Deal negotiated for you
- A 12-day / 11-night tour in the accommodation as mentioned (or similar)
- 1 night in a traditional ryokan in Hakone on a half board basis
- Breakfast included from day 2 to day 13.
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Airport-hotel transfers in Osaka and Tokyo: Transfers can be made by combining the JR Rail Pass 14 days and local underground passes in Osaka and Tokyo.
- 14-day JR Rail Pass allowing unlimited travel on JR lines throughout Japan, including Shinkansen, local trains and JR ferries.
- Ōsaka Metro and Ōsaka City Bus Pass - 2 days, offering unlimited travel on the Ōsaka metro and bus network.
- Tokyo Subway Ticket - Unlimited journeys (Tokyo Subway Ticket - 3 days) for unlimited travel on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks
- A digital travel diary with suggestions and tourist information
- 24/7 emergency telephone assistance
Customise your trip on the Options page.
Your stay starts here
Japan's Treasures 3*
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan, a country of contrasts where ancient traditions and futuristic modernity coexist in harmony. This private tour will introduce you to the very essence of the Japanese archipelago, taking you from the vibrant energy of Osaka to the peaceful temples of Kyoto, the moving memorials of Hiroshima, the tranquillity of Kurashiki's gardens and the thermal baths of Hakone.
During your travels, you will ride on the renowned Shinkansen high-speed trains and visit iconic sites such as Himeji Castle, the floating shrine of Miyajima and the artistic island of Naoshima. You will also enjoy authentic experiences such as strolling through historic neighbourhoods, spending nights in traditional ryokans, embracing Zen culture and discovering the country's cuisine.
This trip has been designed to combine discovery, comfort, and flexibility, offering free time to explore at your leisure and suggestions for enriching excursions. It's an ideal itinerary for an authentic and comprehensive first encounter with Japan.
Day-by-day itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Day 2: Excursion to Nara
Day 3: Depart for Himeji and Hiroshima.
Day 4: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Day 5: Hiroshima - Okayama - Kurashiki
Day 6: Kurashiki - Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto
Day 9: Kyoto - Hakone
Day 10: Hakone - Tokyo
Day 11: Tokyo
Day 12: Tokyo
Day 13: Departure from Tokyo
Your detailed itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Osaka
Your first day in Japan will begin with your arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX).
You will then travel to your hotel in Osaka, first taking the JR Haruka Express (included in your JR Rail Pass) to reach the city's main JR stations and then using your Osaka Metro and Bus Pass to complete your journey.
Once you have settled in, you will have a free day to rest after your flight or to explore the area around your hotel at your leisure.
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 | Excursion to Nara
On your second day, start with breakfast at the hotel. Then spend the day exploring Osaka before taking a fascinating trip to Nara. In Osaka, visit the iconic Osaka Castle and explore the vibrant Dotonbori district, which is renowned for its lively atmosphere and neon signs.
In the afternoon, travel to Nara to admire the majestic Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and take a stroll through Nara Park, where deer roam freely. At the end of the day, return to Osaka.
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 | Departure for Himeji and Hiroshima
On your third day, after breakfast at the hotel, head towards Hiroshima, stopping along the way at a notable location. Stop at Himeji to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle, a true marvel of Japanese architecture. After this enriching visit, continue your journey to Hiroshima by Shinkansen (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4 | Hiroshima and Miyajima
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, spend the day exploring Hiroshima and the beautiful island of Miyajima. In Hiroshima, visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, both of which are steeped in history and contemplation. Then, take the JR ferry to Miyajima Island, where you can discover the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate. It's a magical place!
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5 | Hiroshima - Okayama - Kurashiki
On your fifth day, after breakfast at the hotel, set off for Kurashiki, stopping in Okayama along the way.
Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Korakuen Garden, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. After this green break, continue your journey to Kurashiki, a town renowned for its beautifully preserved historic district and picturesque canals, which are perfect for a charming stroll.
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6 | Kurashiki - Kyoto
Have breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off for Kyoto.
En route, you can opt for a half-day excursion to Naoshima, also known as the "Island of Contemporary Art". There, you can visit iconic museums such as the Chichu Art Museum. Please note that the ferry is not included in the JR Pass for this excursion. After this artistic interlude, continue your journey to the magnificent city of Kyoto by JR train.
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7 | Kyoto
On your seventh day, after enjoying breakfast at the hotel, set off to explore Kyoto's most famous sights. First, visit the famous Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, whose splendour is reflected in the water. Next, visit the Ryoan-ji Zen temple, renowned for its iconic dry garden which invites contemplation.
Continue to Arashiyama, where you can wander through the majestic bamboo forest and cross the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge.
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8 | Kyoto
After breakfast at the hotel, continue exploring this heritage-rich city. Spend the morning visiting the impressive Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, which is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that form mystical tunnels. Next, head to the remarkable Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which offers spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto.
