Highlights of Japan - Solo Traveller

Let's start our holiday to Japan. Depart  for Osaka.

We have arrived! Let's meet our local guide, and transfer by coach to our hotel in Kyoto.

Join us for dinner!

Tonight (or tomorrow night pending our flight arrival times) we will have dinner at a local restaurant.

Please note:

Breakfast is included at our hotel on each day of our ten night stay in Japan.

After breakfast, we set off on a full-day guided tour exploring some of Japan’s most iconic cities.

We begin in Kyoto with visits to the peaceful Ginkakuji Temple and the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of bright red torii gates.

Next, we travel by coach to Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, just an hour’s drive from Kyoto.

In Osaka, we enjoy panoramic views from the Umeda Sky Building – the 19th tallest building in the city and one of its most striking landmarks. We then visit the historic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city with beautiful grounds to explore.

Our day continues with a walk through Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s liveliest districts. With its neon lights, quirky signs, and street food stalls, it’s the perfect place to soak up the local atmosphere.

After a full day of sightseeing, we return to our hotel in Kyoto for the evening.

We get together and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

After we return to our hotel and relax after a busy day of discovering Osaka.

This morning, we set off with our expert local guide to explore some of the highlights of the beautiful and historic city of Kyoto.

Our first stop is Sanjusangendo Temple, founded in 1164 and best known for its impressive 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple hall stretches 120 metres, making it the longest wooden structure in Japan.

Next, we visit Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. This 400-year-old site offers a fascinating glimpse into the architecture and culture of one of Japan’s golden eras.

We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included), where you’ll have the chance to try some traditional dishes from the Kyoto region.

After lunch, we continue our journey through Kyoto with more of the city's must-see sights.

We begin with a peaceful visit to Ryoan-ji Temple. Once a private villa, it was later transformed into a Zen temple and is now home to Japan’s most famous rock garden – a perfect spot to enjoy a moment of calm and reflection.

We end the day at the stunning Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This iconic landmark is famed for its top two floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the pavilion is said to symbolise paradise on earth.

The day is not over, let's see more! Let's get together and experience an evening at a local restaurant, where we uncover more of Japan's unique culture with a Geisha performance!

Today we enjoy a full-day guided excursion to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital in the 8th century and home to some of the country’s oldest and most impressive temples.

We begin with a visit to Nara Park, one of Japan’s oldest public parks and famous for its friendly, free-roaming deer – considered sacred and a symbol of the city.

Next, we explore Tōdai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most important temples. Here you’ll see the Daibutsu – a giant bronze Buddha standing an impressive 15 metres tall.

Our tour also includes Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s renowned Shinto shrine. Surrounded by forest, this atmospheric site is known for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns, gifted over the centuries by devoted worshippers.

A traditional lunch at a local restaurant is included, offering a taste of regional flavours during our cultural day out.

After lunch, we continue with a visit to Koufukuji Temple, once the family temple of the influential Fujiwara clan. Part of a large historic complex, it features a striking five-storey pagoda – one of the tallest in Japan – which houses sacred Buddhist relics. (Please note: Tokondo Hall is not included in this visit.)

Following our time in Nara, we return to our hotel in Kyoto. The evening is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Today is yours to soak up the rhythm and flavours of Kyoto. Discover more Shinto shrines, temples or explore the gardens on offer. Savour some of the unique Japanese dishes or shop till you drop for the quirky souvenirs available.

The day is yours to uncover the wonders of Kyoto! 

For those wishing to explore further, there is an optional full-day guided tour to Hiroshima and Miyajima, prebook able. The tour returns to Kyoto in the late evening.

After breakfast, we take a short walk (approx. 15 minutes) to Kyoto Station for our train to Hiroshima – a comfortable journey of around 1 hour and 45 minutes each way.

Highlights of the day include a ferry ride to Miyajima Island to visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, followed by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and the poignant Atomic Bomb Dome.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Please note: This tour is subject to availability and minimum numbers apply. To avoid disappointment, we recommend booking in advance, as it may not be available to book locally.

