A Tale of Four Cities Guided Tour
Tokyo - Nikko - Hakone - Kyoto - Nara - Hiroshima - Osaka
Duration
14 days
Tour Type
Group
Price From
£5,050 pp
Overview: A Tale of Four Cities Tour
Explore Japan at a more relaxed pace on this guided tour, with plenty of time to experience each destination. Travelling from Tokyo and Kyoto to Hiroshima and Osaka, the itinerary also includes visits to Nikko, Hakone, Mount Fuji, and Nara, creating a well-balanced introduction to Japan’s history, culture, and natural beauty.
Tour Highlights:
- Discover Tokyo through its gardens, temples, river cruise, and traditional tea ceremony
- Visit Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage shrines and the spectacular Kegon Waterfall
- Experience Mount Fuji, cruise across Lake Ashi, and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Komagatake Aerial Cableway
- Travel between Japan’s major cities aboard the famous Shinkansen Bullet Train
- Explore Kyoto’s celebrated temples and shrines before visiting the historic city of Nara
- Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island before ending your journey in Osaka
From peaceful gardens and sacred shrines to mountain landscapes and vibrant city life, this guided tour offers a relaxed and rewarding way to experience Japan.
Day 1 London Heathrow to Tokyo
Day 1 London Heathrow to Tokyo
Take international scheduled flight from London Heathrow Airport to Tokyo.
We can also arrange departures from your local airport.
Day 2 Tokyo Arrival
Day 2 Tokyo Arrival
Arrive in Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport. You will be greeted and transfer by airport limousine bus to hotel. The hotel is located in the skyscraper Shinjuku district directly opposite to Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings. Shinjuku is the most modern area of Tokyo. Rest of day free.
Day 3 Tokyo
Day 3 Tokyo
Morning join full day tour of Tokyo – start with a tour to Tokyo Tower and enjoy a panoramic view from its observatory. Then you will continue to the “Happoen” Japanese Garden, where you will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional tea ceremony. The tour then continues to the Imperial Palace Plaza with a short photo stop. Drive past the National Diet Building (the Japanese House of Parliament) and then take a 40 minute Sumida River cruise from Hinode pier of Tokyo Bay to Asakusa. The tour finishes with a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.
Day 4 Tokyo / Nikko
Day 4 Tokyo / Nikko
Morning embark on tour to Nikko, one of Japan’s most beautiful regions. You’ll enjoy visiting Nikko Toshogu Shrine, famous for its Cultural World Heritage. Afterwards travelling up Irohazaka to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall, considered one of the three most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. Return to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 5 Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone
Day 5 Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone
Morning join Mt Fuji / Hakone full day tour by deluxe motorcoach. Visit the Fuji Centre and then drive halfway up Mt Fuji to the 5th Station, enjoying the natural scenery en route.
Then stop for lunch at the Hotel Highland Resort, before continuing to Lake Ashi for a relaxing cruise.
Take a ride on the Mt Komagatake Aerial Cableway, where you will get sweeping views of the celebrated Hakone National Park and Mt Fuji from a distance. Return to Tokyo late afternoon / early evening.
Day 6 Tokyo
Day 6 Tokyo
Today is free for you to explore this magnificent city.
Day 7 Tokyo to Kyoto
Day 7 Tokyo to Kyoto
Today take Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, make your way to Yoshi Ima ryokan or Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto in city centre. Rest of day at leisure.
Day 8 Kyoto
Day 8 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 with 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.
Day 9 Kyoto / Nara
Day 9 Kyoto / Nara
Afternoon join Nara afternoon tour – visit the Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Shrine. Return to hotel later in the evening.
Day 10 Kyoto to Hiroshima
Day 10 Kyoto to Hiroshima
Early morning take Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Granvia adjacent to Hiroshima Station. Later join tour to visit Miyajima Island, Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome.
Day 11 Hiroshima
Day 11 Hiroshima
A free day in Hiroshima to relax or do some more sightseeing.
Day 12 Hiroshima to Osaka
Day 12 Hiroshima to Osaka
This morning take Shinkansen Bullet Train back 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.
Day 13 Osaka
Day 13 Osaka
Free day to do some last minute shopping. We recommend a visit to Himeji Castle – only half an hour away by bullet train.
Day 14 Osaka to London Heathrow
Day 14 - Osaka to London Heathrow
Transfer from hotel to Osaka Airport for international scheduled flight to London.
- Tokyo - 4* Keio Plaza Hotel
- Tokyo - 4* Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa
- Kyoto - 3* Yoshi Ima
- Kyoto - 4* Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
- Hiroshima - 4* Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
- Osaka - 4* Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station
Includes
Excludes
