You are viewing the consumer version of the trip page.Please click here to return to search results where you can access the agent version of these trip pages.
Embrace the timeless tradition and modern spirit of Japan's iconic sites, from the neon skyline of Tokyo to the foodie hotspot of Osaka. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kotohira, spend the night in a traditional ryokan and contemplate world peace in Hiroshima.
Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you'll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - New Otani Garden Tower
We launch our City Tour in the old-time entertainment centre of Asakusa, where we'll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. One of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples, Sensoji has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site. Strolling down Nakamise next, we immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colourful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. We'll ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower for panoramic views of the city, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or on an Optional Experience where a professional stylist will dress you in a traditional Japanese kimono.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Kimono Dressing Experience
From cotton summer yukatas to silk kimonos, these pieces of wearable art are icons of Japanese style. Visit a specialist kimono hiring shop and have fun getting dressed up in traditional Japanese style with the assistance of an expert ‘kimono dresser’ who will show you the tricks to make it easy. Choose your preferred colour of kimono which will come with a matching bag and shoes. A professional stylist will dress you in the kimono and afterwards enjoy some free time to stroll through streets wearing your kimono! Strike a pose for camera carrying visitors or just simply act like a local and take a relaxing stroll through the streets. Great fun for both ladies and gentlemen. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Off to the Five Lakes District
Our first stop today is the Imperial Palace Plaza from where the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed. We'll have the opportunity to explore the leafy Imperial Palace East Gardens before continuing our City Tour. At the Edo-Tokyo Museum, we delve into the history and culture of Tokyo's Edo era, then continue to the Ginza district where we'll learn how to make sushi with a 'Local Specialist'. We venture to the Five Lakes District next, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCO listed Mt. Fuji which dominates the landscape.
Visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five Lakes district, renowned for eight natural spring water ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in its clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 metres at the 5th station. Ride up Mt. Tenjo on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway next, for jaw-dropping views (weather permitting) of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Then, journey through the Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama, before enjoying dinner at the hotel.
Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu - beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this afternoon during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them. Next, meet a local family in one of these houses, then 'Dive Into Culture' observing local artisans making washi paper and trying your hand at making your own. 'Make A Difference' to the sustainability of this small business during your visit. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Join a 'Local Specialist' this morning to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf, a delicate craft the Japanese have been perfecting since the 16th century. Continue to the tranquil gardens of Kenrokuen, which took shape over a hundred years to emerge as one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your exquisite natural surrounds, you'll stroll through ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a short walk through the Omicho market next to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insider's view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Then, visit the Nagamachi District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Shabu Shabu Dinner with Unlimited Drinks
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water and served with dipping sauces. This particular way of eating hot pot dining originated in Osaka during the 1950s but has since spread all across Japan and even to other countries. Appetizers are served first and include edamame, small eggs and salad followed by the ‘all you can eat’ main course and then dessert. Cook your own meat in the hotpot with vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, onions and mushrooms and then dip your cooked meats and vegetables into the dipping sauce. You will share the hot pot that you cook the meat and vegetables in with your family and friends. Unlimited drinks are included with a choice of beer, wine and soft drinks. Transfers to/from the restaurant are included. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥6,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Onwards to Kyoto
We board an Express train this morning to Kyoto, where we'll 'Connect With Locals' at a traditional ryokan, built in 1932 to serve as the second residence of Emperor Akihito's uncle. We'll enjoy a 'Be My Guest' lunch and learn about local Japanese customs as our hosts welcome us into their beautiful home. After lunch, we visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple with its famous Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14th century villa.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Gion Corner, Kyoto
The Gion corner is a unique experience where you can observe seven of Kyoto’s traditional performing arts, all on one stage. See a Bunraku puppet play; A UNESCO listed traditional Japanese puppet performance. Listen to the wonderful harmonies of Koto Music, as a master plays an ancient six stringed zither using ivory plectrums worn on their fingers. Watch Kyo-Mai, an elegant and dazzling dance performed by Maiko dancers in beautiful and ornate dress. Enjoy a performance of Kyogen Theatre, a comical play portraying humorous stories of daily life. Experience Gagaku (court music), the indigenous Japanese music performed at imperial court shrines and temples. During the evening observe the art of creating flower arrangements and a traditional ‘Ryurei style’ tea ceremony. There is also a Maiko Gallery, displaying costumes, hair decorations and videos of Maiko Dancers. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥3,900.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Discover Enchanting Kyoto
The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide our path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. We continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the minute detail of each of its 1,001 "thousand-handed" goddesses of mercy statues, then enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. This evening, we indulge in a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.
