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Discover Japan

  • Duration
    13 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £5,590pp
  • Read Reviews
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Journey across the Japanese Alps to the cultural centres of Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa on this extensive tour of Japan. On this extraordinary Japan holiday you will of course see modern Tokyo and beautiful Mt Fuji as well as historical Kyoto and Nara.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 11 , Lunches: 10 , Dinners: 11
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    11 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet
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Tour Highlights

Our Discover Japan tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine. We pack all of tours to Japan with incredible things to do - here are just a few of the highlights

Inspired by Race Across the World?

Our Journey Through Japan tour is the closest tour you can take to follow in the racers' footsteps as they travelled from North to South. Explore the tour

Explore al the featured destinations at our Race Across the World page

Authentic Experiences

Our Discover Japan Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Tour Itinerary

This adventure is ideal for travellers with a reasonable amount of time to spend and who want to see the very best bits of Japan. We have designed the tour to make the most of the time available to showcase the key highlights of Japan and have incorporated travel by road to give the opportunity to see the beautiful Japanese countryside.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Tokyo
    Days 1-2: 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.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Tokyo City Tour
    Day 3: Tokyo City Tour

    Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Begin at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, Japan's tallest tower, before wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to seek out the tranquility of the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest. Next, drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and later stroll through the classical landscapes of Hamarikyu Gardens. This evening, take a relaxed dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for excellent city vistas.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Mount Fuji
    Day 4: Mount Fuji

    Take the super-fast bullet train to Odawara. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi for spectacular panoramas of this beautiful area before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway. Next, ascend over 2,000 metres up Mount Fuji to the 5th Station, (weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views over the Fuji Five Lakes area below.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Matsumoto Castle
    Day 5: Matsumoto Castle

    Transfer to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Stop at a Miso House to learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning. Travel on to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region, also known as the Japanese Alps.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Explore Takayama
    Day 6: Explore Takayama

    Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market and wander past some of the lovely traditional houses. You'll also visit several of the excellent local museums – including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya. Also enjoy some free time in Kamisannomachi Street.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Shirakawago and Kanazawa
    Day 7: Shirakawago and Kanazawa

    Get a glimpse of rural Japan at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago which is famous for its farmhouses built in the unique gassho-zukuri architectural style. Continue to Gokayama to have a go at washi paper making, then travel to Kanazawa and meander through the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Gold Leaf Making
    Day 8: Gold Leaf Making

    Begin the day learning the process of making gold leaf. Next, stroll through traditional Higashi Chaya (Eastern Teahouse District), visiting Ochaya Shima – a historical geisha house. Later, journey to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, until 1879, today Kyoto is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Explore Kyoto
    Day 9: Explore Kyoto

    Start the day with a visit to Ryoanji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon' and the famous Kinkakuji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'. In the afternoon, head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse and try your hand at origami and enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Discover Nara
    Day 10: Discover Nara

    Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, remarkable for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates. Continue to Nara, a relaxed and charming town virtually untouched by the ravages of modernity. Home to many archetypal pieces of early art and architecture, stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, meeting the resident sika deer en-route, before exploring Isuien Garden.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Koyasan
    Day 11: Koyasan

    The holy mountain of Koyasan is home to over 100 monasteries nestled in a valley enclosed by peaks said to resemble a lotus flower. Arguably the most sacred mountain in all of Japan, Koyasan is the heart of Shingon Buddhism and the resting place of Japan's best known Buddhist, known as both Kukai and Kobo Daishi. Wander around Okunoin – a vast cemetery of 200,000 stupas and enjoy the tranquillity and spectacular views as you discover Kongobuji Temple and the Garan Temple Complex. Later, continue to Osaka.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Explore Osaka
    Day 12: Explore Osaka

    Begin the day exploring Osaka Castle, which is one of Japan's most famous. Next, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample the local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Fly Osaka to UK
    Day 13: Fly Osaka to UK

