Japan Uncovered

Welcome to Japan! On arrival in Tokyo, make your own way to the start hotel. At 16:00, you will meet the rest of the group and your adventure leader at a welcome meeting in the lounge of the hotel.

This evening, we come together for a teppanyaki welcome dinner. It is a relaxed and social introduction to Japanese cuisine, with expertly prepared dishes, plenty of conversation and, of course, our first group photo.

We then head out to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic night-time views across the city. From here, Tokyo stretches out in a dazzling display of lights, offering a memorable first glimpse of the capital’s scale, energy and atmosphere after dark.

We start the morning with a hands-on sushi masterclass, learning the techniques behind one of Japan’s most famous dishes. Guided by local experts, we slice, roll and taste our own creations, picking up practical skills along the way in a fun and relaxed setting. (Please note, the sushi class schedule may be changed to an afternoon session depending on the supplier’s availability.)

Next, we head for Meiji Jingu Shrine, completed in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Your tour leader will get a charm for you and share the meaning behind omamori and its role in Japanese culture.

Later, we explore Harajuku, Tokyo’s trendiest neighborhood, known for fashion, street food, and youth culture. The adventure continues to the bustling Shibuya district, where you can experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Take a moment to find the Hachiko statue, an iconic symbol of loyalty and devotion.

Begin today in Shibamata, a nostalgic neighborhood in northeastern Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward, known for its charming Showa-era atmosphere, traditional shopping street, and deep connection to Japanese film history. We'll visit the Shibamata Taishakuten temple here before heading to Asakusa for our included Sumo Experience. This is a rare opportunity where you can interact with ex-sumo wrestlers, and enjoy the famous Chanko-Nabe for dinner.

Later, your main luggage will be sent forward to Kyoto, so please prepare a small overnight bag for Hakone on day 4.

Tokyo - Hakone. After breakfast this morning, we depart Tokyo and head for the mountains, and one mountain in particular...

We'll arrive in Moto-Hakone just before lunch. Once here, prepare to test your sea legs aboard a pirate ship cruise over the scenic Lake Ashi. This unconventional vessel offers panoramic views of towering mountains, clear waters, and, on a clear day, the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji. We'll then ascend into the mountain peaks via a cable car. This journey promises the chance to admire the natural beauty of the Hakone region.

We will be staying in Hakone at a hotel offering a ryokan experience. A ryokan is a Japanese bath and sleeping house. You will have the chance to relax in a steamy onsen bath.

Please note: At the ryoken, guests will stay in gender separated rooms of 2-5 guests. Any guests travelling together who are different genders won't be sharing a room together for this night. They will stay with other guests of the same gender who are also on the trip.

Hakone - Kyoto. This morning, we travel to Odawara Station and board the iconic Shinkansen bound for Kyoto. As the scenery speeds past, we make our way to Japan’s former imperial capital. On arrival, we drop our bags at the hotel before heading out to explore.

Our first stop is Higashi Honganji Temple, renowned for its immense wooden halls and peaceful atmosphere. One of its most unusual features is a rope woven from human hair, donated by devotees and used during the temple’s reconstruction - a striking example of dedication and craftsmanship.

This afternoon, we take part in a Japanese calligraphy class. With brush, ink and paper, we learn the fundamentals of this traditional art form and create a piece to take home as a personal souvenir.

In the evening, we come together for a lively karaoke night. From classic hits to guilty pleasures, it is a fun and relaxed way to bond as a group and end the day on an upbeat note.

Learn how to make matcha, the drink that is taking the world by storm, in this morning's included tea ceremony. We then take a stroll around the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu Dera Temple. The ancient temple is perched on the hillsides and offers panoramic views of Kyoto. Enjoy free time for lunch and a wander around Kiyomizu and then enjoy a guided tour of Gion, Kyoto's legendary Geisha district.

Also today, we wander through Pontocho Alley, one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric alleys, known for traditional lanterns, teahouses, and riverside dining. After a busy day, you've got some free time this afternoon to further explore Kyoto at your own pace.

Kyoto - Hiroshima. Spend this morning at leisure. You could get up early for sunrise at Fushimi Inari, or perhaps visit Nijo Castle. In the afternoon, we head to the train station to board the bullet train to Hiroshima. On arrival, we'll enjoy an included dinner (drinks not included) of okonomiyaki, Hiroshima's speciality.

Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima. Today we make the short ferry trip to Miyajima Island, famous for the iconic red torii gate which appears to float on the water. Enjoy panoramic views of the island as we ride the Miyajima Ropeway cable car to the top of Mount Misen. Returning to sea level, the afternoon is dedicated to further exploration of Miyajima Island's captivating landscapes.

Back in Hiroshima, we'll pay a sobering but fascinating visit to the Peace Memorial Museum to learn more about the atomic bomb attack that occurred here in 1945. An audio guide is included.

Hiroshima - Okayama - Osaka. This morning, we take the bullet train from Hiroshima to Okayama, where you can opt to store your luggage. From here, we visit the city's Kurashiki Bikan Quarter, a beautifully preserved Edo-period district with canal area, traditional streets lined with coffee shops, local sweets shops or souvenir shops. Our visit also includes a river boat ride, where we gently cruise along the willow-lined canal and enjoy the picturesque scenery of this old merchant town.

*Please note that the boat ride may be cancelled due to various factors such as weather conditions, water levels, or availability, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. In such cases, the Adventure Leader will arrange an equivalent alternative.

We then visit the Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. After our visit, we head back to the train station and complete our journey to Osaka, arriving around 19:30.

Enjoy a short orientation walk of Shinsaibashi, Osaka's lively shopping district, There's time for lunch (not included) before we embark on our included Dotonbori boat cruise, allowing you take in the views of Osaka from the water.

In the evening, we gather for an included farewell meal (drinks not included) to toast the end of our trip.

Your Japan adventure ends today. If you would like us to arrange post-tour accommodation or train tickets back to Tokyo, then we can do this on request for you.