The Best of Japan

This twelve-night escorted tour with Riviera Travel begins in the capital, Tokyo, where you'll find a mix of sleek modernity and subtle tradition. Visits include the peaceful Meiji Shrine set in lush parkland, and the lively Omotesando Street lined with luxury shops. The trip continues with a visit to Mount Fuji's Lake Kawaguchi and the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, showcasing exquisite kimono art. A cruise on Lake Ashi from Hakone offers clear views of the mountain on fine days.

Hiroshima serves as a pause for reflection, with time at the Peace Park and museum showing remnants of the atomic bomb's impact. Nearby Miyajima Island presents one of Japan's most photographed scenes—the red torii gate rising from the sea. In Kyoto, the tour explores the Golden Pavilion, a bamboo forest that channels an almost otherworldly atmosphere, and the traditional Gion district, where geishas still practise their arts. The itinerary includes an introduction to a tea ceremony and an optional stay in a traditional ryokan inn.

Before concluding with a bullet train ride back to Tokyo, there is a free day in Kyoto to explore further or simply observe the city’s rhythms. The journey balances Japan’s rapid modern pace with moments that seem paused in time.