Discover the main sites of Japan at your own pace - 15 Days | 13 Nights

Itinerary

Trip steps

• Map
  Trip preview
• Day 1 – London / Tokyo
  Scheduled flight to Tokyo, possibility of a stopover in an Asian city
• Day 2 – Tokyo
  Discover the city, a local Japanese restaurant and Hamarikyu Japanese garden
• Day 3 – Tokyo
  Visit the city, the Buddhist temple of Senso-ji, Harajuku and Shibuya districts and Yoyogi Park
• Day 4 – Nikko
  Visit Buddhist shrines, Lake Chuzenji-ko, Kegon Falls and Ryuzu no Taki Falls
• Day 5 – Takayama
  Discover Takayama and Hida no Sato Park
• Day 6 – Shirakawa-Go / Kanazawa
  Morning market, Gassho-zukuri and Katamachi district
• Day 7 – Kanazawa / Kyoto
  Kenrokuen garden, samurai and Geisha districts
• Day 8 – Kyoto
  Temples of Kyoto, Gion and Pontocho districts
• Day 9 – Kyoto
  Temples, shrines, gardens, Nijo Castle and shopping
• Day 10 – Nara
  Nara Park, Nara-machi district and Gango-ji temple
• Day 11 – Miyajima
  Visit the sacred island of Miyajima
• Day 12 – Hiroshima / Osaka
  Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum and Dotonbori district
• Day 13 – Mount Koya
  Visit temples and spend the night in a monastery (shukubo)
• Day 14 – Mount Koya / Osaka
  The monks’ prayers, Umeda district
• Day 15 – Osaka / London
  Back to UK

Day 1 - London / Tokyo – Scheduled flight to Tokyo, possibility of a stopover in an Asian city

• Leave from London to Tokyo Narita International Airport on a scheduled flight in economy class.
• Night and meal on board.
• Do not forget that it is entirely possible to stopover in Asia, Europe or the Middle East for one or more nights to spice things up, relax and discover a new destination, on the way there or on the way back.
• Depending on your preferences, choose from our partner airlines:
  • Asiana via Seoul
  • Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
  • Eva Air via Taipei
  • Finnair via Helsinki
  • Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Munich

Day 2 - Tokyo – Discover the city, a local Japanese restaurant and Hamarikyu Japanese garden

• Arrive at Tokyo Narita International Airport
• After having exchanged your coupon for a 14-day JR Pass (unlimited train rides with Japan Rail), take the train to the centre of Tokyo, where your hotel is located.
• Tokyo,the charming capital, will be yours to discover! For a wonderful first glimpse of the city, start with the Shinjuku district and go up to the 45th floor of Tokyo City Hall, which offers a panoramic view of the city! On a nice day, you may even see Mount Fuji in the distance!
• Then, stroll around the relaxing greenery of Yoyogi Park, a wooded haven of tranquillity within the city, which houses Meiji Jingu shrine. Walk along the colourful streets of Harajuku, the fashion district for young people and the perfect place for a shopping spree! Not far from there, walk down Omotesando Avenue, Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees, where you will find many fashion and luxury boutiques offering you an opportunity for yet more shopping. As the day comes to an end, explore the famous Shibuya district, renowned for having the largest intersection in the world and for its thousands of blinking neon lights and giant TV screens that are never turned off!
• We recommend you have dinner in one of the many restaurants in this area: there is something for everyone!
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
• Spend the night in the 4* Grand Prince Hotel Tanakawa in Tokyo Shinagawa (or similar)

Day 3 - Tokyo – Visit the city, the Buddhist temple of Senso-ji, Harajuku and Shibuya districts and Yoyogi Park

• Tokyo is a gigantic city and still has many wonders in store!
• In the early morning, stroll around the largest fish market in the world — Tsukiji Market — where thousands of different kinds of fish are sold every day! For breakfast, you can even try the delicious fresh sushi at the Daiwa sushi restaurant, located inside the market!
• Admire an incredible view of Tokyo as you take a cruise on Sumida River all the way to Senso-ji Temple in the working-class district of Asakusa.
• Then, discover Akihabara district, also known as Electric Town, where you will find state-of-the-art electronics as well as manga and merchandise shops, which your children will undoubtedly love!
• As night falls over the city, admire the colourful neon lights of the Ginza district, which is renowned for housing all the international fashion brands! Inside the Sony Building, you will find a showroom where you can test all of the brand’s latest gadgets!
• In the evening, discover Tokyo by night, as you visit Odaiba district, which is on an artificial island.
• Enjoy dinner in a restaurant overlooking the lights of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge.
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
• Spend the night in the 4* Grand Prince Hotel Tanakawa in Tokyo Shinagawa (or similar)

