Highlights of Japan (2024 departures)

Japan

Temples, skyscrapers, neon lights and ancient traditions. Few places in the world showcase the meeting of old and new better than Japan! Escape the ordinary on this Japan group tour. On this trip to Japan, travel from buzzing Tokyo to Hakone where the best views of Mount Fuji are found. Explore Hiroshima, Kyoto and more. Discover the best things to do in Japan. Visit incredible temples and castles. Sip on sake, watch sumo wrestlers in action, test out your ninja skills and see geishas adorned in colourful garments. These are the highlights of Japan expertly packed into 11 exciting days! 

  • Discover Tokyo, Japan’s capital, on a city tour
  • See Itsukushima, Meiji and Hakone Shrines
  • See Himeji Castle, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Kiyomizu Temple
  • Enjoy full days to explore Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto
  • Travel back in time in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
  • Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Kanazawa to Tokyo
Highlights of Japan (JE)

Accommodation

  • 10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Experiences

  • Welcome Dinner at a Japanese-style pub, known as an Izakaya
  • Stroll through Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods on a city sightseeing tour 
  • Visit the Meiji Shrine
  • Explore the Tsukiji Fish Market
  • Visit the Great Buddha in Kamakura
  • See the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine 
  • Visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi
  • Snap pictures of the impressive Mount Fuji during a photo stop
  • Take in the views from Nihondaira
  • Visit a tea farm
  • Tour a miso factory
  • See a Ninja demonstration at the Iga Ninja Museum
  • Experience the world of Sumo at the Kehaya Sumo Museum in Nara
  • Visit Todai Temple and Deer Park in Nara
  • Visit the beautiful Himeji Castle
  • Wander through the Korakuen Garden 
  • Enjoy an Okonomiyaki dinner
  • Visit the Kintaikyo Bridge
  • Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
  • Explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
  • Sightseeing tour of Okayama
  • Enjoy a city tour of Kurashiki
  • Sip on sake at the Sake Museum in Nada
  • Meander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
  • Visit Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion
  • Explore the Kiyomizu Temple
  • Greet geishas in the Gion district
  • Farewell dinner in Osaka

Extras

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

DAY 1: Start of tour in Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! This Highlights of Japan group tour begins in the country’s dazzling capital city. Arrive at the hotel, check in from 15:00 onwards and receive an Expat Explore information pack containing all of the info for the first day’s activities. Meet up with your tour leader and the rest of your group this evening. Tonight, get to know the group over a welcome dinner. Sample your first taste of Japanese cuisine at a Japanese-style pub known as an Izakaya!

DAY 2: Tokyo City Tour

Today, Tokyo awaits! After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing tour of the city. Stroll around Tokyo and see how tradition meets modernity with historic temples and neon skyscrapers lining the streets. The tour includes highlights such as the Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market and Takeshita Street - one of the brightest and busiest shopping areas in all of Tokyo! Spend the evening exploring more of this diverse city with free time tonight. Why not join the exciting Tokyo+ optional excursion? This includes a trip to the top of the Tokyo Skytree Tower for sweeping panoramic city views, free time for dinner in Omoide Yokocho and a walking tour of the buzzing Shinjuku City.

DAY 3: Kamakura - Hakone - Shizuoka

Today, it’s time to travel to the next stop in Japan. Board the coach to travel towards Shizuoka. En route, embark on sightseeing tours of the seaside town of Kamakura, home to the Great Buddha, as well as Hakone where you can see amazing views of Mount Fuji! There will be free time for lunch during the sightseeing tour - the perfect time to refuel your energy to see the rest of the amazing sights! Arrive in Shizuoka in the early evening. Check in, freshen up and head out to see more of the city. The evening is free to spend as you choose. You could explore nearby Shun Castle Park or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 4: Nihondaira - Tea Farm - Miso Factory - Kusatsu

Another day filled with unique Japanese adventures awaits! Today’s first stop is Nihondaira which is famous for its views of Mount Fuji. Next up is a tea farm visit followed by a stop with free time for lunch en route. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a miso factory before arriving in Kusatsu where the tour will be spending the night. Check into the hotel and then the evening is free to do some exploring!  Why not enjoy a taste of one of Japan’s most famous dishes - Ōmibeef - on tonight’s mouthwatering optional excursion?

DAY 5: Iga - Nara - Himeji

Look forward to unique experiences in Iga and Nara today! Visit the Iga Ninja Museum and look forward to a demonstration of Ninja skills and weaponry! Then, visit the Kehaya Sumo Museum and learn about this fascinating form of wrestling. Next, visit the Todai Temple which houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana (Daibutsu in Japanese). Then, explore Nara Park and see free-roaming herds of deer. Arrive in Himeji and enjoy a free evening. Why not visit Otokoyama Hill for amazing views of the city or Egret Himeji, which is a great spot for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat? Its rooftop offers views of Himeji Castle and is open for free to the public.

DAY 6: Himeji - Okayama - Hiroshima

Experience a full day of sightseeing in Himeji and Okayama. Travel by coach and on foot to discover more about these intriguing destinations. Visit the magnificent Himeji Castle to see a great example of Japanese architecture, wander through the stunning Korakuen Garden in Okayama and enjoy free time for lunch during the sightseeing tour. After a day filled with beautiful Japanese sights, it's time to head to Hiroshima. Arrive and check in at the hotel where the tour will be based for the next three nights. Enjoy an included Okonomiyaki dinner with the group tonight!

