Deal negotiated for you
- The 11-day / 10-night tour in the 3-star accommodation mentioned (or similar)
- Breakfast included
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Transfer from Tokyo Airport to hotel by shared shuttle bus included
- Tokyo-Kanazawa train ticket
- JR West All Area Pass for 7 days from day 5 until your departure
- Transfer from downtown Osaka to KIX airport by train
Your stay starts here
Discovering Japan from North to South 3*
Embark on a journey through time and discover a side of Japan you've never seen before! Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Kyoto and Kanazawa's historic districts, where ancient tea houses and samurai residences stand side by side. Take in the charm of a castle steeped in the grandeur of the shoguns, then immerse yourself in the bustling streets of Osaka's contemporary urban center. From thousand-year-old temples to Tokyo's skyscrapers and neon lights, each stage of this tour offers contrasting yet complementary views of Japanese culture.
This private tour runs for 11 days.
Your day-by-day itinerary:
- Days 1 to 3: Tokyo
- Days 4 to 5: Kanazawa
- Days 6 to 8: Kyoto
- Day 9: Hiroshima
- Days 10 to 11: Osaka
Please note: overnight stays and the order of visits may be adjusted depending on the selected flights and arrival date.
Your detailed itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival in Tokyo
Arrival at Tokyo Airport.
Your transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can start exploring the Japanese capital straight away.
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo.
DAY 2 | First steps in Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day.
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo.
You have the whole day free, but we can suggest a few places to visit.
Take a stroll through the Asakusa district to reach Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, Senso-ji. Here, you can experience Japanese traditions and spiritual practices first-hand. As you stroll along the temple's main alley, you can sample a variety of Japanese street food specialities from stall to stall.
DAY 3 | Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure. Lunch and dinner on your own.
Overnight in Tokyo.
We recommend the following visits: Take a tour of the Tokyo Imperial Palace to learn about Japanese history, and stroll through the park in the city centre. Then, immerse yourself in the otaku culture of Akihabara, with its many electronic stores, before indulging in a shopping spree in the elegant Ginza district.
DAY 4 | Last moments in Tokyo
Breakfast at the hotel.
Sightseeing suggestions: Discover the trendy districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. Take a photo with the statue of Hachiko, Japan's most famous dog, and immerse yourself in the world of Japanese fashion. Marvel at the eccentric looks on the famous Takeshita Street. Finally, enjoy the greenery of Ueno Park.
Transfer by train to the town of Kanazawa.
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Kanazawa.
DAY 5 | Get to know Kanazawa
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Kanazawa.
We recommend the following visits: Immerse yourself in feudal Japan in Kanazawa. In the traditional Higashi Chaya district, admire the buildings from the Edo period that once housed geisha teahouses. The area's charm remains intact and offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Treat yourself to a dessert covered in gold leaf or sample some of the many local specialities at the Omicho fish market.
DAY 6 | Discovering Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to the city of Kyoto with the JR West Pass. Free day.
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Kyoto.
We recommend the following visits: Soak up the enchanting atmosphere of Gion, Kyoto's geisha district. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses and see if you can catch a glimpse of a graceful geisha. Be sure to visit the renowned Kaburenjo Theatre, which has been captivating audiences with its traditional dance and music performances for centuries. Next, enter the majestic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is perched on a hill and offers panoramic views of the city. This sacred place will immerse you in the spirituality and timeless beauty of Kyoto.
DAY 7 | Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Kyoto.
We recommend the following visits: Set off for the Fushimi Inari shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii (gates) that line the mountainside. The mystical atmosphere and natural beauty of this place make it an unforgettable experience. Next, take the train and stroll through Nara park for a magical encounter with free-roaming deer. Walk among these majestic creatures amid the magnificent temples further back in the forest.
DAY 8 | Kyoto
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Kyoto.