Day 4 - Nikko – Visit Buddhist shrines, Lake Chuzenji-ko, Kegon Falls and Ryuzu no Taki Falls

• The small town of Nikko has been an important centre for Japanese Buddhism for over a thousand years and houses a beautiful complex of temples and shrines, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• The most famous one is Tôshô-gû shrine , a Baroque masterpiece, which is probably the most ornate temple in the country. Erected in 1636, this shrine will amaze you as it shines brightly in the midst of a forest of giant Japanese cedars.
• In the afternoon, stroll around the banks of Lake Chuzenji-ko and enjoy the beautiful views with Mount Nantai in the background. Admire Kegon Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Japan. You can also walk to Ryuzu no Taki Falls and enjoy a lovely hike in the forest.
• In the evening, you will return to Tokyo.
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure
• Spend the night in the 4* Grand Prince Hotel Tanakawa in Tokyo Shinagawa (or similar)

Day 5 - Takayama – Discover Takayama and Hida no Sato Park

• Take the train to discover Takayama, a charming little town in the heart of the Japanese Alps. During the journey, do not miss the lovely mountain landscapes spread out before you.
• Takayama, also known as “Little Kyoto”, has a rich cultural heritage as the town centre and its traditional wooden houses, Kami Sannomachi, have been successfully preserved.
  You can visit Takayama jinya, the historical government house during the shogunate. It is the only building of this kind that still exists in Japan today.
• Finally, do not miss the Kusakabe Folk Museum, the former house of what were probably the town’s richest merchants. With large beams made of Japanese cypress wood, the house provides a very clear picture of techniques used by local carpenters as well as the inside of a rich family’s house at the beginning of the Meiji period.
• Hida no Sato Park provides a pleasant stroll to discover the typical architecture of houses in the region.
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
• Spend the night in the 3* Hida Hotel Plaza Hotel in Takayama (or similar)

Day 6 - Shirakawa-Go / Kanazawa – Morning market, Gassho-zukuri and Katamachi district

• After a well-deserved good night’s sleep, stroll along the banks of the Takayama river and discover the quaint morning market where you can buy local and regional products.
• Then, take the bus to Shirakawago. This small village in the heart of the mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is home to the largest concentration of historical thatched-roof houses in the region: the Gassho-Zukuri.
• Enjoy the healthy mountain air and walk around this small village nestled among fields in a lush, natural setting.
• Later in the afternoon, after having made the most of this open-air museum, take another bus to the town of Kanazawa, which is also home to many treasures.
• In the evening, watch the town come alive in the Katamachi district, where you will find many restaurants and bars. Do not miss the pleasant Tatemachi pedestrian street where you will find some of the most fashionable shops in town.
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure
• Spend the night in the 4* Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kanazawa (or similar)

Day 7 - Kanazawa / Kyoto – Kenrokuen garden, samurai and Geisha districts

• Leave today to discover the town of Kanazawa and its wonders.
• Walk around the beautiful Kenrokuen garden, which is said to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. It contains hundreds of different plant species, and is criss-crossed by streams and wooden or stone bridges – all of which make this garden a wonderful little gem! Not far from there, take a look at the The 21st Century Museum, a reference in the world of modern art museums.
• Then, visit the samurai district and its well-preserved traditional wooden houses as well as the former residence of the samurai Nagamachi, which has a lovely indoor garden and an exhibit of samurai armour and period sabres that is open to the public! Inside, you can even enjoy some delicious green tea in the tea ceremony room.
• Finally, you will go to the northern part of the town to see the historical Geisha district, Higashi Chaya, with its beautiful cobbled streets and lovely wooden houses. Do not miss Shima Geisha House, which is perfectly well preserved. This national treasure displays objects that used to belong to Geisha.
• In the evening, you will take the train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan .
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure
• Spend the night in the 3* Superior New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto (or similar)

