Japan Uncovered

Japan Uncovered – Tour Overview

Explore the wonders of Japan on this extensive 17-day journey that takes you through the vibrant cities, peaceful temples, and stunning landscapes of one of the world’s most fascinating countries. From traditional tea ceremonies to modern, high-tech cities, you’ll experience both the old and the new in Japan. This itinerary is designed for those who want to see all the classic sights and key cultural activities, including visits to iconic landmarks, ancient castles, scenic gardens, and natural hot springs. For fans of Joanna Lumley’s “Japan” on ITV, this tour mirrors her journey, offering you a similar experience.

Tour Details:

Meals Included

• Breakfasts: 15
• Lunches: 14
• Dinners: 15

Accommodation

• 15 nights in carefully selected 3+ to 4-star hotels across various destinations in Japan

Group Tour Information

• Maximum Group Size: 28 travelers
• Physical Rating: 1 (Suitable for most travelers; includes walking, some steps, and time on your feet)

Flights

• International flights and current taxes are included in the package

Tour Highlights:

• Osaka: A dynamic city that blends modernity with tradition, including the iconic Osaka Castle and river cruise.
• Nara: Discover Japan’s first capital and interact with the friendly Sika deer in Nara Park.
• Hiroshima: Reflect on the city’s history and visit the moving Peace Memorial Park.
• Kyoto: Immerse yourself in traditional Japan with visits to ancient temples and the famous tea ceremony.
• Mount Fuji: Marvel at Japan’s most iconic mountain and its surrounding picturesque landscapes.
• Tokyo: Experience Japan’s dazzling capital with a combination of historic landmarks and cutting-edge technology.
• Cultural Experiences: Traditional tea ceremonies, washi paper-making workshops, and snow monkey encounters.

Itinerary 

Days 1–2: Fly to Osaka

Arrive and explore Japan’s dynamic culinary capital.

Day 3: Nara & Osaka

Morning: Visit Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, and Isui-en Garden
Afternoon: Return to Osaka, visit Osaka Castle, and enjoy a Yodogawa River cruise

Day 4: Himeji to Hiroshima

Depart Osaka and stop at Himeji Castle (UNESCO) and Koko-en Garden en route to Hiroshima

Day 5: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and explore Itsukushima Shrine

Day 6: Kyoto Arrival

Travel by bullet train to Kyoto
Visit Ryoanji Temple and the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)

Day 7: Kyoto Culture

Explore Kiyomizu Temple
Take part in a traditional tea ceremony
Walk through the 10,000 red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 8: Kanazawa

Visit Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s top three gardens
Explore the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Day 9: Shirakawago & Gokayama

Tour Nomura Samurai House in Kanazawa
Join a washi paper-making workshop in Gokayama
Visit Wada House in Shirakawago and continue to Takayama

Day 10: Takayama

Browse the Miyagawa Morning Market
Visit Festival Floats Museum and Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum
Walk through Kamisannomachi Street

Day 11: Matsumoto & Nagano

Explore Matsumoto Castle
Visit a miso house and a traditional wasabi farm
Travel onward to Nagano

Day 12: Snow Monkeys

Head to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the snow monkeys
Visit the historic Zenkoji Temple

Day 13: Mount Fuji Region

Travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area
Ascend to Mount Fuji’s 5th station (weather permitting)
Tour the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

Day 14: Hakone to Tokyo

Enjoy a Lake Ashi cruise and ropeway ride over Owakudani Valley
Relax in Hakone’s hot springs
Travel to Tokyo

Day 15: Explore Tokyo

Visit the Imperial Palace East Garden and Meiji Shrine
Walk across the famous Shibuya Crossing
Free time in the city

Day 16: Tokyo in Depth

Tour the Asakusa district and Senso-ji Temple
Go up the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views
Enjoy a yakata boat dinner cruise in the evening

Day 17: Return Flight

Depart Tokyo and fly back to the UK