Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima
Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima
Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima
13 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka
Visiting: Tokyo, Yamanakako, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Kotohira, Hiroshima, Osaka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JPHON20
Tour Overview
Embrace the timeless tradition and modern spirit of Japan’s iconic sites, from the neon skyline of Tokyo to the foodie hotspot of Osaka. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kotohira, spend the night in a traditional ryokan and contemplate world peace in Hiroshima. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Konnichiwa Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome drink and local appetizers.
Day 2: Explore Vibrant Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast
We launch our city tour in the old-time entertainment center of Asakusa, where we’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. One of Tokyo's most colorful and popular temples, Sensoji has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site. Strolling down Nakamise next, we immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. We’ll ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower for panoramic views of the city.
Day 3: Off To The Five Lakes District
Location: Tokyo, Yamanakako
Accommodation: Fuji Marriott Yamanakako
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our first stop today is the Imperial Palace Plaza from where the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed. We'll have the opportunity to explore the leafy Imperial Palace East Gardens before continuing our city tour. At the Tokyo National Museum browse collections of Japanese art, then continue to the Ginza district where we’ll learn how to make sushi with a professional sushi chef. We venture to the Five Lakes District next, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCO listed Mt. Fuji which dominates the landscape.
Day 4: Majestic Mt. Fuji And Timeless Takayama
Location: Yamanakako, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, Takayama
Accommodation: Associa Takayama Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five Lakes district, renowned for eight natural spring water ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in its clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 meters at the 5th station. Ride up Mt. Tenjo on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway next, for jaw-dropping views (weather permitting) of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Then, journey through the Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama, before enjoying dinner at the hotel.
Day 5: Experience Gokayama And On To Kanazawa Dive Into Culture Make Travel Matter
Location: Takayama, Kanazawa
Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this afternoon during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them. Meet with a local family in one of these houses. Observe local artisans making washi paper and try your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 6: Traditional Kanazawa
Location: Kanazawa
Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Specialist this morning to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf, a delicate craft the Japanese have been perfecting since the 16th century. Continue to the tranquil gardens of Kenrokuen, which took shape over a hundred years to emerge as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your exquisite natural surrounds, you’ll stroll through ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a short walk through the Omicho market next to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Then, visit the Nagamachi District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion.
Day 7: Onwards To Kyoto Connect With Locals
Location: Kanazawa, Kyoto
Accommodation: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
We board an Express train this morning to Kyoto. We’ll Connect With Locals at a traditional ryokan and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch, learning about local Japanese customs from our hosts. After lunch, we visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple with its famous Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14th-century villa.
Day 8: Discover Enchanting Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: The Hotel Higashiyama
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide our path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. We continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the minute detail of each of its 1,001 “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy statues, then enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. This evening, we indulge in a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.
Day 9: Cross The Seto Inland Sea To Awaji Island Stays With Stories
Location: Kyoto, Kotohira
Accommodation: Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho Ryokan
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we leave Japan’s main island Honshu behind, crossing the world’s largest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Enjoy free time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. One of the most striking features is the ‘100 Stepped Garden’ — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread over several levels. Visit the Water Temple and admire the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters.
Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira where our accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional Japanese ryokan. We’ll have some time this evening to climb the steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later perhaps take a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at our hotel.
Day 10: Spiritual Kotohira And Onwards To Hiroshima
Location: Kotohira, Hiroshima
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometers and was traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to complete. It is still done by many people today although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. Continue to Omishima Island and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometer highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 11: Set Sail For Miyajima Island Dive Into Culture
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Rihga Royal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
We travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island, where we’ll see the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate that stands majestically in the sea. After some free time for lunch and to explore the island’s spiritual sanctuaries, we return to Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that followed the world’s first atomic explosion in 1945 as you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area and an expression of hope for world peace. This evening, we’ll indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate.
Day 12: High Speed Bullet Train To Osaka
Location: Hiroshima, Osaka
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Dotonbori Street area. Visit Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 13: Sayonara Osaka
Location: Osaka
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our encounter with Japan’s centuries-old traditions and modern cityscapes at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport, or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
-
Optional Experiences and free time
-
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Check out our Q&As
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026
Wednesday - Monday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 20, 2025 - May 02, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Dec 17, 2025 - Dec 29, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026Sunday - Friday
Feb 01, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026Wednesday - Monday
Mar 18, 2026 - Mar 30, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 22, 2026 - Apr 03, 2026Wednesday - Monday
Mar 25, 2026 - Apr 06, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026Wednesday - Monday
Apr 01, 2026 - Apr 13, 2026Sunday - Friday
Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026Sunday - Friday
Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 24, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions