Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima

Welcome to Japan. After you clear customs, you will be transferred to your hotel by a shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will provide you with all the details you need for the start of your tour.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin our day with a comprehensive guided tour lasting about five hours, revealing the dynamic character of Tokyo – a city where modernity and tradition coexist effortlessly. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, offering a striking view of Tokyo Tower alongside hundreds of Jizo statues, small stone guardians adorned with knitted hats and bibs. We then visit Shibuya Crossing, famed as one of the busiest intersections in the world, before heading to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Travelling by bus, we continue along Omotesando Avenue, known for its elegant architecture, and explore the scenic grounds of the Imperial Palace, including a visit to the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. Next, we pass through Akihabara, Tokyo’s renowned centre for manga and anime culture. Admission to Tokyo Skytree is included, where you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views from Japan’s tallest structure. Our tour concludes in Asakusa with a visit to Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street, before returning to the hotel. In the evening, we meet in the hotel lobby and take the subway to Shinjuku. There, we explore this lively district on foot before dining at a local restaurant. We return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide. Please note the order of visits may vary depending on Tokyo Skytree admission times, and in the event of poor weather or other circumstances, an alternative viewpoint will be offered.

We’ll depart early from Tokyo and board the bullet train to Kyoto, covering nearly 500 kilometres in just over two hours. Once in Kyoto, you’ll have the full day to explore this former imperial capital, known for its exceptional preservation of traditional culture, having escaped bombing during World War II. We’ll visit key landmarks including Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates; the Imperial Palace; and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, set within stunning gardens. Afterward, enjoy some time to wander through Gion, Kyoto’s historic district renowned for its geisha culture and vibrant streets. The evening will be yours to relax or further explore at your leisure.

We’ll set off for Nara to explore Todaiji Temple, a remarkable Buddhist site dating back to 752, famous for its giant Buddha statue. Here, you can also take photographs and interact with the friendly deer that freely roam the surrounding park. Lunch is included. Afterwards, we’ll visit Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the oldest wooden structures in the world. This important temple complex includes a seminary and monasteries, reflecting its status as Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple and a significant place of worship. Later, we’ll continue to Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city known for its vibrant, modern atmosphere. We’ll arrive in the evening and head to Dotonbori, a bustling district celebrated for its lively nightlife and colourful streets. Accommodation will be in Osaka.

We’ll set off for Himeji to explore its vast castle complex, renowned for its exemplary Japanese castle architecture—admission is included. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Okayama to visit Korakuen Garden, celebrated as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens with its tranquil lakes, waterfalls, and traditional teahouses. Crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the chance to see Okayama Castle from the outside—a 16th-century fortress rebuilt after World War II (entry to the castle interior is not included). Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore Okayama, a lively provincial capital with a population of just over 700,000. Please note that on some dates, accommodation may be in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, and the visit to Kurashiki could occur on the same afternoon.

We begin the day in Kurashiki, a city known for its beautifully preserved historic quarter. You'll have some free time to wander its charming streets and soak up the authentic atmosphere. Later, we travel to Hiroshima, a city shaped by its tragic history in 1945. We visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum, which offer a poignant reminder of the events and resilience of the city. To find a moment of calm, we take a ferry to Itsukushima Island, famed as a sacred place where the divine is believed to dwell alongside humans. Here, we explore the renowned Itsukushima Shrine, partly built over the water and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll have time to stroll through the picturesque town centre and enjoy lunch. We return to Hiroshima in the evening, where dinner is included. The order of visits in Hiroshima may vary but the itinerary remains unchanged.

After breakfast, your journey concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of your time in Hiroshima and throughout Japan.