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Japan Uncovered

  • Duration
    17 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £6,790pp
  • Read Reviews
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Our most extensive Japan tour includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes, Japan Uncovered ensures you get the most out of your trip to this fascinating land.

If you've been wowed by Joanna Lumley's Japan on ITV, this tour is the closest itinerary you can get to following in Joanna's footsteps

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 15 , Lunches: 14 , Dinners: 15
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    15 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 Japan Uncovered 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 Japan Unconvered 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. Experience the extraordinary on our award-winning Japan holidays

Tour Itinerary

Our most popular tour of Japan includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Osaka
    Days 1-2: Fly to Osaka

    Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Discover Nara
    Day 3: Discover Nara

    Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan's first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Garden. Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle before cruising along the Yodogawa River.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Himeji Castle
    Day 4: Himeji Castle

    Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Explore Hiroshima
    Day 5: Explore Hiroshima

    Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Reflect on the city's tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, hop on the ferry across to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy time at leisure.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Bullet Train to Kyoto
    Day 6: Bullet Train to Kyoto

    Start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as 'Golden Pavilion'.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Japanese Tea Ceremony
    Day 7: Japanese Tea Ceremony

    Enjoy one of Kyoto's most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th-century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Travel to Kanazawa
    Day 8: Travel to Kanazawa

    Travel by road to Kanazawa. Meander through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, before viewing the excellent art collection of the Kanazawa 21st-century Museum of Contemporary Art.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Washi Paper Making
    Day 9: Washi Paper Making

    Visit the Nomura Samurai House and Garden before departing Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper making workshop. Continue to Shirakawago, where you will explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before reaching Takayama.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Explore Takayama
    Day 10: Explore Takayama

    Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market, wander past some of the lovely traditional houses. Also visit several of the excellent local museums, including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya, followed by a stroll down Kamisannomachi Street.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Travel to Nagano
    Day 11: Travel to Nagano

    Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Visit a miso house and learn about this famous Japanese seasoning. Also spend some time at a wasabi farm to learn about its cultivation before continuing to Nagano.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Search for Snow Monkeys
    Day 12: Search for Snow Monkeys

    Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to search for the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at the Jigokudani Monkey Park - sighting not guaranteed. Continue to Zenkoji, one of Japan's most prolific Buddhist temples.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Mount Fuji
    Day 13: Mount Fuji

    Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area. Ascend by road to the 5th station (weather permitting),. Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Overnight accommodation will be in Mishima or the wider Fuji area.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Explore Hakone
    Day 14: Explore Hakone

    Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. Next, soar high on the Hakone Ropeway over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, proceed to Tokyo.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Discover Tokyo
    Day 15: Discover Tokyo

    A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden, visit Meiji Shrine and stop by the famous Shibuya Crossing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Tokyo
    Day 16: Tokyo

    Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambiance of Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until the evening, when you will board a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 17
    Fly Tokyo to UK
    Day 17: Fly Tokyo 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
    Hotel Monterey Osaka
    3-3-45 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0001 Osaka Prefecture
    Hotel Monterey Osaka
    Situated in central Osaka, the Hotel Monterey Osaka is directly connected to Namba train station and just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori Shopping Street. The hotel features 4 dining options with panoramic city views. Guest rooms feature British-Style interiors and modern practical amenities.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
  • Nights 2
    Grand Prince Hotel
    23-1 Motoujinamachi, Minami-Ku, Hiroshima 734-8543 Hiroshima Prefecture
    Grand Prince Hotel
    Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, Grand Prince Hotel offers 5 dining options, a seasonal outdoor pool and hot spring baths. Air-conditioned rooms with a large picture window and a flat-screen TV await guests of the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Bar
  • 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
    Hotel Vista Kanazawa
    2-13-27 Hirooka, Kanazawa 920-0031 Ishikawa Prefecture
    Hotel Vista Kanazawa
    Situated in Kanazawa, the Hotel Vista Kanazawa is perfectly located just a short distance from many of the cities main attractions including Kenroku-en. The interior of the hotel is decorated with traditional local crafts and contemporary art.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Non-smoking
  • Nights 2
    Mercure Hida Takayama
    4-311-1 Hanasatomachi, Takayama 506-0026 Gifu Prefecture
    Mercure Hida Takayama
    Conveniently located within the heart of the city, the Mercure Hida Takayama hotel offers beautifully designed rooms finished with traditional yet modern touches. Guests staying here will be able to enjoy delicious delights from the on site restaurant and bar, serving a range of locally-inspired dishes throughout the day. Staying at this hotel will also mean you are in close proximity to a number of attractions, including the Hida Kokubun-ji Temple, Takayama Zenko-ji Temple plus much more!
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Metropolitan Nagano Hotel
    Japan, 〒380-0824 Nagano Prefecture, Nagano
    Metropolitan Nagano Hotel
    The Metropolitan Nagano hotel is conveniently located a mere 5-minute walk from the Nagano Train Station, Shinano Art Museum and the Joyama Park. Further afield, the Zenko-ji temple, a Japanese national treasure is a 10-minute drive. The Metropolitan Nagano houses its own Japanese and Chinese restaurants, the Iris café and multiple bars. All rooms are stylishly furnished with a clean, neutral feel and feature all the necessities of modern technology, from a flat screen television to a wired internet connection.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Restaurant
    • Non-smoking
    • Bar
  • Night 1
    Kofu Kinenbi Hotel
    3-2-30 Yumura, Kofu 400-0073 Yamanashi Prefecture
    Kofu Kinenbi Hotel
    Boasting 4 restaurants with views of the famous Mount Fuji, traditional hot spring baths and a great location for exploring the region, the Kofu Kinenbi Hotel is a great place to stay. The contemporary ensuite guest rooms include an LCD TV and free WiFi.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Swiming Pool
    • Restaurant
    • Bar
  • Nights 3
    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