Day 8 - Kyoto – Temples of Kyoto, Gion and Pontocho districts

• Discover the incredible historical and cultural heritage of the former capital of Japan.
• We recommend you visit the most beautiful temple of Kyoto, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site: the famous Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion, as this elegant structure is entirely covered with gold leaf.
• A short distance away, Ryoan-ji temple, famous for its Zen garden, is an invitation to stop and meditate.
• A little further on, Ninna-ji houses beautiful structures: a palace surrounded by greenery as well as small pagoda. In the eastern part of the city, visit the most impressive temple in Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, a beautiful wooden structure perched on the side of a cliff and propped up by giant wooden stilts.
• Finally, as night falls, walk around the small alleyways of Gion, Kyoto’s historical district, where you will find beautiful wooden teahouses in which some of the most refined dinners are held . You may be lucky enough to run into one of the Geisha who still live and work in this district.
• On the other side of the river, in a parallel street, you will find plenty of places to eat in the charming Pontocho district .
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure
• Spend the night in the 3* Superior New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto (or similar)

Day 9 - Kyoto – Temples, shrines, gardens, Nijo Castle and shopping

• You still have many treasures to discover in the days to come!
• If you like temples, shrines and gardens, you are in luck: Kyoto has over 2,000 of them!
• In the town centre, we recommend Heian shrine, which boasts one of the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto and an entrance marked by a giant red Torii, as well as the Silver Pavilion and its lovely moss garden. On the outskirts of the city, visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine where thousands of red torii straddle a network of trails over a few kilometres in the midst of a dense forest.
• If you like traditional Japanese buildings, do not miss the amazing Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its beautiful landscape garden.
• If you like shopping, go to the Kyoto Handicraft center, which sells a wide range of local handicrafts: you will find prints and fans as well as high-quality kimono and yukata. Furthermore, the town centre is full of modern boutiques, in particular in and around the Teramachi shopping street.
• If you like nature hikes, discover the Arashiyama district, and its beautiful bamboo grove: Sagano Forest.
• Not far from there, do not miss Tenryû-ji temple, one of the five big Zen temples in Kyoto. Its garden represents a dry waterfall of rocks flowing into a pond in the shape of the Chinese character “heart”.
• North of the town, stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk, and enjoy a pleasant walk by a charming little canal, which is spectacular when the cherry trees are in bloom.
• Take the time to enjoy a cup of tea and taste the delicious cakes at the ”Pomme” cafe reminiscent of Paris of a past age.
• If you like animals, hike up Iwatayama mountain, in the Arashiyama district, where hundreds of monkeys roam freely. Admire the incredible view of Kyoto!
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure
• Spend the night in the 3* Superior New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto (or similar)

Day 10 - Nara – Nara Park, Nara-machi district and Gango-ji temple

• Spend a very pleasant day in the small town of Nara. Founded in the 8th century, Nara was the first real capital of Japan from 710 to 784. Forty kilometres (about 24 miles) from Kyoto, Nara is also a cultural hotspot and houses many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Walk around Nara Park, where hundreds of tame deer roam freely.
• As you enter the Park, do not miss Kôfuku-ji temple, which is comprised of ten buildings including a beautiful five-storey pagoda that dates back to 1426.
• Next, visit Todaiji temple, which houses the biggest bronze Buddha in Japan.
• Then, walk through the forest until you reach Kasuga shrine . Erected in 768, its bright red buildings offer a striking and incredibly beautiful contrast with the surrounding greenery. Wrapped in light, the shrine shines brightly thanks to the 1,800 stone lanterns lining its paths and the thousands of metal lanterns hanging from the corridors’ eaves.
• In the city centre, Nara-machi district is a lovely place for a stroll. Its maze of small, narrow streets houses local crafts shops.
• Make the most of this time to visit Gango-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• In the evening, you will return to Kyoto .
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
• Spend the night in the 3* Superior Miyako Hotel in Kyoto (or similar).

