Highlights of Honshu

Today, you’ll take the first step towards your Japanese adventure. Your departure is from your selected airport, and the flight includes one or more connecting flights along the way.

Welcome to Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun!

After your arrival at Osaka airport, you’ll pass through immigration and continue to the baggage claim area. In the arrivals hall, you’ll be greeted by your driver, who will be waiting with a sign and ensure you get off to a great start on your Japanese adventure.

From the airport, the journey takes you to Osaka, a modern metropolis located about an hour’s drive away. Gradually, the city skyline emerges on the horizon as motorways, harbour areas, and tightly packed neighbourhoods pass by. Osaka is vibrant, unpretentious, and full of character, and even on the drive you’ll sense the city’s pulse, its unfiltered pace, and lively atmosphere.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel before unpacking and settling in, as the rest of the day is free at your leisure. If you feel like stretching your legs, you can take a short stroll in the surrounding streets to shake off the journey. The streets buzz with life, neon lights flash above you, and the aroma of grilled delicacies drifts from small open-fronted restaurants.

Osaka is often referred to as the “kitchen of Japan“, famed for its proud yet laid-back food culture. Wherever you go, good food is never far away. You might be tempted by local favourites such as crispy takoyaki filled with octopus or golden kushikatsu skewers dipped in sauce. It’s a flavourful and atmospheric way to start your tour before returning to your hotel to unwind and let the calm settle after a long day of travelling.

After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting designed to ensure a smooth and confident start to your tour. The guide will go over the itinerary for the coming days, share practical information, and answer any questions you may have.

The rest of the morning is at your leisure, giving you the option to relax or explore some of Osaka’s many distinctive neighbourhoods on foot. Within walking distance, you’ll find Dotonbori with its iconic Glico Running Man sign, or the youthful Amemura district with its unique atmosphere. The nearby Kuromon Market also invites you to sample more of Osaka’s celebrated street food—crispy takoyaki, vibrant izakaya culture, and all the delicious flavours that make this city Japan’s true culinary heart.

From here, make your own way to Shin-Osaka Station, where Japan’s famous high-speed train, the Shinkansen, will take you to Hiroshima, arriving early in the afternoon.

From Hiroshima Station, you’ll make your own way to your hotel, after which you’ll have time to explore the city. Today, Hiroshima is a modern city with wide boulevards and leafy parks. It exudes a relaxed atmosphere that stands in striking contrast to its dramatic history. As you wander the streets, you can sense a spirit of reflection, dignity, and hope, while the lively city life, friendly locals, and proud food culture warmly welcome you.

Hiroshima’s cuisine is quite unique, and the city’s local speciality is the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki – a savoury pancake made with cabbage, noodles, and a variety of fillings, all cooked on a hot iron griddle right before your eyes. The city is also well known for its fresh oysters and distinctive sake, which is brewed in the surrounding region.

As you enjoy your breakfast, look forward to a full-day tour where history, reflection, and natural beauty come together in a truly memorable experience.

In the morning, you’ll meet your guide in the hotel lobby, and together you’ll head to the Memorial Peace Park – a tranquil green space right in the heart of the city. The park is Hiroshima’s tribute to the victims of the devastating atomic bomb that struck the city centre in 1945, but it also stands as a powerful symbol of hope and peace for the future. You’ll visit the Peace Memorial Museum, where artefacts, photographs, and personal stories offer a moving glimpse into the horrors of war and the long journey towards reconciliation. The exhibition is both sober and touching, reminding visitors of the fragility of peace and the importance of protecting it.

After visiting the museum, you’ll have some free time to find lunch and reflect on the many impressions of the morning.

The tour then continues by train and ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima, considered one of Japan’s most scenic and poetic destinations. The island exudes a special tranquillity with its Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and charming Edo-style streets, all surrounded by lush nature. A definite highlight is the Itsukushima Shrine, where the iconic torii gate, Otorii, appears to float upon the water at high tide – a sight that has made it one of the most photographed landmarks in Japan.

Afterwards, you’ll have time to explore the island at your own pace. Along the paths, you’ll come across tame deer calmly wandering among visitors. You can follow the steps up to the Daisho-in Temple, where hundreds of small Buddha statues line the way, or stroll through the charming streets filled with little stalls and shops. Be sure to try some of the local delicacies, such as fresh oysters, which have been farmed here for more than 300 years, or the sweet cakes known as momiji manju – maple leaf-shaped treats filled with red bean paste. 

