What Makes it Special?
- Tuck into the freshest sushi you’ve ever tasted at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market.
- Fly through the Japanese countryside on the iconic Shinkansen bullet train.
- Explore Kanazawa’s geisha streets, samurai houses and the Kenrokuen Gardens.
- Learn about Hiroshima’s powerful history and feast on okonomiyaki with the locals.
- Amble around Kyoto’s temples, teahouses and ancient lantern-lit lanes.
- Explore Arashiyama’s quieter bamboo forest and experience a traditional tea ceremony.
Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point – a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Japan experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect Japan holiday to match.
There’s a very good reason why this is a classic. This forever-popular itinerary is the perfect path for the first-time visitor: it really is the best possible introduction to a country that remains an enigma to those yet to experience it. If you’re after something a little different, though, don’t dismiss this route out of hand. You can still visit the highlights whilst carving out your own special journey that’s unlike anyone else’s. With our help, you can experience the essential attractions and stops in Japan, all whilst benefiting from our insider knowledge and first-hand tips to make sure it’s completely unique and memorable for you.
Your holiday is sandwiched between the two major must-see cities: Tokyo, for the frenetic and futuristic pace of a mega-metropolis, and Kyoto, where you will slow down again, enjoying a veritable treasure trove of ancient temples and timeless shrines. Add to this a couple of nights in the quaint haven of Kanazawa, home to beautifully preserved geisha and samurai neighbourhoods, an impeccable castle, and one of the most celebrated landscape gardens in Japan. In Hiroshima, learn about the tragic past that affected all of Japan, but also embrace the optimistic future shown by this typically Japanese city. Step back in time as you wander the forested paths of Miyajima, a sacred island of shrines and wild deer, a living time-capsule and the perfect place to glimpse a piece of history. As with all our Japan holiday ideas, this is just the start. We’d love nothing more than to tailor this to your own preferences, so get in touch to start the journey!
14 hours from London
When to go
- High season: October to April, July to August
- Low season: May to June & September
Average temperature
- January: 0°C
- August: 30°C
Average rainfall
- December: 50mm/month
- June: 240mm/month
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by Day
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Japan holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your holiday will be tailored to suit you.
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Take a direct flight from London to Tokyo, arriving the following day. Indirect options are sometimes available for a lower price, or if flying from a regional UK airport. Chat to us to figure out the best option for you, we're here to help.
Welcome to Tokyo! Our team will be waiting for you when you arrive, with big welcome smiles and all the documents and information you need to help you get to your first hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish, but we'd recommend a night out in Kabukicho in Shinjuku to be dazzled by the city lights that Tokyo is so well-known for.
First thing this morning, your private guide will take you to Tsukiji Fish Market nice and early for the freshest sushi breakfast you can imagine. Next, you'll head to Hamarikyu Gardens for a peaceful break from the hubbub of Tokyo, the perfect opportunity to sip on some refreshing green tea. Lunch will be a short boat ride away in Asakusa, the traditional quarter of the city. Enjoy the temples and busy shopping streets here before ending your tour wandering the markets of Ueno, or visiting the Meiji Shrine.
Today is free to spend as you choose. Let us know what you would like to see, experience, taste or buy, and we will point you in the right direction. If you ask us, there are few better cities on Earth to wander around, you're guaranteed to stumble across the unexpected. And that's what travel's all about.
You’ll leave Tokyo behind today and head to the train station to experience your very first journey on the iconic Shinkansen bullet train. Soak it all up as you fly through the countryside to beautiful Kanazawa. You’ll spend the afternoon getting your bearings and exploring the Higashi Chaya district, famed for its traditional architecture and geisha culture. If you fancy an evening with a local guide, there's a fabulous food tour we can recommend.
Today you’ll spend a full day exploring Kanazawa with a brilliant local guide. Visit the sculpted-to-perfection Kenrouken gardens (one of the best in all of Japan!), marvel at the samurai neighbourhoods, and enjoy a feast at Omicho market.
Say goodbye to Kanazawa this morning and head via a combination of bullet trains to Hiroshima. It’s a city with a sombre past but one that's managed an impressive revival since. One must-do today: eat okonomiyaki, savoury pancakes, for dinner! Ask us where, we know just the spot.
Today is a day of two halves. This morning you'll meet your friendly local guide before heading across to Miyajima, the shrine island, for a half-day tour. Free roaming deer, vermilion torii gates, quaint shops and a beautiful, forested mountain make this one of Japan's most enchanting places to explore. This afternoon, head back to Hiroshima to learn all about the upsetting past as your guide explains the tragic history of the city, it's a heavy but eye-opening tour that shouldn't be missed.
