Highlights of Japan
- Duration : 15 days
- Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Takayama, Tokyo
Our most complete tour of Japan, to "go around Japan" in 15 days. Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, the Japanese Alps: a two-week itinerary that has everything to offer.
The most beautiful Japanese mountain landscapes, onsens near Mount Fuji and historic cities full of culture: all the wonders of Japan in one trip!
15-day itinerary (Tokyo -> Tokyo loop)
- Departure city/airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
- Tokyo (3 nights)
- Hakone-Mount Fuji (1 night)
- Kyoto (4 nights, including 1 day trip to Nara)
- Hiroshima (2 nights including 1 day trip to Miyajima)
- Kanazawa (2 nights)
- Takayama (1 night)
- Tokyo (1 night)
- End Return airport : Tokyo (Narita : NRT or Haneda : HND)
Please find below the itinerary details.
Tour length : 14 nights / 15 days (+ 1 day at the beginning if you leave from Europe)
Indeed, the tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe on the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference.
Example :
- Departure from Europe : January 1st
- Arrival Sapporo (date to be selected in the tour calendar while booking) : January 2nd
- Return flight from Ishigaki international airport : January 16th
Why this trip to Japan ?
- Welcomed at the airport by our team, you will be taken to your hotel in Tokyo by shuttle bus
- Head to the edge of Mount Fuji for an unforgettable dinner and overnight stay in a ryokan
- Travel by Shinkansen to Kyoto : a guided tour of the traditional geisha quarter awaits you
- Reach Hiroshima and visit the sacred island of Miyajima
- Kanazawa, on the Sea of Japan, is a must-see
- Takayama and the Japanese Alps await you for an unforgettable end to your stay!
- Take advantage of your transport passes : Japan Rail Pass, Hakone Free Pass...
- Recommendations available in your travel diary
- Enjoy unlimited internet access thanks to your pocket Wi-Fi
- If necessary, contact our assistance from 8am to 10pm Japanese time, 7/7, in English or Japanese.
- A number of guided days or other optional activities are available
- Benefit from the expertise of Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan.
Your trip in detail
Itinerary
-
Day 1 : Wake up in Tokyo 東京
Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda).
Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ!Welcomed out of customs by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and Pocket WiFi.
Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).This transfer is done in a shared shuttle or bus, with other guests departing for the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your scheduled flight arrival and stops can be made before your hotel.
If you would like a private, non-stop transfer directly after the actual arrival of your flight, feel free to take the "Private Taxi from the Airport" option.
Check-in at Hotel OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resorts or same category hotel 3* (rooms available from 3:00pm).
-
Day 2 : First steps in the capital
What is there to do in Tokyo on the first day?
We advise you to slowly start visiting Tokyo from its western districts:
- Harajuku: the avant-garde district
- Meiji Jingû, the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dori: the most famous street in Japan
- Omotesando: Tokyo's Champs-Élysées
- Shibuya and its unmistakable "crossroads"One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can also accompany you to visit the classic sights of Tokyo (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).
-
Day 3 : The big loop
For this second day of visiting Tokyo, we recommend the following "loop".
Start from Tokyo Central Station, with its original architecture, then go to visit:
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district
- Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market
- Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by a cruise on the Sumida River
- Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the city
- The road of Nakamise Dôri, a long and narrow street lined with thousand-year-old shops
- Tokyo Sky Tree reaching a height of 643m, and its panoramic view of Tokyo at sunsetEnjoy a cruise on the Sumida River between Hamarikyu and Asakusa.
-
Day 4 : At the heart of the Japanese soul
In the morning, we advise that you have your luggage sent to the hotel in Kyoto (details in your travel diary, check with the hotel reception) and that you travel light for your night in Hakone.
Go to Shinjuku station to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train to Hakone Yumoto (1.5 hour journey, details in your travel guide, all inclusive). The train will gradually leave the Japanese megalopolis behind and head deeper into the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Hakone in the late morning. Reach your Ichinoyu Shinkan ryokan or same category ryokan to drop off your small bag and explore the area.You will be charmed by the magnificent scenery of this spa resort, 1 hour 30 from Tokyo (not included), Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (in good weather!). Not forgetting the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car. All transport (train, bus, cable car, funicular) is included in your offer. If you wish to be accompanied for this day, one of our English-speaking guides will reveal all the secrets of the Mount Fuji region (optional).
