Cities and culture: Japan in ten days

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo        

On arrival in Tokyo, you’ll make your own way into the city, checking into your hotel for three nights. 

Overnight in 4* hotel 

Days 2 & 3: Tokyo   

You have two days to explore Tokyo, and your time is sure to fly by. Why not start in Tsukiji Outer Market, which is always bustling, as visitors and locals come to enjoy delicious food and shop for traditional ingredients? It’s a great spot to grab a snack before heading over to the 400-year-old Zojoji Temple. Sitting next to the Tokyo Tower, the temple is a great place to get a glimpse of Japan’s ancient history and modern architecture side by side.

You can also enjoy a bowl of ramen for lunch before spending the afternoon discovering the serene beauty of Hie Shrine, a quiet haven in the bustling district of Akasaka. Statues of mythical creatures guard the shrine, which sits at the top of several escalators (a modern addition!). The shrine is famous for the 90 bright red tori gates that divide the human world and the spirit world, as well as being a doorway to a place where the gods can hear our prayers. It’s an extraordinary place to visit, so take your time.    

Overnight in 4* hotel 

Day 4: Train to Hakone 

This morning you’ll head to the station to hop on the train to Hakone, in the foothills of Mt Fuji. From you can spend the day exploring the national park at your leisure, whether you head up on the funicular train or cruise across Lake Ashi. Mount Fuji can be spotted depending on the weather and you can enjoy getting out of the city and into the fresh air of the mountains and forests of Japan. 

Overnight in 4* hotel 

Day 5: Train to Takayama      

Today you’ll travel to Takayama, a small city nestled in the mountains. First, you’ll take the bullet train, and then climb aboard the Wide View express train, which offers one of the most scenic rail journeys in Japan. In Takayama, you’ll be staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style inn furnished with low tables and chairs and sliding shoji doors. Take a step back in time as you sleep on tatami mats and relax in the 'onsen' (hot springs). Dinner is included tonight and will consist of traditional & delicious Japanese fare. 

Overnight in local ryokan  

Day 6: Takayama    

You can spend your day exploring Takayama. Two rivers run through the town, so why not take a stroll along the riverbank under the cherry trees to admire the Nakabashi Bridge. We also recommend wandering through the old town, where the streets are lined with breweries and food stalls. Don’t miss a visit to one of the towns many ‘sake’ (rice wine) breweries for a taste of the tipple before you spend your second night at the traditional Japanese ryokan. 

Overnight in local ryokan  

Day 7: Train to Kyoto     

After breakfast, you’ll travel back to the station to catch the train to Kyoto. On arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for three nights and head straight out to explore the city.     

Overnight in 4* hotel 

Days 8 & 9: Kyoto   

You have two full days to explore Kyoto, a key cultural hub of Japan. Why not start with a visit to Nijo Castle, originally built in the 1600s as a private villa for a powerful lord? The intricate sliding doors and “chirping nightingale” floors are an incredible example of Momoyama architecture, making it a must-see when visiting Kyoto. Ryoan-ji Temple has a beautiful rock garden that is great to explore, while Kinkaku-ji Temple is home to a stunning golden pavilion covered in handmade gold leaves.

On your second day your could use your rail pass to take a day trip to Nara. For 74 years in the 8^th century, Nara was the capital of Japan, so it’s home to several shrines and temples of historical importance. Nara Park is the famous focal point of the town, with dozens of tame deer grazing the grassland. Nara is also home to the Todaiji Temple, a vast wooden building that houses Japan’s largest Buddha - Kasuga Taisha.

Overnight in 4* hotel 

Day 10: Depart Osaka    

This morning, you’ll hop on the train to Osaka Airport, where you’ll catch your onwards flight.