The Best of Japan
The Best of Japan
The Best of Japan
13 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hakone, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
Please contact Riviera Travel if you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility.
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
From:
$5475 (USD) including Flights from the UKTourhub Members Discount - Sign In
Tour Overview
A Japan holiday - an ancient culture of emperors, fierce shoguns, samurais and brutal martial arts. Yet it’s also a place of gentle geishas, colourful kimonos, exquisite garden design and Zen Buddhism. How did a country so deeply rooted in such diverse heritage become one of the most modern and advanced economies on the planet? Pondering such questions is what makes Japan tours so incredibly rewarding. Having travelled there once, you’ll feel almost hypnotically drawn back to this truly enigmatic country.
Japan’s roots lie in an ancient feudal culture, with many customs from these times still pervading modern society. The Portuguese and Jesuit missionaries arrived in the 16th century and by all accounts, they were initially treated well, mainly because the Japanese were impressed with their new technology – firearms. Despite trading together successfully for nearly a century, Christianity and western ideas were deemed to be undermining the social order and the Portuguese were expelled. All contact with outsiders was banned for over 200 years. The only country on earth to have been so completely isolated from all external influences, Japanese art and culture developed in its own unique way, until pressure from the US finally broke down the barriers in the 1850s.
It’s this unique development of its culture which makes Japan so utterly fascinating today. Inevitably, we harbour preconceptions about its complex etiquette, but you need not worry! The Japanese are a truly welcoming people and allowances are made for us ‘strange’ foreigners! Our tour is designed so you not only see the best of Japan, but come home having started to understand it.
Our tour covers three of Japan's capitals, both past and present. You’ll ride on a high speed bullet train past iconic Mt. Fuji, one of the most instantly recognisable places on the planet. You’ll have the option to stay at a typical Japanese inn, bathe in a hot spring, and see the spot where the first atom bomb was detonated. With longer stays in both Tokyo and Kyoto, you’ll have a unique opportunity to get right under the skin of this extraordinary country.
So place preconceptions aside and take the Japan tour of a lifetime. Prepare for wonderful service, the world’s politest people and a true assault on the senses. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary culture of contrasts, where the neon lights and gadgetry of huge futuristic cities live side by side with thousand-year old ceremonies, shrines and hot spas.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Departure
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Overnight flight
You arrive at the airport for your overnight direct flight to Tokyo.
Day 2 : Arrival In Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
On our arrival, we transfer to our hotel, the excellent four-star superior New Otani, for three nights with breakfast. Perfectly located in the heart of Tokyo, close to the Japanese parliament, the nearest metro stop is just a couple of minutes’ walk allowing you explore at ease (all station names are given in English). This afternoon we have our first taste of Tokyo with a short orientation walk in the surrounding area, with rest of your first day to relax after the flight.
Day 3 : Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we commence the exploration of Japan’s capital and largest city. At first glance, Tokyo might seem similar to other great Asian cities like Singapore or Shanghai, with its gleaming glass skyscrapers and busy, fashionable shops. But you’ll soon begin to notice some of the many fascinating differences – like the spotlessly clean and surprisingly quiet streets. There’s no beeping of horns here, that would be far too impolite! Our first stop is the famous Shinto Meiji shrine, dedicated to one of its past emperors. Set in outstandingly lush parkland, this is a working religious site where you may be lucky enough to see a typical Japanese marriage underway. Then we move on to some of Tokyo’s most renowned quarters, including Omotesando Street, Tokyo’s ‘Rodeo Drive’, full of luxury brand shops. Then there’s the Harajuku area where teenagers sport the latest outrageous fashions and the Akihabara electronic town, home to one of the first stores devoted to personal robots. We savour some Japanese cuisine at our included lunch.
Day 4 : Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we visit Tokyo’s Asakusa district. Full of traditional small houses and shops, it’s a unique insight into the Tokyo of a hundred years ago. We will then transfer by boat down the Sumida River to Ginza, widely recognised as one of the world’s most luxurious shopping destinations. It’s brimming with ultra-modern department stores, boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses. Your afternoon is free to shop, explore, or perhaps indulge in some fascinating people-watching. Another option is to head to the Tokyo National Museum, just a few stops on the metro. Here you’ll find the world’s largest collection of Japanese art, with pottery, painting and prints, textiles, fashion and oriental antiquities.
Day 5 : Mount Fuji & Hakone
Location: Mount Fuji, Hakone
Accommodation: Hotel
Saying goodbye to Tokyo we drive towards Mount Fuji, probably Japan’s most instantly recognisable sight. Fringed by thick forests and a crescent-shaped ring of shimmering lakes, we are presented with one of the world’s greatest and most spectacular views. We visit two of these beautiful lakes to give you the best chance of appreciating and enjoying the stunning panorama from two different angles – and some of life’s most amazing photo opportunities. Our first stop is at Lake Kawaguchi, well known to the Japanese but as yet undiscovered by most foreign visitors. Next we head south to explore the fascinating mountain resort of Hakone. Descending to the smooth dark blue waters of Lake Ashi, we take a cruise on a rather unusual Japanese version of an early 19th-century pirate ship. From here, especially on a clear day, the views of Mt Fuji are one of the world’s greatest panoramas.
Arriving at the four-star Hakone Hotel, we stay for one night with breakfast and dinner. The entire area here is geo-thermally active, and provides the perfect opportunity to try one of Japan’s unmissable experiences – bathing in an ‘onsen’, a hot spring at our very own hotel.
