We begin in Tokyo where our modern hotel is well situated in Asakusa, the oldest and perhaps the most interesting district of Japan's capital city with Sensoji temple and Nakamise-dori right on our doorstep. On the first night we have included a group meal at a local restaurant and then we have the following day to explore the city.

From Tokyo we take the Bullet train to Hikone, famed for its stunning original samurai Castle.  Exploring this area you gain an interesting insight into feudal Japan and enter the ancient world of the samurai.

Another journey on the super-fast Shinkansen will take us to Hiroshima, where we will visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum to gain a more poignant reminder of Japan's more recent history. We spend two nights in this area staying on scenic Miyajima Island which has a truly magical atmosphere. We have a whole day strolling amongst the deer, taking in the shrines and walking through the primeval forests. This will be our first stay in Japanese style accommodation and a delicious dinner is included at the hotel.

Travelling across the scenic inland sea by boat we stay first on Shikoku Island at the castle town of Matsuyama also famed for Dogo Onsen, the oldest hot spring baths in Japan. You will also have a great opportunity to try Japanese style baths at our next stop in Kotohira. Staying at a luxury Japanese Ryokan this will be a truly unique experience and the dinners are superb. This is a small pilgrimage town full of character and from here we will also do a day trip to the stunning Iya Valley where we explore vine bridges and see some beautiful scenery.

From Kotohira we head back to Honshu and a one night stay in Nara, one of Japan's former capitals. There will be plenty of time to stroll through the deer park and visit the Daibutsu (Giant Buddha) of Todai-ji temple. We will then make our way by train and cable car to the mysterious Mt. Koya religious complex. Here we will stay at temple lodgings and have the chance to witness traditional ceremonies as well as try some fantastic Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.

Next stop is Kyoto, the old capital of Japan and still very much its cultural heart. Our smart, western style hotel is located by the river Kamo and is a short walk to the centre of town. We have a full two and a half days to explore Kyoto and there is certainly lots to see!

This is a unique tour and is for those who wish to see the main cities but also delve a little deeper into rural Japan. It is a great opportunity to see a Japan rarely seen by most visitors and features some excellent ryokan and hotel stays as well as numerous great meals.


** New - 5 night Self-Guided add-on package **

Why not spend a few more days in Japan, with our 5-night self-guided extension?

You will have two nights in Nikko, to visit some of Japan's most ornate temples and shrines and enjoy the beautiful scenery around Lake Chuzenji. You then head further north to Sendai, a vibrant modern city with a variety of day trip options on offer, so you can tailor your time here to suit your preferences. Coastal scenery at Matsushima, the cliff-top temple complex of Yamadera and the rich history of Hiraizumi all compete for your attention! After two nights in Sendai you will travel back to Tokyo for a final night before heading home.

The Pacific coast of the Tohoku region bore the brunt of the tragic earthquake and tsunami of March 2011. The destinations you will visit are all fully recovered, and the hotels, inns, restaurants and local suppliers we work with are keen for our customers to visit. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the recovery of this beautiful region of Japan. 

Twin/Double: £560 per person
Single: £650 per person

Please note that the add-on is treated as a seperate booking to the tour and we will ask for a seperate deposit at the time of booking.