We recommend the following visits: Explore the natural beauty of Arashiyama, a picturesque district to the west of Kyoto. Begin your day with a walk through the famous bamboo forest, where towering shoots create a breathtaking and peaceful landscape. Nearby, you can observe the mischievous monkeys that roam the Arashiyama Monkey Park. Next, visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll through its Zen gardens. Finally, board a cruise boat on the Hozu River and admire the spectacular scenery of the green valleys.
DAY 9 | Historic Hiroshima
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to Hiroshima with JR West Pass. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Hiroshima.
We recommend the following visits: Hiroshima, a city scarred by one of the most powerful weapons ever used during the Second World War, blends modernity with historical heritage. The Genbaku Dome, a former exhibition palace of which only the remains remain, sets a unique tone for the rest of your visit. Extend your visit to the Peace Memorial Museum to hear poignant first-hand accounts.
Lift your spirits by sampling okonomiyaki, a local delicacy, before exploring the Shukkei-en garden and Hiroshima Castle. For a change of scenery, head to Miyajima Island.
Take a photo in front of Itsukushima Shrine's famous torii gate in the water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch the fallow deer roaming freely around you.
Enjoy the panoramic views from Mount Misen and the Daisho-in Temple, which is home to Buddhist statues.
DAY 10 | Osaka
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to Osaka with JR West Pass. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Osaka.
We recommend the following visits: Osaka Castle, which has large walls bordered by a lake. Make sure you also visit the Pulala Tenma fish market and Tenman-gu Temple! In the evening, enjoy the giant screens and 3D wall decorations of octopus and crab on the banks of the Dotonbori River. It's the perfect place to enjoy delicious street food.
DAY 11 | Homecoming
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer by train to Osaka Airport (KIX) with the JR West Pass.
Your accommodation
During your tour, you'll stay 10 nights in the following 3-star establishments (or similar, depending on availability) in accordance with local standards:
- Tokyo: 3 nights at the 3-star Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi Nihonbashi
- Kanazawa: 2 nights at the 3-star Smile Hotel Kanazawa Nishiguchi Ekimae
- Kyoto: 3 nights at the 3-star Chisun Standard Kyoto Horikawa Gojo
- Hiroshima: 1 night at the 3-star Comfort Hotel Hiroshima Otemachi
- Osaka: 1 night at the 3-star Comfort Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Your board
Breakfast
Includes an assortment of hot and cold drinks and sweet and savoury dishes.
ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELLING TO JAPAN
To save time and avoid queuing at the airport, we recommend registering individually on the Visit Japan Web website before your departure.
As government restrictions are constantly changing, we advise you to regularly consult the following sites right up until the day of your departure:
- https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/114/japan#Vaccine_Recommendations
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/entry-requirements
We recommend that you register for email alerts to changes regarding the British government's travel advice to Japan:
- https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/email-signup
Travellers are responsible for keeping up to date with any changes to entry formalities in their destination country. As a general rule, travellers should always carry a face mask and hand sanitiser.
Please note that airlines reserve the right to enforce boarding conditions that are more stringent than the formalities and regulations of the destination country at any time and without prior notice. Travellers with connecting flights should check the access conditions at each airport they will be stopping at.
Upon arrival, travellers must present a passport valid for at least six months after their return date. A visa is only required for stays of over three months. Non-Japanese nationals entering Japan are required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photographic portrait). Non-French nationals or dual nationals are advised to consult the consulate or embassy of their destination country. Minors: Minors must have an individual passport. We strongly recommend that unaccompanied minors carry a copy of their family record book. Specific formalities: If you are travelling abroad with minors who reside in the UK, please note that they must also bring their identity document and a "Child Travel Consent" form. You will find more information here: https://www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad
Health
Due to the ongoing health crisis, travellers who have completed their vaccination schedule are no longer required to undergo a PCR test less than 72 hours before their flight. A PCR test is still required if the vaccination schedule is incomplete. Remember to check the latest information on Travel Health Pro. No vaccination is compulsory. Make sure that your vaccination record (DTaP-IPV) is up to date. Health standards are equivalent to those in Western Europe. Natural and climatic risks are high in Japan, so make sure you keep up with the news.
