Destinations: Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto
Destinations: Nikko
Experience the incredible contrasts of Japan, from serene temples to futuristic cityscapes, on a journey designed for effortless discovery. This deluxe small-group tour handles all the logistics—including the iconic Shinkansen bullet train—and provides handpicked, quality hotels, leaving you free to fully immerse yourself in each moment without a worry.
Your adventure begins with the vibrant street food of Osaka’s neon-lit Dotonbori district before coming face-to-face with the friendly, free-roaming deer of Nara. In cultural Kyoto, you’ll find tranquility as you walk through the towering Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, discover the stunning Golden Pavilion, and follow the vibrant path of thousands of red Torii gates at Fushimi Inari shrine.
The journey culminates with a bullet train ride to the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo. Here, you’ll experience the electric energy of the famous Shibuya Crossing, capturing the essence of modern Japan. From ancient traditions to hyper-modern streetscapes, this week-long tour is the perfect, seamless introduction to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Cherry blossom dates available: See Japan during the cherry blossom season with select dates available.
Travelling to Japan? Here’s what you should know.
Destinations: Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto
Destinations: Nikko
After breakfast, today is dedicated to exploring the vibrant and diverse city of Osaka. Your first stop is the magnificent Osaka Castle, a landmark originally built by samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a symbol of a newly unified Japan. From the castle’s historic grandeur, you’ll dive into the retro charm of the Shinsekai district, a nostalgic neighbourhood where quirky shops and street food stalls lie in the shadow of the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.
The afternoon is dedicated to Osaka’s premier entertainment and shopping hubs. You’ll have time to stroll through Shinsaibashi-suji, a vast covered shopping arcade that’s perfect for people-watching and finding unique souvenirs. As evening approaches, the energy builds as you explore the adjacent Dotonbori district, famous for its incredible street food and iconic giant neon signs that light up the night.
Enjoy a warm welcome dinner at a local Japanese restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers to celebrate the start of your tour. Then, return to your hotel for the evening.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours
Today is an active day of sightseeing, taking you from Osaka to the cultural heart of Kyoto, with a memorable stop in Japan’s first capital, Nara. Upon arrival in Nara, you’ll visit Nara Park, famous for its large population of friendly, free-roaming Sika deer. Here you will explore two key sites: the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO-listed wooden building housing one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues, and the tranquil Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for the thousands of lanterns that line its approach.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Kyoto. Your introduction to this beautiful city is a walking tour through the famous Gion district, Kyoto’s traditional entertainment area. With its preserved wooden machiya houses and exclusive teahouses (ochaya), Gion is best known as the centre of geisha culture, offering a rare glimpse into a unique and historic world.
The evening is yours to settle into your hotel. For your convenience, your main luggage will be forwarded separately to your hotel in Tokyo. Tonight, please pack a smaller overnight bag with essentials for your stay in Kyoto and your bullet train journey.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours
Nara day trip
Today is dedicated to exploring some of Kyoto’s most breathtaking and iconic sites. Before you depart this morning, you will prepare your main luggage to be forwarded separately to your hotel in Tokyo. You will only need your smaller overnight bag for this evening and the bullet train journey tomorrow, making your travel day much easier.
Your sightseeing begins at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, where you’ll walk the famous path through thousands of vibrant, vermillion-coloured torii gates that snake up the hillside. Next, you’ll visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). This Zen temple’s top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, creating a radiant reflection in the serene pond that surrounds it.
The journey continues to the Arashiyama district, where you’ll stroll through the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a magical path surrounded by towering stalks of green bamboo. Adjacent to the grove, you will visit the beautiful Zen garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. After a full day of sightseeing, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Fushimi Inari shrine visit
This morning, you’ll get a taste of daily life in Japan as your tour director guides you via local public transport to the station. Navigating the train and bus fares will be handled for you, ensuring a seamless and authentic experience. Here, you will board the world-renowned Shinkansen bullet train for the swift journey to the capital. Watch from your window as the landscape blurs by at incredible speed, delivering you to Tokyo.
Arriving in Tokyo is an experience in itself. You’ll step out into the heart of a sprawling, futuristic metropolis—a dazzling world of towering skyscrapers and vibrant energy that serves as the nation’s powerful economic and cultural hub. Your introduction to this incredible city showcases its many faces. Find a moment of tranquility with a visit to the grounds of the Imperial Palace, the serene green heart of the city.
From there, dive into the bustling, delicious chaos of the Tsukiji Outer Market, where hundreds of vendors sell fresh seafood and an amazing variety of local delicacies. Your exploration continues with a stroll through Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upscale shopping district, known for its polished department stores and designer boutiques. After a full day of discovery, you will check into your hotel where your main luggage will be waiting. The evening is at your leisure to relax and recharge.
Travel time: Bullet train – approx. two hours
Shinkansen bullet train journey to Tokyo
Today is a comprehensive, full-day exploration of Tokyo that showcases the city’s incredible diversity, from ancient history to modern pop culture. Your day begins in the historic Asakusa district, where you’ll walk along the vibrant, lantern-lined Nakamise-dori—a bustling market street that has served pilgrims for centuries—leading to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temple. From the traditional heart of the city, you’ll ascend to its modern peak with a visit to the Tokyo Skytree, an architectural marvel offering breathtaking panoramic views across the entire metropolis.
After lunch at your leisure, find a moment of peace at the Meiji Shrine, a beautiful oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by a tranquil forest in the middle of the city. Just steps away from the shrine’s peaceful grounds, dive into the vibrant youth culture of Harajuku. You’ll explore Takeshita Street, the famous epicenter of Japan’s kawaii (cute) fashion, known for its colourful street style and quirky shops.
As evening falls, you’ll experience the famous ‘scramble’ at Shibuya Crossing, watching hundreds of people cross the intersection from all directions in an incredible display of organized chaos. The tour concludes with a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant, giving you a chance to reflect on your journey through Japan.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
After one final breakfast, it’s time to say sayonara to Japan. Make your own way to Tokyo International Airport (HND) or Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) for your onward journey.
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
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Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
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Your tour begins at your Osaka accommodation and ends at your Tokyo accommodation.
Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Destination Information:
Japan
Time zone: GMT+9
Telephone: +81
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Accessing money: Cash is widely accepted and the preferred method of payment. ATMs are readily accessible in 7-Eleven. Ask your tour leader/guide about the best place to change money once you begin your tour. Please note: some ATMs may only accept four-digit pins.
Language: Japanese
Climate: Japan has four distinct seasons: cherry blossoms in spring (March-May), cool and leafy in autumn (September-November) and humid and muggy at times in summer (June-August) with snowfall at higher altitudes during winter (December-February). Cherry blossom season typically occurs from the end of March to the beginning of April but this may vary.