From cultural discoveries to breathtaking natural wonders, this itinerary is designed to inspire every type of traveller. Each experience has been carefully selected to offer meaningful insight, memorable stories, and a deeper connection to the places you visit.
Leave the UK
Arrive Tokyo, meet and greet and transfer to hotel. Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Pioneering modernity, iconic landscapes of neon and soaring skyscrapers are peppered with peaceful parklands, shrines, Temples and stunning gardens. Despite its ultra-modern persona, the city still embraces its ancient heritage
Take a day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide. First to Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing Temple visitors with a variety of traditional local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Then go to Sumidagawa River on aTokyo’s Water Bus. Visit Hamarikyu garden. Stop for a cup of steaming matcha and Japanese sweets in a tea house on a small island in the park’s lake. After lunch visit to Meiji Shrine. Finally, as the sunlight dims, walk down the sparkly Omotesando shopping street.
Explore part of the Fuji National Park by private car with guide. Visit the beautiful lakeside town of Kawaguchiko, known for its panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. Journey up the Kachi Kachi ropeway on Mt. Tenjo, for a wonderful views across Lake Kawaguchi and of Mt. Fuji, Then visit Arakura Sengen Shrine, home to the spectacular Chureito Pagoda. After lunch go to the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum. Also visit Mt. Fuji’s 5th station, with its astounding views.
Take the train to Shinkansen to Nagano, then change to the express train for Kiso-Fukushima. In the afternoon visit three beautiful sights in Kiso-Fukushima at leisure. Firstly visit the Yamamura Residence, a museum, Then visit the lovely Ko zenji Temple, home to Asia’s largest dry rock garden. Finally, head to the Fukushima Sekisho-Ato, a 270 year-old immigration office. Relax over a delicious dinner at the ryokan tonight.
Morning train to the town of Nakatsugawa, then bus to Magome, a former post town with buildings faithfully reconstructed in a traditional style. Explore the town. After lunch walk the 8km Nakasendo Way from Magome to Tsumago. The walk require good shoes, rain gear and a good standard of fitness. There are plenty of rest stops and views of cascading waterfalls and mountain vistas. A private transfer to Kiso-Fukushima, awaits and a dinner at the ryokan.
Today head to Matsumoto, by train, a lovely castle town nestled in the Japan Alps. Located 3 hours from Tokyo, Matsumoto has flourished as a castle town since the 16th century. Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views. Hiking and climbing locations in the mountains are easily accessible. To the west the Japan Alps rise to heights of 3,000 meters, and are known as “The Roof of Japan”. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.
Today head deeper into the alps to Yudanaka Onsen by train to Nagano. Explore the Zenkoji Temple in town, one of the most important Zen Buddhist temples in Japan. Then continue by trin to catch the Nagano Electric Railway limited express from Nagano to Yudanaka. Yudanaka Onsen has a long history as a hot spring resort, dating back hundreds of years. Yudanaka is also well known for being the starting point for a visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous Snow Monkeys. Check in at the hotel with rest of the day at leisure with delicious dinner in the evening.
Today head to Jigokudani Yaen Koen and visit the famous Snow Monkey. The entrance to the park is located a 30/40 minutes hike away from the closest point reachable by bus. The hike is leisurely and scenic, with moderate slopes, but still not recommended for travellers with mobility issues. Please ensure to wear sensible footwear. After visiting the monkey park, take a dip in the town’s relaxing onsen baths or visit the nearby town of Obuse, famous for chestnuts and sake! Another tasty dinner will be served at the ryokan.
Today will head to Kanazawa, famed for its stunning gardens and well-preserved old town district. At Yudanaka Station take the train back to Nagano. Upon arrival in Nagano, you can connect to the Shinkansen train directly to Kanazawa. Check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
A full day to explore Kanazawa with a local guide. The highlight of any visit to Kanazawa is Kenroku-en garden. Ranked one of the top three in Japan, its breathtaking beauty shines through in any season. Visit the imposing Kanazawa castle, located next to the garden. See Nomura Samurai House, a traditional Japanese home with tea-ceremony room, an interior courtyard garden and artifacts from the Edo period. The Higashi Chaya District is the largest and by far the most interesting of Kanazawa’s Geisha Districts. Many of the buildings along the central street now house cafes and shops. Have a cup of green tea here to finish the day!
Today train to Kyoto. Check in at the hotel. Then at leisure until the evening for a group shared Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine meal prepared with seasonal ingredients as you watch the traditional dances of a maiko (apprentice geisha). The maiko will then play traditional Japanese-style games with a few participants as part of the show.
Visit the Ryoanji Zen Temple – the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden.The garden consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss. Also see the spacious Kyoto Imperial Garden. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Approximately two km long, the path begins around Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) and ends in the neighbourhood of Nanzenji.
Drive to the north of Kyoto Prefecture to discover quiet, quaint seaside villages. At Ine village, observe Japanese fishermen still living a traditional lifestyle. See the unique Funaya houses, built on the seafront whose lower floor is a boat garage and a workplace for the fishermen, whilst the families live on the upper floor. Explore the village, on an electric bicycle, with a local guide. Local people show guests how to catch fish in the traditional way. Then visit a traditional Funaya house. Take a local boat to the other side of the village, and then stroll down the main street surrounded by Funaya houses and Haveea. Stop at Mukai sake brewery for sake tasting. In the afternoon be driven back to Kyoto.
Depart From Osaka Airport to the UK
Our Japan itineraries combine classic highlights with quieter, more immersive experiences. Travel seamlessly by train between regions, discovering historic capitals, mountain towns, and coastal landscapes along the way. With expert guidance and careful planning, each tour offers a well-balanced journey that allows you to explore Japan in depth, without feeling rushed.
The FAQs below provide essential travel information to help you plan your journey to Japan with confidence. This includes visa requirements, passport validity, health guidance, and practical advice for UK travellers.
No. UK passport holders do not need a visa for short-term tourism. Visitors are permitted visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Japan. It is recommended to have at least one blank page.
UK travellers can stay in Japan for up to 90 days under the visa waiver programme. Extensions are generally not permitted for tourist visits.
Yes. Japan is very well suited to first-time visitors due to its excellent public transport, high safety standards, and clear visitor information. Travel is efficient and well organised.
The local currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). While card use is increasing, cash is still widely used, particularly in smaller towns and traditional establishments.
Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates and excellent public order.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. Travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and have appropriate travel insurance.
Dress is generally casual and neat. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Modest dress is recommended when visiting temples, shrines, and traditional areas.
Popular travel periods include spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September–November) for autumn foliage. Summer and winter offer fewer crowds and distinct seasonal experiences.
Yes. Japan has one of the world’s most efficient public transport systems, including high-speed trains, local rail, and buses, making travel between regions straightforward.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical care, cancellations, and unexpected disruptions.
Yes. Japan offers a wide range of experiences suitable for families, couples, and honeymooners, from cultural discovery and theme parks to scenic landscapes and luxury stays.