GOOD TO KNOW
Currency
The currency in use is the yen (JPY). As of 28 September 2025, 1 euro is equivalent to 175.03 Japanese yen.
Climate
Spring (March to May) is a pleasant time to travel in Japan as the landscape is beautiful with blossom and the climate is mild. However, it is also the peak tourist season and the main tourist spots are often crowded. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid in most regions, but it is still possible to visit the country, particularly the mountainous areas. Autumn (September to November) is mild and colourful, adding to the charm of the landscape, but it is also rainy. Winter (December to February) is dry and often sunny, making it a great time to take photos and admire the scenery in peace and quiet without too many tourists around. It's cold in most parts of the country (with snow in some areas), so it's the perfect time to enjoy the famous hot springs that provide a little warmth!
Language
Not all Japanese people speak English very well, especially outside the big cities, so taking a small phrase book with you could prove very helpful!
Time zone
From March to October, Japan is 8 hours ahead of the United-Kingdom and 9 hours ahead from October to March.
Onsens
If you would like to try the traditional Japanese hot spring baths, known as onsens, it is customary to bathe completely naked (men and women are separated). However, tattoos are not always accepted at onsens.
Pocket Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is not widely available in Japan. The ideal solution is to travel with a small "Pocket Wi-Fi" device, which provides fast internet access wherever you are during your stay. This makes travelling much easier when you want to look up information or communicate with friends and family. You can collect the device from your hotel on the first day and return it in a special envelope at the post office.
Gratuities
It is not necessary to leave tips for restaurant staff, guides or drivers. It is simply not customary. If you would like to thank your hosts, consider giving them a gift instead.
Driving
In Japan, cars drive on the left and the steering wheel is on the right. The gearbox is automatic. Japanese drivers are rather quiet and very respectful of traffic regulations. The highways are well maintained. To drive in Japan, you need your UK driving licence and a Japanese translation of it.
Excursions
Excursions may be modified or cancelled according to local circumstances.
ACCOMMODATION
For technical reasons, hotels may be replaced with accommodation of a similar standard.
The order of stages and the programme may be modified according to constraints at the destination.
Specific requests regarding sleeping arrangements (e.g. double bed or separate beds) are subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.
Please note that hotel rooms in Japan are often quite narrow and the beds are small. Tourist tax is not included and is payable on site.
The approximate amount payable as a guide is €2 per room per night for a 3-star hotel.
Check-in is usually in the mid-afternoon (between 3pm and 4pm).
Check-out is usually in the morning (10am).
The accommodation included in this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or babies (aged 0–2). For further information, please contact customer services.
TRANSPORT / TRANSFERS
AIRPORT-HOTEL SHARED SHUTTLE TRANSFER
The shared shuttle takes you directly from the airport to your hotel and vice versa. The shuttle can make several stops along the way.
RAIL TRANSPORT
In Japan, the train is the most convenient means of travel. Both major cities and small villages are well served by a diverse and highly functional rail network. You can travel on the famous Shinkansen high-speed train, which travels at speeds of up to 320 km per hour!
JR West All areas pass
Enjoy greater flexibility with your JR West All Areas Pass and organise your days as you wish! Use the express train (Shinkansen) and regional trains, as well as buses, to travel freely between Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Okayama and Kobe, without the need for advance booking. You can also take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi Port (near Hiroshima) to Miyajima Island. The pass is valid for seven days after activation.
OSAKA AIRPORT TRANSFER BY TRAIN
To reach Osaka Airport easily, take the train from Osaka Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If your JR Pass includes the journey, you can use it for this trip. Otherwise, a train ticket will be provided.
Please note that transfers to Itami Airport (ITM) may incur additional charges.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE that some of your travel documents (vouchers) may be sent to your postal address. We advise you to check your post carefully before travelling.