DAY 7: Hiroshima

Explore the highlights of Hiroshima on a city sightseeing tour after breakfast. Hiroshima’s history stretches back centuries. Today, it is widely remembered for being the target of an atomic bomb attack during WW2. Learn all about the city’s history and the impact of the war during the guided city tour. Embark by coach and travel on foot to see some of the city’s highlights including the impressive Kintaikyo Bridge, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island as well as the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Tonight is free to spend as you wish. Nagarekawa is a hub for food and entertainment. Why not visit Okonomimura? This food hall in Hiroshima is famous for its Okonomiyaki!

DAY 8: Hiroshima: Free Day

Enjoy a free day to explore more of Hiroshima. Choose to see a whole new side to the city on the Hidden Hiroshima optional excursion which includes a visit to the historic Mitaki Temple, a visit to a local oyster farm where the group will enjoy lunch, and time to explore the serene Shukkeien Garden. The optional excursion finishes up mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. There are a number of exciting things to see and do around the city. You could pay a visit to the Hiroshima Castle or wander through Hijiyama Park, which offers beautiful views and is home to the Hiroshima MOCA.

DAY 9: Hiroshima - Okayama - Kurashiki - Osaka

Travel onwards to Osaka and explore a little more of what Okayama has to offer today. Board the coach after breakfast for more sightseeing adventures! Enjoy city tours of Okayama and Kurashiki where you will have free time to enjoy lunch. Once the group has fueled up on some delicious Japanese food, it’s time to continue onwards and enjoy an included sake tasting and museum tour! Later, arrive in Osaka and check into the hotel where the group will spend the next two nights. Tonight you have the option to explore Osaka on a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the vibrant Dotonbori area!

DAY 10: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Kyoto - Osaka

Escape into nature this morning on a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling to the forest which is one of Kyoto’s top attractions. Next up, spend time wandering through Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavilion) before visiting the Kiyomizu Temple for some exploring and free time to have lunch. This afternoon, visit Gion - Kyoto’s historic geisha district and browse the many shops. Keep an eye out for geishas strolling through the streets! It’s the last night of this incredible tour and the group will be celebrating with an included farewell dinner. Toast to your favourite memories over a delicious meal tonight!

DAY 11: End of tour in Tokyo

After ten experience-filled days, the Highlights of Japan tour comes to an end today. Enjoy a final breakfast with the group before travelling back to Tokyo. The transfer will be by coach and will last approximately 10 hours, with Tokyo Station being the final stop. Alternatively, choose to end the tour in Osaka and transfer to Kansai Int ’l Airport by airport shuttle bus or transfer to Shin-Osaka and take a bullet train to Tokyo at an additional cost. Arrive in Tokyo where the tour ends. Reminisce about your time on this Japan trip. Swap memories and contact details with your newly made travel friends before saying goodbye and heading home.

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21/04/2025 03/05/2025 £2,105 Book
16/06/2025 28/06/2025 £2,105 Book
30/06/2025 12/07/2025 £2,105 Book
14/07/2025 26/07/2025 £2,105 Book
01/09/2025 13/09/2025 £2,105 Book
15/09/2025 27/09/2025 £2,105 Book
28/09/2025 10/10/2025 £2,105 Book
13/10/2025 25/10/2025 £2,155 Book
27/10/2025 08/11/2025 £2,305 Book
10/11/2025 22/11/2025 £2,074 Book
16/11/2025 28/11/2025 £2,284 Book
14/03/2026 26/03/2026 £2,645 Book
22/03/2026 03/04/2026 £2,525 Book
27/03/2026 08/04/2026 £2,525 Book
04/04/2026 16/04/2026 £2,465 Book
20/04/2026 02/05/2026 £2,465 Book
27/04/2026 09/05/2026 £2,415 Book
04/05/2026 16/05/2026 £2,465 Book
11/05/2026 23/05/2026 £2,415 Book
18/05/2026 30/05/2026 £2,415 Book
25/05/2026 06/06/2026 £2,245 Book
08/06/2026 20/06/2026 £2,245 Book
29/06/2026 11/07/2026 £2,245 Book
13/07/2026 25/07/2026 £2,245 Book
31/08/2026 12/09/2026 £2,415 Book
14/09/2026 26/09/2026 £2,415 Book
27/09/2026 09/10/2026 £2,415 Book
12/10/2026 24/10/2026 £2,415 Book
26/10/2026 07/11/2026 £2,245 Book
02/11/2026 14/11/2026 £2,245 Book
16/11/2026 28/11/2026 £2,245 Book

Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.

Tokyo - US$9000

Marvel at panoramic city views from the Skytree Tower, visit Omoide Yokocho and enjoy a walking tour of the bustling Shinjuku City.

Japan - US$15000

Enjoy an Ōmibeef Yakiniku (Japanese Barbeque of wagyū beef) dinner complete with unlimited drinks at a local restaurant.

Hiroshima - US$14500

Uncover the hidden sights of Hiroshima with a local guide! See Mitaki Temple, Shukkeien Garden and visit a local oyster farm.

Osaka - US$11000

Explore Dotonbori in the heart of Osaka! Discover the bustling neighbourhood before enjoying a Takoyaki-making class and dinner at a local restaurant.

Osaka - US$18000

Travel from Osaka to Tokyo Station in just 2.5 hours when you book a seat on a high speed bullet train.

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