The Grand Tour of Japan

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 arriving 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 ready to help you get off to a great start on your Japanese adventure.

From the airport, you’ll head towards Osaka, a vibrant and modern metropolis about an hour’s drive away. As the city’s skyline slowly appears on the horizon, motorways, harbour areas, and densely packed neighbourhoods glide past. Osaka is dynamic, unpretentious, and full of personality, and even during the drive, you’ll get a feel for the city’s pulse, its unfiltered pace, and lively atmosphere.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel, after which you’ll have time to unpack and settle in, as the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. If you fancy stretching your legs, you could take a short stroll around the local area to shake off the journey. The streets buzz with life, neon lights flicker overhead, and the aroma of grilled delicacies drifts out from small restaurants with open fronts.

Osaka is also known as “Japan’s kitchen” and is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and proud food culture. You’ll eat well wherever you go, making it easy to start your tour on a flavourful note before returning to your hotel to unwind after a day filled with new impressions.

After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting designed to give you a smooth and confident start to your tour. The guide will go through the programme for the coming days, explain practical details, and answer any questions you may have.

Afterwards, a delightful walking tour awaits, taking you through some of the city’s most characterful neighbourhoods, known for their vibrant food scene and the many local delicacies that shape both its streetscape and its spirit.

The tour begins in the charming Shinsekai district, which, when it was built before the Second World War, was called “The New World”. The area’s architecture and atmosphere still reflect the era’s fascination with both Paris and New York, and the streets exude a nostalgic charm from days gone by. Here, you can taste the golden kushikatsu skewers – both meat and vegetable versions – one of the city’s most beloved snacks.

You’ll then continue through Osaka’s lively centre to the iconic Dotonbori, where neon lights, music, and advertising signs fill the streets, and the Glico Running Man stands proudly as one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Your guide will also lead you down the narrow Hozenji Yokocho alley, where the moss-covered statue of Fudō Myōō is hidden among small restaurants and bars. Here, you’ll learn about the local prayer custom, where visitors still pour water over the statue as a symbol of respect and purification.

The culinary walking tour ends at Kuromon Market, a lively food market filled with the scent of freshly grilled fish, steaming soups, and perfectly arranged pastel-coloured fruits. Here you’ll have the chance to try crispy takoyaki stuffed with octopus before either continuing on your own or returning to the hotel with your guide. 

The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax as you wish or explore more of Osaka’s fascinating contrasts. Within a short walk, you can visit the youthful Amemura district with its creative energy, or take the metro to Umeda Sky Building, where the view from the floating observation deck stretches across the city’s shimmering skyline. 

As evening falls, the neon lights reflect in the Dotonbori Canal and the restaurants buzz with life, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. You can wander among the many small izakayas and eateries, where the menus range from grilled skewers to steaming noodles. The atmosphere is informal and contagious, making it easy to get swept up in the city’s infectious energy and zest for life. 

After a pleasant start to the day with breakfast, the rest of the morning is free for you to spend as you wish.

If you fancy it, you can visit Osaka Castle and take a stroll through the surrounding park, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s historic roots at the heart of this modern metropolis. If you’re in the mood for shopping, head to Shinsaibashi, which features everything from international brands to small, local boutique shops. Alternatively, the Nakanoshima district, with its flowing river, museums, and green spaces, provides a calm contrast to the city’s vibrant centre.

Early in the afternoon, make your own way to Shin-Osaka Station, where—just like the locals—you can pick up a bento box for your journey. These neatly arranged little dishes are a treat in themselves and give you one last delicious taste of “Japanese cuisine” before the famous high-speed train, the Shinkansen, whisks you off to Hiroshima.

From Hiroshima Station, make your own way to your hotel, after which you’ll have time to explore the city. Today, Hiroshima appears modern, with wide boulevards and green parks. The city has a relaxed atmosphere, standing in striking contrast to its dramatic past. All around, you’ll sense a mood of reflection, dignity, and hope, while the lively urban scene, welcoming locals, and proud food culture greet you warmly.

