Perfect Japan

12 days

Indicative cost incl. flights:

£6,400pp
3/4 star & low season

£8,600pp
4/5 star & high season

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Tokyo

Takayama

Hiroshima & Miyajima

Kyoto

Day 1

Board your flight from the UK to Japan, travelling overnight to arrive the following day. Ask us for upgrade options to do the journey with a pinch of luxury.

Day 2

Meet our helpful team upon arrival who will get you to your hotel to settle in. Rather than stressing over where to eat this evening, why not add on a food tour of the hidden back streets and atmospheric eateries of Tokyo, getting to try some incredible food along the way.

Day 3

The local guide will pick you up for a full day of sightseeing - checking out landscaped gardens surrounded by skyscrapers, bustling old towns near grand temples, and peaceful shrines next to neon neighbourhoods. Things are flexible though, so we can tailor the plans to your own interests and preferred pace of travel.

Day 4

Take a journey away from Tokyo to see the sprawling city of Kamakura, with beautiful historical sights spread out over the coastal streets. Check out the famous Great Buddha statue and the hillside temple of Hasedera. For something a little different today, we can organise a private tour of one of Kamakura’s famous Zen temples with a local monk. See parts of the historical building normally off limits, or be guided through a meditation session for an unforgettable experience.

Day 5

Pick up some snacks for the train and ride the rails to Takayama - a quaint old town in the stunning Japanese Alps. There are no fixed plans today, so enjoy the scenic journey, and take a wander around the pretty streets upon arrival. Tonight, experience a ryokan - a traditional inn - and a wonderful gourmet meal served in your room.

Day 6

Your morning will be spent in the riverside markets, trying regional treats and some refreshing sake rice wine. This afternoon, embark on a two-wheeled adventure in the bucolic countryside, before returning for another delicious dinner in your traditional accommodation.

Day 7

Bid farewell to the mountain scenery and head to the vibrant city of Hiroshima. There are some longer train journeys today, so bring a good book and enjoy a leisurely day of scenery through the windows. This evening, be sure to try some okonomiyaki - a delicious savoury pancake that Hiroshima is famed for.

Day 8

Your guide will pick you up this morning for a full day of exploring the shrines and forested landscapes of Miyajima - with it's iconic Floating Torii gate and semi-tame deer - before taking the ferry back to Hiroshima to learn more about its tragic history and resilient spirit.

Day 9

Jump on the bullet train along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea to Japan's most treasured city: Kyoto. This evening we have organised the most incredible experience for you - a meal in the atmospheric Gion neighbourhood, being entertained by Maiko with songs, games and dance.

Day 10

With so many shrines, temples and monuments to choose from, Kyoto is a daunting place. Your guide today will escort you today to a handpicked selection of these, each one unique and memorable.

Day 11

The ancient capital of Nara is a short distance away from Kyoto, and full of national treasures such as the Todaiji Temple. This afternoon, return to Kyoto via Fushimi Inari, a photogenic shrine of vermilion torii gates and fox iconography.

Day 12

Your adventure in Japan has sadly come to an end - though we are sure you will be back again soon to visit even more of this perfect destination.

Where you'll go
What you'll do
Where you'll stay

Similar Holidays

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.

You can accomplish a lot in Japan even if your time is a little more restricted. We would consider this itinerary to be the perfect mix of everything that Japan has to offer – the big cities and quiet towns, futuristic bullet trains and ancient temples, stays in wonderful hotels as well as traditional inns serving outstanding evening meals. While a lot of our recommended itineraries leave you a good chunk of free time to ‘decide as you go’, having limited days off work and big ambitions will require more concrete planning in Japan.

Benefiting from full days of guided touring in Tokyo, Kamakura, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Nara, this itinerary really is the most effortless way to experience Japan’s notable highlights. Throw in some truly unforgettable activities – such as dining with a maiko (apprentice geisha) and cycling in the quiet Hida countryside – and you will have the most perfect journey imaginable.

1 night flying – 3 nights Tokyo – 2 nights Takayama – 2 nights Hiroshima – 3 nights Kyoto