Jump into this enigmatic and ethereal country with our two-week holiday designed to showcase the very best of Japanese culture.

Experience Japan on this once-in-a-lifetime Japan luxury travel itinerary through its outstanding culture, cuisine and beautiful scenery including neon lights, sacred temples and awe-inspiring mountains. Arriving at the pulsing capital, Tokyo, one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced cities on the planet to the more serene regional cities of Takayama and Kanazawa and finally to the iconic cities of Hiroshima, Osaka and Kyoto, each of which of which has fascinating stories to tell. On this luxury Japan holiday through the country’s core, you will find yourself fascinated by all aspects of Japanese culture as you discover its past, present and get a glimpse into its future.  

On this tailor-made holiday you’ll have three nights in Tokyo to explore this electric city from lesser-known sites to landmarks such as the impressive Meiji Jingu shrine and Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji Temple. You’ll then travel high-speed style on the iconic bullet train to the small town of Takayama. Nestled among the striking Japanese Alps and steeped in history and tradition, Takayama is a total contrast to Tokyo. Explore its incredible food scene where you can try world-renowned Takayama delight of “Hida-gyu,” a Japanese beef raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least fourteen months and sample the finest local sakes at traditional breweries. Continue to the vibrant and historically rich city of Kanazawa where you’ll visit the gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawago, and have the opportunity to explore the 17th century castle, beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts and unique local markets.  

Travelling west, you’ll arrive in the city of Hiroshima, whose name is now forever imprinted in the human psyche for the events in the Second World War before spending three nights in Kyoto, the spiritual and intellectual heart of this magnificent country. Immersing you in Japanese culture with an insightful half day private tour to a machiya where you’ll take part in a Japanese tea ceremony and learn the art of origami. You will finish your cultural journey in the spirited city of Osaka and Japan’s culinary capital, before you reluctantly fly back home. Whether staying in the ultramodern Conrad hotel or the traditional ryokan, each hotel handpicked by our Travel Designers will show you a different aspect of the intriguing Japanese way of life on your personalised luxury Japan tour.

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Experience highlights

  • Wander around Hamarikyu, the former imperial and shogunate garden and lesser-known oasis in the midst of the urban jungle of Tokyo. Stroll through these picturesque Japanese gardens, and before leaving, pay a visit the Tea House to enjoy a traditional tea or matcha.  
  • Camera at the ready as you enjoy a scenic river cruise to Asakusa, viewing Tokyo from a different perspective along the Sumida River where you can trace the old Edo capital and pass under various bridges which connect the capital city.  
  • Step aboard the famous bullet train for a two-hour journey from Tokyo to Nagoya before changing to the scenic train ride on the limited express train Wide View Hida to Takayama. 
  • Learn the ancient art of paper folding gaining an insight into the Japanese art of origami. Under the guidance of a local artist, learn the secrets behind creating beautiful decorations and images with simple pieces of paper.  
  • Take part in a traditional tea ceremony with a local tea master. Watch and learn as the master brews and services tea using slow, deliberate movements steeped in spirituality and ritual before enjoying a cup of the bitter tea along with traditional sweet treats.  
  • Unleash your hidden Shamurai or Shogan today as you wear a traditional Japanese Kimono, learning the art of wearing these full-length robes that are worn by all Japanese when attending important events or formal occasions.   
  • Visit Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this castle was the seat of power for the first Shogun and offers a fascinating insight into Imperial power.   
  • Ryokans are unique to Japan and you will stay overnight in one of the most traditional and  luxurious. With classical wooden beams, wooden mats or futon beds, you will have the chance to experience traditional Onsen culture. 
  • Reflect and contemplate with a visit to the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park, the scene of the first atomic explosion on Japanese soil. This moving tribute to all victims direct and indirect, will give you a greater understanding of the suffering which was caused.  
  • Uncover the UNESCO World Heritage site of gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Made without any nails and constructed to withstand large amounts of snow, the name of gasshi-zukuri means constructed like hands in prayer.   

Experience highlights

Wander around Hamarikyu, the former imperial and shogunate garden
The landscaped garden includes Shio-iri Pond, and the park is surrounded by a seawater moat filled by Tokyo Bay.
Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Sumida River to Asakusa in Tokyo
Step aboard the famous bullet train for a two-hour journey from Tokyo to Nagoya
Then take the scenic train to Takayama on the Wide View Hida appropriately named for it's large windows
Try local delicacies and the finest local sakes in Takayama
In Takayama, stay in a Ryokan style-hotel, the traditional Japanese inn furnished with low tables, sliding shoji doors, and tatami flooring
Uncover the UNESCO World Heritage site of gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawa-go
Visit to the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park, the scene of the first atomic explosion on Japanese soil
In Kyoto, meet with a local tea master for a traditional ceremony
Learn the ancient art of origami under the guidance of a local artist
Visit UNESCO Nijo Castle in Kyoto
Explore the culinary capital, Osaka sampling local dishes

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    Where you’ll stay

    Japan

    Palace Hotel Tokyo, Tokyo

    With an enviable location next to the Imperial Palace and with a view like no other from the top of this high-rise hotel, the Palace Hotel is in prime position to explore the city and nearby Ginza and the Marunouchi districts. Impeccable service has seen the hotel listed in the Forbes Travel Guide and with seven restaurants, dining it a highlight along with its Evian Spa.

    Japan

    Hidatei Hanaougi, Takayama

    A traditional Ryokan style-hotel which is rurally located yet close to Takayama’s attractions. Each guest room balances tradition with modernity. Its architecture showcases native timbers including Japanese zelkova, thought to have a relaxing effect. Sample Onsen culture at the public bath facilities and several open-air baths (available to book) and indulge in a kaiseki, a multicourse meal, including fresh seafood and quality Hida beef.

    Japan

    Hotel Nikko, Kanazawa

    Perfectly positioned in the cultural hub of Kanazawa, adjacent to the city's main train station and close to the top sights, which include Kanazawa Castle and the beautiful Kenroku-en gardens. Dominating the city’s skyline with over 30 stories, the views are spectacular especially at sunset. You can enjoy plenty of dining option at the hotel's eight restaurants and bars - from ultra-fresh teppanyaki to classic French favourites, to champagne at the 30th-floor sky lounge.

    Japan

    Hotel Granvia, Hiroshima

    Ideally located to explore Hiroshima, this modern and comfortable hotel is directly connected to the renowned JR Hiroshima Shinkansen Bullet train station and is a 20-minute tram ride from Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park. Featuring views of the city at its Sky Restaurant and Lounge and great dining at its ‘Setouchi’ Japanese restaurant and ‘Koh-Ran-En' Chinese restaurant.

    Japan

    The Thousand Kyoto, Kyoto

    A striking futuristic building which lies at the heart of Kyoto amongst its many attractions such as Maruyama Park, Kyoto Tower, museums, and temples, the Thousand offers sophisticated, minimalist style guestrooms with the emphasis on space and natural light. Expect a warm welcome and personalised stay as you relax in the tranquil garden, eat in one of the hotel's two restaurants, or try some black tea or sake at the modern tea bar.

    Japan

    Conrad Osaka, Osaka

    As a sky-high hotel, the Conrad has panoramic views of the cityscape and offers an unparalleled place to watch the sunrise or sunset while enjoying a refreshing cocktail at the Sky Bar. The hotel lies on a separate island in the heart of Osaka, combing modern interiors with traditional Japanese design for an ultramodern stay in the picturesque city of Osaka.

    Why book with SevenTravel

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