The cuisine of Hiroshima is truly 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, cooked on a hot iron plate right before your eyes. The city is also renowned for its fresh oysters and its distinctive sake, brewed in the surrounding region.

As you enjoy your first meal of the day, you can look forward to a full-day tour where history, reflection, and beautiful natural surroundings come together in a sensory experience.

In the morning, you’ll meet your guide in the hotel lobby, and together you’ll head to the Memorial Peace Park – a serene green space 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 accounts offer a moving insight into the horrors of war and the long journey towards reconciliation. The exhibition is both sobering and deeply touching, reminding visitors of the fragility of peace and the importance of cherishing it.

After your museum visit, you’ll have some free time to find a spot for lunch while you reflect on all the impressions of the day.

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

You’ll then have time to explore the island at your own pace. Along the paths, you’ll meet the friendly deer wandering calmly among visitors. You can climb the steps to the Daisho-in Temple, guided by hundreds of small Buddha figures, or simply stroll through the inviting streets lined with stalls and shops. Be sure to sample some local delicacies such as fresh oysters, which have been farmed here for more than 300 years, or the sweet cakes known as momiji manju, shaped like maple leaves and filled with red bean paste.

Back in Hiroshima, you can round off the day by exploring the city’s atmospheric restaurant scene. Choose a laid-back izakaya tucked away in one of the small side streets, or enjoy a meal in a riverside restaurant while the city around you gradually quietens under the evening light.

Your day will start early, as you will once again have 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 ancient imperial capital, your guide will be waiting on the platform to help you find your way to the hotel, where you can safely and confidently leave your luggage.

You’ll then head towards Nijo Castle, built by the founder of the Edo shogunate. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the castle is famous for its distinctive architecture, richly decorated sliding doors, and its legendary “nightingale floors” that chirp as you walk across them. These floors were originally designed as a security measure, allowing residents to hear intruders approaching.

From the whispers of history, you’ll continue on to the Nishiki Market – a narrow shopping street lined with more than 100 small shops and eateries. Rightly known 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 lively place and the perfect opportunity for a light lunch, arranged by your guide, while you get a glimpse into the variety of ingredients and flavours that define Japanese cuisine.

The cultural highlight of the day is undoubtedly taking part in a traditional tea ceremony, offering you a rare insight into some of Japan’s oldest customs. In calm and intimate surroundings, you’ll first be served a small Japanese snack before watching the host’s skilled tea master prepare traditional Japanese matcha tea with great precision and artistry. You’ll taste the finished tea and be introduced to the graceful movements and symbolism behind the ritual before, under expert guidance, whisking your own bowl of matcha into a smooth, green froth. The ceremony reflects centuries-old traditions and offers a deep understanding of Japanese aesthetics, mindfulness, and appreciation of detail.

After the ceremony, the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. The area surrounding the teahouse is more local and peaceful than the city centre, giving you a sense of everyday life, which offers a lovely contrast to the busier districts. If you fancy it, you can take the train a few stops south to the Fushimi Inari shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates winding their way up the mountainside. Stroll through the iconic archways and soak up the sacred atmosphere before heading back towards the heart of the city.

In the evening, take time to absorb Kyoto’s unique atmosphere and settle into one of the city’s many excellent restaurants. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by local obanzai dishes, which you can savour in a cosy restaurant overlooking the softly lit streets – the perfect, atmospheric way to round off the day.

Kyoto is home to an abundance of temples, shrines, and charming neighbourhoods, and today you’re free to explore whichever side of the city most appeals to you, as there are no scheduled activities. You can let yourself be inspired by the suggestions below or take a closer look at one of our carefully selected optional tours.

A great place to begin is the Kiyomizudera Temple in eastern Kyoto, which is best experienced early in the morning. See how one of the city’s landmarks dramatically balances on a wooden terrace overlooking the city, before continuing through the narrow streets of the charming Higashiyama district. Here, traditional wooden houses, small shops, and tea houses create a magical atmosphere that evokes memories of old Japan. Visit the Kōdaiji Temple with its elegant Japanese garden, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere at the Yasaka Shrine and nearby Maruyama Park, before ending your walk in the affluent geisha district of Gion.