No journey to Kyoto is complete without a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu Temple on Mt Otowa. On this tour to the ancient temple, you'll have the chance to partake in a creative fan-painting experience that honours the 1,200-year history of paper fans, before heading to the main attraction. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple includes an extravagant Main Hall (Hondo) and beautiful Jishu-Jinja Shinto Shrine just waiting to be explored. It's also one of the best spots in the city to capture a memorable photo of the Kyoto skyline. Uncovering the history of Kyoto's most famous traditions and sights, this tour is worth a place on any traveller's bucket list.
Adult Price: ¥0.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Cross the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island
This morning we leave Japan's main island Honshu behind, crossing the world's largest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Enjoy free time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. One of the most striking features is the '100 Stepped Garden' - a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread over several levels. Visit the Water Temple and admire the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters. Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira where our accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories' - a traditional Japanese ryokan. We'll have some time this evening to climb the steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later perhaps take a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at our hotel.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho (ryokan)
This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometres and was traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to complete. It is still done by many people today although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. Continue to Omishima Island and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometre highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.
We travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island, where we'll see the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate that stands majestically in the sea. After some free time for lunch and to explore the island's spiritual sanctuaries, we return to Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that followed the world's first atomic explosion in 1945 as you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area and an expression of hope for world peace. This evening, we'll indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate.
Board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Dotonbori Street area. Visit Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Our encounter with Japan's centuries-old traditions and modern cityscapes at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport, or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Kimono Dressing Experience
From cotton summer yukatas to silk kimonos, these pieces of wearable art are icons of Japanese style. Visit a specialist kimono hiring shop and have fun getting dressed up in traditional Japanese style with the assistance of an expert ‘kimono dresser’ who will show you the tricks to make it easy. Choose your preferred colour of kimono which will come with a matching bag and shoes. A professional stylist will dress you in the kimono and afterwards enjoy some free time to stroll through streets wearing your kimono! Strike a pose for camera carrying visitors or just simply act like a local and take a relaxing stroll through the streets. Great fun for both ladies and gentlemen. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Shabu Shabu Dinner with Unlimited Drinks
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water and served with dipping sauces. This particular way of eating hot pot dining originated in Osaka during the 1950s but has since spread all across Japan and even to other countries. Appetizers are served first and include edamame, small eggs and salad followed by the ‘all you can eat’ main course and then dessert. Cook your own meat in the hotpot with vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, onions and mushrooms and then dip your cooked meats and vegetables into the dipping sauce. You will share the hot pot that you cook the meat and vegetables in with your family and friends. Unlimited drinks are included with a choice of beer, wine and soft drinks. Transfers to/from the restaurant are included. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥6,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Gion Corner, Kyoto
The Gion corner is a unique experience where you can observe seven of Kyoto’s traditional performing arts, all on one stage. See a Bunraku puppet play; A UNESCO listed traditional Japanese puppet performance. Listen to the wonderful harmonies of Koto Music, as a master plays an ancient six stringed zither using ivory plectrums worn on their fingers. Watch Kyo-Mai, an elegant and dazzling dance performed by Maiko dancers in beautiful and ornate dress. Enjoy a performance of Kyogen Theatre, a comical play portraying humorous stories of daily life. Experience Gagaku (court music), the indigenous Japanese music performed at imperial court shrines and temples. During the evening observe the art of creating flower arrangements and a traditional ‘Ryurei style’ tea ceremony. There is also a Maiko Gallery, displaying costumes, hair decorations and videos of Maiko Dancers. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥3,900.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Fan Painting Experience and Kiyomizu Temple
No journey to Kyoto is complete without a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu Temple on Mt Otowa. On this tour to the ancient temple, you'll have the chance to partake in a creative fan-painting experience that honours the 1,200-year history of paper fans, before heading to the main attraction. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple includes an extravagant Main Hall (Hondo) and beautiful Jishu-Jinja Shinto Shrine just waiting to be explored. It's also one of the best spots in the city to capture a memorable photo of the Kyoto skyline. Uncovering the history of Kyoto's most famous traditions and sights, this tour is worth a place on any traveller's bucket list.
