Highlights of Japan

Start your journey in Tokyo, where ultra-modern skyscrapers sit alongside ancient shrines and serene gardens. This is a city of contrasts and discovery, no matter whether you’re sipping matcha in a centuries-old teahouse or exploring the neon glow of Shibuya after dark.

Your base is a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, perfectly placed for exploring Tokyo’s many faces. With a private guide on hand, you’ll get an insider’s view of both iconic landmarks and hidden corners. Visit the historic Asakusa district to see Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection at Meiji Shrine, tucked into a tranquil forest in the centre of the city. For a glimpse of everyday life, stop by the bustling lanes of Shibuya or browse traditional crafts and designer boutiques in stylish Omotesando.

Swap the skyline for steaming springs and mountain air as you journey to Hakone, part of the vast Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This region is known for its natural beauty, from misty forests and crater lakes to bubbling onsen and (on a clear day) unforgettable views of Mount Fuji.

You’ll travel by scenic rail into the heart of Hakone, where your stay combines traditional ryokan-style hospitality with refined modern comforts. Spend your time exploring the region’s unique mix of art, nature and culture: cruise across Lake Ashi aboard a replica pirate ship, glide above the treetops by cable car or walk a section of the historic Tokaido Trail.

Art lovers will enjoy the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where sculptures are set against dramatic mountain backdrops, and those seeking rest can unwind in the thermal waters that have drawn travellers here for centuries.

Tucked into the foothills of the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto is a castle town that blends history, culture and scenic mountain views. It’s best known for Matsumoto Castle – nicknamed the “Black Crow” for its dark wooden exterior – one of Japan’s oldest and most striking original castles, complete with a moat and snow-capped peaks behind it.

Wander through the castle grounds and explore nearby Nakamachi Street, where its beautifully preserved merchant houses now host cafés, sake shops and traditional craft boutiques. You’ll also find a thriving local art scene here, with the nearby Matsumoto City Museum of Art offering a colourful collection of contemporary Japanese works, including permanent exhibits by Yayoi Kusama, who was born in the city.

Step back in time in Kanazawa, one of Japan’s best-preserved historic cities. Once a thriving samurai town, Kanazawa offers a slower pace and a rich cultural scene, with everything from feudal-era districts to contemporary art museums.

Begin with a stroll through Kenroku-en, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens, especially magical in cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. Then explore the Nagamachi samurai district, where earthen walls and cobbled lanes lead to restored residences and hidden tea houses. Over in Higashi Chaya, the geisha district, you can sip matcha in traditional teahouses while gold leaf artisans demonstrate their delicate craft.

For a modern twist, visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, known for its playful, immersive exhibits and striking circular architecture. You’ll also find some of the country’s most exquisite lacquerware, weaving and ceramics in Kanazawa’s many boutique galleries and studios.

Few places in Japan are as emotionally resonant as Hiroshima. A city once defined by tragedy has transformed into a symbol of peace, resilience and renewal.

Begin your visit at the Peace Memorial Park, where the haunting silhouette of the Atomic Bomb Dome stands beside powerful monuments and museums that honour the past while looking toward the future. Your local guide will help bring the stories of survival and hope to life, offering context and compassion to this unforgettable part of your journey.

Just a short ferry ride across the bay lies Miyajima Island, famed for its floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine – one of Japan’s most iconic sights. Explore forested trails, visit ancient temples and enjoy fresh oysters by the water, all while sharing the island with its many famously-friendly deer.

Your final stop is Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart and a city that holds centuries of tradition in every temple, garden and cobbled backstreet. Once the imperial capital, Kyoto is a place where ancient rituals and timeless beauty still shape everyday life.

With four nights here, you’ll have time to settle into the city’s gentle rhythm. Explore famous sights like the shimmering Golden Pavilion, stroll through the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and pause at Kiyomizu-dera, perched on a hillside with sweeping views across the city. Take in the serenity of Zen gardens, wander temple paths lined with maple trees and follow the quiet lanes of Gion, where kimono-clad geisha still move between ochaya teahouses.

You’ll also experience some of Kyoto’s more elusive traditions. Step into a private teahouse for an intimate geisha performance, complete with fan dances and matcha tea, or take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

For a change of pace, head west to Arashiyama, a leafy district on the edge of the city. Here, you can walk through the famous bamboo forest, visit tranquil riverside temples or drift downstream on a wooden boat through forested gorges.