Japan Independent Journey

On arrival into Tokyo, you make your own way to your accommodation and check in.

Tokyo blends centuries-old temples and shrines with futuristic architecture and neon-lit streets, and over the coming days you'll get to see both sides of the city. With the rest of the day free, you could head to nearby Ginza for an evening stroll, or explore the shops around Shibuya.

This morning, a guide meets you at the Robert Indiana "LOVE" sculpture in Shinjuku for an 8 am departure by coach, driving past Kabukicho on the way to Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine, set in peaceful forest grounds.

From here, you drive past Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Omotesando and the National Diet Building en route to the Imperial Palace, where you visit either the East or Outer Garden. Continuing past Marunouchi, Kanda, Akihabara, Ueno and Kappabashi Market, you arrive in Asakusa to visit Senso-ji Temple and browse the shops of Nakamise Avenue - with the option to try a matcha tasting or a Japanese pub-style lunch while you're there.

In the afternoon, you head to Tokyo Sky Tree, skipping the queue to reach the 350-metre Tembo Deck, with time to browse the Sora-machi Mall's many shops. Driving past Ryogoku and Rainbow Bridge, you reach the Odaiba Bay Area for modern bayfront entertainment and shopping on this artificial island, before a scenic Tokyo Bay Cruise beneath Rainbow Bridge to close the day. The tour returns to Shinjuku Station, where it ends.

Please note: If the bay cruise is unavailable, a visit to the Fukagawa Edo Museum is provided instead.

Please note: Cruise timing and the lunch venue may change without notice, and the overall tour order may shift due to traffic, weather or facility schedules.

Please note: The tour ends at Shinjuku Station only, with no further drop-offs.

Today is free for you to explore Tokyo at your own pace. You could spend it browsing the market stalls of Ueno's Ameyoko, or exploring the electronics and anime shops of Akihabara.

This morning you make your way from Tokyo to Odawara, with your Hakone Freepass covering onward travel via the Odakyu Line. Odawara is a small, easy-to-navigate town best known for its medieval castle, home to a museum of samurai-era weapons and armour, with a red bridge reflected in the water in the park nearby and a train station notable for its architecture.

Continuing on to Hakone, your Freepass gives you unlimited use of the area's network of trains, cable cars, the ropeway and buses, plus a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi and discounts at selected museums and hot springs - so you're free to explore at your own pace, with views of Mount Fuji on offer throughout the area. You overnight in Hakone, a destination known for its hot springs and traditional-style stays.

Please note: Your Hakone Freepass includes unlimited use of designated local trains, buses, the cable car, ropeway and sightseeing cruise, plus discounts at selected museums and hot springs in the area.

After checking out, you make your way back to Odawara Station to board the 10:35 am train to Kyoto, travelling in economy class for around 2 hours 50 minutes and arriving into Kyoto Station at 1:25 pm.

With the rest of the afternoon free after checking in, you could take a walk through Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, known for its wooden buildings and lantern-lit streets.

Please note: Baggage allowance on this service is 20kg.

At 9:50 am, you meet your sightseeing coach at Kyoto Station's Karasumaguchi Terminal, exchanging your voucher before a 10:10 am departure. You'll be sharing the coach with other travellers, with a guide on board and audio commentary available in English, Chinese and Korean.

Your first stop is Arashiyama, where you spend around two hours exploring the Bamboo Grove and the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple - lunch here is at your own expense, so you're free to choose from the many small eateries in the area.

From here, you continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple to admire the Golden Pavilion and its reflection in the surrounding pond, before finishing at Fushimi Inari Shrine to walk the iconic path of thousands of red torii gates. The coach returns you to Kyoto Station by around 4:15 pm.

Please note: No smoking or alcohol is permitted on board, and the itinerary may change due to weather or traffic.

Please note: Children under 6 travel free but without their own seat or meal.

With the morning free, you might visit Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto's best-known temples, or the tranquil Zen garden at Ryoanji.

In the afternoon, you check out and board the 3:10 pm Hikari train from Kyoto Station, arriving into Shin-Osaka just 15 minutes later at 3:30 pm, travelling in economy class. Once settled into your accommodation, you could head to Dotonbori this evening, a lively street packed with restaurants and bars.

Please note: Baggage allowance on this service is 20kg.

At 10 am, you meet your local guide for a private walking tour of Osaka lasting around three hours, taking in the exterior and grounds of Osaka Castle, the neon-lit canal of Dotonbori, and the retro streets of Shinsekai. Your guide can meet you on foot at your accommodation if it's centrally located.

Please note: This is a walking-based experience with no private vehicle included; public transport or taxis can be used between sites at your own cost. Drop-off at the end of the day is not included.

Please note: We may be able to personalize today's sightseeing for you - please contact us to find out more.

On your final day, you check out from your accommodation in Osaka, marking the end of your independent journey through Japan.