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Highlights of Japan, a tour by Explore Worldwide

Tour · 7 nights · with Explore Worldwide

Highlights of Japan

A fast-paced, escorted tour by Explore Worldwide that covers Japan’s urban energy, cultural heritage, and natural wonders including Tokyo, the snow monkeys near Nagano, Hiroshima and Kyoto’s temples.

Duration
7 nights
Departures
11 dates
Choose a month below
Countries
Japan
Operator
Explore Worldwide
From
£2,995
per person

Highlights

What makes this one worth it

  1. Sensoji Temple and Sumida River boat trip in Tokyo

  2. Jigokudani Onsen snow monkeys near Nagano

  3. Kenrokuen Gardens and traditional streets of Kanazawa

  4. Street food walk in Osaka’s Namba district

  5. Peace Memorial Park and floating torii gate on Miyajima Island

About the trip

This week-long escorted tour from Explore Worldwide moves quickly through Japan’s most recognised sights, starting in Tokyo with a stroll to Sensoji temple and a boat trip along the Sumida River. The pace picks up on Day 3 when you join a bullet train to Nagano to see the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Onsen before heading to Kanazawa with its traditional streets and Kenrokuen Gardens.

From Kanazawa, the tour travels to Osaka’s lively Namba district and its street food scene. Then it’s on to Hiroshima, with time to visit the Peace Memorial Park and the nearby island of Miyajima, where deer roam freely and the floating torii gate is a frequent subject for photographs. The final two days are spent in Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, with visits to Nijo Castle, a traditional tea ceremony and centuries-old temples including Kenninji and Yasaka Pagoda.

Throughout, train journeys and short walks break up the sightseeing. The itinerary leaves free time in Tokyo and Kyoto to explore at a gentler pace or to add extra nights either side of the tour.

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The route in outline: places are joined in the order visited, not by the roads or sea lanes taken.
  1. 1 Tokyo
  2. 2 Nagano
  3. 3 Kanazawa
  4. 4 Osaka
  5. 5 Hiroshima
  6. 6 Miyajima
  7. 7 Kyoto

Itinerary

The route

  1. Tokyo

  2. Nagano

  3. Kanazawa

  4. Osaka

  5. Hiroshima

  6. Miyajima

  7. Kyoto

These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.

When to go

Departures and prices

Lowest price each month, per person.

Explore Worldwide confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.

Need to know

Before you book

Price based on
Per personThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
Travelling alone
Check with Explore Worldwide
Flights
Not included: you book your own to the start
What’s included
Check with Explore Worldwide
Accessibility
Check with Explore Worldwide

For full details of what’s included, check with Explore Worldwide. See the full details on their site

Questions people ask

How long is Highlights of Japan?
Highlights of Japan is a 7 nights tour holiday.
Who operates Highlights of Japan?
Highlights of Japan is operated by Explore Worldwide.
How much does Highlights of Japan cost?
Prices for Highlights of Japan start from £2,995, subject to availability.

The operator

Explore Worldwide

Small-group adventures, walking and wildlife

Small groups with local leaders, and a fondness for the places at the end of the road. Trips are graded so you know how active they are.

You book with Explore Worldwide directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.

New to Japan? Our Japan guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.

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