Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our tour starts today in Tokyo, Japan's ultra-modern capital. A sprawling metropolis, Tokyo is one of the world's most populous cities and a dazzling blend of traditional culture and all things new.
For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for a welcome meeting. Afterwards, there is the option to head out for dinner at a nearby local restaurant where you'll have the chance to sample various dishes in an 'izakaya' style Japanese restaurant. If some of the group are arriving on later flights, the main introductory briefing will take place on the morning of Day 2 with everybody present.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Tokyo at any time. If you miss the welcome meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). The hotel is around an hour away from Haneda Airport and an hour and a half from Narita. You'll be met in the arrivals hall and transferred to the hotel by public shuttle bus or private vehicle. The shuttle bus may stop at other hotels before dropping you at our hotel.
Japanese hotels have strict rules regarding check-in and all customers are required to wait until 3 PM for room access. You will be able to store your luggage while waiting but if you require an early check-in, then you should request this at the time of booking. We do not guarantee this will be possible and depending on availability an extra fee will be charged.
Please note, while our itinerary gives us two days in Japan's capital, there's a lot to pack in. If you really want to get to grips with Tokyo's sites, we highly recommend adding additional nights to your trip pre-tour.
Sunroute Asakusa Hotel (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
Today, we'll explore Tokyo both on foot and using the super-efficient metro system along with the locals on a full-day walking tour that blends history, local life and hands-on cultural experiences. Starting in Asakusa district, we'll discover Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo and a site that deserves to be high on any explorer's list. We enter through the imposing Thunder Gate, flanked on either side by massive, fierce statues of the gods of wind and rain.
We continue north for a leisurely walk through Ueno Park, one of Japan's oldest parks, famous for its museums. Passing green spaces and local neighbourhoods we'll arrive at Ameyoko Market, a lively street market that offers a glimpse into Tokyo's post-war trading culture. After some free time to grab some lunch, we'll step into the quieter atmosphere of Yanaka, a shopping street lined with small family-run shops and traditional snacks.
Our day concludes with a hands-on wagashi and tea-making experience, where we'll learn about the artistry, seasonality and symbolism behind traditional Japanese sweets, paired with tea culture. It's a relaxed and meaningful way to connect with Tokyo's living traditions.
We cover a lot of ground on foot throughout this tour, so we recommend bringing comfortable footwear.
This morning we have a half-day guided visit to a local artisan workshop, where we'll learn about the history and techniques of traditional lantern-making using kanji script. After choosing your kanji characters or message you will then draw them, with guidance from our instructor, on to our own lanterns. The lanterns collapse down easily to fit into a container so we can take them home as a souvenir of our time here.
When the paper lantern workshop is not available (typically in January, May and September when the artisan is hired for the Tokyo sumo tournaments), we'll take part in a Amezaiku candy-craft workshop instead, learning to shape corn starch into figures using methods that date back to the Heian period.
We should be finished by around midday, and the remainder of the day is free. You may like to visit the nearby Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views, and there are plenty of lunch and shopping opportunities here as well. Speak with your tour leader for advice and instructions for your free time in the capital. You may like to visit Shibuya, known for one of the busiest crossings in the world. It's a hub of up-and-coming fashion, technology and design with a variety of shops, museums and galleries to explore. It's easy to return to Asakusa by metro from here, or you can continue to the skyscraper district of Shinjuku.
We have a busy day ahead today as we leave Tokyo and begin to explore more of Japan. First, we take the subway then board a one-hour bullet train to Shizuoka.
Shizuoka is situated along Suruga Bay on the historic Tokaido route between Nagoya and Tokyo, and it is here where Tokugawa Ieyasu - the shogun who reunified Japan in 1600 - grew up and lived out his final years. The surrounding region is known as Japan's green tea heartland and local specialties include wasabi, unagi (eel), tuna and great seafood.
We'll meet our charter bus which we'll use for the next two days. First up is a visit to a local tea farm to learn about the production of green tea in the area and specifically of gyokuro, one of Japan's most prized green teas.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, featuring seasonal dishes and sweets prepared with tea leaves. In the afternoon, we visit Nihondaira Yume Terrace for panoramic views of the coastline and, weather permitting, Mount Fuji. We'll catch the ropeway or cable car to Kunozan Tosho-gu, thought to be the original burial place of the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, set on a forested hillside. At the end of the day, we'll check in to our hotel, which is centrally located near Shizuoka station.
