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Journey through Japan

  • Duration
    14 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £6,090pp
  • Read Reviews
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Along with the must-see sites on the island of Honshu and a day trip to Nikko, this is a tour of varying landscapes as it journeys south from Hokkaido uncovering the charming cities of Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate.

Inspired by Race Across the World?
Our Journey Through Japan tour is the closest tour you can take to follow in the racers' footsteps.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 12 , Lunches: 11 , Dinners: 12
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    12 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation
  • Rail Journeys
    4 Rail Journeys
  • 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 Journey through 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

Tour Experiences

Japan's Railways

Tour Itinerary

Along with the must-see sights on the island of Honshu and a day trip to Nikko, this is a tour of varying landscapes as it journeys south from Hokkaido uncovering the charming cities of Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Sapporo
    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Sapporo

    Fly overnight to the vibrant city of Sapporo, capital of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Ascend Okurayama
    Day 3: Ascend Okurayama

    This morning, ascend to the Okurayama viewing point, soaring up to the summit of the Sapporo Winter Olympics ski jump by chair lift. Continue to the pretty port town of Otaru and take some time to walk along the streets of the village and stroll along the picturesque canal. This evening sample some of the beer on offer before heading to a local restaurant to dine on a Genghis Khan dinner – barbeque lamb, a Sapporo special!

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Travel to Hakodate
    Day 4: Travel to Hakodate

    Depart Sapporo and travel to a lovely lakeside spot to visit a museum of Ainu culture, an indigenous people of the area. Continue to Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and walk through a volcanic caldera where you can see steam jets, vents and hot springs. After lunch, hop on a train to the harbour city of Hakodate, set on Hokkaido's southern tip, where you'll embark on a night tour with time to ascend the ropeway up Mount Hakodate, for magnificent views over the illuminated city.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Explore Hakodate Asaichi
    Day 5: Explore Hakodate Asaichi

    Start the day wandering Hakodate's bustling asaichi (morning market), where hundreds of stores and stalls sell fresh local produce, seafood and the odd souvenir. Ascend Goryokaku Tower for views over Goryokaku Fort and Mount Hakodate before boarding the bullet train to the lovely city of Aomori in the north of Honshu, Japan's largest island. Visit the Nebuta Warasse, a museum dedicated to Aomari's famous, 300-year-old Nebuta Matsuri, a lively summer festival.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Tsunagi Onsen
    Day 6: Tsunagi Onsen

    Depart Hirosaki for Kakunodate, an old samurai stronghold still known for its samurai traditions. Visit the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum for a fascinating look at samurai culture and stroll around Ishiguro House, a traditional samurai residence. Continue to the hot spring resort of Tsunagi, where you can make use of the onsen facilities at the traditional Japanese ryokan where you'll stay overnight.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Cruise Matushima Bay
    Day 7: Cruise Matushima Bay

    Travel to Hiraizumi, where you'll explore the peaceful Chusonji Temple with its beautiful old gold leaf-covered hall. Continue to Matsushima to enjoy a relaxed cruise on Matsushima Bay, passing amongst the small pine tree-covered islands of this picturesque seascape.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Sendai to Nikko
    Day 8: Sendai to Nikko

    Walk to Sendai station and take the bullet train to the culture-filled town of Nikko. Start your explorations in the beautiful surroundings of Nikko National Park, where you'll visit Toshogu shrine. Built in the 1600s, this is Japan's most lavish shrine, built as the final resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Continue to the magnificent Kegon Waterfall, taking a 100-metre tall elevator up to the perfect viewing spot. Transfer to Tokyo.

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

    Tokyo, Japan's capital, is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you'll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Start the day in the vibrant district of Asakusa, where you will visit Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise shopping street before a visit to Tokyo National Museum. After lunch, stroll through the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine complex, before ascending to the observatory deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building for exceptional views over the city.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Admire Mount Fuji
    Day 10: Admire Mount Fuji

    Travel by road from Tokyo to Mount Fuji, where you'll ascend 2,400 metres up Japan's most iconic sight to the 5th Station (weather permitting). Transfer to the Hakone area and enjoy a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi before flying high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway before returning to Tokyo.