Finally, end the day with a stroll through the charming, traditional Gion district, where you can soak up the unique atmosphere and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 9 | Kyoto - Hakone
After breakfast at the hotel, set off for Hakone, a 2.5-hour journey from Odawara by Shinkansen. Once you arrive, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the region's famous onsen (hot springs) and take a tour of Hakone. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi, which offers breathtaking views of majestic Mount Fuji (weather permitting). Then, take the cable car up Mount Owakudani to admire its volcanic landscapes.
Dinner is included, as is an overnight stay in a ryokan, a traditional regional inn.
Day 10 | Hakone - Tokyo
On your tenth day, have breakfast at the hotel before heading to Tokyo by JR train, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Once you arrive in the Japanese capital, immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere: explore the iconic districts of Shibuya, home to the famous crossroads, and Harajuku, renowned for its unique fashion scene. You will also have the opportunity to visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, which offers a peaceful retreat from the city's bustling streets.
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11 | Tokyo
Have breakfast at the hotel. Make the most of this new day by going on an excursion! We suggest:
- Kamakura: Just one hour from Tokyo, discover the coastal city of Kamakura. Here, you can visit the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a monumental bronze statue, as well as the majestic Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, an important Shinto shrine.
- Nikko: If you prefer a longer trip (about two hours from Tokyo), you can visit Nikko. There, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, a beautifully decorated complex of temples and shrines which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the end of the day, return to Tokyo. Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 12 | Tokyo
On your twelfth day, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making the most of your last full day to explore the capital at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the historic district of Asakusa and visit its iconic Senso-ji Temple.
If you're a fan of technology and pop culture, the Akihabara district, a mecca for geek culture, is a must-see.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a touch of luxury shopping, head to Ginza. Or, if you're in need of some relaxation and serenity, visit the magnificent Shinjuku Gyoen Park.
Meals at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13 | Departure from Tokyo
Have breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. You will travel using a combination of the Narita Express and the Tokyo Monorail, both of which are included in your JR Rail Pass. If necessary, you will complete the journey using the Tokyo Metro Ticket.
Finally, you will take your return flight from either Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).
Your accommodation
During your tour, you will stay for 12 nights in the following 3-star accommodation or similar (local standards):
- Osaka: 2 nights at the 3-star Hotel Plaza Osaka.
- Hiroshima: 2 nights at the 3-star Hotel Vista Hiroshima
- Kurashiki: 1 night at the 3-star Kurashiki Ivy Square Hotel.
- Kyoto: 3 nights at the 3-star Hotel Anteroom Kyoto.
- Hakone: 1 night at the 3-star Ryokan Ichinoyu Honkan Hotel
- Tokyo: 3 nights at the 3-star Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi
Please note:
Hotels are ranked 3-star according to local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to European 3-star standards.
Hotels are subject to change, depending on availability. However, we will always try to accommodate you in hotels of a similar category.
Your board
During your tour, you will be on a bed and breakfast basis. You will also enjoy dinner during your night at a ryokan in Hakone.
Good to know
ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES FOR TRAVELLING TO JAPAN
To avoid queues at the airport and save time, we recommend registering individually on the Visit Japan Web website (https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/) before you depart.
As government restrictions are constantly changing, we recommend regularly checking the following websites until your departure date:
- https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/114/japan#Vaccine_Recommendations
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan
It is the traveller's responsibility to find out about any changes to entry formalities for their destination. In general, travellers should always carry a face mask and hand sanitiser with them.
Please note that airlines reserve the right to modify and tighten their boarding conditions, making them stricter than the destination country's formalities and regulations, at any time and without notice. Travellers with connecting flights should check the access conditions for the airports where they are stopping over.
Upon arrival, travellers must present a passport valid for at least six months after their intended return date. A visa is only required for stays of more than three months. Non-Japanese nationals entering Japan are subject to biometric data collection (fingerprinting and photographing). Non-UK nationals or dual nationals are advised to consult the consulate or embassy of their destination country. Minors: Minors must have their own passport. We strongly recommend that unaccompanied minors carry a copy of their family record book. Specific formalities: When travelling abroad, minors residing in the United Kingdom who are travelling without their legal guardians must carry an identity document and a Child Travel Permission form authorising them to leave the country, which can be downloaded from:
https://visaeta.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CHILD-TRAVEL-CONSENT.pdf
Health
Covid-19 health crisis update: travellers who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to take a PCR test within 72 hours of their flight. This remains mandatory for those who have not been fully vaccinated. Remember to check the latest information on travelhealthpro.org.uk. No vaccinations are mandatory. Make sure your vaccination record (DTaP-IPV) is up to date. The standard of healthcare in Japan is equivalent to that in Western Europe. Natural and climatic risks are high in Japan, so make sure you stay informed.