Japan Discovery Tour (16 days)

Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima  – Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Naha – Tokyo

Japan Discovery is a 16-day small-group tour combining Japan’s celebrated cultural attractions with a closer look at its fascinating and sometimes turbulent history. From Kyoto’s ancient temples and gardens to the historic cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the journey continues to Okinawa, where the legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the events of World War II offer a different perspective on Japan. The tour concludes in Tokyo, one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Along the way, enjoy expert local guides, quality hotels, authentic Japanese cuisine and cultural experiences, with free time for independent exploration.

Important Features

• Small group size (average 15, maximum 20)
• Expert professional guides
• No annoying shopping stops
• Immersive cultural activities
• Quality Japanese and Western cuisine
• Special dinners featuring maiko performance & premium wagyu beef

JAPAN DISCOVERY TOUR ITINERARY

Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner

Day 1/Sat: Departing for Japan
The journey begins with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Sun: Arrival in Kyoto
Welcome to Kyoto!

Please make your way to the hotel on your own. Detailed up-to-date information on how to get to the hotel will be provided in the pre-trip update two weeks before departure.

Day 3/Mon: Kyoto (B/L/D)
Nicknamed the “City of Ten Thousand Shrines”, Kyoto (literally meaning “capital city”) served as Japan’s capital for more than a thousand years before the imperial court moved to Tokyo in 1868 at the beginning of the Meiji Restoration (1868–1912), a period that saw Japan emerge as a modern industrial nation. Founded in 794, Kyoto was laid out on a grid pattern modelled after Chang’an, the capital of China’s Tang Dynasty (618–907), a golden age in Chinese history when Japan was strongly influenced by Chinese culture. Today, Kyoto has a population of approximately 1.4 million and forms a major part of the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area.

Free morning to recover from jet lag or explore on your own.

Our first stop after lunch is Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen Buddhist temple and one of 17 locations comprising the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto World Heritage Site.

We then proceed to the Arashiyama (Storm Mountain) area where our sightseeing takes in Tenryu-ji Temple and the Bamboo Forest. Located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is famous for its immense natural beauty as well as its historical and cultural prominence due to the large number of well-preserved ancient Buddhist temples.

Afterwards, we return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out for a traditional kaiseki dinner accompanied by the private performance of a maiko (geisha trainee).

Day 4/Tue: Kyoto (B)
This morning’s walking tour begins at the magnificent Nijo Castle (3 subway stops from our hotel).

Construction of the castle began in 1601 under the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, and was completed in 1626 under the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu. The Tokugawa shogunate was headquartered in Edo, present-day Tokyo, and Nijo Castle was the shogun’s residence in Kyoto where the imperial court was located. Nijo Castle is also the site that witnessed the ending of the Tokugawa shogunate. In late 1867, the last shogun, Yoshinobu, announced in the castle his decision to return power to the emperor. This was a watershed moment that helped usher in the Meiji Restoration, which, in turn, led to Japan’s industrialization and fundamentally transformed Japanese society.

Afterwards, we travel to Yasaka Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most iconic Shinto shrines, with a history of over 1,300 years. Its vibrant vermilion buildings, lantern-lit grounds, and lively atmosphere make it a beloved landmark in every season.

We then continue to the Gion district, strolling through its historic streets and learning about Kyoto’s centuries-old geisha culture.

Free afternoon to explore on your own.

Optional Matcha experience

Visit Entoku-in, a serene temple celebrated for its graceful gardens and timeless beauty throughout the seasons. Engage in traditional practices such as sutra copying (shakyo), Buddhist image tracing (shabutsu), and quiet contemplation of the dry landscape garden (karesansui). Conclude your visit with a bowl of matcha, prepared by a tea master or whisked by your own hand, and savor the tranquil atmosphere of the garden.

This optional experience is available at US$35/CAD$50 per person subject to a minimum of 4 participants.

Day 5/Wed: Kyoto – Nara – Osaka – Kyoto (B/L)
We depart for Nara at 07:45. The 45 km drive to the magnificent Todai-ji temple takes about an hour. This ancient Buddhist temple is well known for its splendid architecture and the huge bronze statue of the Buddha in its main hall. The surrounding Nara Park is also home to more than a thousand wild deer that roam freely among visitors.

Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture and a former capital of Japan (710 – 794). With a population of roughly 370,000 and an area of 280 square kilometres, the city occupies the northern part of Nara Prefecture. Eight temples, shrines and ruins together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest collectively form “The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afterwards, we continue on to Osaka, where we visit the historic Osaka Castle and Osaka’s legendary shopping and entertainment district known as Dotonbori. Situated at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay, Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and plays a significant role in the Japanese economy. Osaka was once known as the “nation’s kitchen” because of its function as Japan’s rice trading centre during the Edo period.

Day 6/Thu: Kyoto – Hiroshima (B)
Free morning to explore on your own.

Our recommendations include Kiyomizu-dera (Buddhist temple), Kyoto Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari Shrine (good for hiking), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion Temple), and Kyoto National Museum.

We transfer to the train station for our late-afternoon rail journey (Nozomi 39, 16:25/18:02) to Hiroshima.

Day 7/Fri: Hiroshima – Miyajima – Hiroshima (B/D)
Hiroshima, literally meaning ‘broad island’, is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and the largest city in the Chugoku region with a population of 1.2 million. Hiroshima is best known as the first city in history to be targeted by a nuclear weapon when the United States Army Air Forces dropped an atomic bomb on the city at 8:15 a.m. on August 6, 1945, near the end of World War II. The highlight in Hiroshima, understandably but sadly, is the Peace Memorial Park which includes the Peace Memorial Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome (the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall).

After a tour of the Peace Memorial Park complex including two hours in the museum onsite, we proceed to Miyajima Island by a combination of taxi, commuter train and ferry.

Officially known as Itsukushima, Miyajima is a small island (30 square kilometres, population 1,760) in Hiroshima Bay known for its forests and ancient temples. The seaside Itsukushima Shinto Shrine on the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “floating” torii gate in front of the shrine is the main reason for most visitors to come here.

Day 8/Sat: Hiroshima – Nagasaki (B)
The rail journey to Nagasaki this morning takes 2 hours 42 minutes (09:47/12:29).

Located on the northwest coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki is the capital and largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture with a population of approximately 400,000. During the Tokugawa period (1603–1868), Nagasaki was Japan’s principal gateway for trade with China and the Netherlands. This contact with foreign merchants left a lasting mark on the city, evident in its Christian heritage and European-influenced architecture. Nagasaki was also devastated by an American atomic bomb on August 9, 1945, three days after the bombing of Hiroshima.

Afternoon sightseeing begins at Dejima, the site of the former Dutch trading post. Originally built on reclaimed land for Portuguese merchants, the small artificial island became home to Dutch traders from 1641 to 1859.

We then proceed to Oura Church, also known as the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan, followed by Glover Garden, home to the historic Glover Residence built in 1863 for Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover.

Day 9/Sun: Nagasaki (B/L)
Morning sightseeing includes Nagasaki Peace Park and Chinatown.

Established in 1955 near the hypocenter of the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945, the Peace Park sits next to the Atomic Bombing Museum and the Peace Memorial Hall.

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in Japan. The area in downtown Nagasaki was originally the location of the warehouses of Chinese traders. The Chinese merchants came to Nagasaki because it was Japan’s principal port for trade with China during the Tokugawa period. Today, Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is a thriving district filled with a variety of shops and restaurants where visitors can find the best Champon and Sara Udon, two Chinese-influenced noodle dishes.

The afternoon is set aside for you to explore on your own. We recommend a walking tour of Teramachi (temple street), where 14 Buddhist temples and 2 Shinto shrines stand side by side. Two temples, Kofukuji and Sofukuji, are particularly famous. In the 16th and early 17th centuries, Nagasaki was a hub of international trade, with European and Chinese traders frequenting its ports. Chinese merchants, who formed an important part of Nagasaki’s foreign community, established Buddhist temples that served both religious and social purposes. The Tokugawa authorities generally permitted these institutions, which also helped reinforce Buddhist affiliation at a time when Christianity was being suppressed.