Day 11 - Miyajima – Visit the sacred island of Miyajima

• In the morning, leave for the sacred island of Miyajima, which is a thirty-minute drive followed by a ten-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima. This lush island is home to one of the most famous treasures of Japan: the famous Floating Torii built on the water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit the beautiful bright-red shrine of Itsukushima , built on a pier-like structure over the bay, to which the torii is the entrance. You will spend the whole day on the island, which houses many other wonders: walk along little forest paths until you reach clear-blue rivers in which you can dip your feet.
• Enjoy the island’s famous natural setting: not only will you see deer roaming freely, you will probably glimpse quite a few monkeys too! To admire the beautiful panorama, take a ropeway to the top of Mount Misen. From there, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the lovely scenery spread out before your eyes!
• As a fit end to this lovely day, spend the night in a beautiful ryokan, a Japanese-style guesthouse, where you can relax in Japanese hot baths! The perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
• Lunch and dinner in your ryokan.
• Spend the night in the 4* Iwaso Ryokan in Miyajima (or similar).

Day 12 - Hiroshima / Osaka – Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum and Dotonbori district

• This morning, after having enjoyed a filling Japanese-style breakfast, take a day trip to the city of Hiroshima.
• Walk around the Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see the A-Bomb Dome, the former Industrial Promotion Hall located at the point of impact of the explosion, which has been preserved as a memorial.
• You can also visit the remarkable Peace Memorial Museum, designed by architect Kenzo Tange and devoted to the atomic bomb.
• In the afternoon, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka, where you will spend the night.
• In the evening, do not miss the lively, colourful district of Dotonbori where you can sample the local delicacy, Okonomiyaki — a cross between a pancake and an omelette filled with delicious seafood, vegetables or meat.
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
• Spend the night in the 3* New Hankyu Hotel in Osaka (or similar)

Day 13 - Mount Koya – Visit temples and spend the night in a monastery (shukubo)

• This morning, take the train to one of the most sacred sites for Japanese spirituality: Mount Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• On a hill 900 metres above sea level, surrounded by eight mountains, the bonze Kukai built the first religious community in Japan in the 8th century. Mount Koya eventually became the main centre of the Shingon Buddhist sect who believe that spiritual enlightenment can be reached during life. Mount Koya now represents over more than 110 temples.
• Visit the most important and most iconic temples: Kondo and Kongobuji, which manages the 3,600 temples of the Shingon sect.
• You will mostly stroll around Okuno-in Cemetery, where you can find over 200,000 tombstones of samurai and famous people resting in the shadows of a dense forest of age-old cedars.
• You will spend the night in a shukubo in a monastery, where you will share the monks’ vegetarian meal. Spending the night in the monastery is a unique experience: you can sleep in the Japanese-style on an authentic futon and tatami mats in a relaxing atmosphere.
• Enjoy lunch and dinner in your shukubo at your leisure
• Shukubo Fukuchi-in on Mount Koya (or similar)

Day 14 - Mount Koya / Osaka – The monks’ prayers, Umeda district

• Get up early to attend the monks’ prayers in your monastery. Then share their breakfast, also vegetarian, before leaving for Osaka. Fall in love with this bustling, friendly city that is a pleasure to stroll around.
• Start by seeing Osaka Castle, a beautiful white building surrounded by lovely gardens.
• Then stroll around the lively Umeda district. Do not miss the incredible panoramic view from the famous Floating Observatory on the roof of the Umeda Sky Building, the most futuristic building in the city. You will find many shops and delicious restaurants in this neighbourhood.
• Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
• Spend the night in the 3* New Hankyu Hotel in Osaka (or similar).

Day 15 - Osaka / London – Back to UK

• The day of departure has arrived.
• Take the train to Kansai Airport, where you will take a scheduled flight for London in economy class, filled with unforgettable memories!
• Sayonara!

Tour's activities

Our selection of activities

Discover special activities to enhance your trip and give you the best souvenirs. Ask our specialist for more information !

