Classic Japan

Steeped in centuries of tradition and full of culinary prowess, Japan is awash with sights to see and histories to uncover. From Kyoto to Tokyo, spend 11 days exploring the heart of Japan, with memories of the Edo era, sobering warfare sites, lush natural landscapes and eclectic neighbourhoods to discover. Be tempted by tempura, savour your sushi and sip some sochu as you discover the endless variety and diversity of Japan with your small group, all headed by a local leader who knows all of the best places to go. What’s stopping you embarking on a cultural escapade to the home of geisha, torii, sake and nori?

Deal Details

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Sale Ends

Dec 31, 2025

Priced From

$8,745
Steeped in centuries of tradition and full of culinary prowess, Japan is awash with sights to see and histories to uncover. From Kyoto to Tokyo, spend 11 days exploring the heart of Japan, with memories of the Edo era, sobering warfare sites, lush natural landscapes and eclectic neighbourhoods to discover. Be tempted by tempura, savour your sushi and sip some sochu as you discover the endless variety and diversity of Japan with your small group, all headed by a local leader who knows all of the best places to go. What’s stopping you embarking on a cultural escapade to the home of geisha, torii, sake and nori?

Itinerary


Day 1: Kyoto

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Kyoto, Japan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you have some free time, step out onto the streets for your first taste of this beautiful city. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally 'tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in AD794, Kyoto had its golden age during the imperial court's heyday from 794 to 1185. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years (the name means Capital City) but the emperor and government are now located in Tokyo. After the meeting tonight, perhaps head out for your first taste of traditional Japanese food. As the millennium-long home of the imperial kitchen, Kyoto is known as the centre of Japanese culinary tradition, so you’re sure to begin this trip with a delicious meal.

Day 2: Kyoto

You’ll begin the day with a visit to some of Kyoto’s more important sights. Visit the opulent Nijo Castle – home to the Tokugawa Shoguns who had power over the country during the Edo period. Check out the ‘nightingale floors’ of Ninomaru Palace, which squeak to warn of intruders (like otherwise-silent ninjas). From the castle, it’s a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji – perhaps Japan’s most famous Zen garden – where carefully placed rocks sit in an immaculately raked sea of gravel. Located also nearby is the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel 'The Golden Pavilion'. This evening, take a step back in time on a walk through the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district, an entertainment district and the centre of geisha culture, coming alive at night. If you’re lucky you might spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up. If you’ve got the budget, perhaps attend a tea ceremony at one of the district's teahouses, or splash out on a kaiseki meal in a ryotei (small restaurants serving traditional multi-course cuisine).

Day 3: Kyoto

Today is a full free day and there’s so much for you to explore. With its many cultural landmarks and historical sites, and the abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is also a city that lends itself to walking, and there are a number of paths available. Recommended is a gentle stroll through the nearby eastern hills along the ‘Path of Philosophy’ that links Ginkaku-ji – the Temple of the Silver Pavilion – with Nanzen-ji Temple. This walk can be extended south through well-preserved Old Town areas to Kiyamizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) from where there is an acclaimed view across a wooded gorge toward Kyoto. Also recommended, for those visiting in spring, is a visit to the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (the Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geishas). Close to Kyoto station, you'll also find the architecturally impressive Higashi Honganji Temple and the almost surreal Sanjusangendo, home to 1001 statues of Kannon. In the late afternoon you might like to return to the Kawaramachi or Shijo Dori area of central Kyoto to browse the shops or enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants that occupy this exciting area.

Day 4: Koya-san

Spot the 120 temples dotted around Koya-san as you take the train into an important region for Shingon Buddhism. Founded in the eighth century by the Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi, Koya-san has been a centre for religious activities for over 1200 years. The last leg of the journey takes you through some of Japan’s finest scenery, on a mountain road rising through the clouds, 915 m above sea-level. The most impressive sight on Mount Koya is the massive and mysterious Okunoin cemetery, the resting place of many of Japan's most famous people. Some 200,000 stone statues, wooden totems and sometimes bizarre memorials (a rocket marks the site of a mausoleum interring the workers of an aerospace company) lie throughout this moss-laden forest. After visiting the more interesting of the mountain’s sights, make your way to the comfortable Shukubo Temple Lodging for the night. Here you might interact with some of the monks that run the lodgings, learn about the customs of traditional Japanese accommodation and enjoy some monastic vegetarian cuisine.

