Japan – Land of the Rising Sun

Key Takeaways

• A well-balanced itinerary combining city life, historical depth, natural beauty and cultural immersion.
• Includes both modern highlights (Tokyo, Osaka) and deeply traditional places (Kyoto, Takayama, Miyajima).
• Comfortable transport and solid hotel standard make this suitable for travellers wanting depth without sacrificing ease.
• Seasonal sights (blossom, autumn leaves) amplify the beauty – timing can make a difference.

Introduction to Japan – Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is where ultra-modern neon streets meet centuries of tradition; where mountain serenity and coastal tranquillity balance pulsing cities. The Japan – Land of the Rising Sun tour takes you on a 13-day journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and beyond. You’ll see Mount Fuji, wander through ancient castles, taste sushi fresh from market stalls, ride Japan’s famous Bullet Train, and experience historic sites & serene landscapes that linger long after your return.

History & Culture

Japan’s history is layered. The samurai era, feudal lords, and the shogunate carved their castles and social traditions. Kyoto was once the imperial capital, retaining temples, shrines and rituals that define traditional Japan. Hiroshima’s story of devastation & peace remains a powerful part of its identity. Meanwhile, modern Japan blends this heritage with innovation. Tokyo’s skyscrapers, fast transport, and pop culture are as much part of its history now as the ancient shrines.

What’s Included

• Return flights from London
• 10 nights in 3- & 4-star hotels + 2 nights in flight
• 14 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners + welcome drink
• Travelsphere Holiday Director + specialist local guide
• Overseas transfers & transportation on tour (including Bullet Train, ferries, etc.)

Must-See Highlights

• Tokyo: Explore the buzzing capital with its mix of tradition and tech, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, Asakusa & Senso-ji, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, shop & dine in Shinjuku & local streets.
• Hakone & Mount Fuji: Venture outside Tokyo into spectacular scenery, Lake Ashi, cable car over the Owakudani Valley, views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting), hot springs and countryside calm.
• Matsumoto & Wasabi Farm: Visit Matsumoto Castle (one of Japan’s oldest wooden castles), walk in its grounds; explore a wasabi farm to see how this iconic Japanese staple is grown.
• Takayama & Shirakawago: Traditional mountain towns, timber houses, preserved architecture. Shirakawago’s “gassho-zukuri” farmhouses look straight from a storybook.
• Kyoto: Three nights of temples, tea ceremonies, bamboo groves; Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari torii gates; free time to absorb local culture.
• Hiroshima & Miyajima Island: Understand Japan’s post-war history at the Peace Memorial Park; ferry to Miyajima to see the “floating” torii of Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy island tranquillity.
• Osaka: Final stop – Osaka Castle, the Floating Garden Observatory, street food and markets; a busy, friendly city with its own character.

Food & Facilities

• Local Japanese cuisine features strongly: sushi, ramen, kaiseki, udon, tempura, wasabi-flavoured specialities; plenty of options for vegetarian / dietary requests.
• Hotels are modern, clean, comfortable, many with traditional touches such as tatami-style rooms, ryokan-inspired décor in some stops.
• Transport connections are efficient; the Bullet Train is comfortable and fast; local transfers are generally well organised.

Practical Info

• Duration: 13 days
• Accommodation: 3- & 4-star throughout; comfortable hotels well located
• Meals: 14 included; expect local Japanese cuisine plus some western/choice meals
• Transport: Includes domestic transfers, high-speed Bullet Train, ferry to Miyajima, and local transport in cities
• Guides: Local specialist + Travelsphere director to handle logistics and insight

Always check before you travel as times are subject to change.

Travel Tips

• Pack layers: mornings in mountain areas (e.g. Hakone, Shirakawago) can be chilly even in spring/summer.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential: the streets of Kyoto, temple steps, and market alleys.
• Bring cash: many smaller shops and rural areas prefer cash over cards.
• Learn a few basic Japanese phrases—greetings go a long way.
• Book optional experiences (tea ceremony, extra shrine visits) early where possible.

Events / Seasonal Info

• Cherry blossom (sakura) season: typically late March-early April in Tokyo/Kyoto; a peak time but very busy.
• Autumn colours: late October-November can bring flaming reds & golds in the mountains, temple gardens and countryside.
• Winter / Off-peak: fewer tourists, quieter temples, but colder weather, especially in mountainous parts.

Japan – Land of the Rising Sun offers 13 days to explore Japan’s greatest contrasts — Tokyo’s metropolis, the serenity of Kyoto, the historic weight of Hiroshima, the thrill of the Bullet Train and mountain villages. Perfect for culture lovers, history buffs and nature enthusiasts.

FAQs

Final Words

Japan is a country that lingers in memory: the soft hush of shrine grounds, the precise art of sushi, views of Mount Fuji, temples sunk in mist, stories of resilience in Hiroshima, energy in neon-lit Tokyo. Japan – Land of the Rising Sun gives you access to all of this. It’s immersive, varied, beautifully paced. For anyone seeking a journey that blends the ancient and the ultra-modern, this tour touches all the notes.

Nearby Attractions or Extensions

• Extend your stay in Tokyo: day-trips to Kamakura or Nikko.
• In the Kyoto region, explore lesser-visited temples or walk historic hiking trails like the Philosopher’s Path.
• Near Hiroshima: visit Onomichi or the small islands in the Seto Inland Sea for a slower pace.

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