- Pricing From TBA
- Single Supplement TBA
- From Tokyo
- Duration 10 Days
- Max Group Size 16
- Activity Level Moderate
Join Bill Peach Journeys to discover the quintessential Japan during this 10 day journey exploring the highlights of the “land of the rising sun”. Travelling in autumn, we will view the striking transformation of maple and ginkgo trees creating exceptional autumn scenery. Japan’s dense forests form striking sights as they turn vivid hues of orange, yellow and crimson.
Experience the fast paced bright lights of Tokyo to the idyllic countryside crowned by Mount Fuji and spectacular mountain vistas. Travel by Shinkansen (Bullet) train and tour some of Japan’s most impressive temples and shrines. Visit the iconic red floating Torii Gate and the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. In Hiroshima, visit the moving Peace Memorial Park then on to Osaka to visit the impressive Himeji Castle. Ideally located and stylish accommodation throughout assures a quality journey with every comfort. An inspiring Japanese discovery awaits those who wish to experience the essence of Japan in all of its autumn splendour!
Highlights
- Visit the diverse and vibrant cities of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka
- Marvel at Japan’s autumn spectacle throughout
- Luxury accommodation throughout including the Conrad Hotel Tokyo, the Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora, the Kyoto Hotel Okura, the Hilton Hiroshima and the Hotel New Otani Osaka
- Japanese cultural experiences including a tea ceremony, wearing kimono dress at a traditional machiya house (traditional Japanese house) and a sushi making experience
- Visit the iconic red floating Torii Gate and the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
- All touring, transfers, entrance fees, porterage and meals included
- Escorted throughout by an experienced Journey Director and local English speaking guides
Tour Departures
Hotels
Bill Peach Journeys understands the importance of selecting the right accommodation to complement each journey. In this case, a selection of exceptional properties have been chosen to showcase the incredible destinations visited throughout this journey.
The Conrad Tokyo is located in the heart of this vibrant Japanese metropolis, close to Ginza, the world-famous shopping and entertainment district. Placed next to Shiodome Subway Station, easy access to central Tokyo and beyond is steps away. Featuring rooms furnished with modern decor and award-winning restaurants, the hotel ranked 1st as the most popular Japanese hotel for international travellers by TripAdvisor. The Mizuki Spa offers 10 private spa rooms and herbal teas are served in the relaxation room providing complete tranquility. Rooms at the 5-Star 
Conrad are among the largest in Tokyo, and feature panoramic views of Hamarikyu Gardens or Tokyo Bay through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Overlooking the Hiroshima skyline in the heart of the city, the newly opened luxury Hilton Hiroshima hotel is within five minutes of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Hiroshima Castle, and several transit stations. Heiwa-Odori’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment are 10 minutes away. An indoor pool and sauna provide relaxation after a day of touring and the hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests.
The Hotel New Otani Osaka places you in the heart of Osaka, a 2-minute drive from Osaka Castle and 5 minutes from Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. The property offers recreational opportunities including outdoor tennis courts and a fitness centre. Situated along a scenic riverside in Osaka Business Park, Hotel New Otani Osaka features luxurious guest rooms. The hotel has several shops, a beauty salon and offers concierge services.
Conrad Tokyo
5-star luxury hotel ranked 1st as the most popular Japanese hotel for international travellers by TripAdvisor.Hilton Hiroshima
5-star luxury hotel which opened mere months ago.New Otani Hotel, Osaka
Impeccable service and stylish comfort assure a most enjoyable stay in Osaka.
Arriving into Tokyo, a private transfer awaits to transport you to your luxury hotel, the award-winning Conrad Hotel Tokyo. Ideally located, this iconic hotel is a statement in contemporary luxury providing the perfect base from which to explore this extraordinary city.
Japan’s alluring capital completely enchants those who love to immerse themselves in destinations of great depth – where soulful cultural traditions seamlessly meld with ultra modernity. This evening meet your Journey Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Conrad Hotel Tokyo or similar
This morning is a guided Tsukiji fish market tour, exploring one of the world’s largest seafood markets and learning how seafood is used in traditional Japanese cuisine. You will next participate in a sushi-making lesson. Under the guidance of a local cook, learn to prepare rolled sushi, nigiri sushi and other variations, then enjoy your creation!
In the afternoon we explore Asakusa, a part of Tokyo’s Shitamachi (old town), one of the city’s oldest Geisha districts and visit one of Japan’s most colourful and popular temples, Sensoji. Later we take a scenic river cruise on Tokyo Bay to Hinode Pier. Tonight’s dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Conrad Hotel Tokyo or similar
Today we drive to Nikko for a full day of sightseeing. We visit the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years. Nikko is also famous for spectacular scenery such as Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon waterfall, all sights we will visit today before returning to our hotel.