Afterwards, you can take the bus northeast to one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions, the Ginkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion. Enjoy the temple’s simple elegance and poetic charm, and continue along the Philosopher’s Path – a picturesque walkway beside a small canal lined with cherry trees. The path connects several smaller temples and ends at Nanzen-ji, one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples and well worth a visit in its own right. From here, you can continue to the Heian Jingū Shrine, known for its large torii gate and tranquil garden.

If you’d like to discover a different side of Kyoto, take public transport west to Arashiyama to visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned for its classic garden and views of the lush green hills. Here, you can also stroll through Arashiyama’s famous bamboo grove, where tall bamboo stalks create serene, light-filled green corridors. It’s also worth exploring the charming Saga Toriimoto district, known for its well-preserved houses and inviting little streets.

Although Kyoto is home to many well-known attractions, it’s well worth putting the guidebook aside for a while and simply letting your eyes lead you through the city’s streets. You’ll often stumble upon unique moments in the quieter side lanes, where you’ll find everything from small, characterful bars and shops to sacred mini-temples that play an important role in the daily lives of locals.

When night falls, you’ll have yet another chance to savour Kyoto’s culinary scene. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by a small restaurant serving the city’s exquisite kaiseki dishes, where every course is a work of art, or maybe a more relaxed izakaya offering grilled delicacies and a glass of sake will catch your attention.

The day will begin with breakfast before you’ll have half a day at your own leisure. 

If you’re up early, you’ll have time to visit two of Kyoto’s most famous attractions. Using public transport, you can make your way northwest to the renowned temple Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple’s shimmering golden façade is beautifully reflected in the still surface of the pond, making it one of the city’s most iconic sights. Follow the carefully designed path through the surrounding gardens, where the stunning colours of the seasons create a truly enchanting atmosphere.

From here, you can take the bus to Kyoto’s former Imperial Palace, surrounded by an impressive park that is well worth a visit in its own right. If you have a smartphone, you can enjoy free access to an informative audio guide that shares stories about the palace and the history of the imperial family as you stroll along the park’s wide gravel paths and admire the elegant ponds in the heart of the ancient imperial city.

Before your afternoon train journey, take some time to find a place for lunch and savour a final taste of Kyoto. Afterwards, make your own way to Kyoto Station, where the express train followed by the Shinkansen will take you to Kanazawa, with a brief change in Tsuruga.

After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have the evening free to explore the city, often referred to as “Little Kyoto”. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa has managed to preserve its historical charm, with well-kept samurai districts, teahouses, traditional wooden buildings, and a distinctive atmosphere that clearly 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 renowned for its fresh produce from the Sea of Japan and particularly famous for its high-quality sushi and sashimi. You can also try the local speciality, jibuni, a slow-cooked duck stew with vegetables, which perfectly reflects the region’s culinary finesse. Wander through the narrow side streets, where you’ll find a wealth of cosy izakayas and restaurants whose relaxed atmosphere invites you to slow down and savour both the food and the tranquil spirit that defines Kanazawa.

Breakfast always tastes best when a thrilling day lies ahead – and you’ll have another one waiting today.

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

Upon arrival in Shirakawa-go, it’s hard not to be captivated by the village’s enchanting atmosphere. Scattered across the peaceful landscape are traditional farmhouses with their steep thatched roofs, designed to withstand the region’s heavy winter snowfalls. These houses are known as gassho-zukuri, meaning “hands in prayer”, as the distinctive roof design resembles palms folded together in prayer.

Walking through the village feels like stepping back in time. You’ll gain a glimpse into rural life that has shaped the region for generations and visit one of the village’s largest and best-preserved farmhouses. Once home to a local doctor, the building now stands as a living example of the area’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 some free time to explore the village at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by a short walk up to a viewpoint for a panoramic look over the distinctive rooftops, or maybe you’d like to browse one of the small shops selling local delicacies and handicrafts. You can also settle into one of the charming cafés for a cup of coffee or a sweet treat before continuing back towards Kanazawa.