Please note, our main luggage will be forwarded to our hotel in Kyoto today, and we'll be travelling with just our overnight bags. Depending on local arrangements, you might need to leave your luggage in reception the night of Day 3 or before breakfast this morning - your tour leader will advise you on the time. For more information, please refer to the Budgeting & Packing section of the Trip Information.
Hotel Associa Shizuoka (or similar)
After an early breakfast, we'll check out of our hotel and board our charter bus to explore the area west of Mount Fuji. We'll start with a scenic drive of around one hour and 30 minutes to Lake Tanuki, an artificial lake located on the western foot of Fuji. We plan to walk the short scenic trail around the lake which should take around one hour.
At some point, we plan to stop for lunch (not included) at Fuji Milk Land, where we can sample local dairy products and regional flavours. We'll also visit Shiraito Falls, known for its curtain-like streams fed by Mt. Fuji's spring water, followed by nearby Otodome Falls, a powerful contrast with its narrow cascade.
Mount Fuji World Heritage Center is a great place to learn all about Japan's most iconic mountain with interactive exhibits that introduce its cultural, spiritual and natural significance.
In the afternoon, we return to Shizuoka Station to board the Shinkansen or bullet train to Kyoto, continuing our journey west. The train journey takes about 90 minutes and we should reach our hotel in Kyoto for check in around 6pm. We'll be reunited with our main luggage at check-in.
Please note, the view of Mount Fuji is dependent on the weather - our tour leader may change the order of today's itinerary to give us the best chance of seeing the iconic mountain. The summer months (June to August) are generally the poorest for visibility due to the humidity, clouds and haze. Winter (December to February) generally brings the most reliable conditions. Autumn (late October to November) is good for photography thanks to the changing foliage, as is spring, when you can see the famous blossoms, too.
Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi (or similar)
Today we start exploring Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, beginning with a Zen meditation session led by a local Buddhist monk at a traditional temple. Guided through the basics of seated meditation, posture and breathing, this experience offers a calm and meaningful introduction to Zen practices rooted in centuries-old monastic tradition. The session will last around one hour in total.
Next up we continue to Sanjusangen-do Temple, renowned for its long wooden hall housing 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy,. Finally, we visit Kiyomizu-dera, dramatically constructed on wooden pillars overlooking the Higashiyama hills and offering panoramic views over Kyoto.
We'll finish our sightseeing before lunch and the rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. There's plenty to see in Kyoto, from the classic Nijo Palace and Gardens to the modern visual spectacle at teamLab. Speak with your tour leader for advice and help if needed.
Early this morning, we take the local train to the mountain village of Kurama (around one hour). From here, we begin the scenic Kurama-Kibune trail nestled in the mountains north of Kyoto. We start with a steady ascent through the temple grounds of Kurama-dera, following a mix of paved paths and stone steps. The walk is mostly on steps up through the local forest, with occasional views, and is quite steep in places. The trail continues over a forested ridge, becoming a natural woodland path with cedar trees, exposed roots, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. The hike covers around 4.5 kilometres/2.8 miles, with a total ascent and descent of 380 metres/1,246 feet, and we have graded it moderate. There is a cable car at the start and you may choose to use this to save around 100 metres/328 feet of ascent. The walk ends in the pretty riverside village of Kibune where we catch a shuttle bus the short distance to the train station. You can either return to Kyoto in time for lunch or enjoy a relaxed lunch here in the village. The afternoon is then free for you to explore more at your own pace.
This evening, we'll come together for an included farewell dinner, a final opportunity to reflect on your journey and enjoy Kyoto's cuisine.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Kyoto.
Kyoto is a wonderful city with so much to see and do - you might like to consider extending your stay when booking your trip to give your more time here.
Alternatively, why not continue your adventure in Japan by booking our JPK “Highlights of Japan - Kyushu Island” trip? The departure dates are planned so you can easily combine the two trips together and from the bullet train runs from Kyoto to Fukuoka. Contact us for more information and if you need assistance with your bullet train tickets.
There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Kyoto at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is approximately one hour and thirty minutes by train, or Osaka International Airport (ITM) which takes around one hour by shuttle bus. Please note that you'll be required to walk a short distance from the hotel to the train station or bus collection point and the transfer will be unescorted. Your tour leader will provide the tickets and clear instructions to help navigate the easy journey.
We've graded this tour as full-on. Expect a packed itinerary that makes the most of our time in Japan with segments of free time in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Please note, the view of Mount Fuji is dependent on the weather. Winter (December to February) generally brings the most reliable conditions. Autumn (late October to December) is good for photography thanks to the changing foliage, as is spring, when you can see the famous blossoms, too. The summer months (June to August) are generally the poorest for visibility due to the humidity, clouds and haze.
