Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima Return to Tokyo

Welcome to Japan. After clearing customs, we’ll transfer you to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we’ll provide details about the upcoming tour to help you prepare for the days ahead.
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 the day with a comprehensive guided tour of Tokyo lasting around five hours. This city effortlessly blends vibrant, modern districts with pockets of calm and tradition. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, where you can admire the striking view of Tokyo Tower framed by numerous Jizo statues—stone figures believed to protect children, often dressed in knitted hats and bibs. Next, we visit Shibuya Crossing, known as the busiest pedestrian intersection worldwide. We then explore Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort, followed by a drive along Omotesando Avenue, a stylish boulevard lined with contemporary architecture. We’ll also visit the scenic gardens of the Imperial Palace and pause to see the famous Nijubashi Bridge. The tour continues through Akihabara—Tokyo’s hub of manga and anime culture—before heading to Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure, where admission is included to enjoy panoramic city views. We conclude our sightseeing at Asakusa, exploring Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street market, before returning to the hotel.In the early evening at 6:30 pm, we meet in the hotel lobby and take the subway together (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. There, we enjoy a guided walk through the area before dining at a local restaurant (dinner included). Afterwards, we take the subway back to the hotel accompanied by our guide. Please note that the itinerary may be adjusted depending on Tokyo Skytree’s admission times or weather conditions. If access to the Skytree is limited, we will visit an alternative iconic viewpoint instead.

We’ll start early with a bullet train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, covering nearly 500 kilometres in just over two hours. Upon arrival, we’ll spend the day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s former capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was spared from bombing during World War II, preserving its rich cultural heritage. Our visit includes some of the city’s most iconic sites: the striking Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Kinkakuji Temple—known as the Golden Pavilion—set amid beautiful gardens. Later, you’ll have time to stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s traditional district famous for its geisha culture and lively atmosphere, followed by some free time to explore at your leisure.

We’ll set off for Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, a remarkable Buddhist complex dating back to 752, home to a colossal Buddha statue. You’ll also have time to photograph and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in Nara Park. Lunch is included. Afterwards, we’ll explore Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of the oldest wooden pagodas in the world and Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. Later, we’ll continue to Osaka, arriving in the evening. You’ll stay in this vibrant, modern city—Japan’s second-largest urban area—and enjoy a visit to Dotonbori, a lively district known for its colourful nightlife.

We depart for Himeji to visit its impressive castle complex, renowned for its traditional Japanese architecture – admission is included. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Okayama to explore Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscape gardens, featuring lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses. Crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river offers the chance to view Okayama Castle, a 16th-century fortification rebuilt in 1966 after wartime destruction (inside visit not included). You will then have free time to explore Okayama, an active provincial capital with a population of around 700,000. Please note that on certain dates, accommodation may be in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, with the visit to Kurashiki potentially taking place in the afternoon.

We’ll begin the day in Kurashiki, known for its beautifully preserved historic quarter. You’ll have time to stroll at your own pace through the charming streets, where the atmosphere of bygone eras remains vivid. Afterwards, we’ll travel to Hiroshima, a city profoundly shaped by the atomic bombing in 1945. We’ll explore the Peace Memorial Park, the striking Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum, which respectfully recounts the city’s history and resilience. Seeking a moment of tranquillity, we’ll then take a ferry to Itsukushima Island, often described as the place where “men and gods live together.” Here, we’ll visit the renowned Itsukushima Shrine, partially built over the water and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll have time to explore the shrine and the picturesque town centre, as well as enjoy lunch. We’ll return to our hotel in Hiroshima for dinner later in the evening. Please note that the order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without changing the overall itinerary.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the station for the bullet train to Tokyo. The high-speed journey covers around 800 kilometres in approximately four hours, with expected arrival at about 2:00 pm. The tour concludes upon arrival in Tokyo, leaving you with many lasting memories. Please check your flight details in case you need to book an extra night. Although the departure transfer to the airport is not included, our guide will offer advice on the best public transport options for your onward travel.