Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Tokyo - Kyoto - Ise - Nara - Miyajima Island
100% customisable for you
Leave the familiar behind and embrace new cultures, because today, your Japanese journey begins. Make sure you’ve consulted our recommended reading list because after heading to the airport and relaxing in the lounge, you’ve got 14 hours in the air to kill.
Your flight will land in Tokyo in the early morning (hopefully you managed to steal a few hours of sleep), and your guide will welcome you before being transferred to your skyscraper hotel. Have a quick freshen up for this afternoons activity: a private guided tour of Tokyo and introduction to Japanese culture. Your first stop is Meiji Shrine, one of the grandest Shinto shrines in Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. After learning how to make an offering, you’ll continue to Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district and home to Senso-ji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple. The streets surrounding the temple are home to many traditional shops, so wander through them (and try not to fill your suitcase with souvenirs on your first day).
Today is free for you to explore the most appealing parts of Tokyo. Our dedicated Concierge will be on hand to assist with recommendations and reservations, from tickets to the towering Tokyo Sky Tree to a table at the hottest restaurant in town. If museums are your thing, then check out Ueno, the museum district where you’ll find traditional Japanese art at Tokyo National Museum. For a spot of shopping, head to the luxury shopping area of Ginza for fashion shops or Akihabara for manga, anime and quirky-themed cafes.
Take a trip just outside Tokyo for today’s guided tour of Kamakura. An ancient capital of Japan, Kamakura is one of the most beautiful cultural hubs in Kanagawa and is packed with temples, shrines and seasonal festivals. Known for its gigantic bronze Buddha that resides at Kotoku-in temple, Kamakura has its own identity and character. Make sure you explore the side streets and back alleyways to discover the quieter side of the city.
Discover the historic town of Nikko, situated on the edge of Nikko National Park, alongside a private guide. This town is home to the renowned World Heritage site of Tosho-gu Shrine, at the heart of which lies the opulent mausoleum (burial chamber) of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Even before the shrine was constructed in the 1600s, Nikko was a significant centre of Buddhism and Shintoism, attracting pilgrims from far and wide. So, put your history hats on, as you’ll learn all this and more during the tour.
Wave goodbye to Japan’s shining capital and begin today’s journey to Ise. You’ll be travelling by bullet train to Nagoya before boarding a local train to Ise and checking into your serene hotel, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Dating back to the third century AD, Ise Jingu, also known as Ise Grand Shrine, is one of the most sacred sites in Japan. Explore this holy site alongside an expert guide, donning a traditional kimono to witness morning prayers and visiting spaces in the sanctuary that most visitors never see. Afterwards, head back to your hotel to enjoy a traditional Japanese meal made from fresh ingredients sourced from both land and sea.
Kyoto is one of Asia's most culturally rich cities, and today, it’s exactly where you’re headed. Board the bullet train from Ise and admire the scenery racing past – but soak it in quickly, as your journey is only 35 minutes. After arriving, dump your bags in your hotel and head out to explore Kyoto at your own pace.
Immerse yourself in some of Kyoto’s most beautiful temples on today’s guided tour. Begin with Ninna-ji, a World Heritage site founded in 88AD, which serves as the headquarters of the Omuro School of Shingon Buddhism. Next, visit Kinkaku-ji, the famed Golden Pavilion. Initially a villa for a statesman, it was transformed into a Zen temple by Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga in the late 1390s and rebuilt in 1955 after a fire. The pavilion is covered in handmade gold leaf and is surrounded by small but impressive grounds. The day continues with Ryoan-ji Temple, known for its serene rock garden created in 1450 by Katsumoto Hosokawa. Head to Fushimi Inari in the afternoon, which is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. This iconic temple is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and provides a picturesque and spiritual experience.
Hop on a train for today’s day trip to Nara. Have your cameras ready as you explore the myriad shrines and temples set against the backdrop of mountains, keeping an eye out for the wild deer in Nara Park. Witness reminders of Nara’s former power and influence at Todai-ji, where Japan’s biggest bronze Buddha rests. After a full day of exploring, head back to Kyoto for a well-deserved sleep.
Kyoto is home to some of the most beautiful Zen Buddhist complexes in the country, and today, you’ll explore one of the Zen temples on a private tour. Immerse yourself in practices such as being welcomed by the monk, sutra chanting, practising calligraphy, sharing a monastic meal and guided meditation. Wrap up your day with one final evening in Kyoto – ask our local Concierge for the best bar or restaurant to unwind in after a busy day.
Leave mainland Japan behind for Miyajima Island, a small island in Hiroshima Bay. From Kyoto, you’ll board the bullet train to Hiroshima before catching a ferry to the island – keep an eye out for the famous, orange-coloured shrine in the bay. Your home for the next two nights is a semi-traditional, semi-modern ryokan, so settle in and spend the evening soaking in your surroundings.
Today is yours to explore Miyajima at your own pace. Along with visiting the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, the island boasts a number of fascinating Buddhist temples. If you feel like stretching your legs, consider hiking to the top of Mt. Misen for the breathtaking view, or take the convenient cable car for an easier ascent. Additionally, you can stroll through the charming streets lined with traditional shops and eateries, visit the tranquil Daisho-in Temple and enjoy the scenic beauty of Momijidani Park. Don't miss the opportunity to try local delicacies such as grilled oysters and the famous maple leaf-shaped sweet dumplings, momiji manju.
It’s time to head back to where your journey began – Tokyo. Board the ferry back to Hiroshima before catching a train to the country’s capital. It’s your final night in Japan, so soak in the bright city lights, feast on your favourite Japanese dish, hop between bars and raise a toast to the past two weeks.
Rise bright and early for your flight back to the UK. It’s another 14 hours in the sky, giving you plenty of time to flick through your camera roll and pick the best envy-inducing pictures from your trip to post for all to see.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
