Day 1 UK to Sapporo 

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Sapporo. 

 

Day 2 Sapporo 

On arrival in Sapporo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in before tonight's welcome dinner in a local restaurant introduces you to Japan's famed cuisine. 

 

Day 3 Sapporo 

Travel to the port city of Otaru and visit a Sake Brewery for a tour through the making process and a tasting of this truly unique drink. Take some time to walk along the Otaru Canal, the city's central waterway. Once the lifeblood of the city, it fell into disuse when modern dock facilities were opened but now boasts a gleaming restoration, with old gas lamps lining its path. Once back in Sapporo take a stroll through the city with your guide to see the Clock Tower, Odori Park and Susukino area which is Japan's largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. Breakfast & Dinner 

 

Day 4 Sapporo to Hakodate 

Pack an overnight bag for your trip to Hakodate then, after breakfast, board an express train, travelling through the countryside to Hakodate. On arrival, cross the moats that surround the star-shaped former fort of Goryokaku and explore the tranquil green grounds. Next, travel to Mount Hakodate for a cable car ride to its summit, with each season offering a different bird's eye view of the city, from delicate cherry blossoms to ice-capped rooftops. Continue on to your hotel in Hakodate. 

 

Day 5 Hakodate to Tokyo 

Catch a local train and join Hakodate's locals this morning as you browse the lively Morning Market, exploring over 280 stores hawking everything from salted squid and hairy crab - culinary specialities of the area, to souvenirs and locally crafted sake. Browse through the wares on offer then board your high-speed train to Tokyo. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Japan's dazzling capital on a local train. 

 

Day 6 Tokyo 

Breakfast & Dinner 

Tokyo's enchanting fusion of futuristic districts, centuries-old palaces, family-run ramen booths and spotlessly clean streets, dotted with cutesy anime depictions, provides endless chances for exploration. Today's full-day city tour begins with a visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Enter the sprawling complex through a towering wooden gate or 'torii' and explore the inner garden and architecture. then visit the magnificent Imperial Palace, taking in its moats, gardens and the picturesque Niju Bridge. Continue to Asakusa Kannon Buddhist Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down the age-old Nakamise Shopping Street to reach the main hall and pagoda, where fragrant incense and Buddhist prayer chants fill the air. End your city tour with a browse through the stalls that line Ameya Yokocho Street. 

 

Day 7 Tokyo to Hakone 

Following breakfast, travel by coach to Hakone. On arrival, make your way to the Hakone Open Air Museum. Take a Hakone Ropeway ride to a mountaintop station with spectacular vistas of the sparkling waters of Lake Ashi and towering Mount Fuji. A short walking trail leads to Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic crater, where hot springs, bubbling pools and steam vents serve as reminders of the area’s volcanic might. Continue on to the shores of Lake Ashi and enjoy a short cruise on this idyllic lake, surrounded by mountains and greenery. 

 

Day 8 Hakone to Matsumoto 

Witness the grandeur of Mount Fuji as a coach ride takes you to the Fifth Station at the mountain's base. Enjoy unobstructed views from the observation deck before learning more about the mountain's cultural significance at the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre. Your coach ride continues on to the ancient hillside city of Matsumoto. Discover Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful and oldest castles. Ringed by a moat and soaring up over five stories, a climb up the steps to the top will reward you with mesmerizing views. Check into your hotel in Matsumoto for your overnight stay. 

 

Day 9 Matsumoto to Kyoto 

Journey into the Japanese highlands of Yudanaka for an unforgettable encounter with the fluffy snow monkeys of the region, which can survive temperatures of below -15 degrees Centigrade. Witness these fascinating creatures lounging and paddling in the steaming onsen, or hot springs, as they beat the icy conditions. Accustomed to their daily encounters with humans, these fearless primates allow an up-close, memorable experience. Drive onward to Nagano's impressive Zenkoji Temple, which houses what is believed to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. Later, board your train and travel through picturesque rural landscapes, arriving in Kyoto for tonight's stay. Catch a local train to your hotel for tonight's stay. 

 

Day 10 Kyoto 

Experience traditional Japan at its finest as you explore Kyoto, a city of shrines, temples and geisha teahouses. Explore the UNESCO-recognised fortifications and chambers of Nijo Castle then look out for geishas draped in lavish kimonos as you walk through the geisha district of Gion at the end of a thrilling day of exploration. Discover the ancient hallways and sacred waterfall of Kiyomizudera Temple then walk along the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, past charming traditional wooden houses and shops. Enjoy double visions of gold as you witness the gold-leafed pavilion of Kinkaku-ji and its shimmering reflection mirrored in the surrounding moat. Wander the Zen gardens of Nanzenji Temple before sampling the region's fragrant teas at a traditional tea ceremony in the temple hall. 

 

Day 11 Kyoto to Hiroshima 

In the morning visit Fushimi Inari and stroll through an amazing arcade of vivid red 'torii', or shrine gates, inscribed with dedications to Inari, the god of rice. Depart Kyoto for Hiroshima, travelling to Japan's former capital city, Nara, where you'll visit the Todaiji Temple and the world's largest bronze Buddha statue nestled in its interior. Watch over 1,200 deer roaming nearby Nara Park, where deer crackers can be purchased and fed to these friendly park inhabitants. Drive onward to Osaka and catch your bullet train to Hiroshima for your overnight stay. 

 

Day 12 Hiroshima 

Start your day with a visit to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park & Museum where photos and belonging of victims of the Hiroshima bombing are on display, serving as a reminder of the horror of the devastating event. Visit the A-Bomb Dome, one of the buildings which survived the blasts and remains as a symbol of peace in the city, before continuing onward to Miyajima. Take a boat ride to Miyajima Island, known as the 'Island of the Gods' and visit the awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine and its towering, free-standing wooden gate which stands in the middle of the sea. Return to your hotel in Hiroshima. 

 

Day 13 Hiroshima to Fukuoka 

Take a morning tram journey before departing Hiroshima on a bullet train ride to Fukuoka. Well known for its ancient temples, beaches and beautiful Maizuru Park which contains the ruins of 17th-century Fukuoka Castle, Visit the tranquil Dazaifu Temmangu Shrine and learn more about Japan’s long and rich history at the Kyushu National Museum before continuing onward to your hotel for check-in. This evening, visit the Nakasu Area and follow your nose around the fragrant street food stalls. Leave space for tonight’s farewell dinner, which marks the end of your Japanese adventure. 

 

Day 14 Fukuoka to UK 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. 

During this tour you will be on various trains ranging from Local trains to Bullet trains. There are some luggage restrictions on Japanese trains and so your main luggage may need to be transported overnight. It is advisable to take a smaller overnight bag with you for these days. Your guide will assist you in advance with this matter. All train carriages are booked with comfortable seats and air conditioning. 

Questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel 

Please note Gluten free food is very limited in Japan and while every effort is made to assist you, this requirement cannot be guaranteed.