Essence of Japan

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your overnight flight to Tokyo.

On arrival, transfer to Shinjuku, the futuristic, neon-lit neighbourhood in the heart of Tokyo. The of the day is free.

With an expert guide, dive into the energy of this dazzling metropolis. Walk beneath towering skyscrapers and the world’s tallest self-supporting tower, the Tokyo Skytree, and uncover the city’s traditional side. Along the way, hear the stories behind iconic landmarks including the moated Imperial Palace, Tokyo’s oldest temple Sensō-ji, and the serene Meiji Shrine, set along a peaceful tree-lined avenue.

Meals: Breakfast

Rising dramatically to 3,776m, Mount Fuji dominates the landscape as Japan’s tallest peak. Clouds often drift around this active volcano, but there could be clear skies travelling from Tokyo to Matsumoto. On a fine day, you may spot Fuji’s snow-capped summit mirrored in the still waters of Lake Kawaguchi.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Matsumoto Castle ranks among Japan’s most beautiful castles, a striking blend of timber and stone crowned by a distinctive moon-viewing turret. In spring, you can wander beneath blooming cherry blossoms in the surrounding gardens. After, stop at a traditional brewery to sample sake before continuing through dense pine forests and snow-dusted peaks of the Japanese Alps toward the historic hill town of Takayama. Here, visit the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum showcasing traditional farmhouses and local crafts. You can also upgrade to stay overnight in a traditional Japanese ryokan.

Selected departures in April and October coincide with a stay in Takayama during the much-anticipated Takayama festival. This 16th century tradition began as a time to thank the gods for the harvest (the festival is celebrated twice a year; once in spring and once in the autumn). The main attractions are the magnificent yatai (floats). Arrive in time for the Yoi-Matsuri (night parade), when the floats are pulled through the streets of the lantern-lit old town (weather dependent) by locals dressed in traditional costume. Watching the yatai move through the historic streets is magical and is considered the highlight of the whole festival.

Meals: Breakfast

With its Meiji-era inns, hillside shrines, and gentle riverside setting, Takayama captures traditional Japan at its most charming. On a guided walking tour, explore highlights including the open-air flower and fruit market and the historic government house.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel by coach to Kanazawa, stopping en route at the World Heritage-listed Shirakawago Village. Kanazawa, a preserved former castle town, is famed for its samurai and geisha districts. The sightseeing includes Omicho Market and Higashi Chayagai, the historic teahouse quarter.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight bags are packed while the main luggage transfers ahead to Kyoto. This morning, revisit Kanazawa to see the exquisite Kenroku-en Garden and the BukeYashiki (Samurai House).

Created in the 1620s and opened to the public in 1874, Kenroku-en covers 11.4 hectares and embodies the ideals of a classic Japanese garden, with tranquil ponds, rolling hills, and seasonal blossoms.

From the quiet streets of Kanazawa, switch gears and board the Shinkansen. Japan’s bullet train carries us swiftly and smoothly to Hiroshima.

Meals: Breakfast

Hiroshima is one of Japan’s greenest cities, renowned for its wide boulevards and riverside parks. Today, take a ferry to Miyajima Island to admire the ancient Itsukushima Shrine and its iconic floating torii gate, with time to stroll through the surrounding park. If you travel in autumn, the maples glow with vivid red and gold.

Back in Hiroshima, walk through the Peace Memorial Park and spend time at the Atomic Bomb Museum for quiet reflection.

Meals: Breakfast

Take the morning bullet train to Osaka, then continue by coach to Nara, one of Japan’s ancient capitals. The vast 8th-century Todaiji Temple is remarkable, but the friendly deer roaming freely through Nara Park are just as memorable — you can even buy crackers to feed them.

Arrive in Kyoto this afternoon. Rich in temples, gardens, and traditional crafts, it is one of the highlights of the journey. Spend time in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, to learn more about this fascinating cultural tradition.

Meals: Breakfast

This morning’s guided tour includes Ryoanji Temple, home to a celebrated Zen rock garden, and the glittering Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, whose upper floors are covered in gold leaf. Visit Nijo Castle, renowned for its “nightingale floors” that chirp softly underfoot as a historic security feature.

Meals: Breakfast

Before departing Kyoto, take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony – a fitting experience in the birthplace of this elegant ritual. Learn the subtle details of preparing and serving tea, from the handling of the bowl to the appreciation of its design. Later, take another bullet train Mishima.

Meals: Breakfast

Drive to Hakone and cruise across Lake Ashi, taking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Then ride the cable car up to Owakudani Valley, a steaming volcanic landscape within Mount Hakone’s crater. Later, return to Tokyo.

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Meals: Breakfast