Back in Hiroshima, you can round off the day by discovering the city’s atmospheric dining scene. Choose between a relaxed izakaya tucked down one of the side streets, or a restaurant overlooking the river, and enjoy a delicious meal as the city slowly softens in the evening light.

The day will start early, as you once again you’ll get the pleasure of travelling on the Shinkansen. From your hotel, make your own way to Hiroshima Station, where Japan’s fascinating high-speed train will take you to Kyoto.

Upon arrival in Japan’s former imperial capital, your guide will be waiting on the train platform, ready to help you find your hotel, where you can safely and securely leave your luggage.

You’ll then head to Nijo Castle, built by the founder of the Edo shogunate. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is famous for its impressive architecture, richly decorated sliding doors, and its renowned “nightingale floors” that chirp as you walk across them. The floors were originally designed as a security measure, enabling occupants to hear anyone approaching uninvited.

From the echoes of history, you’ll continue to Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street lined with more than a hundred small shops and eateries. Known quite fittingly as “Kyoto’s kitchen”, the market is brimming with everything from fresh fish and pickled vegetables to sweet treats and local delicacies. It’s a bustling hub and the perfect place to discover the great variety of ingredients and flavours that define Japanese cuisine.

The cultural highlight of the day is without doubt taking part in a traditional tea ceremony, offering a fascinating glimpse into some of Japan’s oldest customs. In calm and intimate surroundings, you’ll first be served a small Japanese snack before the skilled tea master demonstrates how to prepare traditional Japanese matcha tea with graceful precision. You’ll have the chance to taste the finished tea and learn about the ceremony’s elegant movements and symbolic meaning, before trying your hand at whisking your own bowl of matcha into a delicate green froth under expert guidance. This centuries-old ritual offers a deep insight into Japanese aesthetics, mindfulness, and respect for detail.

After the ceremony, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. The area around the teahouse is more local and peaceful than the city centre, making it the perfect time to find a small restaurant and enjoy lunch among the locals. Here you’ll get a real sense of everyday life, offering a lovely contrast to the more frequented parts of the city.

Afterwards, you can take the train a few stops south to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates winding their way up the mountainside. Take a walk through the iconic gateways and soak up the sacred atmosphere before returning to the city centre.

In the evening, immerse yourself in Kyoto’s unique atmosphere and settle into one of the city’s many fine restaurants. You might be tempted by local obanzai dishes, enjoyed in a cosy restaurant overlooking the illuminated streets — the perfect atmospheric end to your day.

Kyoto is home to countless temples, shrines, and charming neighbourhoods, and today you can explore whichever sides of the city appeal most to you, as there are no planned activities. You can take inspiration from the suggestions below or have a look at one of our carefully selected optional tours.

A wonderful place to start is at Kiyomizudera Temple in eastern Kyoto, which is best experienced early in the morning. See how one of the city’s most iconic landmarks dramatically balances on a wooden terrace overlooking Kyoto before you continue through the narrow lanes of the charming Higashiyama district. Here, traditional wooden houses, small shops, and teahouses create an enchanting atmosphere that evokes the spirit of old Japan. Visit Kōdaiji Temple with its graceful Japanese garden, and soak up the peaceful mood at Yasaka Shrine and the nearby Maruyama Park before ending your walk in the elegant geisha quarter of Gion.

From here, you can catch a bus northeast to one of Kyoto’s major attractions, Ginkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion. Take in the temple’s simple elegance and poetic charm, then follow the Philosopher’s Path, an idyllic walkway that runs alongside a narrow canal lined with cherry trees. The path links several smaller temples and leads to one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples, Nanzen-ji, which is well worth a visit in its own right. From there, continue to the Heian Jingū Shrine, with its impressive torii gate and tranquil gardens. 

If you’d like to experience a different side of Kyoto, head west using public transport to Arashiyama and visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned for its classic garden and stunning views of the verdant hills. Here, you can also enjoy a stroll through Arashiyama’s famous bamboo grove, where tall bamboo stalks create green corridors filled with light and tranquillity. It’s also worth exploring the charming Saga Toriimoto district, with its beautifully preserved houses and cosy, narrow streets.

Although Kyoto boasts many well-known attractions, it’s also worth putting the map aside for a while and simply letting your curiosity lead you through the city’s streets. You’ll often stumble upon hidden moments in the quieter back alleys – anything from small, characterful bars and shops to sacred miniature temples that play an important role in the daily lives of the locals.