Come back to the ryokan in the late afternoon as your traditional Japanese dinner awaits you around 18:30, before enjoying a Japanese-style night!
Details below on the night in the ryokan. -
Day 5 : The former capital
Traditional Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.
Head to Hakone-Yumoto then Odawara Station to board one of the fastest trains in the world: the Shinkansen!
In 2 hours 30, reach Kyoto and check into the RAKURO 京都 by THE SHARE HOTELS Hotel or same category hotel 3*.
You have 3 days to visit Kyoto.
Start in the afternoon in the historic Gion district near your accommodation :
- Kiyomizu-Dera, the great water temple
- The historical streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka
- Kodai-ji, the maple and bamboo temple of KyotoFinish off seeing the sunset in Gion. Meet your guide at 19:00 to start your late stroll around Gion, Kyoto's historic district.
More details on the exact time and location in your travel diary. At the end of this 1 hour 30 walk, your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to eat out! Please note that it is strictly forbidden to take photographs in the historic district of Gion.
-
Day 6 : Gold and Silver Treasures
We recommend the following itinerary for this second day's visit to Kyoto:
- Ryoan-ji Zen Garden
- The Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
- The bewitching path of philosophy
- The Nanzen-ji templeOne of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on a tour of these symbolic sites (optional, from 9:00 to 17:00).
-
Day 7 : Now for some activity...
Continue to visit Kyoto heading west:
- Nishiki, Kyoto's culinary market
- Nijo castle, former residence of the shogun
- Arashiyama, to visit the bamboo grove and its monkey mountainMake the most of our many optional activities:
- Want to enjoy nature? Check out our cycling activities along the Kamogawa River or hiking in the Takao Gorge!
- Prefer Japanese arts? Tea ceremonies, meditation activities or private visits to secret gardens will seduce you.
- Looking for Japanese countryside? Let yourself be tempted by a trip to Ohara, or try our flagship activity: on the Tea Road! -
Day 8 : Between temples and deer
For your last day in Kyoto and its surroundings, we recommend taking the 50 minute journey to Nara, which is included in your package.
Visit to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century.
Discover:
- The Shinto shrine Kasuga Taisha and its thousands of lanterns
- The Todaiji, its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate
- Kofukuji temple and its beautiful pagodaReturn to Kyoto and stop for sunset at Fushimi Inari, the huge 10,000 torii sanctuary in Kyoto. If you wish to be accompanied on this day, one of our English-speaking guides will unveil all the secrets of Japan's first capital (optional, return trip from Kyoto).
-
Day 9 : Make way for history
Shinkansen trip to Hiroshima (about 2 hours, free with your Japan Rail Pass).
Arrive in Hiroshima in the early afternoon. Check into your 3* Intergate Hotel or same category hotel.
Visit the park and the peace memorial, the castle and its park full of cherry trees before tasting one of Hiroshima's specialities: okonomiyaki! -
Day 10 : The Sacred Island
Breakfast at the hotel.
A short 30-minute train and boat ride to Miyajima Island, its Itsukushima-jinja shrine and its large gate (ootorii) standing in the sea.
(Please note: The ootorii is under construction until an unspecified date). Take the cable car up to Mount Misen and then descend on foot. A breathtaking view of Hiroshima Bay is waiting for you!In the late afternoon, make your way back to Hiroshima.
-
Day 11 : Castle and samurai
Breakfast at the hotel.
Before leaving the hotel, we recommend that you contact the hotel reception to have your luggage sent directly to Tokyo for your last stop (more details in your travel diary).
Afterwards, visit the park and the peace memorial, then take the Shinkansen to Osaka, after which you will change to a direct train to Kanazawa (about 4 hours in total, included in your Japan Rail Pass). On the way, we advise you to stop at Himeji Castle (UNESCO Heritage).Check-in at the Kaname Inn or same category hotel.
-
Day 12 : The pearl of Japan
Breakfast at the hotel.