If you still have the energy, why not round off the day with a 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 a wonderfully atmospheric setting. The pace slows here, and the calm, graceful ambience makes it feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. You might hear gentle music from behind a sliding door or catch sight of a geisha’s silhouette on her way to an evening engagement as the city quietly winds down.

After breakfast, you’ll have a couple of hours at leisure before your tour continues to Nagano on the Shinkansen train.

If you’re an early riser, Kanazawa’s efficient bus network makes it easy to visit several of the city’s attractions. At Kenrokuen – one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens – you can experience a tranquil morning atmosphere surrounded by natural beauty. Stroll through a harmonious landscape of small ponds, stone lanterns, tea pavilions, and meticulously pruned trees, where every detail reflects care and artistry. The garden transforms with the seasons, offering ever-changing colours, scents, and moods throughout the year.

Adjacent to Kenrokuen lies Kanazawa Castle, once the stronghold of the powerful Maeda clan. The whitewashed walls and impressive gates bear witness to the city’s samurai heritage, and you can explore the castle grounds and reconstructed buildings, where traditional craftsmanship techniques remain visible. Together, the garden and castle provide a vivid glimpse into Kanazawa’s distinguished past and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace throughout the morning.

Enjoy lunch at the popular Omicho Market before making your own way to Kanazawa Station, where you’ll board the Shinkansen heading for Nagano, the largest city in the Japanese Alps.

Upon arrival at Nagano Station, make your own way to your hotel, check in, and settle in comfortably. Although Nagano is the largest city in the Alps, it’s both easy to get around and welcoming, with a calmer atmosphere than Japan’s bigger cities, and the mountains providing a constant and captivating backdrop.

With the evening free to spend as you wish, you might take a leisurely stroll through the city centre or try Nagano’s simple yet delicious mountain cuisine. The city is especially famous for its soba noodles, made from buckwheat that flourishes in the region’s cool climate. They can be enjoyed cold with a dipping sauce or served in a warming soup.

Today is yours to spend as you please in Nagano, where the mountains provide a picturesque backdrop and nature, history, and everyday life blend together at a relaxed pace.

A great place to start is with a walk to Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most significant temples. Stroll along the broad avenue leading to the temple grounds, lined with small shops selling incense, handmade souvenirs, and local delicacies. Inside the impressive wooden hall, a serene atmosphere of hushed reverence prevails, broken only by soft prayers and the sweet, heavy scent of incense. Around the temple, you can wander along narrow side streets dotted with cafés and small shops, where the rhythm of daily life unfolds quietly. You might also continue on to Joyama Park, where the winding paths lead through green spaces offering lovely views of the mountains.

If you’d like to get even closer to nature, you can take a bus to Togakushi Shrine, which is set among forested hills north of the city. Here, tall, ancient cedar trees line the old pilgrimage trails that wind between the shrines, creating an almost mythical atmosphere. You might also choose to visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where a forest path leads you through scenery that changes character with the seasons. At the top, you’ll find the hot springs that Japan’s famous macaques call home. 

However you choose to spend your day, Nagano offers the chance to experience a more natural, authentic, and reflective side of Japan. In the evening, you can sample some of the region’s specialities such as oyaki – little steamed or grilled buns filled with vegetables or meat – or sake brewed with the pure mountain water for which the area is so well known. 

This morning, enjoy a relaxed start at your own pace before continuing your journey onwards to Sendai later in the day. 

Depending on what you got up to yesterday, you might wish to spend the morning exploring whatever you didn’t have time for. Nagano’s city centre is also perfect for simply strolling without any set plan. As you wander the streets, you can easily stop by a café to enjoy a local sweet treat, such as a rich chestnut confectionery or warm apple tart. 

Alternatively, you can stop by Nagano’s Olympic Stadium, which was built for the 1998 Winter Olympics. The stadium, located on the edge of the city, stands today as a striking symbol of Nagano’s role as an international host city. Here, you can stroll around the area and imagine the atmosphere of the opening and closing ceremonies, when the world came together against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Nearby, you’ll also find several of the original Olympic facilities, and various exhibitions tell the story of how the Games left their mark on the city and the surrounding region.