Activities recommended in Tokyo

	Visit Tokyo Visit Meiji shrine in the heart of Yoyogi Park, walk in the Imperial Palace Park, wander around the colourful Asakusa district and admire its beautiful temple. Then, take a lunch cruise on the Sumida all the way to Tokyo Bay. Finally, visit the artificial island of Odaiba.
	Visit Tokyo by Night and have dinner in a Japanese restaurant Have dinner in a typical Japanese restaurant where you can choose from a selection of Japanese delicacies from Tempura to Sashimi and Sukiyaki. Then discover Tokyo by night and visit the artificial island of Odaiba and the Ginza district, famous for its multi-coloured neon lights, and admire the view from the observatory in Roppongi Hills.
	Cruise on the river Sumida in Tokyo Discover Tokyo in a different way by taking a cruise on the river Sumida that flows through Tokyo! For 40 minutes, you will enjoy a unique panorama of the city and will be able to observe all the buildings that make Tokyo an incredible city! The river Sumida is 27 kilometres long and is crossed by 26 bridges, which are all built in a different architectural style. Keep your camera close at hand for stunning pictures of the city and its bay.
	Ghibli Museum in Mitaka Enter into the wonderful world of the greatest manga artist in Japan: Hayao Miyazaki, father of the adorable Totoro and mischievous Chihiro. Take a look behind the scenes of a manga production and walk into the master’s office where you can view beautiful original drawings. In a giant Cat Bus, the children will enjoy viewing an original, unaired twenty-minute animated film. A must-see! This activity is also offered with an English-speaking guide on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:40 p.m. to 6 p.m. – 62 Euros (about 53 GBP)
	Watch a Kabuki performance Watch a Kabuki performance, a theatrical art typical to Japan. In beautiful sets representing traditional Japanese landscapes, the actors – all men – wear extremely elaborate costumes and make-up and act, sing, dance and play musical instruments to the delight of the crowd. This show is rich in colour and full of poetry – let it transport you to another world!
	Odaiba Ferris Wheel Go up on the Ferris Wheel on the artificial island of Odaiba! You will have an amazing view of the city of Tokyo and Tokyo Bay! In the evening, you will be delighted by the beauty of Rainbow Bridge.
	Watch sumo training and meet champions! Experience an enriching, incredible moment as you meet sumo champions! They are highly respected and even worshipped in Japan! You will watch them train and then share a traditional meal with them: Chanko Nabe. A genuine, unique experience!
	Watch a sumo match in Tokyo Experience a unique holiday by watching a sumo match, a traditional Japanese sport which is extremely popular in the island chain. These fights were born almost 1,500 years ago as part of a Shinto ceremony. They were dedicated to the Gods along with songs and dances to ensure a good harvest. This sport is particularly impressive as it still contains religious rituals that are performed before and after the game, and the matches themselves are incredible! It is possible to follow this activity with a Japanese dinner: discover the meal of sumo wrestlers, Chanko Nabe – 42 Euros (about 38 GBP).
	Watch a baseball match Did you know that, sumo wrestling aside, the most popular sport in Japan is baseball? This typical American sport has taken over the island chain that passionately supports the different teams! In fact, the Japanese became the baseball world champions this year for the second time in a row, beating the American and Korean teams ! Outside of the US, the most famous baseball team in the world is the Tokyo Giants whose home stadium Tokyo dome is nicknamed “the Big Egg”. Attend a match and watch the crowd go wild!
	Learn how to make sushi and visit the Tsukiji fish market Walk around the incredible Tsukiji market, the largest fish market in the world, where thousands of different kinds of fish and seafood are sold. Then take a cooking class and learn how to make the most popular Japanese food in the world: sushi. To top it all off, enjoy the results of your cooking class for lunch!
	Dinner and Cruise in Tokyo Bay Cruise Tokyo Bay in the evening aboard a Yakatabune, a Japanese-style boat dating back centuries, and admire the lights of the Odaiba district, on an artificial island, as well as those of the Rainbow Bridge, which light up the bay and its little islands. You will be served a traditional Japanese tempura dinner: vegetables, seafood or meat fried in a delicate batter that literally melt in your mouth. A delight for the taste buds!
	Tea ceremony and Kaiseki dinner Experience an authentic three-hour tea ceremony performed by tea master Soryu Maruyama. Discover all the steps of the ceremony, from preparing the tea to drinking it, Kaiseki-style. An incredible experience that will bring you closer to one of the most traditional Japanese arts following a meticulously codified ritual that enhances the beauty of each movement.
	Visit Hakone and Mount Fuji Spend a day visiting the region of Mount Fuji and Hakone. The symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji is 3776 metres high and is the highest mountain in the country. A perfect cone volcano, it is religiously worshipped as the refuge of the kami, mountain spirits. You will take the bus to the fifth station to admire the view. After lunch, you will go to Hakone, the famous spa resort, where you will take a cruise on Lake Ashi. Finally, you will walk on the side of Mount Komagatake, where you will see steam rising from the fumaroles!
	Guided tour of Kamakura Discover one of the most famous towns in Japan, renowned for its rich heritage! Kamakura was the Shogun’s capital in the 12th century and still has some amazing remnants of its past. You will visit some of the town’s temples and shrines: Hachiman-gu and Hase-dera and their beautiful gardens. After lunch, you will go and admire the second largest Buddha in Japan, after the one in Nara, who has been meditating under the sky for hundreds of years. A rickshaw version of this tour is also possible: visit the town in a human-powered tricycle.
	Guided tour of Nikko A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko is a must-see. This small mountain town houses incredible baroque temples. Visit the renowned Toshogu temple that shines brightly in the heart of a forest of giant Japanese cedars. After lunch, you will go to the shores of Lake Chuzenji, in the shade of Mount Nantai. You will admire Kegon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Japan!

