£3,250.00
Arrive in Tokyo, where an English-speaking assistant meets you in the arrivals hall, welcomes you to Japan and hands over your train tickets and vouchers. A private transfer then takes you to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to settle in, stretch your legs locally or find an easy first meal.
Take a half-day tour of Tokyo using public transport with a local guide. Visit Asakusa to see Sensoji, the city’s oldest temple, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street with its snacks and souvenirs. Then cross town to Omotesando and walk on to Meiji Shrine, a calm wooded shrine complex that often hosts traditional weddings.
Spend the day exploring Tokyo under your own steam. You might head for the bright lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku, visit museums in Ueno, or look for family-friendly attractions such as aquariums, viewpoints or character cafés. A list of suggested routes and optional extra tours can be provided in advance.
Travel by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara, then continue on to Hakone, part of the Fuji–Hakone–Izu National Park. With your included 2-Day Hakone Freepass you can ride mountain trains, cable cars, ropeways, buses and the sightseeing “pirate ship” across Lake Ashi, visiting viewpoints and the open-air museum as you go. Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan with onsen baths.
Use the morning to see a little more of Hakone – perhaps the Hakone Checkpoint, Ancient Cedar Avenue or a local art museum – before returning to Odawara Station. Board the Shinkansen to Kyoto in Standard Class and, on arrival, make your own way to your central hotel. The evening is free to explore nearby streets and restaurants.
Join a half-day guided tour of northern Kyoto. Visit Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, whose upper floors are covered in gold leaf, then continue to Ryoanji, home to one of Japan’s best-known Zen rock gardens. Finish at Kitano Tenmangu, a shrine associated with scholarship, and stroll through the quieter geisha district of Kamishichiken.
A full free day in Kyoto to explore at your own pace. You might visit Fushimi Inari’s red torii gates, wander Gion’s old streets, head to Arashiyama’s bamboo grove or simply dip in and out of smaller temples, gardens and cafés. Kyoto works well for unhurried walking with plenty of places to pause.
Travel independently from Kyoto to Nara for an overnight stay. Once Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara is known for its large park, friendly free-roaming deer and historic temples. Use the rest of the day to visit places such as Todai-ji, with its giant Buddha statue, and the gardens and ponds that sit within easy reach of the park.
Make your own way from Nara to Osaka and check in at your hotel in the Umeda area. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a half-day introduction to the city. Visit Osaka Castle and its museum, then continue to Dotonbori, the canal-side entertainment and food district lit by huge neon signs and packed with street-food stalls.
Today is set aside for Universal Studios Japan. Travel there on your own using local trains and use your included 1-Day Studio Pass and Express Pass, which also grants access to the Nintendo area. Enjoy a full day of rides, shows and themed zones before returning to your hotel in the evening.
Head to Shin-Osaka Station and board the Shinkansen to Hiroshima in Standard Class. On arrival, make your own way to your hotel. Depending on timing, you may have the afternoon free to start exploring – for example, walking through Peace Memorial Park or sampling Hiroshima’s version of okonomiyaki.
A free day in Hiroshima, with the option to visit Miyajima Island using public transport. Miyajima is known for Itsukushima Shrine’s “floating” torii gate, woodland walks, maple-filled Momijidani Park and views from Mt Misen, reached by ropeway or hiking trails. Back in Hiroshima, you can visit the Peace Memorial Museum or Shukkeien Garden.
Make your own way to Hiroshima Station and take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo in Standard Class. On arrival, travel independently to your hotel near Shiba Park. Enjoy a final evening in the capital, perhaps returning to a favourite area or picking up last-minute souvenirs.
Check out and make your own way to the airport by train, bus or taxi for your onward or homeward flight.
Prices vary according to season. Price is based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Please ask us for the full itinerary and add-ons.
All itineraries shown can be amended to suit your personal requirements. To find out more, give us a call or email sales@odyssey-world.co.uk