Day 10/Mon: Nagasaki – Fukuoka – Naha (B/D)
This morning, we travel back to Fukuoka by train (2 hours 11 minutes) for a mid-afternoon flight (1 hour 45 minutes) to Naha. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 11/Tue: Naha (B/L)
In 1609, the independent Ryukyu Kingdom was invaded by Japan’s Satsuma domain. The kingdom was forced to surrender control of the Amami Islands and accept Satsuma’s domination, although it retained its monarchy and a degree of autonomy. In 1879, the Japanese government formally abolished the kingdom and established Okinawa Prefecture. The last Ryukyuan king, Shō Tai (1843–1901), was subsequently relocated to Tokyo.

During the Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific War, civilians suffered tremendous casualties, many as a result of coercion and actions by the Japanese military. American forces suffered approximately 12,500 deaths and tens of thousands of wounded. The enormous casualties on both sides reinforced American concerns about the potential human cost of invading mainland Japan and contributed to the circumstances surrounding the decision to use atomic bombs against Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Morning sightseeing takes in Shurijo Castle and Tamaudun Mausoleum.

After lunch, we drive 20 kilometres through picturesque countryside to Okinawa Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, south of Naha. The park commemorates those who died during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. A key highlight is the Peace Memorial Museum.

Day 12/Wed: Naha (B)
Today is set aside for you to explore the tropical island of Okinawa on your own. Inside the city of Naha, Shikina-en Garden and Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum are recommended. The local seafood restaurant scene is also worth checking out.

Day 13/Thu: Naha – Tokyo (B)
We travel back to Tokyo by air (2 hours 45 minutes) in the morning and transfer to the hotel on arrival. We spend the rest of the day exploring on our own.

Day 14/Fri: Tokyo (B/L)
Tokyo, literally meaning “eastern capital” and officially named Tokyo Metropolis, is one of the most populous mega-cities in the world with a population of 14 million. Formerly known as Edo, the city has been the de facto seat of the Japanese government since 1603 when shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu chose the city for his headquarters. The shogun (general) was a hereditary commander ceremoniously appointed by the emperor but held real power over the country during the shogunate period between 1192 and 1867. Edo was renamed Tokyo after Emperor Meiji moved his seat from Kyoto in 1868 when the last shogun was forced to return power to the imperial court. The city covers an area of 2,187 square kilometres following the merger in 1943 of the city of Tokyo and Tokyo Prefecture.

Our full-day sightseeing begins at the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace. A stroll across the plaza accompanied by commentary on the imperial family and the history of Tokyo gets the tour off to a good start.

We then proceed to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, whose origins date back to 628.

After lunch, we drive through the ritzy Ginza shopping district on the way to Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1852 -1912) and his wife.

We end the day with a visit to the observation deck atop the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. Designed by renowned architect Kenzo Tange, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building opened in 1991 and is one of Shinjuku’s best-known landmarks. On a clear day, visitors can see the peak of Mount Fuji, located approximately 100 km to the west.

Day 15/Sat: Tokyo (B)
Free day to explore on your own.

Our recommendations include Ginza and Akihabara shopping districts, the top-rated Tokyo National Museum and the adjacent National Museum of Western Art located at Ueno Park.

Day 16/Sun: Return Home (B)
The tour ends this morning. Transfer to Narita or Haneda airport on your own. Detailed information on Airport Limousine Bus and airport express train service will be provided in the final update.

Hotel List

Dates and Prices

* Land Only price does not include international airfare. Contact us for a fare quote.
** Single supplement discount available subject to certain conditions. Contact us for details.

Japan Discovery Tour – Q&A

Do I need a passport to go to Japan?

Yes. Your passport must remain valid for the duration of your stay in Japan. Although Japan does not generally require six months of remaining validity, we recommend having at least six months of validity beyond your tour’s end date and at least one blank page in your passport.

Do I need visa to visit Japan?

If you are a tourist from Canada, the US, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, you do not need a visa to enter Japan as long as your stay is within 90 days.

What vaccinations are required?

None. However, vaccination against hepatitis A is strongly recommended.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Your deposit will be kept as credit if you cancel for any reason. The transferrable credit has no expiration date. Therefore, it may be unnecessary to spend $30 to $50 on cancellation insurance just to protect the deposit.

However, purchase of trip cancellation & emergency medical insurance is strongly advised when your balance is due. If you don’t have proper coverage, the loss can be devastating in case of cancellation before or after commencement of the booked trip or in case of a serious medical emergency during the trip. Please ask us for premium quotes when your balance due date is near.