Jewels of JapanEscorted Tour, Japan

This unforgettable holiday includes a fully inclusive 11-day journey through the very best of Japan’s vibrant cities, ancient traditions and stunning natural beauty. You’ll travel from dazzling Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, experience the majestic presence of Mount Fuji, and reflect at the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Stay in quality hotels throughout, travel in comfort aboard Japan’s famous bullet train, and enjoy immersive cultural experiences including a traditional tea ceremony, soba noodle-making and an origami class.

From the bright lights of Tokyo and the golden temples of Kyoto, to the peaceful island of Miyajima and the iconic white walls of Himeji Castle, this expertly guided tour offers a perfect blend of must-see sights and authentic local encounters – the ideal introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Tokyo’s vibrant mix of modern and traditional.

Visit Mount Fuji and the scenic Fuji Five Lakes area.

Discover Kyoto’s cultural treasures, including temples and shrines.

Experience a traditional tea ceremony, soba noodle-making, and an origami class.

Take an open-deck ferry to Miyajima Island and see the iconic torii gate.

Reflect at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Marvel at Himeji Castle, Japan’s finest surviving feudal fortress.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Touring with guides and entrance fees

Breakfasts: 9, Lunches: 8, Dinners: 9

International flights and current taxes

9 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation

Max group size: 28

Physical Rating 1 - Walking, some steps and time on your feet

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Origami Workshop

Experience the delicate art of origami, Japan’s centuries-old tradition of paper folding. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you’ll learn to create intricate shapes and designs, from cranes to flowers, gaining insight into the cultural significance behind this beautiful craft.

Soba Noodle-Making Class

Join a hands-on cooking session where you’ll learn to prepare soba noodles from scratch using buckwheat flour. Roll, cut, and cook your own noodles, then savour your creation for lunch. This interactive experience offers a delicious taste of Japanese culinary heritage.

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Participate in the revered “Way of Tea” – a formal, ritualistic tea ceremony conducted by a tea master. You’ll discover the philosophy and etiquette behind this centuries-old practice, enjoy matcha (powdered green tea), and appreciate the harmony and mindfulness central to Japanese culture.

Maiko Dinner Experience in Kyoto

Spend an enchanting evening dining with a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, who will entertain with traditional dance, music, and conversation. This rare and intimate opportunity offers a window into the fascinating world of Kyoto’s geisha culture and arts.

ITINERARY

Day One/Two - Fly to Tokyo

Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day Three - Discover Toyko

Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and then take time to explore the Tokyo National Museum to learn about Tokyo's historical heritage. After lunch, seek out the tranquillity at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa district, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for panoramic views over the sprawling city below.

Day Four - Meiji Shrine

Start the day with a relaxing wander around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, before passing by the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish. End the day with a dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay and witness the city lit up at night.

Day Five - Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes

Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. Upon arrival, ascend 2,000 metres up to Mount Fuji's 5th Station (weather permitting) where, with its perfectly conical looming overhead, you can take in the breathtaking views over the landscapes below. After lunch, continue to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the artist's elaborate dyed silk creations and spend some time strolling around the beautiful garden. Also explore Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko.

Day Six - Bullet train to Kyoto

Start the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai before learning how to make your very own traditional Japanese soba noodles which you will then tuck into for lunch! Later, transfer to Mishima station and journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for 1,000 years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples and sublime gardens.

Day Seven - Explore Kyoto

Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto starting with a visit to one of Kyoto's delightful temples – the 17th-century Buddhist Kiyomizu. Immerse yourself in the culture by experiencing the sacred rituals of a tea ceremony and try your hand at origami. Dating back to the 6th-century, the art of 'folding paper' is a cultural symbol of simplicity, beauty and peace. Later, explore the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine with its remarkable 10,000 red torii gates.

Day Eight - Journey to Hiroshima

Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. Later, travel by bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that needs no introduction.

Day Nine - Hiroshima and Miyajima

Hop on the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine. Enjoy some free time and take an optional ride on the cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy the panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima and take a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and also visit the Orizuru Tower.

Day Ten - Himeji Castle

Travel to Himeji to visit its famous castle. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city and is recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate its turbulent past before strolling around Kokoen, the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat. Later, transfer to Osaka for an overnight stay.

Day Eleven - Fly Osaka to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Jewels of Japan is located in Escorted Tour, Japan. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 10/07/2025