Overview
Experience the timeless beauty of Japan on a 10-day journey through its vibrant cities, peaceful countryside, historic temples and unforgettable cultural landmarks.
Classic Japan combines the energy of Tokyo and Osaka with the traditional charm of Kyoto, the natural beauty of Kawane and Sumatakyo Onsen, and the moving history of Hiroshima and Miyajima.
Travel through Japan using a combination of Shinkansen trains, local railways, buses, walking and ferries, creating an immersive journey that allows you to experience the country beyond its major tourist centres.
From the traditional streets of Asakusa and the sacred Meiji Jingu Shrine to a tranquil tea plantation in Kawane, a traditional ryokan and onsen experience, the historic temples of Kyoto and the iconic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, this itinerary brings together many of the experiences that make Japan so distinctive.
The journey concludes in Osaka, where lively neighbourhoods, historic landmarks and famous Japanese cuisine provide a memorable finale before returning to Narita for your international departure.
Why You'll Love This Journey
- Discover the contrasts between modern Tokyo and traditional Japan.
- Explore Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street.
- Experience the peaceful atmosphere of Meiji Jingu Shrine.
- Travel into the Japanese countryside by Shinkansen and the scenic Oigawa Railway.
- Stay at Sumatakyo Onsen in a traditional ryokan.
- Enjoy a Kawane tea plantation experience and tea tasting.
- Discover Kyoto's historic temples, traditional streets and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
- Visit Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
- Experience the beautiful island of Miyajima and its famous Itsukushima Shrine.
- Explore Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsekai and Shinsaibashi.
- Travel through Japan using mainly public transportation and walking for a more immersive experience.
Itinerary
Arrival in Japan & Traditional Tokyo
Arrive at Narita International Airport and complete your arrival formalities before travelling into Tokyo using the Keisei Line and Toei Asakusa Line.
After arriving in the Asakusa area, transfer to your hotel and leave your luggage before beginning your first exploration of Tokyo.
Discover the atmospheric streets of Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s most traditional neighbourhoods. Visit Kaminarimon Gate, walk along Nakamise shopping street and explore Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s famous Buddhist temple.
Enjoy free time to explore the surrounding streets before dinner in Asakusa.
Tokyo City Sightseeing
After breakfast, begin your Tokyo sightseeing with a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, surrounded by peaceful forested grounds in the heart of the city.
Continue to the lively Ameyoko Market and Ueno area, where you can explore the bustling shopping street and enjoy free time.
In the afternoon, make your way to Tokyo Tower. Visit the observation deck and take in panoramic views across the Tokyo skyline.
Return to Asakusa for dinner and your second evening in Tokyo.
Into the Japanese Countryside
After breakfast, check out and travel to Tokyo Station before boarding the Shinkansen to Shizuoka.
Continue by local railway towards Shin-Kanaya and then travel onward towards the Ieyama area before continuing to Sumatakyo Onsen.
After checking into your traditional ryokan, enjoy an afternoon surrounded by nature.
Walk across Yume no Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge and explore the beautiful Sumatakyo Gorge, with time to enjoy the scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Return to the ryokan to relax before experiencing a traditional Japanese onsen and enjoying dinner at the ryokan.
Tea, Countryside & Kyoto
Begin the day with breakfast at the ryokan before travelling to Sankoso Tea Garden.
Enjoy a Kawane tea experience, including a visit to the tea plantation, an introduction to Kawane tea and a tea tasting experience.
Continue to Shin-Kanaya Station before travelling back to Shizuoka and boarding the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
Arrive in Kyoto in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Enjoy some free time to explore the Kyoto Station area before dinner.
Historic Kyoto
After breakfast, discover some of Kyoto’s most atmospheric historic areas.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and enjoy views across Kyoto before walking through the traditional streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
These historic lanes are lined with traditional shops and cafés, providing time to browse, take photographs and experience Kyoto’s timeless atmosphere.
Continue to Arashiyama, visiting Togetsukyo Bridge, the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the area surrounding Tenryu-ji Temple.
Return to your Kyoto hotel in the evening.
Hiroshima & Its Historic Legacy
After breakfast, check out and travel to Kyoto Station before boarding the Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
On arrival, leave your luggage at the hotel before beginning your Hiroshima sightseeing.
Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, followed by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
The afternoon provides time to explore central Hiroshima before returning to the hotel.
