JAPAN EAST TO WEST – 14 DAYS - from £3,360 pp
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Per Person
This 14-day route moves steadily across Japan from Tokyo through Hakone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, avoiding unnecessary backtracking and keeping travel straightforward. The structure is designed with August conditions in mind, using early starts where helpful and allowing lighter afternoons so the pace remains comfortable.
Guided days are included where they add genuine context, particularly in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Hiroshima, while the rest of the time is left open to keep the trip feeling relaxed rather than over-managed. Along the way, you experience a mix of modern city life, historic districts, mountain scenery and coastal landscapes, with time built in to absorb each place properly rather than simply passing through.
Highlights
- Tokyo Introduction – Explore Asakusa, Ueno Park and traditional neighbourhoods with a private guide.
- Hakone Stay – Mountain setting with outdoor art, hot springs and a traditional ryokan experience.
- Kanazawa – Samurai districts, one of Japan’s finest gardens and preserved teahouse areas.
- Kyoto – Historic temples, markets and traditional streets, combined with cultural experiences.
- Hiroshima & Miyajima – Important historical sites alongside coastal scenery and island walks.
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+44 7792 633368Email Address
info@secretjapan.co.ukEnquiry form
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+44 7792 633368Itinerary Highlights
- Sensō-ji & Tokyo Skytree – A contrast of historic Tokyo and wide skyline views.
- Hakone Open-Air Museum & Lake Ashi – Sculpture, forested hills and lakeside shrine setting.
- Kenroku-en Garden – One of Japan’s most recognised landscape gardens.
- Gion & Kyoto Cultural Evening – Traditional streets and geisha-style performance.
- Itsukushima Shrine – The well-known torii gate set against the water at Miyajima.
Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo
Meet your assistant at Haneda Airport and transfer to your hotel. Time to rest after the flight or take a gentle walk locally to get your bearings. A simple neighbourhood dinner is recommended for an easy first evening.
Day 2 – Tokyo (Private Guided Day)
Full-day private guided introduction to Tokyo using public transport. Visit Sensō-ji in Asakusa, explore Ueno Park and the Tokyo National Museum, and walk through quieter areas such as Yanaka or Nezu. End the day at Tokyo Skytree for wide views across the city. Optional sumo demonstration and lunch show available.
Day 3 – Tokyo
A free day to explore at your own pace. Options include Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesandō and Shibuya Crossing, or simply spending time in cafés and neighbourhood streets.
Day 4 – Tokyo → Hakone
Travel by limited express into the Hakone mountains. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum before continuing to your ryokan. Evening kaiseki dinner and time to enjoy the onsen baths.
Day 5 – Hakone → Kanazawa
Early morning onsen and breakfast. Visit Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine before continuing north by rail to Kanazawa.
Day 6 – Kanazawa (Private Guided Day)
Full-day walking tour of Kanazawa, including the Nagamachi Samurai District, Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park and the Higashi Chaya teahouse district.
Day 7 – Kanazawa → Kyoto
Shinkansen to Kyoto. Afternoon at leisure to settle in or explore locally.
Day 8 – Kyoto (Private Guided Day)
Full-day guided exploration including Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market and Nijō Castle. Walk through Gion in the late afternoon, followed by an evening cultural performance.
Day 9 – Kyoto
A free day to explore Kyoto. Options include Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, Yasaka Pagoda and Sanjūsangen-dō. Afternoon samurai experience available.
Day 10 – Kyoto → Hiroshima
Morning at leisure before travelling by Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Evening free to explore the city and its well-known okonomiyaki restaurants.
Day 11 – Hiroshima & Miyajima (Private Guided Day)
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, then continue to Miyajima Island to see Itsukushima Shrine and walk along the coast.
Day 12 – Hiroshima → Osaka
Shinkansen to Osaka. Evening exploring Dōtonbori and its street food scene.
Day 13 – Osaka
Free day in Osaka. Options include Kuromon Market, Shitennō-ji and Osaka Castle. Optional evening foodie walking tour.
Day 14 – Depart Japan
Private transfer to Kansai International Airport for your departure flight.