The Thousand Kyoto

Highlights of Japan

Explore Japan’s best bits over two weeks.

Classic Culture & History + 1 more + 2 more

from £6,270 pp

Gastronomic Japan

A delicious journey around Japan's foodie highlights.

Family Foodie + 2 more + 3 more

from £7,135 pp

Alternative Japan

Off-the-beaten-track Adventure + 3 more + 3 more

Dive deeper than Japan's highlights on this quirky journey beyond the ordinary.

14 days

from £5,430 pp

Japan In-Depth

Romantic Ultimate + 1 more + 2 more

Our ultimate, three-week adventure through Japan’s most iconic cities and hidden spots.

21 days

from £9,280 pp

Yen-Friendly Japan

Our most wallet-friendly Japan holiday, thoughtfully designed and full of highlights.

Family Classic + 2 more + 3 more

from £4,960 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

Quirky excursions

View all excursions in Japan

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.

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.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Japan's most famous image, of thousands of vermilion torii gates stretching towards a vanishing point, is more than just an Insta-worthy snapshot. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is dedicated to the fox-friendly Shinto god of the harvest, Inari, and the sprawling mountainside complex has a wealth of sights to keep your camera busy. The ubiquitous vulpine iconography stems from Inari's use of foxes as messengers, and you will find them dotted around the landscape. Statues of foxes (kitsune) are commonly found with a key in their mouths, for the rice granaries they guard, and fox-shaped wishing plaques (ema) are left throughout the shrine by visitors to pass along their prayers to the local spirits (kami). You could spend hours meandering up the mountain behind the shrine, taking breaks at the restaurants offering delicious dishes unique to the area, but even a small hike can to the Yotsutsuji intersection will deliver great views without needing to scale to the summit. Fushimi is easily reached from Kyoto station, and can be a stopover on the way to Nara or Uji - though we can organise a guided half-day tour here too. This is best combined with a stop at the nearby Gekkeikan Sake Museum to learn about the brewing of this rice-based beverage - and, naturally, try some for yourself.

Lake Biwa Wellness Retreat

Treat yourself to a bit of calm and quiet with this half day wellness retreat, on the photogenic shores of Lake Biwa. Meditate and stretch, take a deep breath of fresh air, and watch your worries simply float away. Set off from Kyoto and enjoy a scenic journey into the Japanese countryside. From the peaceful setting of a traditional farmhouse, take part in a meditation and mindfulness class, a yoga/Pilates session, and learn to prepare a healthy, homemade lunch of authentic local ingredients. After this delightful meal, stroll back to the train station for your journey back to the busy streets of Kyoto - hopefully a little more relaxed now.

A Taste of Kobe (Full Day)

Often overlooked due to its more showy neighbours, the city of Kobe sits close enough to Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima that it can be visited as a day trip (or used as a stopover) from any of its compatriots. The city has a wealth of great things of its own to offer though, but is also one of the most enjoyable cities to while away some hours without actually trying to 'see the sights'. The world-famous beef that Kobe is synonymous with can be tried across the globe, but it tastes so much better here. Is it excessive to go to another city just to have a meal? Of course - but do it anyway. As one of the first places to welcome Western traders and merchants, the city of Kobe has an international tinge to it. The Kitano neighbourhood still retains a lot of the European mansions built by these early foreign residents, now mainly operating as museums. It's a great place to wander around - a mishmash of architectural styles, interspersed with charming cafes and boutique shops. Nearby, and behind the Shin-Kobe train station, a hiking trail and ropeway climb up Mount Rokko. Take in spectacular city vistas, walk to a beautiful waterfall and even spend time in Japan's largest herb garden - complete with tropical fruit and flowers. A sign on the Meriken Park waterfront proudly exclaims 'Be Kobe' - and this is something we can really get behind. Kobe is great place to be, and anyone looking to see a part of modern Japan without the crowds of tourists should spend the day here, or even a night or two - especially to witness the city lights from the slopes of Rokkosan.