Adult Price: ¥0.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
A kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese ryokan home near Kyoto where you will learn about local customs. (Day 7)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Sample Japanese sake during a walking tour in the Edo-style streets of Takayama Old Town. (Day 5) Learn how local artisans make Japanese washi paper in the UNESCO village of Gokayama. (Day 5) Sample the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki. (Day 11)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
Sushi making in Tokyo. (Day 3) Gold Leaf painting in Kanazawa. (Day 6)
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Help support a local business with a visit to a washi paper workshop. You'll watch the family at work, and test your paper-making skills for yourself. (Day 5)
STAYS WITH STORIES
Enjoy genuine Japanese hospitality at a traditional ryokan in the mountain hot springs village of Kotohira. (Day 9)
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
SEE the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama, the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa
Experience Ti Filled Icon
VISIT the Sensoji Temple, the Skytree Observation Tower, the Edo Tokyo Museumin Tokyo, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sanjusangen-do Hall in Kyoto, the Water Temple on Awaji Island, Zentsuji Temple, the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima and Osaka Castle
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Luxury air-conditioned coach or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Handcrafted Highlights
Feefo T T Icon
LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELERS REVIEWS
Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall Rating
4.5
Out of 5
Based on 459 independent reviews
Trip Rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.5
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
277
4
Review Star Icon
149
3
Review Star Icon
25
2
Review Star Icon
6
1
Review Star Icon
2
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
4.5
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
316
4
Review Star Icon
118
3
Review Star Icon
18
2
Review Star Icon
5
1
Review Star Icon
2
Navigation Chevron Left Icon
Robert Rowe My Account Icon
Clock Icon
Quote Icon
Emotional in Hiroshima.
Trip Rating
Review Star Icon
4
Tour was not too busy, lots of personal time. Learned many new cultural themes and always good to try different foods from around the world
Excellent tour manager but too much emphasis on shopping. All other Trafalgar tour had only 1 bus and driver. This tour had 4 buses and drivers. What was the difference? All hotels, special stops and food were the best we have seen in years
The tour guide's capacity for organization, knowledge and ability to work with many different personalities was great. Route itinerary was well chosen with excellent destinations, hotels and food selections.
Excellent in terms of the numerous sites/sights and cultural experiences offered! Hotels were more than adequate and the coach was comfortable with rest stops as needed.
In a relatively short time, I experienced numerous cultural experiences as well as the many sights/sites and sounds of Japan - all amazing in their beauty and history. The itinerary was exceptional and the personal service from the guide, outstanding. For example, I have a fish allergy and my guide made sure that nothing associated with fish ever touched my lips. The hotels were generally very good and you will not suffer from hunger on this trip. If you are looking to get a good insight into Japan, I suggest you consider taking this tour - it is well worth it!
Excellent Tour Director and the food was amazing in Japan!
Trip Rating
Review Star Icon
4
Most of the hotels were very nice and even had onsens (hot springs bath situated in the hotels).Only a few were a bit out of town and would require a taxi. Luckily, dinner was included for those hotels out of town. The other negative was drinks were not included in our meals with Trafalgar.
The itinerary set out was a nice relaxed pace. We had enough free time on our own and enjoyed everything being organized with different and interesting experiences. Food experiences was great!
Overall trip to Japan with Hiroshima was great! Travel Director was knowledgeable and organized and was constantly checking on details and making sure all activities went smoothly. All sights and culture/food/hotel experiences were wonderful. The issue we had was the communication with the booking and website information. Trip was not confirmed until two months prior to leaving. We called and emailed but the people we talked to did not have any knowledge if the trip was a go and did not know any information. This resulted in overpaying for flights and losing on premium economy seats which we normally book for long haul flights. The website stated luggage restrictions with luggage dimensions but when I called she said do not worry about dimensions as long as the luggage was under 50 lbs. The website should be updated. Even though, we enjoyed our trip, I would hesitate to book with Trafalgar again.
2023 departures: For trips departing from 29 March 2023 onwards, these are subject to change of itinerary, price, discount and hotels and will be confirmed in June 2021.
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are closed on Fridays so trips starting in Tokyo on Wednesdays will visit the Hamarikyu Japanese Garden instead.
Cherry Blossom season varies between different regions of Japan and is dependent on weather conditions so can also vary slightly each year. Late March to early April are the most likely times to experience it on this trip but this is not guaranteed.
Gion Festival: Takes place annually in Kyoto and is one of the most famous festivals in Japan. Events and parades are held for the entire month of July.
Takayama Festival: The 11 April and 06 October departures celebrate the Takayama Festival and spend an extra day and night in the city for guests to enjoy the parades, events and festivities. Kanazawa is reduced from a 2 night stay to a 1 night stay.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
Navigation Close Icon
Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
