Japan Uncovered
Escorted Tour
One of the most extensive tours of Japan, this tour includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes, Japan Uncovered ensures you get the most out of your trip to this fascinating land. Discover delightful Kyoto and Nara, reflect in Hiroshima and Miyajima, admire beautiful Mount Fuji, search for the snow monkeys, feel the rush of Tokyo and Osaka and explore Kanazawa and Takayama.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1-2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15-16
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Day 17-18
Day 1-2 : UK-Osaka
Arrive in Tokyo from the UK
The next day you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 : Nara
Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history filled city that was Japan’s first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Garden. Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle.
Day 4 : Himeji Castle
Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th century Himeji Castle, widely considered Japan’s most magnificent castle for its imposing size and beauty, both a national and world heritage listed treasure. You will also explore the neighbouring Kokoen, a traditional-style garden.
Day 5 : Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Reflect on the city’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, take the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy some time at leisure.
Day 6 : Kyoto
Start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as ‘Golden Pavilion’.
Day 7 : Kyoto
Enjoy one of Kyoto’s most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a Tea Master. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.
Day 8 : Kanazawa
Travel by road to Kanazawa. This afternoon, enjoy a meander through Kenrokuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
Day 9 : Takayama
Visit the Nomura Samurai House and Garden before departing Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper making workshop, washi is a type of Japanese paper made from fibres of bark, often used in the art of origami. Continue to Shirakawago, where you will explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before continuing to Takayama.
Day 10 : Takayama
Visit the Nomura Samurai House and Garden before departing Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper making workshop, washi is a type of Japanese paper made from fibres of bark, often used in the art of origami. Continue to Shirakawago, where you will explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before continuing to Takayama.
Day 11 : Nagano
Visit the Nomura Samurai House and Garden before departing Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper making workshop, washi is a type of Japanese paper made from fibres of bark, often used in the art of origami. Continue to Shirakawago, where you will explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before continuing to Takayama.
Day 12 : Snow Monkeys
Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps where you may see the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play in their hot spring pool at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Accustomed to humans, the monkeys can be observed up-close, and they almost completely ignore their human guests. Continue to Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most prolific Buddhist temples and then to Matsmoto.
Day 13 : Mount Fuji
Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area and ascend by road to the 5th Station (weather permitting). View Mount Fuji, the highest of Japan's mountains and an iconic symbol of the country. Mount Fuji is notoriously shy and is often enveloped by clouds. Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Stay overnight in Mishima or nearby and enjoy the public onsen facilities.
Day 14 : Hakone and Tokyo
Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area and ascend by road to the 5th Station (weather permitting). View Mount Fuji, the highest of Japan's mountains and an iconic symbol of the country. Mount Fuji is notoriously shy and is often enveloped by clouds. Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Stay overnight in Mishima or nearby and enjoy the public onsen facilities.
Day 15-16 : Tokyo
A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan’s capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden, visit Meiji Shrine and stop by the famous Shibuya Crossing. Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambiance of Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until the evening, when you will board a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise.
Day 17-18 : Tokyo
The next morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.
