsumoto we recommend visiting Matsumoto castle, known as 'crow castle' due to its unique black exterior. Matsumoto castle is one of only four castles designated as National Treasures of Japan and is stunningly beautiful. Afterwards stroll around the traditional old quarter (Nawate Dori).

Today take the free shuttle bus to Matsumoto bus terminal and board the Nohi bus to Takayama (unassisted). Upon arrival proceed to your hotel.

Takayama is a tranquil old castle town often nickname 'little Kyoto. Upon arrival at Takayama we take a walking tour to visit Yatai Kaikan Hall, where colourful traditional festive floats are on display, Kami Sannomachi, with traditional wooden houses,  Kusakabe folkcraft museum and Kami Sannomachi town.

(Includes Lunch)

We start todays guided tour by visiting Takayama morning market. Afterwards we take a scenic drive alongside Lake Miboro and the Shokawa River to towards Shirakawago. Upon arrival, we visit Shirakawa-go Observatory and the Wada residence. Afterwards we enjoy Japanese style lunch.

Morning sight-seeing of Kanazawa by coach exploring the Nagamachi old Samurai District and visiting Kenrokuen Garden, which is regarded as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Later we drive through the Higashi-chayo district and Hakaza (gold leaf shop).

In the afternoon take the train to Kyoto (no guide service on board train). Upon arrival at Kyoto train station, walk to your conveniently located hotel.

(Includes Lunch)

Full day sight-seeing tour of Kyoto & Nara, including a visit Nijo Castle, former residence of the Tokugawa Shogun.  Next we visit the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) centred around one of the best examples of a Japanese Zen gardens in the world. We then travel to Kyoto Imperial Palace.

After lunch we travel to Nara. Our tour includes visiting Nara Deer Park, Todaiji Temple housing the Great Buddha in the worlds largest wooden building. Next we visit Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine and Nara Nagomikan.

Free day to explore Kyoto or take an optional tour.

Check out of your hotel and self transfer to Hiroshima by Bullet train.

Today enjoy a full day Guided tour of Hiroshima & Myajima. Tour highlights include Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park / museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, a boat ride to the Island of Miyajima and the beautiful Itsukushima shrine and floating red Torii Gate

We will take your large luggage directly from Kyoto to Osaka (1 bag per person). Therefore prepare an overnight carry bag for your stay in Hiroshima.

In the morning take the train to Himeji. Store any bags at your hotel and then you can go and explore Himeji castle at your leisure, which is considered one of the greatest and most beautiful castles in Japan. We also recommend you visit Koko-en Japanese style Gardens situated near the castle.

In the morning take the bullet train to JR Osaka station.

Rest of the day is free at leisure to explore Osaka, which is easily navigated using the underground subways. A must-see sight in Osaka is Dotonbori which is one of the most popular streets in Osaka and runs adjacent to a canal.

You will be transferred to the futuristic Kansai International Airport in Osaka for your departure flight homeward.