Activities recommended in Kyoto

	Afternoon guided tour of Kyoto Discover some of Kyoto’s most beautiful temples with an English-speaking guide ! You will start by visiting Heian jingu shrine and its beautiful Japanese landscape garden. You will then walk around the traditional neighbourhood of Higashiyama. After that, you will visit Sanjusangendo temple, which is 125 metres long and famous for its hundreds of statues of the goddess Kannon. Finally, you will go to one of the most popular and most impressive temples of Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera.
	Dine in Gion and watch a traditional Japanese show Enjoy a guided walking tour of the narrow streets of Gion – Kyoto’s historical district. Dine in a Japanese restaurant where you will have the opportunity to taste tempura. Visit Gion Corner, the Geisha school, where you will attend a show presenting different traditional Japanese arts : a dance performed by Maiko dancers (apprentice Geisha), a piece of music played on the Koto (Japanese harp), Kado (a style of flower arrangement), Kyogen (traditional theatre) and Bunkaru (puppet theatre). There will also be a tea ceremony where you will learn to prepare matcha, Japanese green tea. A shorter version of this activity is also offered from 5:20 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from March to December – 115 Euros (about 100 GBP).
	Half-day visit of Kyoto by bicycle Kyoto is full of charming, secret passageways that are fun to discover by bicycle. With an English-speaking guide, you will bike around the Gion district and its teahouses where Geisha perform. You will then ride along the river Shirakawa before discovering the vast park of the former Imperial Palace, a peaceful retreat in the city centre.
	Have lunch with a Maiko in Gion Maiko are apprentice Geishas in the Gion district. They wear beautiful coloured kimonos and have elaborate hairstyles with Kanzashi – lovely ornaments usually shaped like flowers – in the image of traditional Japanese dolls with porcelain complexions. You will have the opportunity to share a meal with one of these generally inaccessible artists. An English-speaking guide will come to pick you up at the hotel around noon and will take you to see the Gion district. You will be served a traditional Japanese meal in a charming restaurant overlooking the Shirakawa river. At the end of the meal, a young Maiko will come and join you. You will have the opportunity to take pictures with her and then she will dance for you.
	Japanese dinner with Maiko dance show Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner in the Hatoya Zuihoukaku restaurant, near Kyoto station. You will have the opportunity to sample various traditional Japanese dishes. After that, you will watch Maiko, apprentice Geisha, perform traditional dances for the crowd’s delight. At the end of the show, you will be able to meet the Maiko and talk with her.
	Learn how to make Japanese desserts and enjoy a Kaiseki lunch Enjoy a delicious traditional Japanese meal in the Kaiseki style. This refined cuisine is famous for the way it is beautifully presented. The ingredients are always fresh and seasonal. Then, with an English-speaking guide, you will take a Japanese cooking course to learn how to make Japanese desserts, traditionally served with green tea.
	Morning visit of Kyoto Take your first steps in the cultural capital of Japan with an English-speaking guide! You will discover the town’s most famous temple : Kinkakuji or the Golden Pavilion. You will then visit Nijo Castle. You will amble around the park of the former Imperial Palace before visiting the Kyoto Handicraft Centre, which displays many local traditional handicrafts.
	One-day guided tour of Kyoto and Nara In the morning, visit the most beautiful temples of Kyoto with an English-speaking guide: the Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji. You will then walk around the Imperial Palace Park. In the afternoon, after lunch, you will leave for the small town of Nara, the first capital of Japan, which also houses many treasures. You will walk around Nara Park and discover the impressive Todai-ji temple and the bright-red Kasuga shrine, famous for its thousands of lanterns.
	One-day visit of Kyoto Discover one of the most beautiful historical towns of Japan with an English speaking guide! The former capital is full of treasures and your guide will share with you many stories about Kyoto and its wonders! Visit some of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto : Kinkakuji, more commonly known as the Golden Pavilion, as well as Ryoanji that houses one of the most famous Zen gardens in Japan . After lunch, you will walk around the Imperial Palace Park.
	Renting a bicycle in Kyoto Discover the charming town of Kyoto and its secret passageways by bicycle! A quiet, wide town built in a valley, Kyoto is the perfect place for a nice bike ride! You will have the bicycle for the day and can choose where you want to go.
	Sake-tasting in Fushimi Sake is a typical Japanese rice-based alcoholic beverage. Come and discover the secrets of sake production in the small town of Fushimi in the south of Kyoto, with an English-speaking guide. You will have the opportunity to taste some of the region’s best sake and, who knows, maybe bring some back for your own parties.
	Tofu cooking course Tofu is a soft, white block produced by coagulating soy milk by adding lemon juice, salt and vinegar. It is a common ingredient in Asian dishes and is renowned for its health benefits. During this class, you will learn how to cook tofu with an English-speaking guide. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to eat the food you have prepared
	Visit of Sagano and Arashiyama All those who enjoy nature walks will love discovering the district of Arashiyama with an English-speaking guide. You will visit its famous bamboo grove – Sagano forest – as well as Tenryû-ji temple, one of the five main Zen temples of Kyoto. Its garden represents a dry waterfall of rocks throwing themselves into a pool and forming the Chinese character “heart”. You will also visit Jojakkoji temple, which is less known but well worth discovering. Finally, you will walk on the famous Togetsukyo bridge that connects both banks of the river and offers a beautiful view of this part of Kyoto.
	Zazen meditation and Hiei Garden Experience spiritual Japan by attending a session of Zazen meditation in the UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple of Enryakuji, on Mount Hiei. After meditating, you will partake of the same vegetarian meal as the temple’s monks. You will then visit the truly beautiful Hiei Garden.