Jump on the Shinkansen bullet train today and fly across Japan to the magical city of Kyoto. This living museum of a city is packed to the rafters with ancient temples, idyllic streets and countless opportunities to sample delicious cuisine. Spend your afternoon and evening exploring some of the incredible neighbourhoods, getting lost down ancient roads and soaking up the atmosphere in one of our favourite parts of Japan.
A full day of guided touring awaits you today, but be sure not to rush around. We'd recommend visiting a selection of the attractions in Kyoto, but we don't want you to get 'templed-out' either. Let us help you plan the day to suit your own tastes and interests, or allow us to show you our own version of the 'Greatest Hits' for an unforgettable day with your unforgettable guide.
You have just one last full day in Japan, and we want you to spend it exactly how you want to, based on your experiences so far. You might choose to try as much local food as you can before the sun sets, maybe you'll try your hand at a samurai workshop, experience a traditional tea ceremony or wander through a bamboo forest? We can suggest or organise a number of wonderful day trips, excursions, cultural experiences or dining opportunities - though it's difficult to go wrong in this part of the country!
We bid you sayōnara as it's time to fly home. We don't doubt you'll be leaving so enchanted by this amazing country that you'll already be planning your next Japan holiday, eager to visit more of the country's highlights and soak up more of its unique charm.
Places you'll visit
We have hundreds of partner hotels across the world, with our tailor made trips you can pick from our range of beautiful hotels
What You're Saying
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A highly knowledgeable and professional company that looks after you and your particular needs from beginning to end. Japan was my third trip through them and their team in the office, Fenton in particular, their local guides and their on the ground back up staff were brilliant. Faultless is the one word that springs to mind and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
Judith Young
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Emma planned our trip to Japan with us expertly. We explored Tohoku and had some wonderful guides. The travel, the hotels, and the advice and support we were given was just what we had hoped for. The adventure was truly memorable and totally enjoyable. A truly superb experience. Thank you!
David Price
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Just back from an amazing time in Japan. Fenton looked after us brilliantly during the initial discussions, all the way to checking-in once we were back to see if there were things that could have been improved. The key thing for us was that Fenton listened to us, and asked about the things that interested us and would make the holiday special. He was able to use his experience and knowledge to guide us - including tweaking some of our initial ideas that would not have worked. Then he crafted an itinerary that really delivered on the promises. Proper small business service levels - highly recommend.
RD
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Japan was our second trip arranged by Holiday Architects and like the first was a huge success, Emma helped us organise a wonderful three week itinerary, eight stops all connected by trains, Japans trains are a revelation and run perfectly. Everything from hotels, which were well located and comfortable, our well planned tours and excellent tour guides and Japan and the Japanese people made for a wonderful memorable trip.
Steve Ausden
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We recently returned from an incredible trip to Japan, arranged by Holiday Architects, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the start, Fenton was attentive and professional, sharing his personal experience and expertise about Japan. He took the time to understand what we wanted from our trip – combining cultural experiences, visits to historic buildings and serene gardens, and the excitement of bustling city life – and created a tailored itinerary that suited us perfectly.
Maggie and Mark
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I booked a holiday of a lifetime for myself and my daughter to Japan. Fenton at Holiday Architects organised everything to the finest detail. When we arrived in Tokyo, we were met by someone who had all our tickets prepared with full instructions on how to use them, where and when. Each hotel was chosen with us in mind, each within the vicinity of the main sights. Guided tours showed us the culture of Japan and its history. Fenton has great knowledge of the country, if you don’t. He can advise. Thank you Fenton!
Ian
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Emma planned and organised an amazing trip to Japan for myself and a friend, which was just what we wanted. The quality of her advice and the tours organised for us were first class. We would definitely use Holiday Architects again. Thank you.
Jill Carnie
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I could not have planned such a memorable adventure to Japan with my 19 year old son without Emma’s extensive and invaluable knowledge. She really listened to my brief, with the end result that we had a trip of a lifetime. We felt we were experiencing Race Across the World but in a good way and armed with all the information we needed. The App was brilliant which detailed our itinerary day by day including train times and local information. Excellent.
Cathy Stafford
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Holiday Gallery
Meet our Japan experts
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Emma and Fenton are dedicated to all things Japan and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Emma Higgins
Destination Manager
A self-confessed ramen lover and hiking enthusiast, Emma fell hard for Japan’s food and lush countryside. She’s full of ideas for getting off the well-trodden trail and soaking up the quieter, greener side of this one-of-a-kind country.
Fenton
Destination Manager
Fenton’s passion for Japan runs deep, he’s studied the language, explored all corners of the country from Hokkaido to Kyushu, and even named his cat Kyoto. If you want an expert who lives and breathes the place, he’s your guy.
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