Highlights of Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & Hiroshima

Your Day in Detail

A 3-hour food walking tour introduces Osaka through the food found in its everyday neighborhoods, from casual street snacks to familiar local dishes. Led by a local guide, visit neighborhoods including Shinsekai, Namba, and Dotonbori while sampling Osaka favorites such as takoyaki, kushikatsu, croquettes, and Japanese sweets.

The afternoon is free for sightseeing or personal activities. You may visit Osaka Castle and explore its museum inside the main tower, or head to Umeda Sky Building for panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory.

Your Day in Detail

Travel from Osaka to Himeji for a closer look at the city's castle and gardens. Visit the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, known for its elegant white walls and well-preserved defensive features. Nearby, stroll through Koko-en Garden, a collection of Japanese gardens featuring ponds, streams, tea houses, and seasonal landscapes, with views of Himeji Castle.

After the tour, continue to Hiroshima by Shinkansen.

Your Day in Detail

Today takes you from Miyajima Island to Hiroshima's wartime history.

Board a ferry to Miyajima Island and visit Itsukushima Shrine. Its vermilion torii gate appears to float on the sea at high tide. Enjoy some free time to wander the island's streets and have lunch.

Return to Hiroshima by ferry and spend the afternoon at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. At the Peace Memorial Museum, learn about the atomic bombing and its impact on the people of Hiroshima. Then see the Atomic Bomb Dome, a visible reminder of the destruction caused by the blast.

Your Day in Detail

Journey onward to Kyoto by Shinkansen, which usually takes approximately 2 hours.

Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and have the rest of the day at your disposal. Stroll around Gion, Kyoto's famous entertainment district, with its wooden machiya houses, narrow streets, and teahouses.

Your Day in Detail

As Japan's former imperial capital, Kyoto offers a rich mix of religious sites, historic architecture, and cultural traditions.

Begin with a stroll through Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of vermilion torii gates line the forested pathways of Mount Inari. Continue to Nishiki Market, a lively food market filled with shops and stalls offering Kyoto specialties.

In the afternoon, head to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, known for its elegant gardens and "nightingale floors" that chirp as you walk. End the day with a kimono tea ceremony, combining the experience of wearing a kimono with an introduction to the customs of Japanese tea.

Proceed to Tokyo by Shinkansen, which takes approximately 3 hours.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Browse the department stores and boutiques in Ginza, explore the restaurants and nightlife of Shinjuku, or head to Akihabara for anime, games, and electronics.

Your Day in Detail

Tokyo is Japan's modern capital, bringing centuries-old traditions together with the energy of a constantly changing city. Start the day with a sumo morning practice, offering a glimpse into the discipline and daily routines of Japan's national sport. Continue to Asakusa and walk along Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with snack and souvenir shops leading to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple.

In the afternoon, visit Meiji Shrine, a peaceful forest sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Nearby, Harajuku offers a different side of Tokyo, with its youthful street culture, fashion, and colorful subcultures.

Your Day in Detail

Take a day trip from Tokyo to the Mt. Fuji area, with several stops offering different views of Japan's highest mountain.

Begin at Oshino Hakkai, a group of clear spring ponds fed by snowmelt from Mt. Fuji. Continue to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, reached by a short climb up the steps and known for its classic view of Mt. Fuji framed by the five-story Chureito Pagoda.

Later, take a relaxing cruise on Lake Kawaguchi for views of Mt. Fuji from the water, weather permitting.