Japan

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1

   Departure for Japan

   The journey begins as we leave everyday life behind and head to the airport, ready to discover the Land of the Rising Sun and experience the neon lights, ancient temples, autumn landscapes and extraordinary culture of Japan.

2. 2
   Day 2

   Arrival in Tokyo – Shinjuku – Omoide Yokocho

   Arrive in Tokyo, transfer to the hotel and set out for your first taste of this extraordinary metropolis. Explore vibrant Shinjuku, see the famous 3D Cat at Cross Shinjuku Vision, wander through the atmospheric yakitori alleys of Omoide Yokocho, experience the dazzling lights of Kabukicho and spot Godzilla above the Shinjuku Toho Building. End the evening among the tiny bars of Golden Gai, with an optional Japanese whisky tasting featuring renowned labels such as Yamazaki and Hibiki.

3. 3
   Day 3

   Senso-ji Temple – Kappabashi – Akihabara – Tokyo Skytree

   Begin in historic Asakusa with Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, passing through Kaminarimon Gate and lively Nakamise-dori. Continue to Kappabashi, famous for professional kitchenware and Japanese knives, before entering the colourful world of Akihabara, packed with electronics, anime, retro gaming and pop culture. Optional experiences include panoramic views from Tokyo Skytree, a themed Ninja dinner, an immersive sumo experience with Chanko-nabe, or a morning visit to a traditional sumo training stable.

4. 4
   Day 4

   Yoyogi Park – Meiji Shrine – Takeshita Street – Shimokitazawa – Hachiko – Shibuya Sky

   Discover Tokyo’s contrasts, beginning with Yoyogi Park and the peaceful forest surrounding Meiji Shrine before diving into the colourful fashion scene of Harajuku and Takeshita Street. Continue through elegant Omotesando and alternative Shimokitazawa before reaching Shibuya Crossing and the famous Hachiko statue. Optionally take in spectacular views from Shibuya Sky or experience Tokyo from a completely different perspective with an exhilarating city go-kart adventure.

5. 5
   Day 5

   Shinjuku Gyoen – Gotokuji Temple – Ueno Park – Tsukiji – Ginza

   Start with a relaxing walk through the beautiful Japanese, French and English gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen before visiting Gotokuji Temple, famous for its thousands of lucky Maneki-neko cat figurines. Continue to Ueno Park and bustling Ameyoko Market, then discover Tokyo’s culinary heart at Tsukiji Outer Market, sampling fresh sushi, seafood and tamagoyaki. Finish the day in sophisticated Ginza, renowned for striking contemporary architecture, luxury boutiques and historic department stores.

6. 6
   Day 6

   Chureito Pagoda – Lake Kawaguchi – Oishi Park – Mount Fuji – Hakone Shrine – Kyoto

   Leave Tokyo for the spectacular Fuji Five Lakes region and visit iconic Chureito Pagoda, offering one of Japan’s most celebrated views of Mount Fuji. Continue to Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchi before travelling to Hakone Shrine and its famous lakeside Torii gate on Lake Ashi. Bid farewell to Mount Fuji and board Japan’s legendary bullet train for Kyoto, where we stay overnight.

7. 7
   Day 7

   Kyoto – Nishiki Market – Maruyama Park – Kiyomizu-dera – Gion

   Immerse yourself in traditional Kyoto, a city of temples, wooden houses, gardens and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore Nishiki Market and sample local delicacies, stroll through atmospheric Maruyama Park and visit magnificent Kiyomizu-dera for unforgettable views over Kyoto. Optionally experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony before ending the evening among the lantern-lit streets and wooden machiya houses of historic Gion.

8. 8
   Day 8

   Kinkaku-ji – Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – Otagi Nenbutsu-ji – Fushimi Inari – Pontocho

   Begin at the spectacular Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji before travelling to Arashiyama and walking beneath the towering bamboo groves. Visit atmospheric Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, home to more than 1,200 expressive stone figures, before exploring legendary Fushimi Inari-taisha and its seemingly endless tunnel of vermilion Torii gates. Finish the day in charming Pontocho Alley, where intimate restaurants, izakayas and bars capture the timeless atmosphere of Kyoto after dark.

9. 9
   Day 9

   Nara – Todai-ji – Osaka – Dotonbori

   Travel to historic Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, where hundreds of sacred deer roam freely through Nara Park. Visit impressive Todai-ji Temple and its monumental bronze Great Buddha before continuing to Osaka, Japan’s dynamic culinary capital. Spend the evening amid the neon signs, giant displays, street-food aromas and irresistible energy of Dotonbori.

10. 10
    Day 10

    Kurashiki – Hiroshima – Peace Memorial Park

    Travel to picturesque Kurashiki and explore the historic Bikan Quarter, with its canals, willow trees and traditional white storehouses transformed into boutiques and cafés. Continue to Hiroshima to visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and iconic Atomic Bomb Dome, an enduring symbol of remembrance and hope. Sample authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki before returning to Osaka for the night.

11. 11
    Day 11

    Osaka Castle – Universal Studios Japan – Shinsekai – Umeda Sky Building – Namba Yasaka

    Discover energetic Osaka, beginning with its historic castle and the fascinating story of this former commercial powerhouse. Spend your free time with an optional visit to Universal Studios Japan and attractions such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, or explore retro Shinsekai, admire panoramic views from Umeda Sky Building and visit the extraordinary Namba Yasaka Shrine with its enormous lion-head stage.

12. 12
    Day 12

    Osaka – Return to Greece

    After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Osaka and some last-minute shopping before transferring to the airport for the return flight. We leave Japan behind, but its temples, neon-lit streets, unforgettable flavours, landscapes and experiences will remain with us long after we return home.

You may also like

AsiaFrom€1,850

Seoul

9 daysATH

South Korea

A Modern Korean Adventure

AsiaFrom€1,150

Indonesia

10 daysATH

Bali

Press PAUSE and escape to Indonesia!

AsiaFrom€1,100

Vietnam

12 daysATH

Vietnam

Beyond the ordinary !