Day 5: Hiroshima

Return by cable railway to Gokurakubashi and make your way to Osaka to board your first bullet train, heading to Hiroshima. Travelling by shinkansen is an absolute buzz, as you’ll reach speeds of up to 270 km per hour. As you speed south, stop to visit Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji. The building, which has survived earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, was restored to its full glory in 2015. The moats, baileys, towers and walled alleyways were ingeniously designed to trick attackers – perhaps so intimidatingly that they were never in fact tested. Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families and look out over the grounds and the city below from the seventh floor. Continue on to Hiroshima and enjoy dinner together, feasting on Japan's signature savoury pancake - okonomiyaki.

Day 6: Hiroshima

This morning you’ll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both of which stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated so it was able to retain its shape – the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing means it serves as a reminder and symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose, and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims, education on what lead to the bomb’s use, as well as advocating world peace. In the afternoon you'll head for the serene, enchanting island of Miyajima, reached after a short ferry ride across the Inland Sea. The island is home to the venerable Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, famous for its huge bright orange gate (torii) that rises majestically out of the sea. At high tide it is considered to be one of the most beautiful sights in Japan. The size and physical landscape of Miyajima makes it an ideal place for walking. There is the lovely Momiji Park (known as Maple Valley), from where it is possible to walk or take a cable car up to the top of Mt Misen. Return to Hiroshima for the night and maybe try one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – your leader will have some great suggestions!

Day 7: Tsumago

Board a bullet train to Nagoya, then change to an express train and continue north to the mountainous centre of Japan. You’ll spend a memorable night in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) near the medieval village of Tsumago. Once a post town (where travellers could rest on their journey around the country) during the days of the Shogun, Tsumago is the best preserved of the many staging posts along the Edo period Nakasendo Highway. The highway once connected Tokyo with Kyoto and was immortalised in the famous woodblock prints of Hiroshige. Cars are prohibited in the main street and cables run underground in order to maintain the medieval atmosphere of the town. You’ll have the opportunity to walk along a short section of the old Nakasendo Highway, walking from the post town of Magome along the highway to your accommodation at Tsumago, enjoying some great views across the valley along the way. In tonight’s ryokan, rooms are equipped with thin futon mattresses that are spread on tatami mats for a comfortable night's sleep. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner cooked in the ryokan.

Day 8: Matsumoto

This morning you’ll have time to explore Tsumago and browse the local shops. You’ll then board a train and continue north to the picturesque castle town of Matsumoto. Matsumoto’s atmosphere is surprisingly cosmopolitan, while maintaining its historic charm and traditional streetscapes. This afternoon you'll stroll through the former merchant district of Nakamachi, lined with well preserved old buildings, where you can find local crafts, treasures and great restaurants. You’ll also have the option of visiting the city’s most famous site, the Matsumoto Castle, formerly known as Fukashi Castle. The regal-looking building has an elegant black roof and walls, and is sometimes nicknamed Crow Castle due to its resemblance to the bird spreading its wings. As the oldest original castle in the country (begun in 1592), it’s also one of Japan’s four castles listed as national treasures. You’ll spend the evening here in Matsumoto. Perhaps try the local soba noodles (some of the best in the country) and be sure to get some wasabi-based treats – the pristine waters from the alps make it grow particularly well here.

Day 9: Tokyo

In the morning, make your way by express train to Japan’s amazing capital – Tokyo – and to the hotel where you’ll be based for the next few days. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, including fascinating museums, world-class shopping, bustling energy and futuristic architecture, as well as a gentler side of neighbourhood backstreets where citizens often reveal themselves – particularly outside of working hours – to be some of the friendliest of any capital city in the world. There are many vestiges of the past, with historic temples and shrines still to be found in some of the most unexpected places, as well as an abundance of parks and gardens – particularly exquisite in spring when the cherry trees and azaleas are in bloom. After you arrive, you have free time to explore – perhaps visit the expansive grounds and moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, then enjoy the myriad food options for dinner.

