Itinerary
Colours of Japan
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Debbie Rawnsley
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The Colours of Japan
Japan is a kaleidoscope of natural beauty, elegant architecture and cultural wonders. Drink in the colours of Japan on this tailor-made tour. Guided visits to botanical gardens include the masterpieces of Shinjuku Gyoen and Kenroku-en. Here you’ll learn Japanese gardening secrets from those who consider it a classical art. The manicured perfection transforms into the sublime, wild majesty of Japan’s mountains. At Nikko National Park the peaks are graced by the formal brilliance of Toshogu Shrine. Cherry blossom provides the atmospheric background colours of Japan’s history-rich Kyoto. In the foreground a staggering 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites paint a very pretty picture indeed.
Tokyo
Welcome to Japan: when you arrive at the airport, we’ll meet you and assist you to your hotel. Today is your opportunity to explore the extraordinary metropolis of Tokyo. Head to where the neon lights seem brightest and you’ll find some of the things that make Tokyo a truly world city.
Tokyo
Tsukiji Fish Market will tantalise your palate with the a refreshing sushi breakfast. Hamarikyu Tien, once a duck-hunting ground for an Edo lord, is now a leafy park. Cruise down the waters of the Sumida Gawa River to reach Asakusa, the city’s oldest Geisha district. In the botanical gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen perfect cherry blossoms delicately framed the formal brilliance of the displays.
Nikko
Japan’s high-speed trains will have you in the mountains of Nikko National Park in no time. This is home to the Toshogu Shrine complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will show you the grace and beauty of the temples and give you a valuable insight into the history and culture of Japanese Buddhism. Suitably serene you’ll head back to Tokyo to get a little crazy on your final night in the big city.
Tokyo - Hakone
Hakone feels like a different world to Tokyo. It lies hidden in the mountains just two hours away. The lake is overshadowed by Mount Fuji, with hot springs dotted amid the surrounding hills. Take a cable car to visit the springs, shrines, steaming rivers and sulphurous pools, then sleep in a traditional ryokan (inn), complete with comfy futons and mesmerising views.
Hakone - Kanazawa
A ride on the Shinkansen bullet train ends in Kanazawa, or Little Kyoto, as it’s known. This was Japan’s centre of wealth in the 17th-century and remains a beautifully preserved castle town. The Museum of Contemporary Art here forsakes the charms of history for cutting-edge architecture and design.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa's 17th-century Kenroku-en gardens are one of Japan’s three ‘great gardens’. In a country renowned for its love of gardening this is no mean feat. Drink in the scents and scenery, then head to the imposing Kanazawa Castle, former residence of the powerful Maeda clan. Omi-cho market has arguably the best sushi in the country, and Higashi Chaya-gai old town is ideal for picking up a souvenir before battling your way to the old Samurai district.
Kanazawa - Takayama
It’s no distance at all to UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go, a historic silk-farming village where thatched Gassho-style houses offer a real glimpse back in time. Head to Takayama, where the Old Town offers more old-world charm in its cluster of narrow streets lined with Edo-era merchant houses. Your overnight stay will be suitably traditional: a stylish ryokan inn where you can end the evening relaxing in an onsen.
Takayama - Kyoto
After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through Takayama's alleys to Miyagawa Morning Market, where the colours of Japan’s fresh produce, pickles and crafts paint a pretty scene. Many of the heritage houses are open to the public so take a chance to peek inside. Then it’s time for a final train journey to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, for your final three nights.
Kyoto
Your private guide will show you the pick of Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nijo Castle is the starting point, built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate, and surrounded by stunning gardens. The Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji glints enticingly and the Daitoku-ji Zen temple complex is home to the country's best Zen rock garden. The views of Kyoto from the Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple place all the historic sites in their context.
Kyoto
Today is free for relaxing or exploring. You can make the short journey to Nara. In the former capital Todaiji Temple awaits, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha. A rickshaw tour of the atmospheric Arashiyama bamboo forest is perfect in spring or autumn.
Kyoto - UK
Savour your final moments in Kyoto. You may have time to find some geisha hair accessories in the Gion district. Or, just wander the atmospheric back streets. Then it’s time to bid sayonara to Japan as you head to the airport for your flight home.
Asia & Indian Subcontinent team
From Tokyo's sacred shrines to the faith, colour and culture of the Indian subcontinent, our well-travelled team will craft the right itinerary for you
Meet the team
Best time to visit Japan
Eat like a local in Japan
Travelogue: Experiencing Japan, from Tokyo to Kyoto
Up close and personal with cherry blossoms in Japan
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