In the evening, enjoy dinner featuring one of Hiroshima’s best-known local specialities: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima
After breakfast, travel by JR train to Miyajimaguchi before boarding the ferry to Miyajima Island.
Explore the island and visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, known for its striking setting over the water.
Continue to the iconic Great Torii Gate, followed by time to explore Omotesando Shopping Street, where you can discover local specialities, souvenirs and street food.
Enjoy lunch on Miyajima before having free time to explore the island’s historic streets, cafés and shops at your own pace.
Return by ferry and JR train to Hiroshima.
Osaka Castle & Dotonbori
After breakfast, check out and travel by Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Shin-Osaka.
After arriving at your Osaka hotel and leaving your luggage, begin exploring the city.
Visit Osaka Castle and Osaka Castle Park, followed by the vibrant Dotonbori district, famous for its colourful atmosphere, the Dotonbori River and the iconic Glico Running Man sign.
Continue to Shinsaibashi and Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, with time for shopping and exploration.
In the evening, enjoy an Osaka gourmet dinner featuring local favourites such as takoyaki, kushikatsu and okonomiyaki.
Shinsekai & Osaka Free Time
After breakfast, head to Tsutenkaku Tower for panoramic views across Osaka.
Explore the traditional downtown atmosphere of Shinsekai and Janjan Yokocho, with time for photographs and local exploration.
After lunch, enjoy several hours of free time in Osaka or the Umeda area. Browse the shops, relax in a café or simply enjoy the city at your own pace.
Return to the hotel to rest and prepare your luggage before a farewell dinner in Osaka.
Farewell to Japan
Enjoy an early breakfast before checking out and travelling to Shin-Osaka Station.
Board the Shinkansen to Tokyo and continue onward to Narita International Airport.
Complete check-in, baggage drop-off, security and immigration formalities before your international departure.
End of Tour
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 9 nights' accommodation
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary
- Shinkansen travel as specified in the itinerary
- Local train and railway transportation as specified
- Local buses, ferries and transfers as specified
- Sumatakyo Onsen experience
- Traditional Japanese ryokan stay at Suikoen
- Kawane tea plantation experience and tea tasting
- Tokyo sightseeing
- Kyoto sightseeing
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial area sightseeing
- Miyajima sightseeing
- Osaka sightseeing
- Entrance visits and sightseeing activities specifically listed in the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Optional activities or experiences
- Any entrance fees not specifically included
- Additional transportation or services outside the published itinerary
Check Availability
FAQs
Classic Japan is a 10-day / 9-night journey.
Classic Japan operates from April to December 2027, with departures every Saturday.
Yes. Departures are scheduled every Saturday from April through December 2027.
The itinerary visits Tokyo, Kawane/Sumatakyo Onsen, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Osaka, with Narita International Airport used for arrival and departure.
Classic Japan is designed as a small-group tour with a maximum of 10 travellers per group, creating a more intimate and personal way to experience Japan.
Yes. Shinkansen journeys are included in the itinerary, including travel between Tokyo and Shizuoka, Shizuoka and Kyoto, Kyoto and Hiroshima, Hiroshima and Osaka, and Osaka/Tokyo.
Yes. The itinerary includes an overnight stay at Sumatakyo Onsen – Suikoen, with a traditional Japanese dinner and onsen experience.
Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Sankoso Tea Garden, with a Kawane tea plantation visit, introduction to Kawane tea and tea tasting.
Yes. The itinerary includes the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Yes. The tour includes a full day visiting Miyajima Island, including Itsukushima Shrine and the Great Torii Gate, with ferry transportation.
The tour primarily uses public transportation and walking, including Shinkansen trains, local trains, buses, ferries and local transfers.
Yes. There are periods of free time in several destinations, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Miyajima and Osaka.
The tour begins with arrival at Narita International Airport and concludes with departure from Narita International Airport.
Important notes
- This is a small-group tour, with the itinerary designed around mainly public transportation and walking.
- Guests should be comfortable walking and using trains, buses, ferries and other public transportation.Train, railway and local bus schedules may vary according to the season and operating dates.
- Final transportation arrangements should be confirmed according to the actual travel date.
- The itinerary includes several hotel-to-station and station-to-sightseeing transfers using public transportation.
- The journey includes a traditional ryokan and onsen experience at Sumatakyo.
- Onsen facilities in Japan may have specific bathing customs and requirements.
- The itinerary involves luggage transfers and several hotel changes, so travellers should pack accordingly.
- The itinerary is subject to transportation schedules and operational conditions
