Best of Japan

Day 1-3

Tokyo

Tokyo has an inexhaustible capacity to surprise and delight. Sprawling in every direction — including up into the skies and deep underground — we know nowhere else with so many different faces. Each neighbourhood is a city in itself, from the flashy fashion boutiques and out-there architecture of Ginza, to the traditional, incense-filled alleys of Asakusa, to the non-stop party in the bars and karaoke rooms of Shinjuku. Dip your toe in this ocean of possibility with a guided tour of the city, then run wild — or, if you prefer, escape the chaos to visit somewhere totally different. You can never “see it all” in Tokyo, so just sit back, stop trying, and see where it takes you.

Highlights

Join a city tour led by an insider guide who knows Tokyo inside-out

Go on an optional day trip to the shrines of Nikko, the great Buddha of Kamakura, or the lush, green oasis of Mount Takao

Explore the historic district of Asakusa

Panoramic view of Tokyo seen from Park Hyatt hotel

Day 4-5

Hakone

Hakone is a strange old place, and that’s exactly why it deserves its spot on Best of Japan. Of course, it’s mainly here because of its beautiful scenery and stunning Fuji views, but it’s also here for its sheer, only-in-Japan bonkers-ness. Where else in the world would you find some of the finest onsen hot springs and ryokan inns next-door to pirate ships, rollercoaster theme parks and cutting-edge modern art? Shaped by 400 years’ worth of holidaymakers and still wildly popular today, Hakone isn’t Japan at its most unspoilt — but that’s kind of what we love about it. It’s about holidaying as only the Japanese know how. Seeing Fuji (if you’re lucky) is just the cherry on the cake.

Highlights

Sleep at a traditional ryokan inn and relax in the healing waters of Hakone’s hot springs

Explore the lakes and mountains of this beautiful region by cable car, boat and funicular railway (included) — or have us arrange a guided tour with a private driver (not included in the basic trip price)

Enjoy a dizzying array of museums and attractions, including genuinely amazing open-air sculture park

Colourful glass and staircase at Hakone Sculpture Park

Day 6-8

Kyoto

It’s the recommendation that trips off the tongue of every Japanophile, but what really makes Kyoto special? The easy answer is that it has the most, the best, and the most beautiful traditional Japanese architecture. Period. But more than that, Kyoto is the standard-bearer for Japan’s intangible cultural heritage. It’s the place to try elaborate kaiseki cuisine developed at the imperial court, and to experience tea ceremony at its most refined. You’ll experience a little slice of this as you explore the city’s 1,600 temples, shrines and gardens with a local guide (well, not all of them), balancing iconic sites with insider secrets as you soak up the history of Japan’s most storied city.

Highlights

Ask us to arrange a walking tour of Kyoto’s Gion geisha district, or go all-out and get an exclusive private audience with a maiko (trainee geisha) (not included in the basic trip price)

Get an induction into Japan’s traditional culture as you take part in a Japanese tea ceremony

Make an optional day trip to the friendly deer in Nara, the original castle at Hikone, or see the temple from the 10-yen coin at Uji

Playing drinking games with a maiko in a yellow room in Kyoto

Day 9-10

Hiroshima

Come to Hiroshima for the Peace Park and Museum, stay for — well, where do we begin? For one thing, you mustn’t leave without checking out Okonomimura, where over 20 different chefs compete to serve the best okonomiyaki: Hiroshima’s signature noodle-based pancake. Then, take the ferry to Miyajima Island, where deer and monkeys roam the wood-panelled streets, and the World Heritage Shrine of Itsukushima looks out towards the “floating” torii gate in the bay. On your return, you might visit beautiful Shukkeien Garden, or see the city’s reconstructed castle — then round off the day with some of Hiroshima’s famous oysters washed down with local sake. Hiroshima has much more than meets the eye.

Highlights

Learn about the atomic bomb and its aftermath at the Peace Park and Museum, a fascinating and balanced look at Hiroshima’s darkest hour

Explore Hiroshima’s superb cuisine, including okonomiyaki, oysters, sake and more

Pay a visit to Miyajima Island and see one of Japan’s “top three views”

View across water towards Miyajima's red floating torii gate

Day 11

Osaka

It may be just 50 km from Kyoto, but Osaka could hardly be more different in character and atmosphere. Known for its devil-may-care attitude and indulgent food (many consider it the best in Japan), this is the place to let your hair down and have some fun. That might mean spending your day at Universal Studios or the Ring of Fire Aquarium, or it might mean spending it snack bar and food stall-hopping beneath the neon lights of Dotonbori. Reconstructed Osaka Castle is a great choice for history lovers, while Amerika Mura and Den Den Town provide spiritual sustenance to fashionistas and geeks respectively. Ideally, you’ll cram in a bit of everything — but whatever you do, don’t miss the food.

Highlights

Indulge in the local pastime of kuidaore, or “eat ‘til you drop”

Explore Japan’s boldest, brashest, and (some would say) most exciting city

Find out if Osaka’s okonomiyaki measures up to its rival in Hiroshima

Sunset over the river in Dotonbori, Osaka

Day 12-13

Takayama

You’ve seen big cities, historic temples, islands and coast — now it’s time to head inland and get to know what is arguably Japan’s defining feature: the mountains. Your base will be the alpine town of Takayama, where you’ll stay in the beautifully preserved historic quarter lined with craft workshops, sake breweries and izakaya pubs. Quaint as it is, the town centre is only part of Takayama’s appeal — take the train or a bike into the nearby countryside and you’ll discover timewarp villages, lush green paddy fields, sleepy towns and no end of friendly people ready to chat. All this against the backdrop of rolling, green-sloped mountains in the foothills of the Japanese Alps.

Highlights

Add in a tasting tour of one of Takayama’s sake breweries (not included in the basic trip price)

Try melt-in-the-mouth Hida beef — it’s every bit as good as Kobe’s!

If you’re the active type, take our favourite bike tour into the farms and villages of the Hida countryside (not included in the basic trip price)

Day 14-15

Tokyo

It’s back to hectic Tokyo for the final leg of your trip. Hopefully you’ve had long enough to think about how best to spend your time! This might be a good opportunity to take in some of the city’s lesser-known districts — perhaps the bijou cafés of peaceful Kagurazaka, the tiny backstreet bars and izakaya of Koenji, or the superlative ramen joints of Takadanobaba. You might like to squeeze in the Ghibli Museum, book in for dinner at the top of Tokyo Skytree, or check out some of Tokyo’s world-class contemporary art galleries. Whatever you choose to do, one thing’s for certain: there’s no excuse to be bored on your last day in Japan.