Japan Self-Guided Adventure

Fly to Tokyo

Embark on your flight to Japan’s capital city. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals

Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo and meet your English-speaking driver, before privately transferring to the Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai for two nights. (N) 

Tokyo

Spend your day exploring Tokyo’s highlights on a guided tour by public transport. Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, built on the grounds of the historic Edo Castle; the Japanese Gallery, part of the Tokyo National Museum; Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, as well as the connected Nakamise-dori Street, popular with shoppers; Tokyo Sky Tree, an icon of the city’s skyline; and the Shinto shrine of Meiji Jingu. (B) 

Kyoto

Make your way to the railway station and depart for Kyoto by high-speed shinkansen (‘bullet train’). Upon arrival, check into Kyoto Century Hotel for a four-night stay. (B) 

Kyoto

Your privately guided tour of Kyoto today uses Japan’s convenient public transport, with a focus on the scenic attractions of the Arashiyama district. This includes the 155-metre Togetsukyo Bridge, known as ‘Moon Crossing’; the Sagano Bamboo Forest, where pathways take you through a natural grove of tall, slender bamboo stalks; and the Tenryu-ji Temple, part of Kyoto’s UNESCO-listed historic monuments and among Japan’s 36 ‘Special Places of Scenic Beauty’. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Kyoto

Your day is at leisure to relax at your hotel or independently explore more of Kyoto. Once Japan’s capital, this city is famous for its heritage architecture, especially the historic Gion district, with its wooden teahouses, shuffling geishas, and photogenic temples and shrines. (B) 

Nara

Take an express train to Nara for a self-guided tour. The city’s 19th-century Nara Park is a must, as its manicured grounds shelter the impressive temples of Toda-ji and Kofuku-ji (entry at additional cost). Afterwards, return to Kyoto by express train. (B) 

Mount Koya

Catch the train to Gokurakubashi via Osaka alongside your guide. Upon arrival, take the cable car to Mount Koya, touring this mountain area by public transport. You visit Okunoin, a sprawling cemetery shaded within a forest of conifers; and Kongobu-ji temple, with its ornate eaves, hand-painted sliding doors, and rock garden. Stay one night at Fukuchi-in, a traditional ryokan inn complete with shoji screens, tatami mats, and hot springs. (B, D) 

Mount Koya & Osaka

Begin today by discovering more of Mount Koya’s spiritual attractions, journeying by public transport with your guide. Visit the temple complex of Danjo Garan, including the vividly vermillion Konpon Daito Pagoda; the wood-built Kondo Hall, host of major ceremonies; and Reihokan Museum, which displays a collection of Buddhist art and scripture. This afternoon, return to Gokurakubashi via cable car, then travel by rail to Osaka, arriving at your hotel independently. Stay two nights at Zentis Osaka Hotel. (B) 

Osaka

Spend the first half of the day touring Osaka by public transport, accompanied by your guide. Visit the landmark 16th-century Osaka Castle complex, and the Dotombori entertainment district, where you can sample street food such as bite-sized, battered takoyakai balls and okonomiyaki pancakes. Your afternoon is at leisure to unwind or explore more of Osaka. (B) 

Fly home

Catch your overnight flight home. (B) 

Arrive home

Your return flight arrives at its destination. (N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.