Highlights of Tokyo & the Kansai region

Tokyo

Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo, Japan's thriving capital. Arrive into one of its two international airports and transfer to your accommodation. From here, take a leisurely stroll around the neighbourhood and beyond to get a feel for the city: sprawled out across almost 850 sq mi, it offers a vast variety of attractions to suit all manner of travellers - from the modern technicolour thrills of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to the old-Tokyo nostalgia of Asakusa and Shimokitazawa. Return to your hotel for a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine, before setting out again to explore the lively streets of your new favourite neighbourhood.

Tokyo

Day 2: A look into the past & future of Tokyo

This morning, immerse yourself in the city's history and religious traditions as you pay a visit to Asakusa's Senso-ji - a significant Buddhist temple, the city's oldest religious building stands out by way of its bold red colour. Carry on with a venture down Nakamise Shopping Street, to pick up some of your first Japanese souvenirs and indulge in delicious sweet and savoury snacks.

In the afternoon, seek out the futuristic draws of the Odaiba district, uniquely located on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Japanese and Western cultures fuse in intriguing fashion at this retail therapy haven, which will delight leisure-seekers well into the evening. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying Tokyo's nightlife - perhaps venture into a traditional izakaya bar for a taste of like-a-local living.

Tokyo

Day 3: Explore the capital's highlights

Today will be fully dedicated to exploring some of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks: soak up dizzying panoramas from the observation platforms of TokyoTower, before grounding yourself with a tour of Meiji Jingu and the wonderfully tranquil of Yoyogi Park - in the heart of Shibuya, the latter offers scenic green expanses, a pond and flower garden, and wooded spaces to explore throughout the seasons.

Round the day off with a visit to the ever-popular teamLab Borderless museum, where a unique and futuristic digital art experience awaits. You'll then have the rest of the day free to explore and unwind, tantalisting your taste buds with more delicious Japanese fare.

Tokyo - Hakone

Day 4: Relax & unwind in Hakone

Today, board a train from Tokyo to Hakone, a mountain town west of the capital, famous for its hot spring resorts and prime Mount Fuji views. Take to the tranquil waters of Lake Ashi for a leisurely boat cruise, during which you could enjoy witnessing the mighty mountain, which stands as the country's tallest peak at 3,776 m (Fuji-san is notoriously temperamental and often shrouded in haze, so do keep in mind that sightings are not always guaranteed).

Continue on with a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the first of its kind in Japan, and home to the sculptural works of Picasso, Taro Okamoto, Henry Moore and other celebrated artists. Come evening, relax and soothe sightseeing-weary legs with an unforgettable onsen experience.

Hakone - Kyoto

Day 5: Natural & spiritual wonders abound

Board a train from Hakone to Kyoto, to dive into the natural and spiritual landmarks for which this culture-packed city is famous. High on the list today is a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, an iconic Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. Challenge yourself with a hike up to the summit of the mountain upon which it sits, or simply feel free to wander at your leisure and gaze in awe at its striking orange torii gates.

In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the temple- and shrine-filled district of Arashiyama on the city's outskirts. Wander into its bamboo grove and Iwatayama Monkey Park, to feel truly at one with the local nature and wildlife. Perhaps enjoy a stroll along the Katsura River or explore the local street food and more gourmet offerings, before heading back into Kyoto to rest at your hotel.

Kyoto

Day 6: A glimpse into Kyoto's past

Today, take a step back in time as you set out on a guided tour of Kyoto's historic sites, including the Buddhist Kinkaku-ji temple and Zen temple Ryoan-ji. Both offer fascinating insight into Kyoto's religious history, and you'll have the chance to participate in a traditional tea ceremony - an authentic, calming and refined experience.

Kyoto

Day 7: The fragrant tea fields of Uji

This morning, head southbound from Kyoto to neigbouring Uji, where once again you'll find yourself immersed in more historic wonder - this quaint riverside city gives off a romantic atmosphere, and is known for its religious landmarks as well as for its tea production and ceremonies. Here, take some time to explore a tea plantation and enjoy a delightful tasting session.

In the afternoon, return to Kyoto to spend some time losing yourself amidst the sights of Gion, the city's most famous geisha district, lined with traditional wooden machiya houses. Come evening, take a leisurely stroll along historic Pontocho Alley, a famous entertainment district filled with restaurants, tea houses, and traditional shops.

Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

Day 8: Nara, ancient capital of Japan

Today, prepare yourself for a day trip by train to Nara, a laid-back city on Kyoto's outskirts, and the former Japanese capital from 710 to 794. Here, you'll visit the remarkable Todai-ji Buddhist temple complex and say hello to the free-roaming deer of Nara Park, many of whom will keenly bow their heads in return for a tasty treat. Explore Kasuga Taisha, a Shinto shrine with gorgeous lantern-lined paths, before returning to Kyoto to relax and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Kyoto - Kurashiki - Hiroshima

Day 9: The historical charms of Kurashiki

Today you'll bid farewell to Kyoto, as you board a train for lesser-known Kurashiki. Located on the Seto Inland Sea, this city is filled with history, which particularly radiates from all parts of its Bikan Historical Quarter. Admire the traditional kominka houses that overlook the river, watch as small boats meander along the calm waters, and feel yourself transported back to the 1600s when the city thrived as a hub for the transportation of goods.

While you're here, also visit the Ohara Museum of Art, which features the country's first exhibition of Western artwork, and spend the afternoon at leisure, shopping or exploring further. Later on, you'll take another train bound for Hiroshima, where you'll check into your hotel to relax for the evening.

Hiroshima - Miyajima Island - Hiroshima

Day 10: The highlights of Hiroshima

Retrace Hiroshima's history today as you tour some of its most iconic landmarks, starting with Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and continuing on to Hiroshima Castle. Return to the modern day and refuel with a trip to the local markets, where you can try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.

In the afternoon, hop on a ferry for a ride to Itsukushima (also known as Miyajima Island), where you'll witness the famous "floating" gem that is the Itsukushima Jinja Otorii, or Grand Torii Gate. Ascend Mount Misen for remarkable sunset views, then return to Hiroshima to soak up the local nightlife and spend some time at leisure.

Hiroshima - Osaka

Day 11: The myriad flavours of Osaka

Today, leave Hiroshima behind as you travel by train to Osaka, a vibrant city that's known for its nightlife and must-visit food and drink scene. First, stop at Kuromon Ichiba Market to experience its wonderfully diverse street food and local delicacies.

Give your taste buds a break with an afternoon visit to Sumiyoshi Taisha - one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, whose surroundings are picturesque and well worth strolling through. Explore the retro-modern charms and shops of the Shinsekai district, enjoy the views across the city from the observation deck at Tsutenkaku Tower, and lose yourself in the bustling streets back at ground level.

Come evening, embark on another culinary adventure in Dotombori, savouring local specialities at canal-side restaurants, before experiencing the pulsating nightlife of Namba across its bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Osaka

Day 12: A last taste of Osaka before departure

On your final day in Japan, spend the morning soaking up the magic of Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, before an afternoon at leisure, enjoying some last-minute shopping, snacking or relaxation. You'll then head to Osaka International Airport for your flight home.