18 Day Japan And Okinawa Islands

Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel.

Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow.

The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Haneda International Airport (HND) to Tokyo Central is by train or by monorail. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle bus service from around ¥1300 per person.

The best way to travel from Narita International Airport (NRT) to Tokyo Central is by the Narita Airport Express. The journey to most Tokyo stations takes approximately 1hr and the ticket costs ¥4070. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle buses from around ¥1300 per person.

Hotel Check-in:

Travellers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

Our exploration of Tokyo begins with a visit to Asakusa Sensoji Temple – the oldest temple in Tokyo – famous for its huge hanging lantern at the Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate). Then, we’ll explore the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Previously home to samurai warriors, it’s a sprawling complex with beautiful 17th century parks in the heart of the city. Built on the site of the old Edo Castle, it is surrounded by a large park, moats and massive stone walls. Come cherry blossom season, it is blanketed in a sea of pink blooms.

There is arguably no better place in Tokyo to have a fresh sushi breakfast or lunch than at the Tsukiji Outer Market. At the market, you can find processed and fresh seafood, along with culinary-related items such as specialty knives. 

No trip to Tokyo is complete with a visit to the famous Shibuya Crossing – the famed icon of the district alongside the Hachiko statue.

We’ll leave Tokyo this morning after breakfast and head north to Nikko, one of Japan’s most famous mountain towns.

We’ll visit the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Enclosed in dense forest and hailed as Japan’s most lavish shrine, it’s the final resting place of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Most of the shrine complex was rebuilt in the 17th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Whilst in Nikko, we visit Kinu-Tateiwa Otsuribashi and Oya History Museum, which is a museum built inside a former stone quarry. The caverns are from the Edo Period to mine Oya Stone, a soft but durable volcanic stone. 

Leaving Tokyo this morning we head to the national park region of Hakone. On the way we explore the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a building complex that was erected a century ago as a customs house for Yokohama Port. Requisitioned by the US military after World War II, the buildings were repurposed as a cultural centre and shopping complex in 2002.

Enjoy a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake, followed by taking a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani. You’ll have spectacular views, and on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of nearby Mount Fuji.

We’ll head to Kawaguchiko today, about a two-hour drive. Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes; popular sightseeing spots each offering an astonishing view of dramatic, iconic Mount Fuji. This is a great place to get back to nature.

Here we’ll visit Mountt Fuji 5th station to hopefully view the divine mountain before visiting Oishi Park on the north side of the lake. If you’re here in spring, seeing the cherry blossoms with Japan’s most famous mountain in the background really is an experience. This lake is also home to a cherry blossom festival held during the season, one of the most popular in the country. There are about 300 cherry trees on the northern shore, stretching for about a kilometre.

You’ll see the lakeside trail along the eastern shore of the lake that boasts many weeping cherry trees. There will be time for lunch.

Continue onto Nagano for the night, home of the 1998 Winter Olympics.

After breakfast, we will head to Hokusai Museum to discover the great artworks of Katsuhika Hokusai (1760-1849), one of Japan's leading Edo period ukiyo-e painters.

We’ll drive to the traditional city of Takayama today, still home to many Edo-period buildings.

For a taste of authentic, old Japan, we’ll enjoy a tour of Takayama old town, nestled in the Hida mountains. This city still retains a traditional feel, especially in its beautifully preserved old town (Sanmachi Suji). Here you’ll find quaint, old latticed wooden buildings and Sannomachi Street, with pretty homes, restaurants and sake breweries. We’ll see the Takayama Jin’ya, the former government headquarters under the Tokugawa Shogunate from 1692-1871.

After breakfast we’ll travel to Shirakawa-gō Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has more than 100 'Gassho-style' houses, which feature steeply-pitched roofs. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. From the site’s observation deck you can enjoy a panoramic view of this unique village, its thatched-roof houses sitting among gorgeous mountain scenery.

Today we will explore the castle town of Kanazawa. First up is a visit to Omicho Market, where you can try some local favourites, such as fresh seafood and gold leaf ice cream.