Overnight: Conrad Hotel Tokyo or similar
Departing Tokyo, our journey continues to the idyllic countryside location of Hakone, crowned by Mount Fuji and stunning mountain scenery. Upon arrival we board the famed replica pirate ship that cruises along Ashinoko Lake, a body of water that was formed after a volcanic eruption that occurred more than 3,000 years ago. After our lunch we ride the Guinness World Record-holder ropeway all the way up to Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulfurous fumes and hot springs. From the mountain, take the ropeway bound for Togendai. Check in to our exceptional accommodation, a contemporary and refined hot spring hotel surrounded by majestic mountains and greenery, each room featuring a private onsen.
Overnight: Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora or similar
After breakfast, for those interested, there is a chance to soak in an Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring. Our journey continues today to Kyoto by Japan Rail Shinkansen, a bullet train in first class. Running at speeds of up to 320 km/h, the Shinkansen is known for punctuality (most trains depart on time to the second), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious, always forward facing seats), safety and efficiency.
Home to an astonishing 2000 shrines and temples, here in Kyoto you will explore the beautiful Kinkakuji-temple (Golden Pavilion); originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun, after his death it became a Buddhist Temple. We also visit the Ryōan-ji (Rock) garden which is considered one of the finest surviving examples of kare-sansui (dry landscape). This refined type of Japanese Zen temple garden design generally features distinctive larger rock formations arranged amidst a sweep of smooth pebbles raked into linear patterns that facilitate meditation.
We also visit the famous Philosopher’s Walk, a stone path through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. We transfer to our hotel, the award-winning Kyoto Hotel Okura noted for its elegance and warm hospitality.
Overnight: Kyoto Hotel Okura or similar
A full day sightseeing today including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todaiji, in the city of Nara. Its Great Buddha Hall houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha. We visit Nara Park also known as Deer Park which is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods. Nara’s nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. We visit the Kodaiji Temple, an outstanding temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District established in 1606. This evening’s dinner is with a Geisha at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Kyoto Hotel Okura or similar
Continue your exploration of Kyoto today. We begin at Arashiyama, famous for its beautiful scenery and the bamboo forest. Then, enjoy an immersive Japanese cultural experience as we dress in traditional Kimono and take part in a Japanese tea ceremony in a machiya house (traditional Japanese house) followed by a discussion about the nuances of these practices.
Overnight: Kyoto Hotel Okura or similar
Our journey continues today to Hiroshima by Shinkansen. We will visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. The area where the park now lies was ground zero for the atomic bomb on 6th August 1945 and holds many memorials, monuments and statues. Here we will see the Childrens Memorial, Peace Bell and Eternal Flame. The main attraction of the park is the Peace Memorial Museum that poignantly depicts the history of Hiroshima.
Later, we take a ferry to the small shrine island of Miyajima. This island is home to the world-renowned red floating Torii Gate that leads to the Itsukushima Shrine.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel, Hiroshima or similar
This morning, we head to Osaka, Japan’s third largest city by Shinkansen. On arrival, we visit Himeji Castle, a hilltop Japanese castle complex regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture. The largest castle in Japan, it is one of Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After lunch, you may walk in the castle gardens and see beautiful peach trees. This afternoon, we check in to our hotel and have some time at leisure to explore or relax. Tonight, our farewell dinner will be an authentic Japanese dinner to celebrate the conclusion of a wonderful adventure.
Overnight: Hotel New Otani Osaka or similar
Enjoy the facilities of the hotel before transferring to the airport to board your flight home taking with you fond memories of an unforgettable Japanese discovery.
About Luxury World Journeys
Our worldwide collection of journeys are operated by a select number of preferred travel partners who we have chosen because of their expertise within special regions and who combine the same style and superior level of service that has become synonymous with Bill Peach Journeys. Each of the worldwide journeys has a Bill Peach Journeys stamp of quality.
Fully Inclusive
When you travel on a Bill Peach Luxury World Journey everything is included. It means not only does your holiday include accommodation, dining, and all excursions but every one of these elements is the best in its class. Throughout the journey, you will have a Journey Director on hand to look after each detail.
Mode of Transport
Shinkansen (Bullet) train & coach travel.
International Flights
Flights from your home port to Japan are not included in the journey price. Should you require flights to and from Japan, we can provide a competitive quote on airfares and pre and post tour accommodation in Japan, at the commencement and conclusion of your journey.
Level of fitness required: Moderate
This journey is more challenging and designed for the more active traveller who is looking to venture off the beaten path. To fully participate in all activities, the traveller must be able to walk up to 1km on even surfaces unaided, travel by four-wheel drive vehicles along ungraded roads and walk up steps unassisted.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)
Travel to Japan
With the relaxing of travel restrictions by the Japanese government on 11 October 2022, Japan is now open to travellers from all countries or regions. At this writing, visa exemptions have also been reintroduced (Australia included).
On arrival COVID-19 testing is no longer required.
Per Japan National Tourism Organisation.