When night falls, you have another opportunity to discover Kyoto’s culinary side. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by a small restaurant serving the city’s exquisite kaiseki dishes – each course a delicate work of art – or a more relaxed izakaya, offering grilled specialities and a cup of sake.

The day will begin with breakfast, followed by a half-day at your own leisure. 

If you’re an early riser, you might have time to explore two of Kyoto’s most renowned attractions. Using public transport, head northwest to visit the magnificent Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Its golden façade reflects beautifully in the still waters of the surrounding pond, creating one of the city’s most iconic views. Follow the carefully laid path through the temple gardens, surrounded by the season’s striking colours.

From here, you can continue by bus to Kyoto’s former Imperial Palace, enclosed by an impressive park that’s well worth a visit in its own right. With a smartphone, you can access a free, informative audio guide that shares stories of the palace and the Imperial family’s history as you stroll along the wide gravel paths and admire the well-designed ponds in the heart of this ancient imperial city.

Before your afternoon train journey, you can find somewhere to have lunch or do as many Japanese people do and buy a bento box for the trip. These neatly arranged little dishes are an experience in themselves and a perfect way to enjoy one last taste of Kyoto.

Afterwards, make your own way to Kyoto Station, where you’ll take the express train followed by the Shinkansen to Kanazawa, with a short transfer in Tsuruga.

After checking in at your hotel, the evening is yours to explore the city often referred to as the “Little Kyoto”. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa has managed to preserve its historical charm with beautifully maintained samurai districts, teahouses, traditional wooden buildings and a distinctive atmosphere that reflects the elegance of times past.

As you may already have discovered, Japanese cuisine varies from region to region – and Kanazawa is no exception. The city is known for its fresh ingredients from the Sea of Japan and is particularly famous for its top-quality sushi and sashimi. You might also like to try the local speciality, jibuni – a simmered dish of duck and vegetables that perfectly showcases the region’s refined culinary flair. Around the narrow side streets, you’ll find a wealth of intimate izakayas and restaurants, ideal for slowing down and enjoying both the food and the tranquil atmosphere that defines Kanazawa.

Breakfast always tastes better when there’s an exciting day ahead – and today is no exception.

In the hotel lobby, you’ll meet your guide, who will take you by bus to the historic mountain village of Shirakawa-go, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list. Along the way, you can enjoy the drive through the scenic Japanese Alps, where small villages and the changing seasons colour the forested slopes.

Upon arrival in Shirakawa-go, it’s hard not to be enchanted by the village’s fairytale atmosphere. Scattered across the peaceful landscape are traditional farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, built to withstand the region’s heavy winter snow. These houses are known as gassho-zukuri, meaning “hands in prayer”, a name inspired by the shape of the roofs, which resemble hands folded in prayer.

Walking through the village feels like stepping back in time. You’ll gain an insight into the rural life that has shaped the area for generations, and you’ll visit one of the largest and best-preserved farmhouses. Once the home of a local doctor, the house now stands as a living example of the region’s traditional architecture and way of life. Inside, you can explore the original rooms, tools, and structures that tell the story of everyday life in the Japanese Alps.

Afterwards, you’ll have time on your own to explore the village a bit more. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by a short walk to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the village’s distinctive rooftops, or maybe a visit to one of the small shops selling local delicacies and handicrafts. You might also choose to settle down at one of the charming cafés for a cup of coffee or something sweet before heading back to Kanazawa.

If you still have the energy, you can end the day with a gentle stroll through Kanazawa’s historic geisha quarter, the Higashi Chaya district. As night falls, the narrow streets are softly lit by lanterns, and the beautifully preserved wooden houses from the Edo period create an enchanting atmosphere. Here, life moves at a slower pace, and the calm, graceful surroundings give you a feeling of stepping back in time. Perhaps you’ll hear faint music behind a sliding door or catch sight of a geisha’s silhouette on her way to an evening engagement, as the city quietly settles down for the night.

After breakfast, you’ll have a couple of hours at your own leisure before continuing your tour to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

If you’re an early riser, Kanazawa’s excellent bus network makes it easy to visit several of the city’s attractions. In Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, you can experience a peaceful morning atmosphere surrounded by beautiful scenery. Wander through a harmonious landscape of small ponds, stone lanterns, tea pavilions, and perfectly pruned trees where every detail reflects care and artistry. The garden changes its appearance with the seasons, offering new colours, scents, and moods all year round.

