Call
Menu

17 nights from

£7645

Ancient Japan Land of the Samurai

Venture deep into the heart of a land of legends where age old traditions exist side by side with modernity

Join us as we travel through mountainous landscapes to vibrant, neon cities, exploring villages of the old Samurai. Discover the World Heritage treasures at Kyoto, temples and shrines of Nara and relax in an onsen. Traverse Japan’s famous railway network on exhilarating bullet train rides. Experience the customs and culture of ancient Japan with a traditional tea ceremony and Maiko dinner. Gain a true insight into the ancient world of the Samurai in one of the most fascinating and intriguing destinations on earth.

Venture deep into the land of legends where age-old traditions exist side by side with modernity. Samurai were the hereditary military nobility of medieval and early modern Japan, the highest-ranking social caste of the Edo Period. Bushido, ‘the way of the warrior‘ is the guiding philosophy of the Samurai. Explore the influence of these great warriors, an intrinsic part of Japanese culture, manifested through great castles, gardens, residences and the lasting heritage that are prevalent in Japan’s modern society, this unique and endlessly fascinating nation.

Overview

  • Flight  - 1 night
  • Kyoto  - 3 nights
  • Nara  - 1 night
  • Toba  - 1 night
  • Nagoya  - 1 night
  • Takayama  - 2 nights
  • Kanazawa  - 2 nights
  • Tokyo  - 2 nights
  • Nikko  - 1 night
  • Aizu  - 1 night
  • Tokyo  - 2 nights
Book Tour

Tour Highlights

  • Travel by bullet trains
  • Explore Kyoto’s treasures
  • Discover Nara
  • Stay in mountainous Takayama
  • Wander through serene Kanazawa
  • Experience an Onsen

Venture deep into the heart of a land of legends where age old traditions exist side by side with modernity

Notes:

This is a full itinerary with most visits on foot including the use of public transport and carrying luggage on and off trains. 

Please pack an overnight bag for days 14-15 Nikko & Aizu as your main luggage will remain at the hotel in Tokyo. 

Please note that in Japan room sizes are generally smaller than in Europe and double beds are not available at all hotels.

Accommodation

Higashiyama Hotel by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel - Kyoto

Newly built 4-star hotel located in the historic Gion district, with Zen & Shinto holy sites, pottery stores & Maruyama Park cherry blossoms nearby. Fitness centre, garden, terrace, restaurant with a bar,concierge service and WiFi (free). 168 air-conditioned rooms with kettle, flat screen TV and hairdryer.

Nara Hotel – Nara

An elegant 4-star hotel featuring classic Japanese architecture, on Nara Park’s beautiful hills, overlooking the ancient capital’s historic sites. Restaurant, bar and WiFi (free). 127 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, tea making facilities and satellite TV.

Toba International Hotel - Toba

Ideally located with sea views, the hotel offers three restaurants serving seasonal produce a coffee shop and a pearl spa, sauna and a hot tub. WiFi (free) in public areas. 80 air-conditioned rooms with fridge, mini-bar, safe and TV.

Nagoya Tokyu Hotel - Nagoya

A modern 4-star hotel in Nagoya, close to Sakae Subway station. Restaurants, gym, pool, sauna and WiFi (free). 564 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea making facilities and satellite TV.

Green Hotel - Takayama

Located near the Old Town and boasting seven restaurants using produce sourced locally, a lounge bar, souvenir shop and a variety of indoor and outdoor natural hot spring baths overlooking a Japanese garden, WiFi (free). 207 air-conditioned rooms with mini-bar, tea making facilities and TV.

Tokyu Hotel - Kanazawa

Ideally located in the heart of Nagamachi Samurai District and close to Kenroku-en Garden. Facilities include two restaurants, lounge bar and WiFi (free). 236 spacious air-conditioned rooms with mini-bar, tea making facilities and TV.

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba - Tokyo

A resort hotel in the Tokyo Bay area on Odaiba Island overlooking Tokyo Bay, a 2 minute walk from Daiba metro station and 1km from the landmark Rainbow bridge also in close proximity Oedo-Onsen Monogatari, the Museum of Maritime Science, Palette Town, and the Digital Art Museum. Three restaurants, including a sushi restaurant, a Japanese/Chinese restaurant, cafes, bars, fitness centre, spa, art gallery, convenience store and WiFi (free). 882 spacious air-conditioned rooms featuring elegant European-style decor with fridge, seating area and TV.

Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel – Nikko

A traditional 4-star hotel overlooking the woods, a five-minute walk from Chuzenji Lake. Restaurant, spa with hot spring and WiFi (free). 60 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-fridge, tea making facilities and satellite TV.

Harataki Higashiyama Onsen - Aizu

A classic Japanese-style Ryokan and one of the few hot spring inns in Higashiyama Onsen with a private spring source. Relax in one of the open-air hot spring baths with beautiful landscapes of the nearby gorge and the sound of the clear stream flowing past. Seasonal Japanese dishes are served using a variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients and seafood along with various local ingredients. WiFi (free) in public areas. 62 rooms with fridge, seating area with a low table and flat-screen TV.
Notes:

Please note that in Japan room sizes are generally smaller than in Europe and double beds are not available at all hotels.

Extra Nights

Stay in Kyoto before you start your tour, or spend extra nights in Tokyo before flying back to the UK

Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
(per night) £150
Single supplement £125

Higashiyama Hotel by Kyoto Tokyu
(per night) £185
Single supplement £100

Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba - Tokyo

A resort hotel in the Tokyo Bay area on Odaiba Island overlooking Tokyo Bay, a 2 minute walk from Daiba metro station and 1km from the landmark Rainbow bridge also in close proximity Oedo-Onsen Monogatari, the Museum of Maritime Science, Palette Town, and the Digital Art Museum. Three restaurants, including a sushi restaurant, a Japanese/Chinese restaurant, cafes, bars, fitness centre, spa, art gallery, convenience store and WiFi (free). 882 spacious air-conditioned rooms featuring elegant European-style decor with fridge, seating area and TV.

Higashiyama Hotel by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel - Kyoto

Newly built 4-star hotel located in the historic Gion district, with Zen & Shinto holy sites, pottery stores & Maruyama Park cherry blossoms nearby. Fitness centre, garden, terrace, restaurant with a bar,concierge service and WiFi (free). 168 air-conditioned rooms with kettle, flat screen TV and hairdryer.

Dates & Prices

per person in a twin room

Fri 09 May 2025
From London Heathrow
Fri 12 Sep 2025
From London Heathrow
Price Includes:

Air travel and taxes, 16 nights accomodation, breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 7 dinners, itinerary as described, services of expert local guides and representative. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.

Not Included:

Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.

Supplements per person

Single Supplement
  • Single Supplement
  • £1115
Flight Options
  • Japan Airlines Business Class
  • On request, please call
Tour Only
  • Save
  • up to £1200
  • Arrival transfer Itami airport to Kyoto
  • £245
  • Arrival transfer Kansai airport to Kyoto
  • £220
  • Departure transfer Tokyo Haneda airport
  • £220
  • Departure transfer Tokyo Narita airport
  • £245

Similar Tours

plan