From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines and the soaring beauty of Mt Fuji, this tour provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional Japanese Inn.
Day 1: TokyoArrive at any time.
Day 2: Tokyo/KanazawaIn the morning collect your JR Pass. Board a bullet train for Kanazawa in the afternoon. The evening is yours to explore, or opt to attend a dinner with the group.
Day 3: KanazawaExplore the city's well-preserved geisha district. Then, stroll through Keroku-en, ranked one of the nation's top three gardens before exploring the historic Nagamachi samurai district.
Day 4: Kanazawa/TakayamaArrive in picturesque Takayama and relax in the traditional Japanese inn.
Day 5: TakayamaExplore the Hida No Sato traditional folk village, and walk the quaint streets of the old town – lined with sake breweries and craft shops. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore the area.
Day 6: Takayama/HiroshimaArrive in Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park and Museum to learn more about the tragic history of this city.
Day 7: HiroshimaTake a ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate and meet the friendly local deer.
Day 8: Hiroshima/KyotoTravel to historic Kyoto. Explore the marvellous Fushimi Inari shrine and walk under thousands of torii gates.
Day 9: KyotoWander the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens before visiting Kyoto's iconic Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion.
Day 10: KyotoSpend a full free day discovering the Zen gardens, huge wooden temples, pagodas and shrines of Kyoto. Opt to enjoy the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion, and take a leisurely stroll down the lovely Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji.
Day 11: Kyoto/FujikawaguchikoTravel to the Mt Fuji region and enjoy optional walks around Lake Kawaguchi. Savour an amazing multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinner.
Day 12: Fujikawaguchiko/TokyoEnjoy a morning in Kawaguchiko exploring the Five Lakes region on foot. Later, travel to Tokyo by train.
Day 13: TokyoExplore buzzing Tokyo with a free day.
Day 14: TokyoDepart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.