Japan’s Cities And Countryside Itinerary
12 day temples, teahouses and Tokyo itinerary
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Tokyo
Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, but it’s not just about famous restaurants and high prices... -
Hakone
Hakone is best known for its natural onsen (hot spa pools) and views of Mount Fuji... -
Kyoto
Kyoto is home to more than 2,000 atmospheric temples and shrines... -
Himeji
Built in 1580, Himeji-jo has a legitimate claim to be Japan’s most magnificent castle... -
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture and was largely undamaged by World War Two air raids, making it a great place to explore Japan’s historical architecture, such as the Nagamachi samurai district... -
Takayama
Little Takayama in Central Honshu is famous for its taste of rural Japan... -
Tokyo
Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, but it’s not just about famous restaurants and high prices...
This is the classic itinerary showcasing the best of Japan's cities and countryside.
Begin your Japan adventure in dazzling Tokyo, exploring its dizzying array of restaurants, diverse neighbourhoods and sub-cultures, before travelling to volcanic Hakone to take in a dip in its onsen pools and marvel at Mount Fuji. Next, head to the temple town of Kyoto for shrines, monks and temples, before taking a side-trip to the ancient capital of Nara. Spend a day exploring Himeji’s historic castle and then explore the zen gardens and pre-World War Two architecture of Kanazawa. Head into rural Japan at Takayama, where you can enjoy mountain views, quaint inns and traditional teahouses. End your trip back in Tokyo.
SeasonFeatured tours
Ancient Forts & Futuristic Cities
Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka & Kanazawa
15 daysFrom £3,015
Japan in a Nutshell
10-Day Japan Itinerary - Tokyo, Hakone & Kyoto
10 daysFrom £1,975Suggested itinerary
Explore Tokyo’s food scene
Day 1–3 in Tokyo
Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, but it’s not just about famous restaurants and high prices. Tokyo is filled with excellent places to eat, from neighbourhood noodle joints to high-end sushi. Get out and explore.
Don't miss
Waterfalls and wildlife near Tokyo
Explore Nikko’s temples, shrines and waterfalls just a two-hour train ride from Tokyo – a perfect day trip for those will some extra time to spare after seeing Tokyo.
Go onsen dipping in volcanic Hakone
Day 4–5 in Hakone
Hakone is best known for its natural onsen (hot spa pools) and views of Mount Fuji. Dip in one of the pools and soak up the view, before exploring Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park’s mountains, Pacific Islands and volcanoes.
Visit Kyoto’s 2,000 temples
Day 6–7 in Kyoto
Kyoto is home to more than 2,000 atmospheric temples and shrines. Look for robed monks, hear prayer chants and meditate in zen gardens – Kyoto is the place to immerse yourself in Japan’s culture, traditions and religion.
Don't miss
Feed the deer in Nara
Once the capital of Japan, Nara is known for its many temples and beautiful gardens that make it a perfect day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. However, it is the town’s resident 1,400 odd deer – seen as messengers from god after the myth of Kasuga Shrine, who came to Nara on the back of a deer – which are Nara’s quirky attraction.
Visit Himeji’s one-of-a-kind castle
Day 8 in Himeji
Built in 1580, Himeji-jo has a legitimate claim to be Japan’s most magnificent castle. Its five-storey main keep is surrounded by moats and walls, with an arrow-marked route taking visitors around the castle. Look for the narrow openings where the castle defenders poured boiling oil onto attackers and – less gruesomely – the beautiful views over the city from the top.
Enjoy Kanazawa’s gardens
Day 9–10 in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture and was largely undamaged by World War Two air raids, making it a great place to explore Japan’s historical architecture, such as the Nagamachi samurai district. However, its main attraction is Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens.
Head for the hills in atmospheric Takayama
Day 11–12 in Takayama
Little Takayama in Central Honshu is famous for its taste of rural Japan. Set on Miyagawa River and nestled into the Hida mountains, Takayama is the perfect place to explore traditional Meiji-era inns, teahouses and sake breweries.
Don't miss
Take a cycling tour of Hida Satoyama
The countryside around Hida Satoyama is full of rice fields, mountain springs and cherry blossoms. Join a guided cycle tour to experience the sights of the Hida mountain area.
Return to Tokyo and depart
Day 13–14 in Tokyo
Leave Takayama via an express train to Nagoya, followed by a Shinkansen bullet train east to Tokyo. The total transfer time is around four and a half hours.
Spend your last evening in Japan enjoying Tokyo's vibrant food scene and nightlife.
Where to stay
Classic
Iwaso Ryokan
Located on the small island of Miyajima in the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, Iwaso is a luxury ryokan offering Japanese-style rooms, hot-spring baths and traditional kaiseki-style meals.
Superior
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon (also called The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic) is located in the heart of Tokyo, directly opposite the dramatic Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate) at the entrance of Sensoji Temple - the city’s oldest temple and one of Asakusa’s most famous landmarks.
This modern and sleek hotel, set in a 14-storey former office block, has 136 rooms all of which offer incredible views of either Sensoji Temple or Tokyo Skytree.
Deluxe
Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto is a luxury hotel tucked away in the east of Kyoto, in the quiet and green district of Higashiyama Shichijo. This area was once home to the ancient capital’s imperial court, but today it’s a great base for sightseeing.
Décor is contemporary and chic with traditional details, such as antique kimono wall hangings and headboards, as well as the gentle glow from paper lamps.
