Japan Premium Tour

Day 1: Tokyo – A Room With A View

Welcome to Japan! Meet your group in the hotel and immediately be wowed by the enormous Godzilla sculpture outside the hotel – a taste of the rich variety of Japanese life to come on your Japan premium tour. Enjoy a welcome dinner, taking in the stunning city-scapes from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Day 2: Tokyo – Cycling and Sushi

It’s time to dive into a slice of local life, as you take a bike tour through one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods. Start the day with a delicious cup of local coffee, and our local guide will give you the lowdown on some of the customs here. We’ll visit a Buddhist temple and observe an awe-inspiring local ceremony. There’s also time to weave your way through this lovely area and round off the trip with sake sample. Then, in the afternoon, learn the art of sushi-making with our expert chef and sample some of your produce (and your chef’s) at dinner!

This evening, it’s time to check out the glitz and glamour of the Roppongi Hills.

Day 3: Tokyo – Sensational Sumos

There’s no better way to start your day than by watching Sumo wrestlers go after each other. This sport is a national obsession, and we’ll observe the training session before enjoying a lunch with the wrestlers. Ask them about their daily routines, and see if you can eat as much as they can! One of Tokyo’s best features is the distinct local neighbourhoods, and we’ll wander around a few of these – you’ll have some time in the ‘Electric Town’ of Akihabara, and in the quirky mayhem of Harajuku!

Day 4: Mount Fuji – Mountainous Majesty

It’s now time for something totally different, as we head out into the mountains. Experience the majesty of Mount Fuji from the 5th station and take in the delights of a traditional village – as well as sampling the heavenly sweets and sake!

This evening, we’ll relax in a ryokan – this traditional Japanese style of accommodation is a true haven in the mountains. You can enjoy the delights of hot water bathing in an onsen nestled amongst nature, and we will also have a traditional kaseiki dinner.

Day 5: Mount Fuji – Sunrise to Riverside Picnic

This morning you have an early start, but we promise it’s worth it! You’ll enjoy sensational views of Mount Fuji at sunrise. Then, you can reward yourself for getting up early with a delicious breakfast back at the ryokan.

After this, it’s time for a hot springs session, before we discover the treasure trove of culture that is Kyoto. Here, you’ll find a whole plethora of charming alleys and incredible restaurants to experience, and with 2,000 temples across the city, you’re never far away from a moment of serenity. Why not explore the stunning Kiyomizu Temple?

Tonight, we’ll explore the charming ambience of Pontocho Alley, and then enjoy a riverside picnic dinner on the banks of the Kamo River.

Day 6: Kyoto – Shrines and Tea with a Geisha

Today, you’ll head over to Fushimi Shrine, where you may recognise the red torii gates from photographs. The reality is more impressive than the pictures, and we’ll stroll up through the gates before reaching the tranquil hills beyond the shrines. You can amble around here before heading back to town.

It’s then time to meet a Geisha over tea, where you can learn about this ancient aspect of Japanese culture. Then, we move from the ancient to the modern, because it’s time for karaoke! It’s also all you can drink, which may affect the quality of the performances…

Day 7: Kyoto – Ninjas and Temples

You’ll start the day with a cycling tour through the streets of Kyoto, which is a great way to experience the city. It’s then time for a moment of zen, with a meditation class and temple tour. Learn the art of meditation – hopefully, you’ll feel suitably tranquil afterwards! We’ll then visit what is arguably the most iconic site in all of Japan: the Golden Pavillion. Marvel at this astonishing man-made beauty, and then head over to the Imperial Palace. In the afternoon, we’ll get the chance to be a Ninja, with an introduction to the skills required!

This evening, enjoy a slice of old-Japan with dinner at an izakaya in Pontocho Alley. This is one of the city’s most iconic streets, and it will imbue your evening with a real sense of excitement.

Day 8: Kyoto/Arashiyama –River Cruise to Bullet Train

Today, you’ll cruise down the Hozugawa River with a coffee in hand, as you see the sights of Kyoto from aboard a ship. This traditional boat ride is a great way to experience an old slice of Japanese life. We’ll then check out the charms of Arashiyama, and pay a visit the bamboo forest and Tenryuji Temple!

It’s then into Hiroshima via bullet train, where you’ll be welcomed with an okonomiyaki dinner. This traditional Japanese-style pancake is a speciality of the area, and we’ll enjoy these before resting up in a luxury hotel!

Day 9: Hiroshima/Miyajima – Sea Kayaking

Today, head off to Miyajima Island. This charming spot is filled with wild deer, sea views, and quaint boutique shops – not to mention some fine seafood restaurants! Work up an appetite by taking out a kayak in the ocean, where you can make your way over to the large torii gate covered by the water. We’ll also take the ropeway for some truly majestic island views.

That evening, we’ll head back to Hiroshima and check out the local night scene. This city may be synonymous with a tragic event, but the vibrant centre is forward-looking and filled with buzzing bars. We include a delicious local dinner of okonoyimaki tonight too.

Day 10: Hiroshima/Osaka – Gastronomic Wonder

A sombre start to the day as we visit the Peace Memoral Museum – this is a well-presented exhibition about the tragic events of 1945. Both sad and inspiring, it paints a picture of hope rising from the despair, and it’s an important part of any trip to Japan.

We’ll then head to Osaka. Japan’s second city is a maelstrom of activity – and a foodie paradise. We’ll see the sights on a Dotonbori boat ride before our takoyaki dinner. Then, spend your evening on a craft beer crawl! We’ll visit Beer Belly Tenma, Craft Beer Bar Marciero, and Craft Beer House Molto, which has views over Namba station from the 31st floor of the Hankyu Grand Building.

Day 11: Osaka – Farewell to Japan

Sadly, this is the end of our Japan premium tour. However, do let us know if you would like to continue your journey – or arrange a post-trip night of accommodation!

Cycling Tour of East Tokyo

We cycle through a gorgeous district of the city and witness a spectacular Buddhist ceremony at a local temple. Start the morning with a locally brewed artisan coffee, and end with a craft beer at a nearby brewery.

Sumo Wrestling Lunch

Try your hand against a sumo wrestler in an unforgettable experience. Then, join them for lunch and see if you can eat like a sumo, as well as asking them questions about their daily life.

Onsen in Hakone

Time to truly relax with a luxurious experience in hot springs. Enjoy the hot baths amidst the mountainous majesty of Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji Sunrise

Take in sunrise over Mount Fuji, and experience the wonder of one of the nation’s most renowned symbols.

Tea with a Geisha

Whilst in Kyoto, discover more about this fascinating part of Japanese culture and have tea with a Geisha, and learn about their lives.

Hoguzawa River Cruise

Relax and take in the stunning scenery and wonders of Kyoto.

Meditation Class

Learn the ancient art of meditation within the ornate surroundings of a temple.

Osaka Food Tour

Osaka is a gastronomic delight, and you’ll be sure to enjoy the rich variety of the local cuisine on this expertly-crafted food tour.

Sea Kayaking

Get out into the open water around Miyajima on this active experience. Kayak around the Torii gate, and then enjoy some delicious seafood on the island.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto-ekimae

These rooms fuse modern technology with traditional materials and provide a charming spot amidst the enclave of temples, bars and the nearby Kyoto Tower.

Cross Hotel Osaka

This chic and stylish spot is in the heart of one the best districts of Osaka. Eat and drink to your heart contents in nearby Dotonbori and then sleep soundly in the comforts of this comfortable hotel!