Highlights of Japan including Istanbul extension

Let's set off for our holiday to Japan, arriving in Osaka.

We have arrived in Osaka! We meet with our local guide, and transfer by coach to our hotel in Kyoto.  

Join us for a welcome dinner at a nearby local restaurant.

Please note your welcome dinner may be on day two, if your flight arrives in late in the evening.

Breakfast at our hotel is included on each day of our ten night stay in Japan.

March itinerary varies with an extra night in Japan and an extra half day excursion including Ginkakuji temple, Fushimi Inari shrine

We set off with our expert local guide, to discover some of the highlights of the beautiful and picturesque city of Kyoto!   

Uncover the treasures of the Sanjusangendo Temple, founded in 1164 and famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy. The temple hall, measuring 120 metres, is the longest wooden structure in Japan. Afterwards, we visit Nijo Castle, official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu, and witness to many important events in Japanese history.  Within this 400-year-old complex, experience one of the golden ages of Japanese architecture and design, the early Edo period.

Enjoy lunch (included) at a local restaurant and savour some typical dishes of the region. 

After lunch, we continue to see more of Kyoto’s highlights.  Firstly, let’s enjoy some “Zen time” at Ryoan-ji, originally a private villa, later converted to a temple and home to one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens.  

We finish the day at the awe-inspiring Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, whose two top floors are completely covered in gold leaf. The garden and architecture around the Kinkaku are said to represent the world of paradise.

This evening is at leisure, to relax and explore our surroundings. Our guide will be happy to advise on places to see and visit.

Today we’ll see more, on a full day excursion to Nara, former 8th century capital of Japan. The city is filled with historic treasures including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples. Our guided tour today includes a visit to Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, with over one thousand resident deer.

Another stop on the tour is Tōdai-ji Temple, one of the country’s most notable temples, housing one of the largest Buddhas in Japan, fifteen metres tall!

Also included is a visit to the ancient Kasuga-Taisha, Nara’s celebrated Shinto shrine, set amidst forest pathways and decorated with many bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant today.

After lunch we visit the Koufukuji Temple, once the sanctuary of the powerful aristocratic clan, the Fujiwara. This vast complex boasts an impressive five-storied pagoda, housing holy relics.

At the end of the tour, we return to the hotel to freshen up before this evening’s show.

Join us for dinner this evening at a local restaurant, where we uncover more of Japan’s unique culture with a Geisha performance!

Today is free to enjoy Kyoto at our own pace. Our expert guide will be happy to tell us of further sightseeing and activities to do in this area.

There is the option to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima by ferry. This pre-bookable tour is a full day guided excursion, returning in the late evening.

After breakfast, we walk to Kyoto station (approx.15 mins), for our train journey to Hiroshima (1hr 45 mins each way). The tour includes a visit to Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome

‘minimum numbers apply for the operation of this tour’ It is advisable to pre book this tour as sometimes it may not be bookable locally due to demand.

The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant.

Please note: The Torri Gate at the Itsukushima shrine is currently under renovation.

After breakfast, check out of our hotel as we say farewell to Kyoto and transfer by coach to Japan’s second largest city, Osaka.

Today on our guided excursion we visit Umeda Skydeck Observatory, nineteenth tallest building in Osaka and one of the city's most recognisable structures.  We also visit Osaka Castle, another of Japan’s famous landmarks. After, we take a stroll through Dotonbori. Known for its bright lights and extravagant signage, it is considered one of the most colourful districts in Osaka and is also a hub of the city’s vibrant food culture.

Please note 2025

We do not depart for a stay in Osaka. Tonight will be spent in our hotel in Kyoto. Transfer time to Osaka for excursions is approximately 1 hour per way from our hotel in Kyoto.

Enjoy an evening at leisure to soak up the atmosphere, relax and unwind after an eventful day.

This morning, we set off to experience more of Japan’s highlights.  It’s “All Aboard” for your journey on one of the famous “Bullet Trains”, to Odawara ! On arrival, we meet our new guide and commence a full day tour of Hakone.

Discover the city of Hakone on a guided tour, including the Hakone Open Air Museum with its unique sculptures and landscaped gardens.  