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

    Take a bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, the city today is full of the legacy of ancient Japan and home to tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. This afternoon, visit Togetsukyo Bridge in the heart of the vibrant Arashiyama district and walk through the bamboo forest, with its towering bamboo thickets.

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

    This morning, visit one of Japan's most famous temples, Kinkakuji, the 'Golden Pavilion'. Set amongst classical Japanese Zen gardens and on the edge of a reflecting pool, the temple's main hall is covered in gold leaf. Also, stroll through Nishiki Market, dubbed 'Kyoto's kitchen', where there are many interesting food and sake stores to explore before a free afternoon to spend as you wish.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Sake Tasting & Handerkerchief Dyeing
    Day 13: Sake Tasting & Handerkerchief Dyeing

    Begin the day immersed in the local culture by trying your hand at handkerchief dyeing followed by the rituals of an authentic tea ceremony. After lunch, walk the vermilion, torii gate-lined pathways of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and tour a traditional sake brewery, where you can have a few cheeky tasters. Continue to the booming city of Osaka.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Fly Osaka to UK
    Day 14: 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
    Sapporo View Hotel
    Sapporo View Hotel
    In the heart of Sapporo, the Sapporo View Hotel is just a short walk from Odori Park and offers guests a relaxing stay with large windows offers views across this beautiful city. Rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom and electric kettle.
  • Night 1
    Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
    Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
    The lovely Hakodate Kokusai Hotel provides guests with beautiful coastal views from the West Wing, while the East Wing offers views of the city of Hakodate. Unwind in the hotel's hot spring bath facilities and enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
  • Night 1
    Art Hotel Hirosaki City
    Art Hotel Hirosaki City
    In the heart of Hirosaki City, the Art Hotel features a variety of dining options including a tea lounge and teppanyaki restaurant. Guest rooms are air conditioned and come equipped with an air purifier, electric kettle and fridge.
  • Night 1
    Hotel Shi-On
    Hotel Shi-On
    Perfectly located a short distance from Gosho Lake, the Hotel Shi-on offers guests spectacular views over the lake. Relax in the hotel's natural hot spring bath or savour a delicious Japanese Kaiseki, multiple course, meal.
  • Night 1
    Hotel Vista Sendai
    Hotel Vista Sendai
    In the city of Sendai, the Hotel Vista Sendai boasts beautiful rooms with modern interiors and an on-site restaurant. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, an air purifier and flat screen TV.
  • 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
  • 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 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

