Ultimate Japan Guided Tour

Tokyo - Yudanaka - Takayama - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Osaka

Duration

17 days

Tour Type

Group

Price From

£5,070 pp

Overview: Ultimate Japan Tour

Explore Japan on this 17-day guided tour, combining famous landmarks, traditional experiences, and scenic highlights across the country. From Tokyo and Mt Fuji to Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, this itinerary offers the chance to discover Japan’s temples, historic sites, natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences.

Tour Highlights:

Explore Tokyo’s famous sights, including Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace East Garden, and Asakusa Kannon Temple.
Experience Mt Fuji and Hakone National Park, including the 5th Station, Owakudani Boiling Valley, Hakone Ropeway, and a cruise on Lake Ashi.
Stay in a traditional ryokan in Yudanaka and visit the famous snow monkeys at Jigokudani Yaenkoen.
Discover Japan’s mountain towns, including Matsumoto Castle, Takayama’s preserved streets, Shirakawago’s traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, and Kanazawa.
Experience Kyoto and Nara, including temples, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nara Deer Park, and Todaiji Temple.
Visit Mt Koya and Hiroshima, including a temple stay, Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

Book your Ultimate Japan guided tour with Emperor Tours and experience a carefully planned 17-day journey through Japan, combining iconic sights, traditional stays, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Day 1 - London Heathrow to Tokyo

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 Arrival

Day 2 Tokyo Arrival

Arrive at Tokyo Narita or Haneda International Airport. Be greeted by English speaking assistant and transfer 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

Day 3 Tokyo

This morning we will embark on a full day tour of Tokyo. First visit Meiji Shrine, built in 1920 and dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Continue to Tokyo Tower and Imperial Palace East Garden. Finally visit Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) – completed in 645AD, this Buddhist temple is one of the city’s most popular temples. Outside the temple is Nakamise shopping street, offers you the opportunity to sample local snacks and browse for traditional Japanese souvenirs.

Breakfast

Day 4 - Tokyo / Mt Fuji & Hakone

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 - Nagano - Yudanaka

Day 5 Tokyo - Nagano - Yudanaka

This morning take Shinkansen bullet train to Nagano with our guide. Upon arrival at Nagano Station, be escorted to board local train to Yudanaka. Yudanaka is a famous Onsen (hot springs) resort. Visit a famous snow monkey park (Jigokudani Yaenkoen). Tonight we still stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan and sample delicious Japanese style dinner.

Breakfast / Dinner

Day 6 - Yudanaka - Nagano - Matsumoto

Day 6 Yudanaka - Nagano - Matsumoto

Continue our journey to Matsumoto and venture into the Japanese Alpes. Matsumoto is the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by mountains with spectacular views.

Visit to magnificent Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles.

Breakfast

Day 7 - Matsumoto - Takayama

Day 7 Matsumoto - Takayama

Morning travel to Takayama. Famed for the Edo period buildings – Jinya, Takayama is well preserved and the place to see quintessential Japan.

After settled in at our hotel in town centre, we will visit old town, Hida Folk Village, Matsuri no Mori.

Breakfast

Day 8 - Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa

Day 8 Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa

This morning travel to Shirakawago. Deep in the mountains in Shogawa River Valley, and UNESCO world heritage site, Shirakawago is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Ogimachi village where the bus stops is the largest village and main attraction, can be easily explored on foot.

Proceed to Kanazawa late afternoon.

Breakfast

Day 9 - Kanazawa

Day 9 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.

Spend the day exploring at your own leisure.

Enjoy your free day using the Loop Bus 1 day pass, Kenrokuen garden admission, and Gold Leaf Art experience voucher.

Breakfast

Day 10 - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

Day 10 Kanazawa - Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

Continue your journey by limited express train Thunderbird to Kyoto. Be met on arrival at Kyoto Station and tour to Nara. Once the capital of Japan, Nara offers unique glimpse into Japan’s past. Visit Todaiji Temple with Great Buddha, Nara Deer Park and Kofuku-ji Temple. Return to Kyoto late afternoon.

Breakfast

Day 11 - Kyoto

Day 11 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. This morning enjoy walking tour of Kyoto, visiting Togetsu-kyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Groove, and Sagano Romantic Train.

Breakfast

Day 12 - Kyoto

Day 12 Kyoto

Free day at leisure.

Optional Kyoto tour available on request: Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Sanjusangen-do Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Breakfast

Day 13 - Kyoto - Mt Koya

Day 13 Kyoto - Mt Koya

Today we will leave Kyoto and set off by coach to Mt Koya. Mt Koya, a small secluded temple town, is the centre of Shingon Buddhism. It is one of the best places to experience an overnight stay at a temple lodging (shukubo). Check in to our temple accommodation and enjoy a vegetarian dinner.

Breakfast / Dinner

Day 14 - Mt Koya - Hiroshima

Day 14 Mt Koya - Hiroshima

Early risers among us are more than welcome to join in the morning prayers. After breakfast, we will be transferred by coach to Shin Osaka Station. From there, we take Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. A modern city rebuilt after the second world war, Hiroshima is forever remembered for that fateful day in August 1945.

Breakfast

Day 15 - Hiroshima

Day 15 Hiroshima

Enjoy full day Hiroshima and Miyajima tour visiting Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome.

Breakfast

Day 16 - Hiroshima - Osaka

Day 16 Hiroshima - Osaka

Morning take bullet train to Osaka – Japan’s second largest metropolitan area, a vibrant city famous for its street food and friendly local people.

After check in to your hotel in city centre Umeda area (next to JR Osaka Station and metro), you will have free time to explore or do some last minute shopping.

Breakfast

Day 17 - Osaka - London Heathrow