Day 10: Tokyo

Today you’ll undertake a varied, full-day tour of the city, beginning in the historic Asakusa area. This is one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo, and is often called the temple district. Here you’ll stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple – founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. Browse the many interesting stalls – filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs – that line the shopping street of Nakamise dori. After lunch you’ll enjoy an alternative view of Tokyo as you relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River. You’ll pass significant buildings like the Sky Tree Tower, Asahi Beer Hall with its distinctive roof-top sculpture, the Sumo Stadium and the former Tsukiji Fish Market complex, gliding under bridges that bisect the river before alighting at the delightful urban oasis of the Hama Rikyu gardens. Here you’ll have time to stroll along paths that were once the sole preserve of the Shogun, who would hunt ducks here in the feudal era. Later you can make your way to the luxurious shopping district of Ginza where, depending on the theatre schedule, you may have the chance to see a short performance of Kabuki, one of Japan’s more spectacular performing arts, or visit the food depachika basement floor of a department store to see the huge range of produce exquisitely displayed.

Day 11: Tokyo

Your Japan adventure comes to an end today. With no activities planned, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time after check out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Departure Dates


Start DateEnd DatePrice 
Jun 22, 2025Jul 2, 2025$9,765.00
Jul 2, 2025Jul 12, 2025$10,315.00
Jul 9, 2025Jul 19, 2025$10,175.00
Aug 17, 2025Aug 27, 2025$9,770.00
Aug 24, 2025Sep 3, 2025$9,975.00
Aug 31, 2025Sep 10, 2025$9,770.00
Sep 7, 2025Sep 17, 2025$10,370.00
Sep 14, 2025Sep 24, 2025$10,160.00
Sep 21, 2025Oct 1, 2025$11,055.00
Sep 28, 2025Oct 8, 2025$10,775.00
Oct 1, 2025Oct 11, 2025$11,615.00
Oct 5, 2025Oct 15, 2025$11,485.00
Oct 8, 2025Oct 18, 2025$10,760.00
Oct 12, 2025Oct 22, 2025$10,760.00
Oct 15, 2025Oct 25, 2025$10,930.00
Oct 19, 2025Oct 29, 2025$10,640.00
Oct 26, 2025Nov 5, 2025$10,465.00
Nov 9, 2025Nov 19, 2025$10,370.00
Nov 12, 2025Nov 22, 2025$9,770.00
Dec 7, 2025Dec 17, 2025$8,910.00
Jan 18, 2026Jan 28, 2026$9,165.00
Feb 15, 2026Feb 25, 2026$9,165.00
Mar 1, 2026Mar 11, 2026$9,165.00
Mar 8, 2026Mar 18, 2026$9,165.00
Mar 15, 2026Mar 25, 2026$10,640.00
Mar 20, 2026Mar 30, 2026$10,640.00
Mar 22, 2026Apr 1, 2026$10,640.00
Mar 25, 2026Apr 4, 2026$10,640.00
Mar 27, 2026Apr 6, 2026$11,055.00
Mar 29, 2026Apr 8, 2026$11,055.00
Mar 30, 2026Apr 9, 2026$11,055.00
Apr 1, 2026Apr 11, 2026$11,055.00
Apr 3, 2026Apr 13, 2026$11,055.00
Apr 5, 2026Apr 15, 2026$11,055.00
Apr 6, 2026Apr 16, 2026$11,055.00
Apr 8, 2026Apr 18, 2026$11,055.00
Apr 9, 2026Apr 19, 2026$11,055.00
Apr 10, 2026Apr 20, 2026$10,640.00
Apr 12, 2026Apr 22, 2026$10,640.00
