Mix traditional Japan with modern anime and J-pop culture on this 11-day escorted tour. Take in the ancient sites of Tokyo such as the Meiji Shrine, as well as the vibrant fashion district of Harajuku and 'electric town', Akihabara. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji, sail across Lake Ashi and stay in a ryokan in Hakone. Try zazen meditation in Kyoto and enjoy a guided tour of the Geisha district. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Park and Miyajima Island, and head to Osaka for guided sightseeing. If travelling in March, enjoy included entrance to Tokyo's AnimeJapan convention, a dream for any fan of anime and manga.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Tokyo sightseeing
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted by a driver and taken to our hotel in Ikebukuro by shared transfer. Our tour leader will meet you there to kick off the trip with a welcome meeting and dinner.
Day 2 will be packed with a walking tour of Tokyo, including stops at Harajuku for a glimpse of the unique street styles, Shibuya for lunch in the retro yokocho alleys, and Meiji Shrine for a peaceful stroll in the woods. We also witness the bustling scramble crossing in Shibuya among other highlights.
On day 3, we explore different areas of Tokyo, starting with a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market for fresh sushi before crossing the bay to Odaiba on the monorail. Along the way, you'll see the impressive Ghibli clock at Shiodome. Our tour leader will then take you to Akihabara, known as the culture hub of Tokyo. For a change of pace, you can opt to visit the Skytree for panoramic views or the innovative National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan).
Accommodation: The B Ikebukuro or similar
Overnight: Tokyo (3) | Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1, Dinner x 1
Hakone, Mount Fuji & ryokan stay
Tokyo - Hakone. Today we leave Tokyo's glistening skyscrapers behind and journey to Hakone, a picturesque national park where Mount Fuji stands tall. Fans of anime will recognize Hakone as the setting for Tokyo-3 in the popular series Neon Genesis Evangelion, and we can visit the Evangelion gift shop during our visit.
While in Hakone, we embark on a boat ride across Lake Ashi and catch sight of Mount Fuji from the Komagatake Ropeway or cable car, which will take us up the mountainside for exploration.
For the night, experience a stay at a charming traditional ryokan inn featuring tatami mat floors, futon mattresses, and indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Hot spring bathing is a cherished part of Japanese culture, so be sure to take advantage of this relaxing experience.
Accommodation: Fuji Hakone Guest House or similar
Overnight: Hakone (ryokan) | Breakfast
Exploring Kyoto
Hakone - Kyoto. With over 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto is a treasure trove of Japanese tradition and history. On day 5, we travel to Kyoto at high speeds by bullet train. On arrival our tour leader guides you through the city's backstreets to the enchanting Gion district, where you may catch a glimpse of a geisha.
Day 6 offers the opportunity to participate in zazen meditation at Ryosoku-in Temple, followed by a personalized tour of Kyoto's hidden gems curated by our tour leader. Alternatively, you can choose to explore solo, and engage in activities like yuzen dyeing, attend a kimono show, or visit the Toei Movie Park. For manga enthusiasts, there is also a museum dedicated to Japan's renowned comic book culture.
Accommodation: Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo or similar
Overnight: Kyoto (2) | Breakfast x 2
Miyajima Island
Kyoto - Hiroshima. Take a bullet train to Hiroshima and then a short ferry ride to Miyajima, a small island known for its stunning natural beauty, friendly deer population, and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Later in the day, we enjoy an included dinner, comprising the local specialty, okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is made with noodles and vegetables cooked on a hotplate at your table.
Accommodation: Intergate Hiroshima or similar
Overnight: Hiroshima | Breakfast, Dinner
Hiroshima to Osaka
Hiroshima - Osaka. Today, we explore Hiroshima's solemn Peace Park and Museum, offering a poignant reflection on the events of World War Two and promoting a message of peace for the future. Additionally, you can take part in a tatedo stage-fighting workshop to master the art of wielding a samurai sword before we head to Osaka for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Vista Osaka Nanba or similar
Overnight: Osaka | Breakfast
Osaka sightseeing, anime & Tokyo
Osaka - Tokyo. Begin day 9 in Osaka, a dynamic city known for its vibrant atmosphere. Explore Dotonbori, a paradise for trying takoyaki (octopus balls), and browse the cooking tools street of Doguyasuji. You also have the option to visit Universal Studios Japan or Osaka Castle before taking the bullet train back to Tokyo. Don't miss out on sampling Osaka's famous street food!
For certain departures in March, tickets to Tokyo's AnimeJapan event are included in your tour. This convention is one of the largest in the world, showcasing top names in anime and manga.
On day 10, enjoy a full day in Tokyo. Visit the enchanting Studio Ghibli Museum to immerse yourself in Miyazaki's imaginative world. Explore Tokyo from the Skytree, shop at Shinjuku, or visit Nakano Broadway, a popular spot for Tokyo's otaku community. Your tour leader will offer suggestions for activities. in the evening we enjoy a farewell group dinner.
On day 11 it's time to say farewell to Japan, and there's an included shared shuttle bus to Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight home. Have a safe journey back!
Accommodation: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar
Breakfast x 3, Dinner x 1
Prices & Dates
All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Fuji Hakone Guest House, Hakone
Located in the Sengokuhara area of Hakone, the Fuji Hakone Guest House is one of the most popular inns for foreign visitors in the area. The owners, Mr and Mrs Takahashi have been welcoming visitors from all round the World to their inn since the early 1980s and to date have guests from nearly 100 different countries in their guestbook. The rooms are basic Japanese style and do not have attached bathroom facilities or toilets. However, the Guest House boasts some superb natural hot spring baths - indoors and outdoors - both of which can be booked for private use. A soak in these restorative creamy white onsen waters will leave you feeling extremely relaxed and your skin silky soft. You will have one night here. The staff all speak excellent English and the warm welcome you will receive is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, Tokyo
Renovated in 2007, the chic Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku offers contemporary accommodation in Japan's capital. Guest rooms are tastefully furnished in a modern style with comfortable amenities. The hotel also offers a number of excellent dining options including the Villazza trattoria style restaurant and the Bar Ku Kon Shinjuku dining experience! Why not sip on a delicious cocktail by the crackling fire - a great way to spend the evening! Located in the west of the city - a short walk from Shinjuku train station.
At a Glance