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

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 2
    Sunshine City Prince Hotel
    3-1-5 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima 170-8440 Tokyo Prefecture
    Sunshine City Prince Hotel
    The Sunshine Prince is located in Sunshine City, a shopping and entertainment hub of Tokyo and close to Ikebukuro Station, providing convenient transport links to the rest of the city. The hotel's en-suite rooms are simple, comfortable and traditionally furnished with a television, electric kettle, a mini fridge and a safety deposit box. Facilities in the hotel include onsite restaurants serving Japanese, Cantonese and Western cuisines, a café and bar and a 24 hour convenience store.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
  • Night 1
    Rako Hananoi Hotel
    Rako Hananoi Hotel
    Boasting beautiful views of Suwa Lake, the Rako Hananoi Hotel offers ensuite guest rooms equipped with free Wifi, a flat screen TV and a mini fridge. The hotel features relaxing spa and wellness facilities including a hot spring bath and sauna.
  • Nights 2
    Hida Hotel Plaza
    2-60 Hanaokamachi, Takayama 506-0009 Gifu Prefecture
    Hida Hotel Plaza
    Conveniently located just a 5 minute's walk from Takayama Station and 13 minutes on foot from Takayama's Old Town, the 3* Hida Hotel Plaza offers guests a great stay. The hotel is equipped with its own hot spring baths as well as a restaurant, serving Japanese, Chinese and Western flavours. Your room will include a refrigerator, toiletry as well as an in-room safe plus much more!
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    Hotel Kanazawa
    Hotel Kanazawa
    Close to Kanazawa Train Station, Hotel Kanazawa is conveniently located and offers guests modern accommodation with a choice of dining options. Pico restaurant serves Western dishes while Japanese cuisine can be found at Kitano Shoya restaurant.
  • Nights 2
    Rihga Gran Kyoto
    1 Higashikujo Nishisannocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8003 Kyoto Prefecture
    Rihga Gran Kyoto
    Located near the hub of transportation Kyoto station and many of Kyoto's top attractions, the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is in a great location for exploring this beautiful city. It's contemporary guest rooms are complete with Japanese touches and ensuite bathrooms. The hotel features many facilities, including six restaurants, a luxurious bar, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness gym.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    Piazza Hotel Nara
    Piazza Hotel Nara
    The 4-star Piazza Hotel Nara is located within walking distance of many of Nara's tourist attractions, including the national treasure Nara Park. All rooms are air conditioned and include a flat screen TV, ensuite bathroom and free WiFi.
  • Nights 2
    Rihga Royal Osaka
    Rihga Royal Osaka
    In the heart of Osaka, the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka provides modern guest rooms with air conditioning, a flat screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel features a fitness centre and an impressive 20 dining options, offering a variety of cuisines from French to traditional Japanese.

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life and autumn (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 4°c
  • 270mm
  • Kyoto
  • 5°c
  • 50mm
  • Nara
  • 4°c
  • 50mm
  • Osaka
  • 6°c
  • 45mm
  • Takayama
  • 7°c
  • 8mm
  • Tokyo
  • 5°c
  • 65mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 4°c
  • 172mm
  • Kyoto
  • 6°c
  • 68mm
  • Nara
  • 5°c
  • 63mm
  • Osaka
  • 7°c
  • 62mm
  • Takayama
  • 7°c
  • 15mm
  • Tokyo
  • 6°c
  • 58mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 7°c
  • 159mm
  • Kyoto
  • 9°c
  • 113mm
  • Nara
  • 8°c
  • 103mm
  • Osaka
  • 10°c
  • 104mm
  • Takayama
  • 10°c
  • 41mm
  • Tokyo
  • 9°c
  • 77mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 13°c
  • 137mm
  • Kyoto
  • 14°c
  • 116mm
  • Nara
  • 14°c
  • 98mm
  • Osaka
  • 15°c
  • 104mm
  • Takayama
  • 15°c
  • 31mm
  • Tokyo
  • 14°c
  • 118mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 17°c
  • 155mm
  • Kyoto
  • 19°c
  • 161mm
  • Nara
  • 18°c
  • 144mm
  • Osaka
  • 20°c
  • 146mm
  • Takayama
  • 20°c
  • 43mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 145mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 22°c
  • 185mm
  • Kyoto
  • 23°c
  • 214mm
  • Nara
  • 22°c
  • 189mm
  • Osaka
  • 24°c
  • 184mm
  • Takayama
  • 23°c
  • 58mm
  • Tokyo
  • 22°c
  • 135mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 26°c
  • 232mm
  • Kyoto
  • 27°c
  • 220mm
  • Nara
  • 26°c
  • 165mm
  • Osaka
  • 28°c
  • 157mm
  • Takayama
  • 26°c
  • 36mm
  • Tokyo
  • 26°c
  • 81mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 27°c
  • 139mm
  • Kyoto
  • 29°c
  • 132mm
  • Nara
  • 28°c
  • 112mm
  • Osaka
  • 29°c
  • 91mm
  • Takayama
  • 28°c
  • 16mm
  • Tokyo
  • 27°c
  • 113mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 23°c
  • 226mm
  • Kyoto
  • 25°c
  • 176mm
  • Nara
  • 24°c
  • 163mm
  • Osaka
  • 26°c
  • 161mm
  • Takayama
  • 25°c
  • 57mm
  • Tokyo
  • 23°c
  • 131mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 17°c
  • 177mm
  • Kyoto
  • 18°c
  • 121mm
  • Nara
  • 17°c
  • 111mm
  • Osaka
  • 19°c
  • 112mm
  • Takayama
  • 19°c
  • 38mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 132mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 12°c
  • 265mm
  • Kyoto
  • 12°c
  • 71mm
  • Nara
  • 11°c
  • 71mm
  • Osaka
  • 14°c
  • 69mm
  • Takayama
  • 14°c
  • 16mm
  • Tokyo
  • 12°c
  • 128mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Kanazawa
  • 7°c
  • 282mm
  • Kyoto
  • 7°c
  • 48mm
  • Nara
  • 7°c
  • 47mm
  • Osaka
  • 9°c
  • 44mm
  • Takayama
  • 9°c
  • 6mm
  • Tokyo
  • 8°c
  • 109mm
+ -
Discover Japan map

Places Visited: UK - Tokyo (2N) - Mt Fuji - Suwa (1N) - Takayama (2N) - Kanazawa (1N) - Kyoto (2N) - Nara (1N) - Koyasan - Osaka (2N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Depart UK
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Booking Options

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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Extensions and Stopovers

Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

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