Next, we visit Kenrokuen Garden. This is one of Japan's three best landscape gardens, and is considered the most beautiful of them all.

Finish up your day by taking a stroll down the streets of Higashi Chaya, a geisha district in Kanazawa known for its quaint old buildings and teahouses.

Echizen Washi Village is located in the Imadate area, it is steeped in paper-washi making history dating back 1500 years. ‘Washi’ is a traditional Japanese paper. 

There are over 60 paper mills in Echizen which you will be able to walk around and visit whilst here.

After your visit, we will continue to Kyoto.

Today we’ll visit some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like the Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden.

Afterwards, we continue to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest.

This afternoon is spent at your leisure – perhaps selecting one of the optional activities on offer in Kyoto.

After breakfast we’ll leave for a day tour of some of Japan’s icons before continuing onto historic Nara, ancient capital of Japan.

Our first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with its thousands of red Shinto shrine gates. We spend time here strolling through the gates and visiting the various shrines and temples.

No trip to Japan is complete without sampling the local tipple – sake. An expert will take you through the distilling process, flavours, styles and history of the beverage, before you will be able to sample some for yourself.

Next, we’ll visit Todaiji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan and home to the country’s largest Buddha statue. We’ll then see Kasuga Shrine, featuring over 3000 stone and bronze lanterns.

Our last stop is at Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, to see over one thousand tame deer roaming freely in this vast, tranquil space.

The day will conclude, overnighting in Osaka.

Today is all about visiting one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle.

Built in 1583 as a centre of a new, unified Japan, Osaka Castle is a wonderfully preserved example of Japanese architecture. We then continue to our centrally-located hotel in Osaka for a night at leisure. 

You may wish to head out to experience the famous Osaka nightlife in the Dōtonbori area – one of the city's most popular tourist destinations, Dōtonbori Street runs parallel to the eponymous canal. It’s a popular shopping and entertainment district and an area famed for its street food and plentiful restaurants. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.

Today is spent at your leisure.

There are two optional activities which you can participate in, otherwise, feel free to pick your Tour Leader’s brain for some alternative ideas around/in the city:

Please note - the rest of the itinerary is unescorted, with local guides joining you along the way. You will make your way between destinations via public trains and buses and will need to carry your own luggage. A detailed step-by-step guide will be included with your documentation. 

Make your own way to Osaka Airport for your flight to Okinawa. Upon arrival, head to your centrally located and comfortable home base for the remainder of your trip. The afternoon is at leisure to begin exploring what Okinawa has to offer.

After breakfast, make the short walk to the pick-up point for your day tour (5 minute walk from your hotel). Here, meet your local guide who will take you on a fascinating tour of Okinawa's historical landmarks, including the iconic Shuri Castle. Built in the 14th century, the castle served as the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries.

You will also visit the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, a complex of tunnels and caves used by the Japanese military during World War II. The Himeyuri Peace Museum is another poignant stop on the tour, dedicated to the memory of the Himeyuri students who were conscripted to work as nurses during the war.

The tour concludes at the Peace Memorial Park, a serene and tranquil space that honours the victims of the Battle of Okinawa. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be dropped off at the Hotel Sun Okinawa (5 minute walk from your hotel)

After breakfast today, embark on another guided tour of Okinawa. Today will focus on the natural and cultural beauty of Okinawa. Our guided bus tour takes you to Nago Pineapple Park, a fun and educational attraction that celebrates the region's most iconic fruit. Kouri Island, a scenic island connected to the mainland by a picturesque bridge, is another highlight of the tour.

The tour also includes a visit to Okashigoten, a renowned confectionery shop in Onna Village, and Cape Manzamo, a stunning cliffside viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the ocean.

Today is dedicated to exploring the charms of Tokashiki Island, a picturesque island located off the coast of Okinawa. The island is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, and other water activities. Ferry tickets are included to ensure a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Note that today is unescorted.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before making your way to the airport to conclude your journey to Okinawa.