13 Day Fly & Tour Holiday Exploring Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Hakone, Tokyo and More

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival in Osaka, follow instructions for your included transfer to the hotel. Vibrant Osaka is Japan’s third largest city with a beautiful river cutting through its centre and illustrious neighbourhoods renowned for their sophisticated architecture, extroverted locals, boisterous nightlife and love for food.

Accommodation: Hotel Vischio Amagasaki by Granvia or similar

Begin your adventure at the five-storey-high Osaka Castle, one of the world’s most visibly striking historical landmarks situated smack bang in the middle of the city. Then, reach the stupendously lively Dotonbori entertainment district to experience Osaka’s obsession with food. Enjoy free time to eat ’til you drop and wander around Dotonbori’s colourful neighbourhoods such as Shinsaibashi, taking in giant 3D signboards and open-air ramen stands that fill the air with an appetite-whetting aroma. This evening, savour the flavours of Osaka with a delightful welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Hotel Vischio Amagasaki by Granvia or similar

Prepare your camera for Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan famous for numerous classical Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and imperial palaces. The first stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine, popular for the seemingly unending path of bright orange torii gates that wind through the hills. Then, discover Nishi Hongwanji, a head Buddhist temple and one of the world’s largest wooden structures. Proceed to Gion, the famous geisha entertainment district and marvel at the gorgeous 1350 year-old Yasaka Shrine, nicknamed the ‘plague shrine’ where locals prayed for help to eliminate a severe plague. Enjoy free time to stroll along the atmospheric streets and canals lined with traditional wooden merchant houses; now occupied by shops, restaurants, and teahouses.

Accommodation: Urban Hotel Kyoto Shijo Premium or similar

There’s so much to discover in classical Kyoto. Enjoy the day to explore the city at your leisure.

Alternatively, join a Kyoto Full Day Tour with Monkey Park (optional program at your own expense). Begin the tour with a hike up to hilltop Iwatayama Monkey Park and get up close to free-roaming monkeys, a truly unique experience! Next, stroll through the Kimono Forest at Arashiyama, an artistic installation of 600 pillars featuring traditional kimono design, and then lose yourself in the soaring Bamboo Grove. Conclude the day at the must-see Kiyomizu Temple, a signature World Heritage site celebrated for its spectacular mountainous backdrop and beautiful Otowa waterfall. Note: If the Monkey Park is closed for any reason, an alternative experience such as Ryoanji Temple or Sagano Romantic Train will be arranged, subject to local conditions on the day.

Accommodation: Urban Hotel Kyoto Shijo Premium or similar

Leave behind the urbane neighbourhoods of Kyoto for the mountainous prefecture of Gifu in central Japan and enjoy a picturesque photo stop at Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake formed four million years ago. Prepare for a change of scenery as you arrive at historic Takayama, a truly authentic Japanese town famed for the immaculately preserved Edo Period buildings and high quality Hida beef. Step back in time with a stroll along the historic merchant streets of Takayama Old Town. Relax tonight after the longest drive day of the trip.

Accommodation: Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama or similar

Set off for a mountain drive to Shirakawago, a World Heritage village famous for Gassho-zukuri style farmhouses. Resembling the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, the steep thatched roof design is an architectural wonder developed over generations to withstand large amounts of heavy winter snow. Proceed to Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture, one of Japan’s most historic and well-preserved samurai cities steeped in rich art and craft traditions. Walk around the beautifully preserved streets of the Nagamachi District and check out the traditional residences of the samurais who once ruled Kanazawa.

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Miyabi or similar

Enjoy a free day to explore the castle town of Kanazawa, known as “little Kyoto”.

Alternatively, join a Kanazawa Full Day Tour with Gold Leaf Experience (optional program at your own expense). The tour takes you to Kenrokuen Garden, the drawcard of Kanazawa and one of the three perfect gardens of Japan, beautiful in any season with peerless scenery and fancy designs at every turn. Then, visit Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market, for lunch on your own accord. In the afternoon, try your hand at decorating souvenirs that you can take home with Kanazawa’s famous gold leaves. Conclude the day with an opportunity to shop for local gifts such as crafts, pottery, sweets, and pickles at the traditional streets of the Higashiyama District.

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Miyabi or similar

Prepare for another change in scenery as you experience the high-speed shinkansen bullet train to energetic Tokyo, where age-old tradition meets new-world innovation. Successfully hosting the 2020 Olympic Games, Tokyo has it all and is ready to fulfil all your dreams of a wonderland with indulgent cuisine, world-class hospitality, ultramodern skyscrapers, and historic landmarks juxtaposed with the bright sensory lights of a futuristic city. Begin your adventure driving by Japan National Stadium, the centerpiece of the Olympics, showcasing a wooden lattice design that blends ultramodern and traditional Japanese architectural techniques. Nearby, discover Meiji Shrine, a famous Shinto shrine hidden among thick forest, despite its location only minutes from the quirky streets of Harajuku. Enjoy free time to wander around Harajuku’s fashionable shops, trendy cafes, and alleyway izakaya bars.

Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar

Nowhere blend old and new quite like Tokyo. The world’s most populous metropolis, kaleidoscopic Tokyo has something for everyone, from ancient shrines to futuristic skyscrapers and mouth-watering cuisine. Soar over the city at Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower with spectacular panoramic views from the 350-metre-high glass-clad Tembo Deck. At the base floor, explore Tokyo Solamachi, a Sky Town dining and entertainment complex. Then, experience Tokyo Mizumachi, Tokyo’s coolest new shopping precinct connecting Tokyo Skytree and the historical neighbourhood of Asakusa with the scenic Sumida River Walk. Get a feel for old-school Tokyo at Asakusa, famous for ancient Sensoji Temple and Nakamise, a long street lined with shops and food stalls.

Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar

Set out from Tokyo and travel to the Fuji Five Lakes area of Yamanashi. Snap an Instagram worthy picture at Lake Kawaguchi where on a clear day, you can catch Mount Fuji in the distance. Then, stop by the eight ponds at Oshino Hakkai, a small village where you can see traditional thatched roof farmhouses, glistening ponds fed by the melted snow of Mount Fuji and try some of the local delicacies of the region. After a further photo stop at Lake Ashi, take a cable car up the mountains over the sulphuric “Hell Valley” of Owakudani. Later, transfer to Hakone and enjoy an overnight stay at a highland resort with a Japanese set dinner included. This is also a great chance to experience soaking in a traditional hot spring.

Accommodation: Re Cove Hakone or similar

This morning head to Kamakura and first visit the Great Buddha – a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which peacefully sits outdoors on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. Next head over to Komachi-dori Shopping Street where you can duck in and out of artisan bakeries, souvenir gift stores and local arts and craft vendors. Proceed onwards to Yokohama, Japan’s second largest city and a vibrant port. Visit the iconic Red Brick Warehouses, which served as the main trading area when Japan opened back up to the world in the 19th Century. It is now a picturesque waterside shopping complex. End your trip to Yokohama at the Ramen Museum where you can learn all about the popular noodle dish originally introduced from China before returning back to Tokyo for the evening.

Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar

The day is yours to explore magical Tokyo. Japan’s bustling capital juxtaposes ultramodern neon-lit skyscrapers with the charm of traditional old-world buildings. Famous for quirky activities, iconic sights, indulgent food and a vibrant nightlife, there’s much to see and do here.

Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar

Make your own way to the airport, bidding farewell to Tokyo, but taking home incredible memories before your next visit.