Experience the very best of Japan on this carefully designed 16-day small group journey
Travel at a relaxed pace with like-minded companions and uncover the beauty, culture and spirit of Japan. With multiple nights in each destination, carefully chosen hotels, daily breakfast, selected dinners and inspiring sightseeing, this fully escorted journey lets you discover Japan without the rush.
Tour highlights
- Tokyo – bustling city of contrasts, from ancient temples to the modern Skytree tower
- Hakone & Lake Kawaguchiko – cruise on Lake Ashi and enjoy breathtaking views of Mt Fuji
- Takayama & Shirakawaga – wander charming old towns and visit UNESCO-listed thatched villages
- Kanazawa – explore Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and a historic Samurai residence
- Kyoto – golden temples, serene gardens, shrines, and a Geisha in Gion
- Nara – meet the gentle deer of Nara Park and marvel at the Great Buddha in Tadai-ji Temple
- Osaka – lively food culture and the vibrant Dotonbori district
- Hiroshima and Miyajima – reflect at the Peace Memorial, and see the famous ‘floating’ torii gate
What’s included
- Hand-picked hotels with multiple nights in each city
- Daily breakfast, plus selected dinners
- Inspiring sightseeing with expert local guides
- Comfortable coach transport and a bullet train ride
- Small group size for a more personal experience
- Optional experiences such as calligraphy, kimono-wearing, tea ceremony, or sushi-making
Travel in comfort with like-minded companions and enjoy multiple nights in each destination, giving you time to truly savour the culture, history and beauty of this remarkable country.
Why you’ll love this experience
- Relaxed pace with time to explore at leisure
- Fully escorted, so you can travel with confidence and ease
- A balance of cultural treasures, natural beauty, and delightful cuisine
- Ideal for travellers who enjoy comfort, boutique inclusions, and the camaraderie of a small group
Come away with us and experience Japan’s timeless traditions, serene gardens, and vibrant cities. A journey filled with discovery, comfort, and those special little moments you’ll never forget.
Itinerary
Tour commences Toko and concludes in Osaka.
Day 1 – Tokyo
Welcome to Japan. After your flight, make your own way to our well-located hotel.
Settle in, rest, or enjoy a gentle stroll nearby. Touring begins tomorrow. Join us for our included Welcome dinner this evening and the chance to meet your fellow travellers. Meals: Welcome Dinner | Hotel: Shinjuku Washington or similar
Day 2 – Tokyo
A full day of highlights including Meiji Shrine, the soaring Tokyo Skytree, the historic Sensō-ji Temple and the Imperial Palace gardens. A perfect introduction to this fascinating city. Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Shinjuku Washington or similar
Day 3 – Tokyo at Leisure
Take the day at your own pace – perhaps a garden walk, a museum visit or simply relaxing. Optional activities include calligraphy, sushi-making, or an evening at a traditional Izakaya pub. Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Shinjuku Washington or similar
Day 4 – Tokyo • Hakone • Kawaguchiko
Cruise on scenic Lake Ashi with views to Mt Fuji before continuing to the beautiful Kawaguchiko region. Dinner tonight with your fellow travellers.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Hotel: Route Inn Kawaguchiko or similar
Day 5 – Kawaguchiko • Mt Fuji • Takayama
Journey to Mt Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting) for breathtaking views before travelling into the Japanese Alps to the charming town of Takayama.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu or similar
Day 6 – Takayama
Enjoy Takayama’s quaint streets at your own rhythm. Optional kimono fitting available for those wanting a special photo memory.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu or similar
Day 7 – Takayama • Shirakawa-gō • Kanazawa
Wander Takayama’s Old Town before visiting Shirakawa-gō, a UNESCO-listed village of traditional thatched houses. Continue to Kanazawa to explore its historic Higashi Chaya district. Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Kanazawa Manten Hotel Ekimae or similar
Day 8 – Kanazawa • Kyoto
Visit the exquisite Kenrokuen Garden and the Nomura Samurai House before travelling on to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande or similar
Day 9 – Kyoto
Your day to enjoy Kyoto at your own pace. Optional experiences include a traditional tea ceremony or learning Ikebana, the art of flower arranging.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande or similar
Day 10 – Kyoto • Nara • Kyoto
Marvel at the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), then travel to Nara to see the friendly deer of Nara Park and the Great Buddha in the vast Tōdai-ji Temple. Return to Kyoto for the evening. Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande or similar
Day 11 – Kyoto • Osaka
Walk through Arashiyama’s bamboo forest and visit the photogenic Fushimi Inari Shrine before travelling on to Osaka.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Osaka Garden Palace or similar
Day 12 – Osaka • Himeji Castle • Hiroshima
Visit Himeji’s famous ‘White Heron’ Castle, Japan’s best-preserved feudal castle, before continuing to Hiroshima.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hiroshima Grand Intelligent or similar
Day 13 – Hiroshima • Miyajima
Ferry across to Miyajima Island to see the ‘floating’ torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine. Back in Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial and Museum – a moving and unforgettable experience. Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Hiroshima Grand Intelligent or similar
Day 14 – Hiroshima • Bullet Train • Osaka
Ride the shinkansen (bullet train) back to Osaka. Tour includes Osaka Castle and the lively Dōtonbori district with its neon lights and food stalls.
Meals: Breakfast | Hotel: Osaka Garden Palace or similar
Day 15 – Osaka at Leisure • Farewell Dinner
Spend the day as you wish – perhaps exploring the shops and cafés. In the evening, gather with your group for our special included Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Hotel: Osaka Garden Palace or similar
Day 16 – Depart Osaka
Your unforgettable journey comes to an end. Make your own way to the airport for your flight home, carrying treasured memories and new friendships.
Meals: Breakfast
THIS ITINERARY IS THE PROPERTY OF THE TOUR COMPANY AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
Available dates: Various dates
Pricing: Available on application. Email info@travlink.net or within NZ call 0800 99 77 88 for more about this unique tour
