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From £5,336pp
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was £5,915
Including flights
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Escorted Group Tours
4.52 reviews
Essence of Japan
15 days
19 excursions and visits
1.5 days - free time
Moderately active
Ancient and ultra-modern sit shoulder to shoulder in Japan. On this Japan itinerary, we’ll experience both over two weeks, exploring high-paced cities, hushed shrines and temples, and serene gardens. We’ll attend a traditional tea ceremony, learn a little about geisha and samurai culture, catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji and whizz between cities on the sleek, slick Shinkansen (bullet train). Our Japan tours travel in spring, when cherry blossoms and hydrangea bloom; in summer, when you can time your tour with the fascinating Gion Festival; and in autumn, when maple trees are a blaze of fiery red and orange. In April and October, some dates coincide with the colourful Takayama Festival, and May and September also offer opportunities to experience a Sumo wrestling tournament. Which will you choose?
Your holiday includes
Meals
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Flight
International flights and luggage are included
Accommodation
13 nights in hotels and 1 in flight
Excursions
- City tours of Tokyo, Kanazawa (with Kenroku-en Garden), and Kyoto
- Mount Fuji Visitor Centre
- Visits to Matsumoto Castle, Shirakawago Village, Miyajima Island and Nara (including Todaiji Temple and Nara Park)
Tour manager
Expert guidance throughout your holiday
Exceptional value every time
VIP door-to-door
Our transfer service to and from home with unlimited mileage.
Insurance
Included optional travel insurance or £120pp price reduction if not required.
Included excursions
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Samurai history at Matsumoto
1 / 8
Set in a lush valley, climb to the top of Japan's oldest wooden castle Matsumoto, and be rewarded with views across the Japanese Alps. Learn about the distinct black-and-white three-turreted donjon and why so many samurai lords ruled over it. Plus take time to wander its serene gardens.
Kanpai! Sake tasting
1 / 8
Do you know your Junmai from your Honjozo? We'll head to to a traditional brewery and sample some sake, and learn more about how Japan's famous alcoholic beverage is expertly made.
Explore serene Kenroku-en
1 / 8
If you were to ever create your own Japanese garden, then Kenroku-en would be the one to copy. One of the three greatest gardens in Japan, each season tells a different story across its striking landscapes and water features. Stroll under blossom trees and over ornate bridges and see if you can spot the six elements that make this the perfect garden.
A time for reflection in Hiroshima
1 / 8
After taking a ferry across to Miyajima Island, we'll reach the scarlet Great Torii Gate – the gateway to the Itsukushima Shrine. Time to get your cameras ready as we explore this unique setting and UNESCO Heritage site. Afterwards, we also spend time reflecting on Japan's devastating past at Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.
Travel at the speed of light
1 / 8
No trip to Japan would be complete without a ride (or two) on its Shinkansen train. Sit back, tuck into a bento box, and speed like a bullet from one Japanese city to another, while you whizz past miles upon miles of sweeping countryside.
Experience Kawadoko
1 / 8
Feel the breeze as we sit down to a traditional Kawadoko dining experience, where restaurants along the Kamo River are set up on raised platforms. A Maiko (apprentice geisha) will also make an appearance.
Time for Japanese tea
1 / 8
A lesson in graceful etiquette, we'll take part in a traditional tea ceremony known as chanoyu. Watch as our tea master carefully prepares matcha green tea and serves it to us in a peaceful setting.
Riding sky high at Hakone
1 / 8
We'll soak in the lovely scenery of Hakone around Mt. Fuji, sail the waters of Lake Ashi where we'll spot snow-dusted peaks and then take a soaring cable car up to the Owakudani Valley and Hot Springs.
Itinerary
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Availability
May 2025
3 departures
From £5,516pp
Jul 2025
2 departures
From £5,336pp
Best deal
Sep 2025
5 departures
From £5,516pp
Oct 2025
1 departure
From £5,966pp
Mar 2026
4 departures
From £6,615pp
Sep 05, 2025
Sep 18, 2025
Fri - 13:10
Thu - 13:05
London Heathrow Airport
15 days
SAVE 10%
From £5,786pp
was £6,415
Sep 08, 2025
Sep 22, 2025
Mon - 13:10
Mon - 13:05
London Heathrow Airport
15 days
SAVE 10%
From £5,516pp
was £6,115
Sep 10, 2025
Sep 24, 2025
Wed - 13:10
Wed - 13:05
London Heathrow Airport
15 days
SAVE 10%
From £6,146pp
was £6,815
Best deal
Sep 15, 2025
Sep 29, 2025
Mon - 13:10
Mon - 13:05
London Heathrow Airport
15 days
SAVE 10%
From £5,516pp
was £6,115
Sep 17, 2025
Sep 30, 2025
Wed - 13:10
Tue - 13:05
London Heathrow Airport
15 days
SAVE 10%
From £6,416pp
was £7,115
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