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
  • Hakodate
  • -3°c
  • 77mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 0°c
  • 58mm
  • Hirosaki
  • -2°c
  • 121mm
  • Kyoto
  • 5°c
  • 50mm
  • Nikko
  • -4°c
  • 42mm
  • Osaka
  • 6°c
  • 45mm
  • Sapporo
  • -4°c
  • 114mm
  • Sendai
  • 2°c
  • 33mm
  • Tokyo
  • 5°c
  • 65mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • -2°c
  • 59mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 0°c
  • 59mm
  • Hirosaki
  • -1°c
  • 94mm
  • Kyoto
  • 6°c
  • 68mm
  • Nikko
  • -4°c
  • 60mm
  • Osaka
  • 7°c
  • 62mm
  • Sapporo
  • -3°c
  • 94mm
  • Sendai
  • 2°c
  • 48mm
  • Tokyo
  • 6°c
  • 58mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 1°c
  • 59mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 2°c
  • 77mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 2°c
  • 77mm
  • Kyoto
  • 9°c
  • 113mm
  • Nikko
  • 0°c
  • 83mm
  • Osaka
  • 10°c
  • 104mm
  • Sapporo
  • 1°c
  • 78mm
  • Sendai
  • 5°c
  • 73mm
  • Tokyo
  • 9°c
  • 77mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 7°c
  • 70mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 9°c
  • 108mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 9°c
  • 59mm
  • Kyoto
  • 14°c
  • 116mm
  • Nikko
  • 6°c
  • 129mm
  • Osaka
  • 15°c
  • 104mm
  • Sapporo
  • 7°c
  • 57mm
  • Sendai
  • 10°c
  • 98mm
  • Tokyo
  • 14°c
  • 118mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 12°c
  • 84mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 14°c
  • 109mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 14°c
  • 72mm
  • Kyoto
  • 19°c
  • 161mm
  • Nikko
  • 12°c
  • 147mm
  • Osaka
  • 20°c
  • 146mm
  • Sapporo
  • 13°c
  • 53mm
  • Sendai
  • 15°c
  • 108mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 145mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 16°c
  • 73mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 18°c
  • 124mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 18°c
  • 70mm
  • Kyoto
  • 23°c
  • 214mm
  • Nikko
  • 15°c
  • 221mm
  • Osaka
  • 24°c
  • 184mm
  • Sapporo
  • 17°c
  • 47mm
  • Sendai
  • 19°c
  • 138mm
  • Tokyo
  • 22°c
  • 135mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 20°c
  • 130mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 22°c
  • 159mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 22°c
  • 113mm
  • Kyoto
  • 27°c
  • 220mm
  • Nikko
  • 19°c
  • 223mm
  • Osaka
  • 28°c
  • 157mm
  • Sapporo
  • 21°c
  • 81mm
  • Sendai
  • 22°c
  • 160mm
  • Tokyo
  • 26°c
  • 81mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 22°c
  • 154mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 24°c
  • 169mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 24°c
  • 132mm
  • Kyoto
  • 29°c
  • 132mm
  • Nikko
  • 20°c
  • 318mm
  • Osaka
  • 29°c
  • 91mm
  • Sapporo
  • 23°c
  • 124mm
  • Sendai
  • 25°c
  • 174mm
  • Tokyo
  • 27°c
  • 113mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 18°c
  • 152mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 19°c
  • 168mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 19°c
  • 127mm
  • Kyoto
  • 25°c
  • 176mm
  • Nikko
  • 16°c
  • 285mm
  • Osaka
  • 26°c
  • 161mm
  • Sapporo
  • 18°c
  • 135mm
  • Sendai
  • 21°c
  • 218mm
  • Tokyo
  • 23°c
  • 131mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 12°c
  • 100mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 13°c
  • 114mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 13°c
  • 90mm
  • Kyoto
  • 18°c
  • 121mm
  • Nikko
  • 10°c
  • 159mm
  • Osaka
  • 19°c
  • 112mm
  • Sapporo
  • 12°c
  • 109mm
  • Sendai
  • 15°c
  • 99mm
  • Tokyo
  • 18°c
  • 132mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 6°c
  • 108mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 8°c
  • 95mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 6°c
  • 110mm
  • Kyoto
  • 12°c
  • 71mm
  • Nikko
  • 5°c
  • 86mm
  • Osaka
  • 14°c
  • 69mm
  • Sapporo
  • 5°c
  • 104mm
  • Sendai
  • 9°c
  • 67mm
  • Tokyo
  • 12°c
  • 128mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Hakodate
  • 0°c
  • 85mm
  • Hiraizumi
  • 2°c
  • 64mm
  • Hirosaki
  • 1°c
  • 117mm
  • Kyoto
  • 7°c
  • 48mm
  • Nikko
  • 0°c
  • 41mm
  • Osaka
  • 9°c
  • 44mm
  • Sapporo
  • -1°c
  • 112mm
  • Sendai
  • 4°c
  • 26mm
  • Tokyo
  • 8°c
  • 109mm
+ -
Journey through Japan map

Places Visited: UK - Sapporo (2N) - Shiraoi - Noboribetsu - Hakodate (1N) - Hirosaki (1N) - Kakunodate - Tsunagi (1N) - Hiraizumi - Sendai (1N) - Nikko - Tokyo (3N) - Mt Fuji - Kyoto (2N) - Osaka (1N) - 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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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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