Explore Kanazawa, between the North Sea and the Japanese Alps:
- Kenroku-en, the beautiful Japanese garden of Kanazawa
- The contemporary art museum and its outdoor gallery
- Omicho, the sea of Japan fish market
- The Nomura house, residence of the samurai and its picturesque old quarter -
Day 13 : Rural & Mountain
Breakfast at the hotel.
For this day out, you can go directly to Takayama by shikansen and regional train (1 change, 2 hours in total, included in your Japan Rail Pass) or go to Takayama by bus via the famous mountain village of Shirakawago. Bus tickets not included, optional.
In both cases, we advise you to send your luggage directly to Tokyo so that you can travel light to Takayama (details in your travel guide).
Settle into the heart of this famous mountain town at the Best Western Takayama or same category hotel 3* hotel.
Fancy a second night in a ryokan before finishing your trip? As an option, enjoy an unforgettable night at one of Takayama's ryokans with half-board, such as the Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan or same category hotel3*.
-
Day 14 : The charm of the Japanese mountains
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy at your own pace the charms of Takayama, its century-old homes, temples and museums.
We recommend that you visit:
- The traditional Kusakabe and Yoshijima houses
- The Yatai Kaikan, where old religious festival floats (matsuri) are on display
- The picturesque Shôwa-Kan, museum of the 1940s to 1970s
- The old Sannomachi shopping district
- The Fuji Folk Art MuseumIn the late afternoon, make your way to Tokyo by Shinkansen, (about 4h, 1 change) and check into the B Akasaka Mitsuke Hotel or same category hotel 3*.
-
Day 15 : Sayonara, and see you next time!
Transfer to Haneda or Narita airport (included but not accompanied).
This transfer is by shuttle or shared bus, with other customers departing from the same hotel or a hotel close to yours. These transfers arrive between 3 hours and 1.5 hours before the actual departure of your flight, and stops can be made before you arrive at the airport.
If you prefer a private transfer at a time of your choice, direct to the airport and with no intermediate stops, select the "Private taxi to the airport" option.
Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.
Do not hesitate to extend your trip by one or more days to Tokyo, or elsewhere… We will be able to advise you!















-
Accommodation
- 3 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport
- 1 night in a 3* ryokan in Hakone Mount Fuji, traditional half-board
- 4 nights in a 3* hotel in the heart of Kyoto, close to public transport
- 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Hiroshima, between the train station and the Peace Memorial Park
- 2 nights in a 3* hotel in Kanazawa, between the station and the city centre
- 1 night in a 3* hotel in Takayama, in the city center
- 1 night in a 3* hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to public transport
The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.
-
Transport
- Airport transfers <> Tokyo
- Prepaid public transport card
- Hakone Free Pass for 2 days
- Japan Rail Pass for 14 days
-
Experiences and meals
- Airport welcome
- Discounts at many Hakone tourist sites
- Traditional dinner and breakfast in the ryokan at Hakone
- 5 breakfasts (2 in Hiroshima, 2 in Kanazawa and 1 in Takayama)
- Guided night tour of Gion (1h30)
Included in your self-guided tour
-
Additional services
- Unlimited Wi-Fi access with pocket Wi-Fi
- Complete e-travel diary sent before your departure
- The helpline is available from 8am to 10pm Japanese time, 7 days a week, in English and Japanese. The number will be given to you in your travel pack. It is valid for telephone calls and Whatsapp.
-
Not included in the price of your trip
- Flights Europe <> Japan
- Optional insurance policies
- Personal expenses including meals (breakfast optional)
- Public transport when your transport cards have run out (see details)
- Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section
When you buy, Japan Experience offers you 2 types of protection:
Japan Experience Flex :
Cancellation insurance before departure under conditions.
Japan Experience Protect :
Pre-departure cancellation insurance under conditions and on-site assistance under conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Our commitments as Japan Experience, Europe No. 1 travel in Japan
- The guarantee of the first tour operator specialised exclusively in Japan for 40 years
- A wide range of products to let you Experience Japan from the inside
- Competitive prices thanks to a single team in UK, Europe, USA and Japan, with no intermediaries
- Assistance available in Japan throughout your trip
- A specialised team is available 7 days a week by phone or email
- The best advice thanks to the 3,500 articles available on our website
Our other Self-Guided tours
Discover other Self-Guided tours like « Highlights of Japan »