Best of Japan Guided Tour

Tokyo - Hakone - Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Osaka

Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Group

Price From

£5,060 pp

Overview

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historic temples of Kyoto and the scenic beauty of Mt Fuji, this 14-day guided tour showcases some of Japan’s most iconic destinations. Along the way, you’ll discover historic cities, preserved old towns, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, while travelling by coach, bullet train, and limited express rail.

Tour Highlights:

Discover Tokyo’s famous landmarks, including Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and the bustling Ginza district.
Experience Mt Fuji and Hakone National Park, with visits to the 5th Station, Owakudani Boiling Valley, a Lake Ashi cruise, and the Hakone Ropeway.
Explore Takayama’s preserved Old Town before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago and the coastal city of Kanazawa.
Visit Kyoto’s historic temples and shrines, including Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu Temple, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Learn about Japan’s history in Hiroshima with visits to the Atomic Bomb Memorial Dome, Peace Memorial Museum, Miyajima Island, and Itsukushima Shrine.
Discover Osaka’s iconic attractions, including Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building Observatory, and the lively Dotonbori area.

Book your Best of Japan tour with Emperor Tours and experience the country’s historical landmarks, natural scenery, and cultural attractions on a carefully planned 14-day itinerary.

Day 1 - London Heathrow to Tokyo

Depart London Heathrow for international flight to Tokyo.

We can also arrange departures from your local airport.

Day 2 - Tokyo

Upon arrival at Tokyo International Airport, you will be greeted by our English-speaking assistant and transferred to your hotel in city centre. Spend the rest of the day acclimatise or if you feel up to it, make most of the easy access to JR station and metro to explore the city at your own leisure.

Day 3 - Tokyo

This morning we meet our guide in hotel lobby, embark on grand tour of Tokyo. First visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Japan’s first modern time emperor – Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the shrine was completed in 1920. It offers a piece of tranquillity in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. We then continue to Shibuya Crossing, one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll take a cruise on the Sumida River, and visit Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise shopping street. End the tour by visit Ginza, Tokyo’s famous upmarket shopping area.

Return to hotel after tour.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Tokyo - Mt Fuji/Hakone

This morning we embark on our journey to Mt Fuji and Hakone National Park by coach. Mt Fuji is not only the highest (3,776 metres) and most sacred mountain in Japan, it’s also the symbol of Japan. We visit Mt Fuji 5th Station, Owakudani Boiling Valley, Hakone Ropeway, Boat Cruise on Lake Ashi. Return to Tokyo late afternoon / evening.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 5 - Tokyo - Takayama

Today we leave Tokyo and travel to Takayama. Located in the mountainous Hida region, Takayama is well preserved and offers a rare glimpse into the ancient past.

Visit Yatai Kaikan, Jinya House and Kamisannomachi – Takayama’s beautifully preserved Old Town.

Transfer to hotel for dinner.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 6 - Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa

After breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of Takayama and Shirakawago (deep in the mountains in Shogawa River Valley, and UNESCO world heritage site, Shirakawago is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses). Visit Takayama Morning Market, Shirakawago Hamlet, Wada House and Observatory Deck.

Proceed to Kanazawa in the afternoon.

Breakfast

Dinner

Day 7 - Kanazawa

Kanazawa, a charming coastal city, is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Largely unscathed during the second world war, Kanazawa is one of Japan’s best preserved historical cities. Take a guided tour of Kanazawa, visit Kenrokuen, Higashichaya Street and Nomura Samurai House. Also stop by a Gold Leaf Workshop. Gold leaf has been made in Japan since ancient times. Nowadays Kanazawa is the largest producer of gold leaf in all of Japan make up to 99% of the overall production. Here you’ll create own work of art and take home as souvenir.

Breakfast

Day 8 - Kanazawa - Kyoto

Continue your journey by limited express train Thunderbird to Kyoto. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years since 794. Now still the cultural capital, the city boasts over 2,000 shrines and temples. After check in to hotel, you’ll have some free time to explore this historical city.

Breakfast

Day 9 - Kyoto

Today enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto which will include Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogun in 1603, noted for the contrast of its solemn appearance and gorgeous interiors. Then continue to the Golden Pavillion, with the most authentic and exquisite Japanese style garden. Afternoon the tour continues to the Kiyomizu Temple, where you will enjoy a sweeping view of the entire city from its lofty terrace, surrounded by a quaint old lane lined with pottery shops. The tour then takes you to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of some 40,000 inari-jinja shrines located all over Japan. The bright red Senbon Torii gates are a must-see attraction.

Breakfast

Day 10 - Kyoto - Hiroshima

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Kyoto.

Afternoon take Shinkansen bullet trains to Hiroshima – the principal city of the Chugoku Region, a city rebuild from the ashes.

Breakfast

Day 11 - Hiroshima - Miyajima/Hiroshima

Undoubtedly our tour of Hiroshima begins with the Atomic Bomb Memorial Dome and Peace Memorial Museum. Also takes in Miyajima Island, visit Itsukushima Shrine.

Breakfast

Day 12 - Hiroshima - Osaka

Morning continue our journey by Shinkansen to Osaka – Japan’s second largest metropolitan area, a vibrant city famous for its street food and friendly local people. Visit Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building Observatory and Dotombori area.

Breakfast

Day 13 - Osaka

Free day to explore or do some last minute shopping.

We recommend a visit to the Himeji Castle (only half an hour away by bullet train).

Day 14 - Osaka to London Heathrow

Sadly our adventure in Japan has come to an end. Transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport for flight to London.

Breakfast