JAPAN IN A WEEK

Kon’nichiwa Japan! We may only have a week, but what a week it is. Starting in the orchestra of light, sound and history that is Tokyo, we’ll get locally guided tours of temples and palaces before whizzing to Kyoto via a bullet train. Here, we’ll walk through zen gardens, explore mystical temples and spot Geishas before taking the short trip to Osaka, where we’ll have plenty of time to nip to Universal Studios or simply eat our way around the local street food stalls. Filled with a dazzling fusion of modern spectacle and ancient charm, this trip is the best way to see Japan in a week.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVE TOKYO

Tokyo
Kon’nichiwa Tokyo! Welcome to this dazzling orchestra of light, sound and intersecting subway lines. This is the city where the future fuses with the past in the most fascinating way possible, and we’ll have a free evening to bond, explore and soak it all in.
Hotel
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)

DAY 2: TOKYO

Tokyo
Today we’ll get ready to uncover Tokyo, starting with the ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji, the lake-woven grounds of the Imperial Palace & the famous Meiji Jingu shrine. You’ll have the chance to discover the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street, or take to the streets of Shibuya for an attempt to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.
Meals
Breakfast
Hotel
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Included Experiences
Immerse yourself in Tokyo vibes by stepping into this live video game of a city and see Nakamise Street, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Temple, Harajuku and the Shibuya Crossing

DAY 3: TOKYO
Tokyo
Today is yours to do Tokyo your way. Anime fan? Check out Akihabara, the ultimate anime & gaming district. Looking for something uniquely Japanese? Go on a date with a giant plush toy at the Moomin cafe, eat a kawaii lunch (like a curry shaped like a pink teddy bear), or check out Ueno Park for the museums, monuments and 1000 cherry blossom trees.
It’s our last evening in Tokyo, so it’s also the perfect time to check out some of the traditional bars at the Izakaya Alleys for a sip of sake, a sour cocktail or a Japanese whisky.
Meals
Breakfast
Hotel
Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)

DAY 4: TOKYO TO KYOTO

Tokyo
Today it’s time to take that famous example of Japanese efficiency, the aptly named bullet train.
Kyoto
Our train will whizz us past the iconic Mount Fuji, of which we’ll hopefully grab a glimpse, before heading for the zen gardens and teahouses of Kyoto. We’ll waste no time with a sightseeing tour, exploring this glorious showcase of ancient Japan.
Meals
Breakfast
Hotel
New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)
Included Experiences
Experience Traditional Kyoto – Tea houses. Nijo Castle. The Golden Pavilion. Geishas. It’s all so surreal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set.

DAY 5: KYOTO

Kyoto
Today is yours to walk the sublime gardens, explore mystical temples and marvel at the architecture of this unforgettable city. We recommend taking the opportunity for a half-day trip to Nara, where you’ll find the towering 8th century Great Buddha, as well as numerous examples of beautiful shrines and temples, alongside the roaming, slightly cheeky deer.
Meals
Breakfast
Hotel
New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)
Free Time Add-ons
Half-Day Trip to Nara
Take a short train ride out to the scenic countryside of Nara with your local guide & pay homage to one of the architectural wonders of Japanese workmanship, the Todaiji Temple. The largest wooden temple in Japan is a sight to behold in itself but situated in amongst rolling hills & a short walk from the famous Kasuga Shrine, it’s a day worth spending outside of Kyoto. You’ll also get a chance to meet the locals… more miniature deer for your Insta feed!

DAY 6: KYOTO

Kyoto
There is still so much to see in Kyoto today. Don a kimono and check out the bamboo forest, take some photos at the iconic Yasaka Pagoda or spot Geishas in the Gion district.
Meals
Breakfast
Hotel
New Hankyu Hotel Kyoto (or similar)
Included Experiences
See Fushimi Inari Shrine
Free Time Add-ons
Find Peace at a Traditional Tea Ceremony Tea ceremonies are a prime example of the intricacies and elegance of Japanese culture. Create your own perfectly curated cup of matcha tea while you learn the rich history of this ancient art.

DAY 7: KYOTO TO OSAKA

Kyoto
It’s just a short trip to Osaka this morning…
Osaka
And we have the whole day to explore. There’s plenty of time to fit in Universal Studios, Osaka Castle or simply wander down Dontonburi tasting all of the delicious street food. Opt for the Izakaya dinner tonight for one last family meal before
our sad goodbyes tomorrow.
Meals
Breakfast
Hotel
Osaka Daiichi Hotel (or similar)
Free Time Add-ons
Izakaya Dinner
Tonight’s your chance to finish the trip right & really rub shoulders with the locals at an Izakaya in the bustling hub of Dotonburi. These traditional lijle restaurants are like a trip back in time, with rice beer, sake & locals finishing up their days. From menus on the wall & lots of sharing plates to keep things social, take it slow & enjoy the vibe. The perfect way to end the trip!

DAY 8: OSAKA
Osaka
Our trip ends after breakfast in Osaka today. We’ll say farewell to Japan and our new friends, but the memories we made here will stick with us forever.
Meals
Breakfast