Tour's hotels

Our selection of hotels

Hotels included

	Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa - Tokyo Close to the JR Shinagawa subway station, the 4* Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa is perfectly located for exploring the city as it is only a few stops away from the Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku neighbourhoods on one side and Ginza, the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Bay on the other. This beautiful hotel has comfortable, spacious rooms, some of which overlook a lovely little Japanese garden. They are all equipped with television, A/C and Internet connection. If you wish to relax, a sauna, jacuzzi, fitness centre and massage parlour offering aromatherapy treatments are all available inside the hotel.
	Hida Hotel Plaza - Takayama A short distance from JR Takayama station, the 4* Hida Hotel Plaza is in a privileged location for discovering the town. All the rooms are equipped with A/C and satellite television. The hotel also offers many amenities: boutique, beauty salon, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and fitness centre! You will therefore have many opportunities to relax after a day of sightseeing.
	Ana Crowne Plaza - Kanazawa Located a few minutes' walk from JR Kanazawa station, the 4* Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel is a perfect base for discovering the many treasures of this wonderful town. All the rooms have an elegant decor and come with A/C, satellite television, mini-bar and refrigerator. The 4* Ana Crowne Plaza Hotel offers the choice of four restaurants and two bars that serve international and Japanese cuisine. The hotel also houses a beauty salon and a bureau de change.
	Shukubo Fukushi Inn - Mont Koya Staying in a shukubo, a rest house inside a temple, is a rare and amazing experience that will not fail to leave you with wonderful memories! Fukushi Inn is a large Buddhist monastery that provides you with a unique setting: the rooms, decorated in a Japanese-style, are simple yet comfortable, but above all, you will be delighted by the interior garden! Fukushi Inn has different kinds of gardens: landscape gardens with small ornamental lakes where the famous Japanese carps live and dry gardens with rocks, pebbles and gravel that encourage meditation as you gaze upon them. You will be served vegetarian food in your room - the same traditional cuisine that the monks eat. Finally, to make the experience complete, do not miss the monks' morning prayers at 6 a.m.!
	New Miyako - Kyoto With 986 Western and Japanese-style rooms, the 4* New Miyako hotel is located a few steps away from JR Kyoto station, which offers easy access to different sites in the town by bus or metro. Each room is equipped with television, hair-dryer and refrigerator. The hotel has four restaurants: French, Japanese, Chinese and a buffet of international cuisine where you will surely find dishes you will enjoy. Finally, the hotel offers various boutiques and services: traditional Japanese objects, as well as a beauty salon and photo studio.
	Monterey - Osaka Located in the Umeda district near Osaka station, the 4* Monterey Hotel welcomes you to its elegant, refined setting. The 194 rooms are all decorated in a Western style and have real character. They are all equipped with satellite television, A/C, refrigerator and mini-bar. You will find plenty to eat in the hotel’s three restaurants that offer Asian cuisine - Chinese and Japanese – as well as French cuisine.
	Ryokan Arimoto - Miyajima In the heart of the sacred island of Miyajima, a stone's throw from the famous Torii and Itsukushima Shrine, experience Japanese luxury at the 4* Arimoto ryokan. This beautiful, charming hotel offers Japanese-style rooms with an elegant, refined decor. You can relax in the various indoor and outdoor baths filled with hot, natural spring water. Finally, for your enjoyment, this ryokan offers two Japanese-style restaurants as well as a karaoke room and a small night-club.