Around midday, it’s time to pack your things and make your own way to Nagano Station. From there, you’ll board the Shinkansen and head northeast, changing trains once along the way in Omiya.

In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Sendai, in northern Honshu. From the station, make your own way through the city’s wide boulevards to your hotel, where you can check in and get ready to experience Sendai in the evening light.

Take a leisurely stroll through Ichibancho’s covered arcades, where the scent of grilled dishes and freshly prepared food drifts out from small restaurants. Take a seat, listen to the soft hum of conversations, and let Sendai’s down-to-earth and authentic charm unfold around you.

As you enjoy your breakfast, you can look forward to a day filled with scenic experiences in the mountains surrounding Yamadera. 

In the hotel lobby, you’ll be met by your guide, and together you’ll take the local train towards Yamadera Station. During the journey, you can watch the landscape gradually transform as the city’s rhythm gives way to rolling terrain, lush valleys, and forest-covered slopes. 

The Risshaku-ji Temple, better known as Yamadera, means “mountain temple” in Japanese and was immortalised by the famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho. Back in the 1600s, he composed one of his best-known poems here, making the site a poetic and spiritual symbol for many Japanese people. The temple is a popular destination among locals, yet remains something of a hidden gem for international travellers, even though the walk to the top takes only 30–40 minutes. 

From the station, you’ll walk uphill towards the Yamadera Temple, which clings dramatically to the mountainside. You’ll follow a path of several hundred stone steps that have been worn smooth over centuries by monks and pilgrims. The steps weave through an enchanting landscape of towering cedar trees and an almost unshakable sense of serenity. Along the way, you’ll pass small moss-covered shrines and viewpoints where you can pause to catch your breath and take in the breathtaking scenery. 

At the summit, your efforts are richly rewarded. From here, you’re met with a breathtaking panorama across the valley and temples that appear to float towards the sky. You can feel both the majesty of nature and the site’s deep spiritual serenity as the breeze gently stirs the treetops and the village rests peacefully far below. The changing seasons paint the landscape beautifully, from the soft greens of spring and the lush foliage of summer to the fiery reds and golden hues of autumn that drape the mountainsides in an almost painterly light.

After soaking up the view and the tranquil atmosphere, it’s time to make your way back down towards the station. In the small village of Yamadera, you can find a local eatery and enjoy lunch at your own pace – perhaps trying the region’s famous soba noodles. Afterwards, your guide will accompany you back to Sendai by local train, content and enriched after a day filled with nature and quiet spirituality.

In the evening, you might take a leisurely stroll along the Hirose River, where the murmuring water and the silhouettes of the trees create a peaceful frame for the city’s evening lights. Later, sample some of Sendai’s local delicacies, such as gyutan – juicy slices of grilled beef tongue served with steaming rice, pickled vegetables, and a clear soup. The meat is cooked over an open flame, and the aroma from the grill drifts through the streets. You could also try freshly caught fish and seafood from the Pacific coast, or end your meal with zunda, a sweet, lightly nutty cream made from green soybeans.

Your tour is approaching its final stage, but before that, you’ll have the morning free to explore a little more of Sendai on your own. 

Sendai offers a pleasant balance between city life and history, and its pace is noticeably calmer than in Tokyo, which you’ll soon experience. Take the metro to Aoba Castle, which stands proudly above the city and offers a beautiful view over Sendai’s rooftops. In the park surrounding the castle, you can learn more about the legendary samurai Date Masamune, who founded the city in the early 1600s, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere among the old stone walls and leafy trees. 

Alternatively, you can take the metro to another of the city’s notable landmarks, Sendai Daikannon. Here, the enormous white Kannon statue rises 100 metres above the city, calmly watching over its surroundings. Inside the statue, you can walk through several floors filled with small shrines and Buddhist figures before reaching the viewing platform at the top. The blend of historical sites, local markets, and modern landmarks gives Sendai a unique character, where cultural heritage and everyday life come together in perfect harmony. 