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
  • Himeji
  • 4°c
  • 39mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 6°c
  • 45mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 4°c
  • 270mm
  • Kyoto
  • 5°c
  • 50mm
  • Nagano
  • 0°c
  • 51mm
  • Nara
  • 4°c
  • 50mm
  • Osaka
  • 6°c
  • 45mm
  • Takayama
  • 7°c
  • 8mm
  • Tokyo
  • 5°c
  • 65mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 4°c
  • 51mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 6°c
  • 67mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 4°c
  • 172mm
  • Kyoto
  • 6°c
  • 68mm
  • Nagano
  • 0°c
  • 50mm
  • Nara
  • 5°c
  • 63mm
  • Osaka
  • 7°c
  • 62mm
  • Takayama
  • 7°c
  • 15mm
  • Tokyo
  • 6°c
  • 58mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 7°c
  • 87mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 9°c
  • 124mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 7°c
  • 159mm
  • Kyoto
  • 9°c
  • 113mm
  • Nagano
  • 4°c
  • 59mm
  • Nara
  • 8°c
  • 103mm
  • Osaka
  • 10°c
  • 104mm
  • Takayama
  • 10°c
  • 41mm
  • Tokyo
  • 9°c
  • 77mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 13°c
  • 131mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 15°c
  • 142mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 13°c
  • 137mm
  • Kyoto
  • 14°c
  • 116mm
  • Nagano
  • 11°c
  • 54mm
  • Nara
  • 14°c
  • 98mm
  • Osaka
  • 15°c
  • 104mm
  • Takayama
  • 15°c
  • 31mm
  • Tokyo
  • 14°c
  • 118mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 17°c
  • 140mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 19°c
  • 178mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 17°c
  • 155mm
  • Kyoto
  • 19°c
  • 161mm
  • Nagano
  • 16°c
  • 75mm
  • Nara
  • 18°c
  • 144mm
  • Osaka
  • 20°c
  • 146mm
  • Takayama
  • 20°c
  • 43mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 145mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 22°c
  • 209mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 23°c
  • 247mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 22°c
  • 185mm
  • Kyoto
  • 23°c
  • 214mm
  • Nagano
  • 21°c
  • 109mm
  • Nara
  • 22°c
  • 189mm
  • Osaka
  • 24°c
  • 184mm
  • Takayama
  • 23°c
  • 58mm
  • Tokyo
  • 22°c
  • 135mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 26°c
  • 162mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 27°c
  • 259mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 26°c
  • 232mm
  • Kyoto
  • 27°c
  • 220mm
  • Nagano
  • 25°c
  • 134mm
  • Nara
  • 26°c
  • 165mm
  • Osaka
  • 28°c
  • 157mm
  • Takayama
  • 26°c
  • 36mm
  • Tokyo
  • 26°c
  • 81mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 27°c
  • 101mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 29°c
  • 111mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 27°c
  • 139mm
  • Kyoto
  • 29°c
  • 132mm
  • Nagano
  • 26°c
  • 98mm
  • Nara
  • 28°c
  • 112mm
  • Osaka
  • 29°c
  • 91mm
  • Takayama
  • 28°c
  • 16mm
  • Tokyo
  • 27°c
  • 113mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 23°c
  • 200mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 25°c
  • 170mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 23°c
  • 226mm
  • Kyoto
  • 25°c
  • 176mm
  • Nagano
  • 21°c
  • 129mm
  • Nara
  • 24°c
  • 163mm
  • Osaka
  • 26°c
  • 161mm
  • Takayama
  • 25°c
  • 57mm
  • Tokyo
  • 23°c
  • 131mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 17°c
  • 104mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 19°c
  • 88mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 17°c
  • 177mm
  • Kyoto
  • 18°c
  • 121mm
  • Nagano
  • 14°c
  • 83mm
  • Nara
  • 17°c
  • 111mm
  • Osaka
  • 19°c
  • 112mm
  • Takayama
  • 19°c
  • 38mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 132mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 11°c
  • 61mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 13°c
  • 68mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 12°c
  • 265mm
  • Kyoto
  • 12°c
  • 71mm
  • Nagano
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Nara
  • 11°c
  • 71mm
  • Osaka
  • 14°c
  • 69mm
  • Takayama
  • 14°c
  • 16mm
  • Tokyo
  • 12°c
  • 128mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Himeji
  • 6°c
  • 32mm
  • Hiroshima
  • 8°c
  • 41mm
  • Kanazawa
  • 7°c
  • 282mm
  • Kyoto
  • 7°c
  • 48mm
  • Nagano
  • 3°c
  • 46mm
  • Nara
  • 7°c
  • 47mm
  • Osaka
  • 9°c
  • 44mm
  • Takayama
  • 9°c
  • 6mm
  • Tokyo
  • 8°c
  • 109mm
+ -
Japan Uncovered map

Places Visited: UK - Osaka (2N) - Nara - Himeji - Hiroshima (2N) - Kyoto (2N) - Kanazawa (1N) - Shirakawago - Takayama (2N) - Matsumoto - Nagano (2N) - Yudanaka - Mt Fuji (1N) - Tokyo (3N) - 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
Return Date
Price
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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
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

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.

Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

Group Tour includes

Additional Price Information

What our Customers Say

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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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