Gems of Japan & Shikoku

Fly overnight to Tokyo, Japan's buzzing capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Uncover Tokyo's origins at the Open-Air Architectural Garden, where preserved homes and public buildings offer a glimpse into two hundred years of Tokyo's history. Stroll among restored homes, izakayas and bathhouses that capture the charm of old Tokyo. After lunch, return to central Tokyo and enjoy the modern-day buzz of Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Go on to enjoy a photo of the iconic Godzilla Head landmark in Shinjuku before visiting the observatory at Tokyo Metropolitan Governmental Office.

Begin at the Sumida Hokusai Museum, celebrating the legendary 19th century artist whose Great Wave brought Japan's ukiyo-e art to global fame. After lunch, delve deeper into the city's story at the newly renovated Edo-Tokyo Museum. Explore vivid dioramas and trace Tokyo's evolution through war, recovery, and innovation into the vibrant metropolis of today. In the afternoon, return to the hotel. Alternatively, on select May & September departures, witness Japan's national sport at the thrilling Tokyo Sumo Tournament!

Drive to Shizuoka Prefecture, famous for its green tea farms. Visit a tea plantation and enjoy a morning cup of green tea before lunch. This afternoon, head to the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre to learn about Japan's most iconic mountain. Continue to the seaside city of Shizuoka and enjoy 360-degree views of Fuji and the Japanese coastline from Nihondaira Yume Terrace. Overnight in Shizuoka.

Drive to Okazaki to visit a historic miso factory, which has been producing hatcho miso for more than five centuries. This style of miso is thicker and purer than other styles, resulting in a rich umami flavour which you can savour at lunch.

Continue to Nagoya's SCMaglev and Railway Park to discover Japan's world-renowned rail heritage. Step inside historic carriages, admire full-scale bullet trains, and see how cutting-edge technology has shaped high-speed travel. Later, experience it for yourself aboard the shinkansen to Kyoto, your home for the next three nights.

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's ancient culture. Begin your day with a morning tea ceremony, observing its historic rituals, then head to the famously photogenic Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji. At lunchtime, enjoy a visit from a very special guest: a maiko, or apprentice geisha! Geisha are increasingly hard to spot in Kyoto, so this is a fascinating opportunity for a glimpse into their secretive world. Continue to Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple famed for its beautiful rock garden, before returning to your hotel.

Begin the morning in Arashiyama's famous bamboo forest, where towering thickets create a serene atmosphere. Admire the historic Togetsu-kyo Bridge before visiting Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned for its tranquil pond. Enjoy a temple-style lunch at its Bib Gourmand-listed restaurant. Go on to travel to Nara, Japan's former imperial capital and home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Look out for the park's beautiful resident sika deer. Visit Todai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden structure before returning to Kyoto this evening.

Board the bullet train for a 45-minute ride to Himeji, where the imposing white facade of Himeji Castle awaits. Stop outside for photos, then head to the lovely Koko-en Gardens nearby. Later, take a one-hour bullet train to Hiroshima, your home for the next two nights.

Spend the morning in reflection at the poignant Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. After lunch, board a ferry to the lovely island of Miyajima, with free time to admire its 'floating' Torii Gate on the edge of the Seto Inland Sea. Return to Hiroshima before dinner.

Bid farewell to Honshu and take the ferry from Hiroshima to Shikoku, one of Japan's four main islands. Often overlooked by travellers, mountainous Shikoku rewards those who visit with rich culture and quiet charm. Arrive in Matsuyama and hop on the cable car to explore its historic hilltop castle before lunch. This afternoon, visit Dogo Onsen Honkan, Japan's oldest hot spring, to soak in its soothing waters.

Begin the day at Mount Kirosan Observatory, admiring sweeping views of the tiny green islands that stud the Seto Inland Sea. Continue to one of Shikoku's famed citrus farms to pick your own mikan orange and savour the sweet, bright flavour of this local speciality. Later, enjoy a scenic drive across the island to Ritsurin Garden, a masterpiece of ponds, bridges, and manicured pines. Stroll its serene paths before checking in at your hotel in the port city of Takamatsu.

Hop on a ferry to the intriguing island of Naoshima, celebrated for its eclectic contemporary art collections. Visit the island's premier gallery, Benesse House, to explore its blend of indoor exhibits and open-air installations set against sea views. Among its most iconic works is Yayoi Kusama's polka-dot 'Yellow Pumpkin' sculpture, a symbol of modern Japanese art. Return to Takamatsu.

Journey one hour to Tokushima, on Shikoku's eastern coast, to visit the Awa Odori Festival Museum. Learn about Shikoku's joyful summer festival, and enjoy an energetic live performance by local dancers. After lunch, continue to the Naruto Strait to view its famous whirlpools (tide permitting) from a walkway above the swirling currents. Continue to Osaka ahead of this evening's farewell dinner.

Farewell, Japan! Transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving the same or following day. Alternatively, why not extend your trip? Talk to our reservations team about extensions to Nara, or combining your Honshu & Shikoku tour with our Spirit of Kyushu tour for an even deeper journey through Japan.