Gardens of Japan

Experience Japan at its most beautiful, through exquisite gardens, striking architecture and timeless artistry.

Explore Kanazawa’s celebrated Kenroku-en, stroll through Koko-en’s nine delightful walled gardens, and admire Kyoto’s serene Zen gardens and carefully cultivated bonsai. Along the way, discover the art of flower arranging, travel through the Japanese Alps, and take in some of Japan’s most iconic sights, from Mount Fuji to the magnificent castles of Matsumoto and Himeji.

On selected departures from March to September 2027, you’ll also enjoy a special visit to the International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama – a spectacular celebration of flowers, greenery and horticulture.

Tour at a Glance

Duration: 15 Days
Tour Type: Group Tour
Tour Style: Classic
Price From: £6,990pp
Accommodation: 14 nights in 4-star accommodation
Meals: 13 Breakfasts | 12 Lunches | 13 Dinners
Group Size: Maximum 28
Physical Rating: 1 – Walking, some steps and time on your feet

What’s Included

• International flights and current taxes
• 4-star accommodation
• Domestic transportation
• Touring with guides
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified
• Fully inclusive touring

Tour Highlights

Discover Japan through its beautiful gardens, timeless culture, magnificent castles and vibrant cities.

From Tokyo and Mount Fuji to Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, this carefully designed itinerary combines Japan’s most famous sights with traditional gardens, historic towns and fascinating cultural experiences.

Highlights include:

• Discover Tokyo and its famous Shibuya Crossing
• Visit the International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama on selected departures
• Experience the beauty of Mount Fuji
• Explore magnificent Matsumoto Castle
• Journey through the Japanese Alps
• Wander through Takayama’s atmospheric Old Town
• Visit traditional Shirakawa-go
• Explore Kanazawa and the celebrated Kenroku-en Garden
• Discover Kyoto’s temples, bonsai and Zen gardens
• Experience a traditional tea ceremony
• Visit historic Nara
• Journey to sacred Koyasan
• Learn the traditional art of Japanese flower arranging
• Explore magnificent Himeji Castle
• Wander through Koko-en’s nine beautiful walled gardens

Tour Experiences

Tokyo’s Famous Shibuya Crossing

Witness one of the world’s most famous pedestrian crossings. Experience the organised chaos, neon lights and unmistakable energy of Tokyo’s legendary Shibuya district.

Discover the Art of Ikebana

Discover the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. Ikebana uses minimalism, shape and form to create elegant displays filled with symbolism. Learn the basics during an introductory lesson in Osaka.

Explore Kenroku-en with an Expert

Visit one of Japan’s celebrated Three Great Gardens accompanied by an expert resident guide.

Discover how Kenroku-en’s ponds, bridges, trees and carefully composed views have been shaped and perfected over generations.

Tour Itinerary

This is the perfect adventure for travellers who want to experience Japan through its beautiful gardens, timeless culture and magnificent castles.

From celebrated landscapes and artistic traditions to dazzling cities, ancient capitals, the Japanese Alps and sacred Koyasan, the itinerary showcases Japan’s remarkable variety. Scenic journeys also reveal Japan’s countryside, mountain landscapes and everyday life beyond the major cities.

Days 1–2 – Fly to Tokyo

Begin your journey to Japan and fly to the vibrant capital, Tokyo.

Day 3 – Discover Tokyo

Explore Japan’s fascinating capital and discover the contrasts between Tokyo’s traditional culture and ultra-modern city life.

Day 4 – Yokohama International Horticultural Expo

On selected 2027 departures, visit the International Horticultural Expo in Yokohama and experience an extraordinary celebration of flowers, greenery and horticulture.

Day 5 – Mount Fuji: Gardens & Kimonos

Journey towards iconic Mount Fuji and discover more of Japan’s traditional gardens and culture.

Day 6 – Matsumoto Castle, Ishii Miso & Takayama

Visit magnificent Matsumoto Castle before discovering traditional Japanese miso production at Ishii Miso. Continue into the Japanese Alps towards Takayama.

Day 7 – Takayama Old Town

Explore the atmospheric streets of Takayama’s beautifully preserved Old Town.

Day 8 – Shirakawa-go & Historic Kanazawa

Visit the traditional village of Shirakawa-go before continuing to historic Kanazawa.

Day 9 – Kenroku-en Gardens & Kyoto

Explore the celebrated Kenroku-en Garden with an expert guide before travelling onwards to Kyoto.

Day 10 – Kyoto Bonsai, Temples & Tea Ceremonies

Discover Kyoto’s deep-rooted traditions with bonsai, historic temples and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Day 11 – Kyoto & Nara

Continue exploring Kyoto before visiting historic Nara, one of Japan’s ancient capitals.

Day 12 – Koyasan

Journey to sacred Koyasan, one of Japan’s most important centres of Buddhist culture.

Day 13 – Flower Arranging & Free Time in Osaka

Learn the traditional Japanese art of ikebana during an introductory flower-arranging experience before enjoying free time in Osaka.

Day 14 – Himeji Castle & Koko-en Gardens

Visit spectacular Himeji Castle before exploring the nine beautiful walled gardens of neighbouring Koko-en.

Day 15 – Departure

Your Gardens of Japan adventure comes to an end as you begin your journey home.

Places Visited

Tokyo (3N) – Mount Fuji (1N) – Matsumoto – Takayama (2N) – Kanazawa (1N) – Kyoto (2N) – Nara (1N) – Osaka (3N)

Extend Your Japan Holiday

Make the most of your time away by extending your journey and discovering even more of Japan.

Available extension options include:

• Hiroshima & Miyajima
• Snow Monkeys
• Nikko & Kamakura
• Okinawa Yomitan Beach

Please contact Aspen Travel for extension options, availability and prices.

Gardens of Japan Prices

Prices from £6,990 per person

Prices are based on London and selected regional airports, with flight upgrades available on request.

Single supplement from: £1,790
Land-only price from: £6,190

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Enquire About Gardens of Japan

Ready to discover Japan’s magnificent gardens, ancient traditions and unforgettable landscapes?

Contact Aspen Travel today for the latest Gardens of Japan prices, departure dates, regional flight options and availability.

Our travel experts can help you find the right departure and arrange your Japan holiday from start to finish.