Afterwards, we set sail on Lake Ashi, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We see even more as we take a ride on the Komagatake Ropeway Cable Car, which on a clear day offers an excellent photo opportunity of Mount Fuji.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

After a delightful day of discovery, we transfer to our hotel in Hakone.

Relax, unwind and take time out to re-charge for tomorrow’s excursions.

Dinner is included tonight.

We check out of our hotel and travel to Kamakura to experience its most popular sights, including Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the city’s most important Shinto Shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general.

Also included is a visit to Kotokuin which has the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan, and Hase Kannon Temple with its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy. We also visit trendy Komachi Street, filled with fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

After our full day excursion of Kamakura, we transfer by coach to our hotel in Tokyo.

We uncover more as we take in some of the sights and sounds of bustling Tokyo! Included today are visits to Imperial Palace Plaza, home to the Japanese Imperial family, and Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo’s oldest and best Japanese gardens, with its beautiful contrasts throughout the seasons.

We continue to the Hamarikyu Gardens, a traditionally styled garden landscape in central Tokyo. After the tour, in the late afternoon, return to your hotel

Enjoy an evening at leisure in Tokyo. Our guide will be pleased to offer recommendations for sightseeing and dining.

This morning, we see more of this vibrant city including a visit to Ueno Park, boasting over one thousand cherry trees! Afterwards, we uncover more of Japan’s ancient arts by witnessing a tea ceremony and learning the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging).

The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure, to discover the city at your own pace. “Shop till you drop” in in the trendy Ginza district, a must for shopaholics. Now is also the perfect time to buy some souvenirs, as a reminder of your memorable trip.  Sail on a cruise around Tokyo Bay or explore one of the many beautiful city parks, temples and museums. Or if you are a cat lover, you might like to experience one of Tokyo’s many “cat cafés”, where you can take time out and savour a matcha tea with a few furry café friends!

Our knowledgeable guide will be happy to tell us about other activities to enhance your time in Tokyo and experience even more in this thrilling metropolis.

This morning we discover more of this fascinating city, with visits to Asakusa Kannon Temple, Nakamise Street with its traditional shopping arcade, and high-end shoppers’ paradise Ginza, before we enjoy a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant (included).

In the afternoon we stroll through the Harajuku district, known internationally as the centre of Japanese youth culture and fashion and renowned for its colourful street art.  We will also view the Meiji Shrine. This Shinto grand shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken, modern Japan's first emperor and empress.

After another busy day of sightseeing, spend an evening at leisure to relax and unwind.

Today we say farewell to our guide and the unforgettable city of Tokyo.  

Enjoy time at leisure and some last-minute shopping, before transferring by coach to Tokyo Airport for your overnight flight to Istanbul Turkey

On arrival in Istanbul Airport, we meet our transfer assistant and transfer to our hotel (early check in will be arranged for morning flight arrivals).  Once we have checked into our hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure, to relax and recharge the batteries.  We can take a stroll to Taksim square or wander the network of side streets filled with bars and restaurants.

Breakfast only, is included each day of your stay in Istanbul.

Please note that the extension in Istanbul is based on an individual rather than a group experience.  

Let’s discover this vibrant and ancient city!

After breakfast we uncover some of the highlights of this historical city on a guided tour including a visit to the Blue Mosque. We stroll past the Hagia Sofia (viewed from the outside), the Roman Hippodrome and admire the ancient Egyptian Obelisks. 

This lively city is a perfect combination of modern and ancient, displaying a range of architecture from majestic skyscrapers to historic mosques, temples and churches. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, to relax or uncover more of Istanbul's fascinating treasures. Ask the guide for advice on further places of interest, before the half day tour is finished.

*In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic Blue Mosque, restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding; thus a clear view of the entire Mosque may not be possible. 

Today is free to take in some sightseeing and shopping. Istanbul has so much to offer; no matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to uncover or rediscover.

Perhaps a visit to the Underground Cistern, a fascinating network of water channels and ornamental pillars, dating back to Roman times.  Dare to look upon the face of Medusa! Explore Topkapi Palace with its museum of national treasures, discover the ancient harem of the Ottoman Sultans. See more on a cruise down the Bosphorus, or shop till you drop in the busy İstiklal Avenue.

This morning we bid farewell to Istanbul and transfer to the airport for our flight home.