Apr 13, 2026Apr 23, 2026$10,640.00
May 7, 2026May 17, 2026$10,640.00
May 13, 2026May 23, 2026$10,235.00
May 17, 2026May 27, 2026$10,235.00
May 20, 2026May 30, 2026$10,235.00
May 24, 2026Jun 3, 2026$10,235.00
May 31, 2026Jun 10, 2026$9,165.00
Jun 7, 2026Jun 17, 2026$9,165.00
Jun 14, 2026Jun 24, 2026$9,165.00
Jun 21, 2026Jul 1, 2026$9,165.00
Jul 1, 2026Jul 11, 2026$9,165.00
Jul 8, 2026Jul 18, 2026$9,165.00
Jul 29, 2026Aug 8, 2026$10,235.00
Aug 5, 2026Aug 15, 2026$9,770.00
Aug 16, 2026Aug 26, 2026$10,235.00
Aug 23, 2026Sep 2, 2026$10,235.00
Sep 2, 2026Sep 12, 2026$10,235.00
Sep 4, 2026Sep 14, 2026$10,235.00
Sep 6, 2026Sep 16, 2026$10,640.00
Sep 25, 2026Oct 5, 2026$10,640.00
Sep 27, 2026Oct 7, 2026$11,055.00
Sep 28, 2026Oct 8, 2026$11,055.00
Sep 30, 2026Oct 10, 2026$11,055.00
Oct 4, 2026Oct 14, 2026$11,055.00
Oct 7, 2026Oct 17, 2026$11,055.00
Oct 11, 2026Oct 21, 2026$11,055.00
Oct 14, 2026Oct 24, 2026$10,640.00
Oct 18, 2026Oct 28, 2026$10,640.00
Oct 25, 2026Nov 4, 2026$10,640.00
Oct 28, 2026Nov 7, 2026$10,640.00
Nov 1, 2026Nov 11, 2026$10,640.00
Nov 8, 2026Nov 18, 2026$10,640.00
Nov 15, 2026Nov 25, 2026$10,235.00
Nov 22, 2026Dec 2, 2026$10,235.00
Dec 6, 2026Dec 16, 2026$9,165.00
Jan 17, 2027Jan 27, 2027$8,745.00
Feb 14, 2027Feb 24, 2027$8,745.00
Feb 28, 2027Mar 10, 2027$8,745.00
Mar 7, 2027Mar 17, 2027$8,745.00
Mar 14, 2027Mar 24, 2027$9,770.00
Mar 19, 2027Mar 29, 2027$9,770.00
Mar 21, 2027Mar 31, 2027$9,770.00
Mar 24, 2027Apr 3, 2027$9,770.00
Mar 26, 2027Apr 5, 2027$9,770.00
Mar 28, 2027Apr 7, 2027$9,770.00
Mar 29, 2027Apr 8, 2027$9,770.00
Mar 31, 2027Apr 10, 2027$9,770.00
Apr 2, 2027Apr 12, 2027$9,770.00
Apr 4, 2027Apr 14, 2027$9,770.00
Apr 5, 2027Apr 15, 2027$9,770.00
Apr 7, 2027Apr 17, 2027$9,770.00
Apr 8, 2027Apr 18, 2027$9,770.00
Apr 9, 2027Apr 19, 2027$9,770.00
Apr 11, 2027Apr 21, 2027$9,770.00
Apr 12, 2027Apr 22, 2027$8,745.00
May 6, 2027May 16, 2027$8,745.00
May 12, 2027May 22, 2027$9,770.00
May 16, 2027May 26, 2027$9,770.00
May 19, 2027May 29, 2027$9,770.00
May 23, 2027Jun 2, 2027$9,770.00
May 30, 2027Jun 9, 2027$8,745.00
Jun 6, 2027Jun 16, 2027$8,745.00
Jun 13, 2027Jun 23, 2027$8,745.00
Jun 20, 2027Jun 30, 2027$8,745.00
Jun 30, 2027Jul 10, 2027$8,745.00
Jul 7, 2027Jul 17, 2027$8,745.00
Jul 28, 2027Aug 7, 2027$9,770.00
Aug 4, 2027Aug 14, 2027$9,770.00
Aug 15, 2027Aug 25, 2027$9,770.00
Aug 22, 2027Sep 1, 2027$9,770.00
Sep 1, 2027Sep 11, 2027$9,770.00
Sep 3, 2027Sep 13, 2027$9,770.00
Sep 5, 2027Sep 15, 2027$9,770.00
Sep 24, 2027Oct 4, 2027$9,770.00
Sep 26, 2027Oct 6, 2027$9,770.00
Sep 27, 2027Oct 7, 2027$9,770.00
Sep 29, 2027Oct 9, 2027$9,770.00
Oct 3, 2027Oct 13, 2027$9,770.00
Oct 6, 2027Oct 16, 2027$9,770.00
Oct 10, 2027Oct 20, 2027$9,770.00
Oct 13, 2027Oct 23, 2027$9,770.00
Oct 17, 2027Oct 27, 2027$9,770.00
Oct 24, 2027Nov 3, 2027$9,770.00
Oct 27, 2027Nov 6, 2027$9,770.00
Oct 31, 2027Nov 10, 2027$9,770.00
Nov 7, 2027Nov 17, 2027$9,770.00
Nov 14, 2027Nov 24, 2027$9,770.00
Nov 21, 2027Dec 1, 2027$9,770.00
Dec 5, 2027Dec 15, 2027$8,745.00