This morning, we walk to the train station (luggage is transferred separately) for the next part of our adventure. It’s time to experience one of Japan’s iconic “Bullet Trains” as we travel to Odawara in high-speed, a highlight of any trip to Japan.

We say goodbye to our Kyoto guide and board the train – farewell Kyoto, hello Odawara!

On arrival, we meet our new local guide and begin a full-day tour of the beautiful Hakone region, known for its natural hot springs, mountain views, and peaceful lakes.

Today we discover the highlights of Hakone on a guided tour, starting with a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Set in beautiful landscaped gardens, the museum features a unique collection of sculptures blending art and nature.

Next, we enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Ashi, taking in the peaceful surroundings of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

We then ride the Komagatake Ropeway cable car for panoramic views across the region. On a clear day, you’ll have a fantastic photo opportunity of the iconic Mount Fuji.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included today.

After our day of discovering the highlights of Hakone we transfer to our hotel. 

Sit back, relax and unwind and re-charge for tomorrow's tour. 

Dinner is included tonight.

We check out of our hotel and travel to Kamakura to explore some of its most famous sights. Our first stop is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and the samurai.

Next, we visit Kotokuin Temple, home to Japan’s second tallest bronze Buddha, followed by Hase Kannon Temple, known for its stunning eleven-headed statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

We also take a stroll along Komachi Street, a vibrant area filled with fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and bakeries, offering a taste of local culture.

Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Time to travel onwards to Tokyo! After our full day excursion we make our way to our hotel. Check in and enjoy the evening in Tokyo at leisure.

Today, we uncover more of Tokyo, immersing ourselves in its sights and sounds. Our first stop is Imperial Palace Plaza, the official residence of the Japanese Imperial family.

We then visit Koishikawa Korakuen, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, known for its stunning seasonal contrasts.

Next, we explore the peaceful Hamarikyu Gardens, a serene oasis in the heart of Tokyo, offering a traditional landscape that’s a stark contrast to the city’s modernity.

After the tour, we return to our hotel in the late afternoon.

Tonight soak up the vibrant city of Tokyo from the ultra modern neon-lit skyscrapers or indulge in some sweet treats on offer and unique cuisine. The choice is yours! 

Relax and unwind after a day of discovering Tokyo.

This morning, we continue our exploration of Tokyo, starting with a visit to Ueno Park, famous for its over one thousand cherry trees that create a stunning display in spring.

Next, we dive into Japan’s rich traditions with a tea ceremony, followed by a lesson in the ancient art of Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Tokyo at your own pace. You can shop to your heart’s content in the fashionable Ginza district, perfect for those seeking luxury brands and unique finds.

If you're after something more relaxing, consider a cruise around Tokyo Bay, visit one of the city’s many tranquil parks or temples, or explore its fascinating museums. For something quirky, why not visit one of Tokyo's famous "cat cafés" to unwind with a matcha tea and a few feline friends?

Our knowledgeable guide will be happy to suggest even more ways to enhance your time in this exciting city.

This morning, we continue our exploration of Tokyo with visits to Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. We’ll also wander through Nakamise Street, a traditional shopping arcade full of souvenirs and local treats. Then, we head to the glamorous Ginza district, known for its luxury shopping and stylish boutiques, before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant (included).

In the afternoon, we explore the vibrant Harajuku district, renowned worldwide as the heart of Japanese youth culture and fashion, with its colourful street art and unique shops. We’ll also visit the Meiji Shrine, a grand Shinto site dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the first emperor and empress of modern Japan.

Afterwards, we take a leisurely stroll through Omotesando, a fashionable avenue lined with designer stores, before marveling at the views from the Tokyo Government Building Observatory.

After a busy day of delving into Tokyo's highlights, we return to our hotel. Spend the rest of your night making the most of Tokyo.

Today we finish our highlights of Japan journey and say a fond farewell to our guide. We transfer to Tokyo airport for our return flights home and a memorable journey through Japan!