Day 1 | Osaka, Japan
Welcome to Japan and the vibrant city of Osaka. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a three-night stay in Japan’s third-largest city, renowned as the nation’s kitchen. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 | Osaka, Japan
Begin your morning exploring Osaka with a stroll through the bustling Shinsaibashi-suji shopping arcade, followed by a visit to Kuromon Ichiba Market, affectionately known as "Osaka’s Kitchen". Continue to the Osaka Museum of History before visiting the reconstructed Osaka Castle, restored to reflect its 16th-century splendour.
This afternoon is free at leisure before heading to the Umeda Sky Building. Take in spectacular 360-degree views of Osaka’s glittering skyline from the Floating Garden Observatory before enjoying dinner high above the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 | Osaka & Kehaya-za
Travel to Tondabayashi and visit a beautifully restored Edo-period merchant house before continuing to Kehaya-za, considered the birthplace of sumo wrestling.
EmeraldPLUS
Enjoy an exclusive visit to a Sumo Museum, where you'll learn about the history, traditions and training routines of sumo wrestlers. Following a welcome ceremony, witness demonstrations of Jinku singing and live sumo performances in the dohyo.
Later, ride the Osaka Metro and explore the lively entertainment districts of Dotonbori and Hozenji Yokocho.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 | Osaka > Hiroshima
Board Japan’s iconic Shinkansen (bullet train) and travel to Hiroshima. Visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, offering an opportunity for reflection on the city's history.
Later, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, enjoy a regional specialty dinner featuring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese pancake.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 | Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Take a ferry across Hiroshima Bay to Miyajima Island, renowned for its natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Visit Daisho-in Temple and the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s most recognisable landmarks. Later, enjoy free time to continue exploring Hiroshima at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 | Hiroshima > Himeji > Kyoto
Travel by Shinkansen to Himeji and visit Japan’s most magnificent surviving feudal castle, Himeji Castle.
Continue to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital for more than a thousand years and home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. On arrival, check into your hotel.
Optional Ryokan Upgrade (additional cost)
Experience traditional Japanese hospitality with an overnight stay in a ryokan. Features include tatami mat flooring, futon bedding, sliding shoji doors and traditional baths. Dinner and breakfast are included.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 | Kyoto & Nara
Today, travel to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, established in 710 AD.
Visit Todaiji Temple, once one of the most powerful Buddhist temples in Japan, before seeing the famous free-roaming deer of Nara Park. Return to Kyoto and visit a sake brewery and museum, where you'll learn about the history and production of Japan’s renowned national beverage.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 | Kyoto
Start the day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and its appearance in Memoirs of a Geisha.
Continue through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove aboard a traditional rickshaw before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tenryu-ji Temple. After lunch, explore Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pavilion.
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This evening, enjoy an exclusive private dinner hosted by a Geiko or Maiko, providing a rare insight into Japanese hospitality and culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 | Kyoto > Shizuoka
Board the Shinkansen to Shizuoka. Upon arrival, visit Nihondaira Yume Terrace and take in panoramic views of Mount Fuji.
Ride the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, an ornate mountain-top shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. This evening, participate in a hands-on sushi-making experience before enjoying your creations for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 | Shizuoka > Hakone
Visit a local tea farm and factory before enjoying a street-food lunch at Omiya Yokocho.
Continue to the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre before travelling to Hakone. Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan’s first outdoor museum, featuring impressive sculptures and artworks set amongst mountain scenery.
Later, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 | Hakone > Tokyo
Cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Ashinoko while admiring views of Mount Fuji.
Continue to Tokyo and explore the historic Asakusa district, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Wander through Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with traditional shops selling crafts and souvenirs.
Check into your hotel for a three-night stay.
DiscoverMORE (additional expense)
- Dinner at Gonpachi Nishiazabu, made famous by the film Kill Bill
- Traditional Izakaya evening experience with your Tour Director
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 | Tokyo
Begin your day at teamLab Borderless, Tokyo’s immersive digital art experience where installations move, interact and evolve beyond traditional boundaries.
Continue with a visit to the Imperial Palace East Gardens before strolling through the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Later, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Shinjuku as the district comes alive after dark.
This evening is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
