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0208 385 6861The Essence of Japan: 13 days of Culture, Cuisine & Scenery Detailed Itinerary
Day
0
Depart from the UK
Description: Your journey begins as you fly from the UK to Japan, preparing to experience an incredible mix of modern marvels and ancient traditions. Enjoy meals on board as you get ready for your adventure.
On board the flight.
Day
1
Arrival in Tokyo
Description: Welcome to Tokyo! Upon landing at Haneda or Narita Airport, an English-speaking assistant will greet you, provide a Wi-Fi router, PASMO transit card, and Hakone Free Pass for convenient travel. Relax during your private car transfer to the hotel, where you’ll settle in and rest for the journey ahead.
Metropolitan Ikebukuro, Park Hotel Tokyo, Gracery Shinjuku, or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
2
Tokyo Guided Sightseeing
Description: Meet your guide for an exciting day exploring Tokyo’s iconic landmarks. Start with a visit to Tokyo Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Continue to the Imperial Palace Plaza, then head to Asakusa to see the vibrant Sensoji Temple and Nakamise shopping arcade. In the evening, take a scenic Sumida River Cruise from Asakusa to Odaiba.
Breakfast at the hotel
Metropolitan Ikebukuro or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
3
Free Day in Tokyo
Description: Today is yours to enjoy Tokyo as you wish. Explore famous districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, shop in Ginza, or dive into the youth culture of Harajuku. Tokyo offers endless options for dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
Breakfast at the hotel
Metropolitan Ikebukuro or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
4
Tokyo to Hakone
Description: After breakfast, meet your assistant for luggage transfer arrangements to Kyoto. Travel by express train to Hakone, where stunning natural scenery and hot springs await. Spend your afternoon settling in and enjoying the amenities of your Hakone hotel.
Breakfast and dinner at the hotel
Hakone Kowakien Ten-Yu, Yumoto Fujiya Hotel, or similar 4-star hotel
Day
5
Free Day in Hakone
Description: Relax in Hakone, a scenic town known for its hot springs and views of Mt. Fuji. Take advantage of your Hakone Free Pass to explore attractions like the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Lake Ashi cruise, or volcanic Owakudani Valley.
Breakfast at the hotel
Hakone Kowakien Ten-Yu or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
6
Hakone to Kyoto
Description: After breakfast, make your way to Odawara Station with your Hakone Free Pass and board the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto, a city steeped in tradition and beauty. Once in Kyoto, check in to your hotel and unwind for the day.
Breakfast at the hotel
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto, Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
7
Kyoto Guided Sightseeing
Description: Join your guide to discover Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates, followed by the tranquil Tofukuji Temple. End the day at the historic Kiyomizudera Temple and stroll through the charming streets of Higashiyama.
Breakfast at the hotel
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
8
Free Day in Kyoto
Description: Spend a full day exploring Kyoto’s renowned sites, from the Golden Pavilion to the bamboo groves of Arashiyama. You may also want to visit the bustling Nishiki Market or relax in the peaceful Gion district, known for traditional tea houses and geisha sightings.
Breakfast at the hotel
Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
9
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Description: Board the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, where your main luggage will be forwarded to Osaka, so pack an overnight bag. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and explore Hiroshima’s moving history or simply relax.
Breakfast at the hotel
Granvia Hiroshima, Daiwa Roynet Hiroshima-Ekimae, or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
10
Free Day in Hiroshima
Description: Discover Hiroshima’s sights, including the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, and nearby Miyajima Island, home to the famous “floating” torii gate and the scenic Itsukushima Shrine.
Breakfast at the hotel
Daiwa Roynet Hiroshima-Ekimae or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
11
Hiroshima to Osaka with Evening Food Tour
Description: Take the bullet train to Osaka, known for its vibrant food scene. In the evening, join a guided food tour through the lively Dotonbori district, sampling Osaka’s famous street food specialties, such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
Breakfast at the hotel and dinner on the food tour.
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka, Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA, or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
12
Free Day in Osaka
Description: Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka, where you can visit Osaka Castle, explore the Umeda Sky Building, or indulge in more local cuisine in Namba and Shinsaibashi.
Breakfast at the hotel
Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar 4-star hotel.
Day
13
Departure from Osaka
Description: A private car will take you to Kansai International Airport for your return flight to the UK. Reflect on your journey through Japan’s rich cultural and historical sites as you bid farewell.
Breakfast at the hotel