Good to know

Additional Information

• Hotels and meals

  • If a hotel mentioned in the program is not available, a hotel in a similar category will be booked.
  • The visits mentioned in this program are merely suggestions. Of course, you can allocate your free time as you wish and visit other towns near Tokyo and Kyoto apart from those mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Most of the lunches and dinners in this tour are at your leisure to allow you can appreciate the diversity of Japanese cuisine according to your tastes and wishes. Please note that it is very easy to find food in Japan as there are many little restaurants offering a wide variety of dishes. Furthermore, simple, filling meals are inexpensive. Bon appetit!

• Climate

  • Are you coming to Japan in winter?
    Bring warm clothes as the winter temperatures in Tokyo are similar to those in Paris.
    If you are travelling to the north of Japan in winter, to the west coast or to the Japanese Alps, bring clothes adapted to extreme temperatures since cold winds from Siberia often blow over Japan!
    A real Northern experience!
  • Are you going to Japan in summer?
    Please note that the weather will be very hot and humid! Pack your summer clothes but do not forget to bring an umbrella, especially in June and September, as well as warmer clothes for the cool evenings or for the north of Japan. Do not forget your sunglasses, hats and swimming costumes!
  • Are you going to Japan during the intermediary seasons: spring and autumn?
    Do not hesitate to bring summer clothes (shorts, swimming costumes, T-shirts, light shoes) as well as winter clothes (umbrella, jeans, jumpers, jackets and closed shoes) as the temperatures are mild in the south of Japan but cooler in Tokyo and the north.
  • Are you stopping off in Asia on the way there or on the way back?
    In this case, to avoid standing out in Hong Kong in your ski-suit or winter jacket, pack T-shirts, shorts and light shoes.

• International flights and stopovers in Asia

  Depending on the period of travel, we have purposely calculated our prices with one of the partner airlines mentioned below so that you can always enjoy the best possible prices.
  As soon as you ask us for a quote, we will select the cheapest company by default (depending on your dates of travel).
  However, if you would prefer to fly with a specific partner airline or if you would like to stop over in a specific Asian city (among those mentioned below), please let us know!
  Please note that the price will be adjusted accordingly.

  • Our partner airlines, which offer flights to and from Tokyo and Osaka:

    • Asiana via Seoul
    • Air France (nonstop flights)
    • Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong
    • Eva Air via Taipei
    • Finnair via Helsinki
    • Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Munich

  • Stopovers in Asia, Europe or the Middle-East, base price for 1 night, in a double room :

    • Hong Kong, 3* Hotel + transfers + breakfast : from 45€ (about 37 GBP) per person
    • Seoul, 3* Hotel + transfer + breakfast : from 60€ (about 50 GBP) per person
    • Taiwan, 3* Hotel + transfer + breakfast : from 60€ (about 50 GBP) per person
    • Europe, 3* Hotel + transfer + breakfast : from 90€ (about 74 GBP) per person
  
  
  

Tour price