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This journey offers an intimate exploration of Japan’s iconic highlights and hidden gems. From the neon glow of Osaka to the historic streets of Kyoto and the alpine beauty of Takayama, you’ll experience authentic traditions, including a gold leaf workshop and a high-speed bullet train ride.
Welcome to Japan. Arrive in vibrant Osaka and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to settle in or begin exploring the city.
Stay: Hotel It Osaka Shinmachi
Day 2 | Osaka → Nara → Osaka
Travel to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, and explore Nara Park, home to its famous free-roaming deer. Visit Todaiji Temple and its impressive bronze Buddha before returning to Osaka. This evening, experience the energy of Dotonbori and enjoy a traditional okonomiyaki dinner.
Highlights: Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Dotonbori and okonomiyaki dinner
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 | Osaka → Kyoto
Board the bullet train to Kyoto before exploring the picturesque Arashiyama district and its iconic Bamboo Forest. Continue to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, before an evening at leisure to discover historic Gion.
Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Kyoto at your own pace. Perhaps visit Nishiki Market, explore the city’s Zen gardens or stroll along the Philosopher’s Path.
Optional Experiences: Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kiyomizu-dera Temple walking tour or a Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience in historic Gion.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 | Kyoto → Kanazawa
Visit the magnificent Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto’s famous Golden Pavilion, before travelling towards Kanazawa. Stop at Nihonkai Sakana Machi fish market and discover the traditional art of Japanese papermaking at Echizen Washi Village.
Stay: Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa
Highlights: Kinkakuji Temple, Nihonkai Sakana Machi Market and Echizen Washi Village
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 | Kanazawa
Discover Kanazawa’s rich history and culture, including its preserved samurai and geisha districts. Wander through beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, enjoy a hands-on gold leaf workshop and explore the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District.
Stay: Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa
Highlights: Kenrokuen Garden, gold leaf workshop and Higashi Chaya District
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 | Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Takayama
Journey into the Japanese Alps to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Continue to Takayama to explore its beautifully preserved Old Town and historic Takayama Jinya.
Stay: Hotel And Spa Gift Takayama
Highlights: Shirakawa-go, Takayama Old Town and Takayama Jinya
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 | Takayama → Matsumoto → Mount Fuji
Begin at Miyagawa Morning Market before travelling to Matsumoto to visit the striking Matsumoto Castle. Continue towards the Mount Fuji region and settle into your hotel for dinner.
Stay: Motosu Phoenix Hotel
Highlights: Miyagawa Morning Market and Matsumoto Castle
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 9 | Mount Fuji → Tokyo
Discover Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, ascending to the Fifth Station weather permitting. If conditions prevent access, visit Oishi Park for views across Lake Kawaguchi. Continue to picturesque Oshino Hakkai before travelling onwards to Tokyo.
Stay: Tmark City Hotel Tokyo Omori
Highlights: Mount Fuji Fifth Station or Oishi Park, and Oshino Hakkai
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 | Tokyo
Explore the contrasts of Japan’s capital, beginning in historic Asakusa with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. Stop at the Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge, take in panoramic city views from Tokyo Tower and finish amid the energy of Shibuya Crossing.
Stay: Tmark City Hotel Tokyo Omori
Highlights: Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple, Imperial Palace Nijubashi Bridge, Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Crossing
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 | Tokyo
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Tokyo. Discover Ginza, visit peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine or immerse yourself in the electronics and pop culture of Akihabara.
Optional Experiences: Tsukiji Fish Market Tour with Sushi Making Experience, Shinjuku Izakaya Food Experience or Tokyo Sumo Show with Chicken Chanko Hot Pot.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 | Tokyo
Your Japanese journey concludes after breakfast. Enjoy some final shopping or sightseeing before making your own way onwards.
*Advertised pricing is per person, twin share, inclusive of applicable savings and correct as of 7 October 2026. Offer is valid until 31 October 2026, unless sold out prior. Pricing and offers are subject to change and availability.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