From bullet train to local buses, we use public transport on most days of this tour. Not only does this help to curb our carbon footprint, but it also brings us closer to local life and lets us soak in the landscapes as we go.
As we explore Japan, we'll be getting our step count in. Whether we're exploring a city on a walking tour, visiting a local temple or simply getting from the metro or train station to our next hotel, we'll spend a lot of time walking and on our feet - comfortable shoes are a must. Note that in train stations, you'll need to walk up and down plenty of flights of stairs as escalators and lifts are often not available.
Accommodation has been chosen based on comfort and location - we'll generally be staying within walking distance of a metro or train station.
Japanese hotels have strict rules regarding check-in, and all customers are required to wait until 3pm for room access. You'll be able to store your luggage while waiting, but if you require an early check-in, then you should request this at the time of booking. We can't guarantee this will be possible, and depending on availability, an extra fee may be charged.
As is the Japanese way, hotel rooms are small but functional. While we stay in comfortable hotels throughout, you might not always have the space you're used to, and it's a good idea to pack light.
We book twin rooms throughout. Often, the beds can be pushed together, but if a double bed is important to you, we suggest that you request this at the time of booking. Please note that double beds in Japan are somewhat smaller than Western doubles, and the room itself will be smaller - more like a single room. Additionally, we can't guarantee double rooms will always be available.
We recommend packing light for this trip. Most hotels have self-service laundry machines, so you can wash and dry your clothes as needed. Japan is also a great destination for clothes shopping.
On one occasion, we forward our luggage to the next big city, and you'll need to use a day bag for your essentials for that day and the next. We won't have access to our luggage at all times. Please refer to the Trip Information, Budgeting and packing, and Luggage on tour sections for more information.
While locals are very friendly and eager to help, English isn't widely spoken in Japan. It's a good idea to stay connected using an eSIM or mobile WiFi SIM card so you can access a translation app - not only will this help you get around the cities, but it'll also help you fully immerse yourself in the local life. This is highly recommended to improve your holiday experience.
Japanese food is delicious and is a highlight for many on their trip to Japan. That being said, it's very different from Western cuisine, and you'll get the most out of it if you approach mealtimes with an open mind.
Many Japanese dishes are cooked in a fish-base broth. Choice for vegetarians is limited and vegans even more so.
It can also be difficult to cater for those with severe allergies. If you have an allergy, you must inform us at the time of booking. Even when informed in advance, we can't guarantee a 100% allergy-free setting as there can always be some cross-contamination in kitchens or at buffet settings in hotels/restaurants. Many restaurants in Japan are unfamiliar with some allergies in Europe/North America/Australia/NZ and are reluctant or unable to make provisions for serious cross-contact allergy risk.
Tattoos are still associated with the Yukuza gangs in Japan, and as a result many public bathing facilities or onsen have strict rules. Tattoos may need to be covered.
Getting a top-up or replacement prescription for over the counter medication is very difficult in Japan and requires a medical appointment. Even then, certain medications may have restricted use in Japan and it's not guaranteed you'll get the same prescription as back home. For this reason, please pack any essential medication in your hand luggage.
Japan is a bucket list destination and so can be crowded and overwhelming at times, particularly in the big cities like Tokyo. If you'd rather beat the crowds, it's worth travelling in the off-season.
GMT+09:00
Type B (North American) - Two flat prongs + ground pin
Shintoism, Buddhism
Japan is known for its diverse and high-quality cuisine. Popular dishes include sushi, ramen, tempura, udon, and bento meals. Convenience stores offer fresh and affordable food options, while restaurants range from casual eateries to Michelin-starred dining. Tipping is not customary in Japan and may even be considered rude. Many restaurants display plastic food models or pictures to help visitors order. Vegetarian options are improving in the big cities but can still be limited, as many dishes contain fish stock (dashi). In rural locations vegetarian options will be very limited. Barley or green tea is commonly served with meals, and sake is the country’s traditional alcoholic beverage.
British passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days.
All visa related issues for
other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Although not required, by registering on the visit Japan Web website, travellers are able fill out the Disembarkation Form in advance. By filling out this form online you will recieve a QR code which can then be shown during entry procedures into Japan. This will help you proceed through customs and control quicker. As this step is not required, travellers can instead fill out physical paper forms upon arrival as well.
More information can be found here: https://www. vjw. digital. go. jp/main/#/vjwplo001 <https://www. vjw. digital. go. jp/main/>
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.