Next to Kenrokuen lies Kanazawa Castle, once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan. The whitewashed walls and majestic gates are reminders of the city’s samurai heritage, and you can explore the castle grounds and reconstructed buildings where traditional craftsmanship remains visible. Together, the garden and castle offer a vivid insight into Kanazawa’s distinguished past, best enjoyed at a relaxed pace throughout the morning.

Before your afternoon train journey, you might like to stop by the popular Omicho Market for lunch, or do as many Japanese locals do and pick up a bento box for the journey. The beautifully arranged small dishes are an experience in themselves and a wonderful way to enjoy a final taste of Kanazawa. 

Afterwards, make your own way to Kanazawa Station, where the Shinkansen will whisk you smoothly towards Tokyo with remarkable speed and precision. Sit back, relax, and watch the scenery unfold as a new chapter of your tour begins in Japan’s vibrant capital. 

Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, you’ll step into one of the world’s busiest transport hubs. From here, make your own way to your hotel by metro or local train. Although it may seem a little overwhelming at first, the system is efficient and well organised. The experience itself is a reflection of everything Japan does so well, and Tokyo in particular never fails to impress with its scale and precision.

After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have the chance to explore the city’s vibrant urban life and indulge in everything from local delicacies to cutting-edge cuisine along its neon-lit streets. The capital is renowned for its Edomae sushi, as well as crispy tempura, steaming bowls of ramen, and delicate yakitori skewers at cosy local izakayas.

Tokyo, one of the world’s largest cities, is incredibly diverse and full of contrasts – there’s no set formula for what you should experience here. The coming days are therefore entirely yours to enjoy, giving you the freedom to explore the Japanese capital at your own pace. You can take inspiration from the suggestions below and spread them across your days, or add on one of our exciting optional tours.

Start your exploration in the lively Asakusa district, home to Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, Senso-ji. On your way to the temple, stroll along Nakamise-dori, where the scent of freshly made snacks mingles with the allure of stalls brimming with lucky charms, fans, and local treats. Just a few streets away, a completely different calm prevails on Kappabashi Street, where small shops sell Japanese porcelain and chef’s knives side by side. Look up and you’ll see the Tokyo Skytree towering into the sky as a symbol of modern Tokyo. You may simply admire it from below or, with a ticket in hand, head to the top for an unforgettable panoramic view of the metropolis.

If you’d like to explore several of Tokyo’s iconic districts, you’ll find that many are conveniently located along the same train line. From Yoyogi Park, where locals go for a run or relax in the shade of the sprawling treetops, you can stroll to the tranquil Meiji Shrine, tucked away in a dense forest where gravel paths and the scent of cedar provide a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Continue on to Shibuya to greet the famous Hachiko statue and cross the world-renowned Shibuya Crossing, which after dark transforms into a mesmerising sea of people best admired from a bar high above the city streets.

For lunch, head to the Tsukiji Market, where small stalls serve freshly made sushi, grilled seafood, and Japanese dishes cooked right before your eyes. From here, continue to Akihabara, where neon signs flash in every direction and shops overflow with gadgets, comics, and collectible figures. For a complete change of atmosphere, visit Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, where moats, tree-lined avenues, and immaculately kept gardens offer an elegant glimpse into Japan’s imperial past. End your day in Shinjuku, where soaring skyscrapers, neon lights, and lively streets await, and take the lift up the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to enjoy panoramic views of the dazzling cityscape or watch the nightly light show projected onto its iconic façade.

In contrast to the fast pace of the big city, you might like to spend one of your days on an excursion outside Tokyo. In Nikko, you’ll find lavishly decorated temples and shrines surrounded by forested mountains, including the impressive Toshogu Shrine, which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Alternatively, you can visit Hakone National Park, where hot springs, a boat trip on Lake Ashi, and, on clear days, the iconic view of Mt. Fuji, make up the highlights of the day.

Whatever the day has brought, the evening is the perfect opportunity to explore Tokyo’s diverse food scene. Choose a cosy sushi bar with just a few seats, a lively ramen shop with a queue at the door, or a restaurant high above street level, and turn dinner into another highlight of your day.

The tour is drawing to a close, but you’ll be heading home with a suitcase full of experiences, sensory impressions, and unforgettable encounters with Japan’s captivating cities, Kyoto and Tokyo.

Well ahead of your flight departure, you’ll be picked up at your hotel and driven to the airport, where your journey home to Europe begins, with one or more connecting flights along the way.

You’ll arrive at your selected airport, looking back on a tour that’s taken you through some of Japan’s greatest highlights on the main island of Honshu – and perhaps left you with a small longing to return one day.