Highlights of Japan

Depart for your holiday, starting in Osaka Japan.

We have arrived in Osaka! We meet with our local guide, and transfer by coach to our hotel in Kyoto.  

Breakfast is included each day at our hotels for our ten night stay in Japan.

Please note the itinerary will vary from September onwards in 2026. March itinerary varies with a one night stop over in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we experience our full day guided tour to Osaka Japan’s second largest city, (approximately 1 hour per way from our hotel in Kyoto).

Today on our guided excursion we visit Umeda Skydeck Observatory, nineteenth tallest building in Osaka and one of the city's most recognisable structures.  We also visit Osaka Castle, another of Japan’s famous landmarks. After, we take a stroll through Dotonbori. Known for its bright lights and extravagant signage, it is considered one of the most colourful districts in Osaka and is also a hub of the city’s vibrant food culture. Later we return to our hotel in Kyoto.

The day is not over! Let's get together at a local restaurant for dinner.

We return to our hotel and relax for the evening after a busy day exploring our first highlights of Japan.

We set off with our local guide, to discover some of the highlights of the beautiful and picturesque city of Kyoto!   

Uncover the treasures of the Sanjusangendo Temple, founded in 1164 and famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy. The temple hall, measuring 120 metres, is the longest wooden structure in Japan. Afterwards, we visit Nijo Castle, official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu, and witness to many important events in Japanese history.  Within this 400-year-old complex, experience one of the golden ages of Japanese architecture and design, the early Edo period.

After lunch, we continue to see more of Kyoto’s highlights.  Firstly, let’s enjoy some “Zen time” at Ryoan-ji, originally a private villa, later converted to a temple and home to one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens.  

We finish the day at the awe-inspiring Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, whose two top floors are completely covered in gold leaf. The garden and architecture around the temple are said to represent the world of paradise.

2026 September, October & November  itinerary will change with a visit to Arashiyama visit to the Bamboo Forest.

Join us for dinner this evening at a local restaurant, where we uncover more of Japan’s unique culture with a Geisha performance!

Today we experience more, on a full day excursion to Nara, former 8th century capital of Japan. The city is filled with historic treasures including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples. We also visit the famous Nara Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan, with over one thousand resident deer.

Another stop on the tour is Tōdai-ji Temple, one of the country’s most notable temples, housing one of the largest Buddhas in Japan, fifteen metres tall!

Also included is a visit to the ancient Kasuga-Taisha, Nara’s celebrated Shinto shrine, set amidst forest pathways and decorated with many bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant today.

At the end of the tour, we return to our hotel in the evening and enjoy the rest of our time to experience Kyoto at our leisure.

Today is free to enjoy Kyoto at our own pace. Take a stroll through traditional neighbourhoods. The Gion district is famous for its historic wooden houses and teahouses, and with a little luck we may spot a geisha or maiko in the early evening. The Higashiyama area is ideal for a gentle walk, with narrow streets, small shops and cafés.
Savour a traditional and relaxing tea ceremony, or shop till you drop, the choice is yours to uncover this fascinating city in your own free time.

Ask your guide, they will be happy to tell you of further sightseeing and activities to do in this area.

There is the option to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima by ferry. This pre-bookable tour is a full day guided excursion, returning in the late evening.

After breakfast, we walk to Kyoto station (approx.15 mins), for our train journey to Hiroshima (1hr 45 mins each way). The tour includes a visit to Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome

‘Minimum numbers apply for the operation of this tour and subject to availability’. 

To avoid disappointment, it is recommended to pre book this excursion. It may not be available to book locally.

The tour includes a light lunch at a local restaurant.

This morning, we set off on foot to the train station (bags transferred separately) to experience more of Japan’s highlights.  It’s “All Aboard” for your journey on one of the famous “Bullet Trains”, to Odawara. We say farewell to our Kyoto and our guide to board the train for our next destination. Bye, bye Kyoto and hello Odawara! On arrival, we meet our new guide and commence a full day tour of Hakone.

Discover the city of Hakone on a guided tour, including the Hakone Open Air Museum with its unique sculptures and landscaped gardens.  

Afterwards, we set sail on Lake Ashi, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of the surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. We see even more as we take a ride on the Komagatake Ropeway Cable Car, which on a clear day offers an excellent photo opportunity of Mount Fuji.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

After a delightful day of discovery, we make our way to our hotel in Hakone.

Relax, unwind and take time out to re-charge for tomorrow’s excursions.

Dinner is included tonight.

We check out of our hotel and travel to Kamakura by coach. Let's uncover the wonders on a full day tour experiencing the most popular sights, including part of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a Shinto Shrine, dedicated to Hachiman, patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general.

Next, we visit Kotokuin which has the second tallest bronze Buddha in Japan, and Hase Kannon Temple with its eleven-headed statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy. We also visit Komachi Street, filled with fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

After our full day excursion of Kamakura, we transfer by coach to our hotel in Tokyo.

Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure to discover Tokyo.

We uncover more as we take in some of the sights and sounds of bustling Tokyo! Included today are visits to Imperial Palace Plaza, home to the Japanese Imperial family, and Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo’s oldest and best Japanese gardens, with its beautiful contrasts throughout the seasons.

In the late afternoon we return to our hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure to further explore our surroundings. Take a stroll through local gardens, visit a sweet shop for a pre dinner treat, or experience an observation deck, take in the nights skyline, the choice is yours. Tokyo has much to offer for your free time.

This morning, we see more of this vibrant city on a half day excursion, including a visit to Ueno Park, boasting over one thousand cherry trees!  Afterwards, we uncover more of Japan’s ancient arts by witnessing a tea ceremony and learning the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging), a nice relaxing way to end our tour for the day.

The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure, to discover the city at your own pace. “Shop till you drop” in in the trendy Ginza district, a must for shopaholics. Now is also the perfect time to buy some souvenirs, as a reminder of your memorable trip.  Sail on a cruise around Tokyo Bay or explore one of the many beautiful city parks, temples and museums. Or if you are a cat lover, you might like to experience one of Tokyo’s many “cat cafés”, where you can take time out and savour a matcha tea with a few furry café friends!

Our guide will be happy to tell us about other activities to enhance your time in Tokyo and experience even more in this thrilling metropolis.

This morning we discover more of this fascinating city on a full day tour, with visits to Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise Street with its traditional shopping arcade.

In the afternoon we visit the Meiji Shrine. This Shinto grand shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852-1912) and Empress Shoken, modern Japan's first emperor and empress.

Marvel at the views from the Tokyo Sky Tree tower, on a clear day you may even be able to see Mt Fuji towering in the distance! Alternatively we may visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government office for views over the city.

Next, we take in an iconic Japanese experience as we stroll Shibuya Scramble Crossing (new for 2026).

Today we say farewell to our guide and the unforgettable city of Tokyo.  

Enjoy time at leisure and some last-minute shopping, before transferring by coach to Tokyo Airport for your overnight flights home. 

March 2026 Dublin Departures only due to flight connections.

Please note Itinerary varies:

Depart Tokyo for our flight to Istanbul, arriving in the evening. On arrival in Istanbul we collect our luggage and transfer by coach to our hotel in Taksim, Istanbul's modern side of the city, for our overnight stay. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Istanbul.  Discover Istiklal street, with it's shops, bars and restaurants within walking distance from our hotel. 

The next morning we depart Istanbul for our flight back to Dublin.