Dhawa Yura

Soul of Japan

Step back in time with a journey to the heart of Japan's traditions.

Go Local Adventure + 1 more + 2 more

from £6,940 pp

Gastronomic Japan

A delicious journey around Japan's foodie highlights.

Family Foodie + 2 more + 3 more

from £7,135 pp

Japan with Teenagers

Family Adventure + 1 more + 2 more

From samurai workshops to Universal Studios, this is a family holiday to remember.

14 days

from £5,930 pp

Classic Japan

Family Classic + 2 more + 3 more

Our favourite introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun.

12 days

from £5,840 pp

A Walk Through Old Japan

Walk in the footsteps of samurai on Japan's ancient Nakasendo Way.

Go Local Off-the-beaten-track + 1 more + 2 more

from £5,645 pp

Japan's Road Less Travelled

Experience a quieter side of Japan.

Go Local Off-the-beaten-track + 1 more + 2 more

from £6,650 pp

Quirky excursions

View all excursions in Japan

Samurai Kenbu Lesson

Don a traditional outfit, much like those worn by the samurai of yesteryear, and begin a lesson into kenbu - or 'sword-dancing'. Your instructor will give you a brief introduction into the history of the samurai - military noblemen - and their unique way of life and philosophy that set them apart from officers in other cultures. Next, learn about the art of kenbu - ceremonial sword movements developed as a way to enhance concentration and train for battles. Try these techniques for yourself as you focus on the motions of the sword in your hand, blocking out the distractions of the outside world.

Koyasan - Mountain Haven (Overnight Trip)

Mount Koya - or Koyasan - is a beautiful and remote temple town, home to Buddhist monks and monasteries, ambient forests and World Heritage wonders. The slow but scenic journey from Osaka or Kyoto will be just as enjoyable as the final destination, as you switch between mountain railways, a steep funicular cable-car, and winding, bending alpine roads. There are more than 50 monasteries in the area that allow overnight stays for pilgrims and worshippers, as well as the curious tourists looking to experience a slower pace of life than found in the cities of modern Japan. Try the vegetarian Buddhist cuisine shojin-ryori and sleep in the spartan rooms of a shukubo temple retreat for an unforgettable experience. Witness the morning prayers of the resident monks and gain a clearer understanding of Japan's oft-forgotten spiritual past. The town of Koyasan itself also offers some unrivalled gems, from the stunning head temple of Shingon Buddhism - Kongobuji - to its most revered site - Okuno-in - where the mausoleum of the religion's founder, Kobo Daishi, is to be found. The spiritual significance of this temple is apparent in the vast cemetery that lays outside of the inner grounds, where over 200,000 memorial towers and tombstones stretch over the approaching paths for two kilometres. Especially atmospheric in the early morning, as the light breaks through the surrounding trees and monuments, it's hard not to be moved by this most-holy of pilgrimage spots.

Cultural Kyoto (Full Day)

With over 2000 temples and shrines scattered across the landscape of Kyoto, it's hard to know where to begin. Let us help get you started with this half-day or full-day guided tour around a varied selection of the city's greatest treasures. Begin your morning with Nijo Castle - built as the home of the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu - a shining example of an Edo-period palace fortification. More ornamental than functional, the feudal residence features beautifully decorated fusuma (sliding doors) and unique architectural touches. Next, head to Ryoanji - a peaceful temple displaying a famous Zen stone garden - where you will learn more about the mysterious design, and contemplate it's meaning for yourself. Nearby, the iconic and photogenic Kinkakuji - or Golden Pavilion - offers a spectacular opportunity to get up close to one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the whole of Japan. Covered in gold leaf, the temple seems to shimmer and radiate, even during the greyest of days - a sight to behold, for sure. The rest of the day can be spent exploring on your own, or continue after lunch with your expert guide on hand to discover further. Perhaps head to the tourist hot-spot of Kiyomizudera, with it's grand wooden stage looking out upon the surrounding hills and countryside, and the busy, climbing streets of the Higashiyama district that surround it? You can choose to take on the sights of Kyoto today on two-wheels if you feel up to it, an energetic way to visit the key attractions around the city. We would recommend a cycle around the verdant district of Arashiyama this afternoon- with it's bamboo groves, the gently-flowing Katsura River, and a number of wonderful temples, this area really shines with the seasonal colours of autumn and spring.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama - a beautiful, verdant district on the western edge of Kyoto - has been enjoying roughly 1200 years of popularity as a countryside getaway. Once you take a stroll though the towering stalks of bamboo, or along the banks of the Hozu and Katsura rivers, it's easy to see why. The rivers in question are actually one and the same, changing their name and their speed at the Togetsukyo Bridge - an iconic structure that spans the water and is the subject of one of Hiroshige's most famous ukiyo-e (woodblock prints). Justifiably popular at any time of year, the area comes into it's own during the seasons for sakura (cherry blossom) and koyo (autumn leaves) when anyone can seem like a prize-winning photographer by capturing the mass of colour. In the summer months, traditional cormorant fishing is still practised on the river, and the area is lit up with lights in December when the nights draw in, with the bamboo groves being particularly picturesque. As with the rest of Kyoto, you can get your fill of UNESCO World Heritage Sites here too. Tenryuji is one of the influential Zen temples in the city, and one of the most impressive and grandest structures in this region. A wander through the well-maintained gardens and walking paths is a great way to pass the time, and for those who are curious, you can try some traditional shokin-ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine) within the tranquillity of the temple grounds. If you are feeling energetic, you can take a stroll with the local simian population in the Iwatayama Monkey Park, on a hill overlooking the river from its southern bank. From the top you can enjoy some spectacular views over the city and surrounding countryside.

Introduction to Japanese Culture

Step through the doors of one of Kyoto's photogenic wooden houses - or machiya - and learn about the rich cultural heritage still found here. Begin by getting changed into a kimono, the iconic garment of Japan, and learn more about the architecture of your surroundings. Observe as a local tea master prepares, brews and serves green tea in a ceremony - sado - that is steeped in hundreds of years of history. Gain a greater understanding of the rituals and reasons behind this age-old form of hospitality. Next, learn to precisely fold and form a sheet of paper in an introduction to origami - and create your own beautiful decoration to take away with you.