If you’re still looking to pick up a few great souvenirs, head instead to the Ichibancho arcades, where the covered shopping streets bustle with life, lined with small shops, cafés, and speciality stores. For lunch, stop by the atmospheric Sendai Asaichi Market, where the scent of fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables fills the air, giving you a genuine taste of daily life. The market is also an ideal spot to sample the region’s seasonal dishes and soak up one last impression of Sendai’s warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

In the afternoon, make your own way to Sendai Station, where the Shinkansen will whisk you off to Tokyo with remarkable precision and speed. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the comfort as the landscape drifts by, while a new chapter of your tour begins in Japan’s vibrant capital.

Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, you’ll find yourself in one of the busiest transport hubs in the world. From here, you’ll need to make your own way to your hotel using the metro or local train. Although it may seem a little overwhelming at first, the system is both efficient and well-organised. In many ways, this experience perfectly captures Japan’s essence – particularly in Tokyo – a city that continually impresses with its scale and precision. 

After checking in at your hotel, you’ll have time to explore the modern city life and treat your taste buds to everything from local delicacies to innovative cuisine along the neon-lit streets. The capital is famous for its Edomae sushi, but also for its crispy tempura, steaming bowls of ramen, and delicate yakitori skewers served at small local izakayas.

Tokyo, one of the world’s largest cities, is both diverse and full of contrasts, and there’s no set formula for what you should see or do. The next few days are therefore yours to spend as you wish, giving you the freedom to explore Japan’s vibrant capital at your own pace. You can take inspiration from the suggestions below and spread them out over the coming days, or perhaps add one of our exciting optional tours.

You might begin in the lively Asakusa district, home to Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple, Senso-ji. Approach the temple via Nakamise-dori, where the aroma of freshly made snacks mingles with the lure of stalls brimming with lucky charms, fans, and local treats. Just a few streets away, a sense of calm takes over 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 rising high above the skyline – a modern landmark. You can admire the tower from below, or, with a ticket in hand, head up to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the metropolis.

If you’d like to explore several of Tokyo’s iconic neighbourhoods, many are conveniently located along the same train line. From Yoyogi Park, where locals jog and unwind in the shade of towering trees, you can head to the tranquil Meiji Shrine, hidden within a dense forest where gravel paths and the scent of cedar provide a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Continuing on to Shibuya, you can visit the statue of Hachiko and cross the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, which after nightfall transforms into a mesmerising sea of people best admired from a bar high above the city streets.

For lunch, make your way to Tsukiji Market, where small stalls serve fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and Japanese dishes prepared right before your eyes. From here, continue to Akihabara, where neon signs flash in every direction and the shops overflow with gadgets, comics, and figures. For a complete contrast, move on to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, where moats, tree-lined avenues, and immaculate gardens offer an elegant glimpse into Japan’s imperial history. End your day in Shinjuku, where you can take in Tokyo’s towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and lively streets – and even head up the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to admire the glittering sea of city lights or witness the daily light show on its iconic façade.

In contrast to the fast pace of the 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 forest-clad mountains, including the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, which is listed on the UNESCO world heritage list. Alternatively, you can visit Hakone National Park, where hot springs, a boat trip on Lake Ashi, and, on clear days, an iconic view of Mt. Fuji make up the highlights of the day.

Whatever the day has brought, the evening offers the perfect opportunity to explore Tokyo’s diverse food scene. You could choose an intimate sushi bar with just a handful of seats, a bustling ramen shop with a queue out the door, or a restaurant high above street level – turning dinner into yet another highlight of the day.

Your tour is drawing to a close, but you’ll be heading home with your suitcase full of experiences, sensory impressions, and unforgettable encounters with Japan’s culture, nature, and cities.

Well before your flight departs, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport, where your journey back to Europe begins with one or more connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll land at your selected airport and can look back on a tour filled with encounters with Japan’s many faces – and perhaps a growing desire to one day return.