Everything we do is tailor-made; our itineraries are just suggestions to give you an idea of what is possible. Please contact us so we can tailor the perfect holiday exclusively for you.

When visiting somewhere as gigantic as Tokyo, or as daunting as Kyoto, having a local, English-speaking guide to show you around and teach you the history can be absolutely invaluable.  We also appreciate that this isn’t for everyone though, and those travellers who are more independent will want to brave the country on their own instead.  Getting a little lost in a side-street in Shinjuku, or having to flick through your guide-book to learn all about this particular shrine… well, that’s all part of the adventure.

This self-guided itinerary is for all those wandering souls, the fiercely self-reliant, the people who don’t need everything planned to the letter.  Let us take care of the framework of your trip – a curated route of Japan’s highlights, well-located hotels in each stop, the train passes and tickets you’ll need along the way – and the rest is up to you.  You’ll not be completely alone though – our local office will be a phone call away if you happen to hop on the wrong train, or get yourself too lost, and our Self-Guide mobile phone app will suggest all the best things to see, do, and places to dine.

This particular itinerary is our own choice to visit Japan’s most beautiful towns and villages, its most picturesque islands and mountains.  Similar self-guided adventures can be planned for anywhere in the country, and for any length of time.  Tell us what you want from your holiday and we will help you to create it.

1 night flying – 3 nights Tokyo – 2 nights Takayama – 2 nights Kanazawa – 3 nights Hiroshima – 2 nights Naoshima – 3 nights Kyoto – 1 night Hakone – 1 night Tokyo