Day 6 : Bullet Train
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning we travel to Hiroshima on Japan’s iconic gleaming white bullet train. With reclining seats, plenty of legroom, air conditioned comfort and speeds up to 189 mph, this is an incomparable way to travel.
Arriving at lunchtime, there’s a sobering reminder of the horrors of war this morning as we visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum, displaying the remains of the only building to survive the atomic bomb blast of August 1945. The city has been completely rebuilt and there are no signs left of the devastation of that fateful day. Returning to Hiroshima, we stay for two nights at the four star RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima, with breakfast.
Day 7 : Hiroshima
Location: Hiroshima
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we make our way to one of the country’s most distinctive views on the nearby small island of Miyajima. A huge red ‘Torii’ gate sits just offshore; widely celebrated, at high tide it appears to float between the sea and sky. This popular little island is easy to explore by foot. It has a relaxed holiday atmosphere, lots of interesting shops and a covered market.
Yet you may notice a small digital counter indicating the number of days since the last atomic test – it’s surprisingly recent. Your afternoon is at leisure to experience this charming city, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Genbaku (the Atomic Bomb Dome) and Itsukushima Shrine.
Day 8 : Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
Leaving Hiroshima by coach, we head towards the old imperial capital of Kyoto. En route we’ll visit the superb Korakuen garden at Okayama – built in 1700 and renowned as one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, with lawns, lakes, wooden bridges and shrines and teahouses! Allowing plenty of time to explore, our stay for the next four nights in Kyoto is at the Century Hotel with breakfast.
Day 9 : Kyoto & Tea Ceremony
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning is one of the real highlights of the tour as we explore some of the overwhelming treasures of Japan’s most revered city. First is the spectacular and beautiful Golden Pavilion, dating from the classical Muromachi age of Japanese temple design, perfectly overlooking its lake and garden. The whole of the upper floors, covered in gold leaf, glow in the morning light with an almost blinding intensity. Nearby is the Ryoan-ji temple, or the Temple of the Dragon at Peace, home to Japan’s most famous Zen garden, consisting of fifteen rocks surrounded by white gravel carefully raked by monks daily.
As a complete change, we then move on to the amazing Arashiyama bamboo forest – experiencing an almost other-worldly feel as the light streams through the tall green columns of bamboo, up to 30 feet high! Yet another iconic Kyoto monument is next – Nijo Castle. Set at the heart of the city and built in the 17th century, it’s famous for its wooden floors remarkably designed to creak like a nightingale’s song, thus warning its occupants of any impending stealthy attack!
Finally we take a walking tour through Kyoto’s Gion district. Here is the classic image of Japan; streets of wooden houses, the unmistakable sound of wooden sandals reverberating on the avements, bright, silk-clad geishas, cherry trees and a host of traditional restaurants. We also experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony’
Day 10 : Nara
Location: Nara
Accommodation: Hotel
Capital city before Kyoto, Nara is just a few miles south. Firstly we see one of the country’s most iconic shrines, made from thousands of red Torii gates forming two extraordinary vermilion-coloured wooden tunnels up a hillside. Arriving at Nara you’ll be greeted by the dozens of tame deer considered for centuries to be messengers of the gods. The main sight though is the amazing Todai-ji temple, astonishingly the world’s largest wooden structure. Housing a huge bronze Buddha, this is a truly inspiring sight and just one of Nara’s several UNESCO World Heritage sites. We also get an insight to the traditional Japanese Sake drink, visiting a museum with tasting.
Day 11 : Free Day In Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hotel
You’re free today to explore and discover the many delights and attractions of Kyoto. There are still more enchanting temples to see - like the 15th century Silver Pavilion and the even older Eikando temple, marvels of architectural and garden design within an easy walk of each other along the charming Philosopher’s Path.
Tonight you also have the option of staying in a ryokan, a typical Japanese inn. You’ll sleep on a rolled out futon with tatami matting on the floor. You’ll also enjoy a traditional ‘kaiseki’ multi-course dinner. Beautifully prepared and served, it’s just as stunning to look at as it is to eat.
Day 12 : Bullet Train To Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
After a last free morning at leisure, we take our bullet train to Tokyo staying overnight at the four-star Excel Tokyu near the airport.
Day 13 : Return Flight
Location: Tokyo
We fly directly back to the UK, arriving later the same day, with memories of an incomparable tour full of the most extraordinary insights and experiences that Japan has to offer.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Eleven nights’ accommodation plus 1 overnight flight
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Local Taxes
All local accommodation taxes; All airport/flight taxes
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Meals
14 meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 1 dinner
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International Travel
Direct flights from London Heathrow with Checked Luggage
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Additional Services
Programme of daily tours & visits;; Hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person
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Fully Guided
The services of a Riviera tour manager
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Insurance
Check out our Q&As
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Japan however must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan/entry-requirements
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements. -
What currencies are required for this tour?
Yen
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
There is a fair amount of walking involved throughout this tour, and as many places we visit as part of this itinerary are in national parks and historical areas, we cannot expect or guarantee the terrain to be flat and even. Whilst this should not pose any difficulty for clients who are in good health, please consider any mobility requirements personal to yourself. If you would like to discuss mobility-related queries, please contact us.
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns. -
Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, international flights from/to the UK (London Heathrow)
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Thursday
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 29, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024Thursday - Tuesday
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Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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