Exceptional Japan
Japan is often praised for its rich culture and history while its natural wonder goes overlooked. Take in a different side of Japan by exploring the Nakasendo Walking Trail, an ancient postal route that winds through wild forests. You'll also experience the country's most inspiring cities and the beautiful surrounds of Miyajima and Lake Kawaguchi.
Journey highlights
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A chance to get off the beaten track and experience some of Japan’s incredible scenery
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Follow ancient Samurai trails and explore a more rural side of Japan as you walk the Nakasendo Trail
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Soak in the culture and rich history of Kyoto and experience a traditional tea ceremony
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Visit the temples, shirines and ‘floating’ Tori gate of Miyajima Island
- Exceptional itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Exceptional Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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The best time to visit Japan is in the spring from March – May with pleasant warm temperatures and autumn from September – November when days will still be warm and the leaves will start to change. The summer months from mid-June to early July can be very wet with torrential rain and July - August are the hottest months with high humidity. December – February is usually reasonable but temperatures can drop below freezing with snowfall.
Itinerary
Tokyo, Japan
Starting in Tokyo, for three nights you’ll be treated to an urban jungle at its best with skyscapers as far as the eye can see. You are sure to get your cultural fill whether you are interested in modern living or delving into the country's rich heritage. In Tokyo we have included a full day of guiding with a private car so that you can enjoy exploring the city in complete comfort, saving your energy for the next portion of the trip.
Accommodation: Palace Hotel, Tokyo ( 3 nights )
Kiso Valley, Japan
From Tokyo you will venture a little more off the beaten path as you take the bullet train to Nakatsugawa with a connection in Nagoya. From Nakatsugawa you will take a short bus of just over 30 minutes to Magome where you will begin your trek along the Nakasendo Walking Trail. Taking just light packs for the walk, your luggage will be sent ahead for you and will meet you at the end of your trek in Kyoto. In Tokyo, before you depart on the trek we will provide you with detailed maps and guiding instructions, everything you need from start to finish.
Over the next two nights and three days along the walking trail, you will venture from Magome to Narai taking the most beautiful parts by foot and using short train transfers to bypass the more developed and less scenic portions of the journey. Along the way you will stay overnight in small guesthouses in Tsumago and Kiso-Fukushima, making you really feel like you have stepped back in time. The route that the Nakasendo Trail follows is that of the ancient road that Samurai used when travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto and today it is a beautiful trail through the mountains and beautifully preserved villages, giving a unique taste of the country.
Accommodation: Nakasendo Walking Trail ( 2 nights )
Kyoto, Japan
At the end of your three day walk you will take the bullet train from Kiso-Fukushima to Kyoto, with a change of train in Nagoya. In Kyoto you will be reunited with your luggage and have two lovely nights in the city. There is so much to do and see in Kyoto and as a city is quite rightly known as the capital of ancient culture in Japan. Kyoto is a great city to explore on foot, especially if you venture out to the bamboo groves of Arashiyama and along the beautiful Philosopher's Path within the city. During your time here we have included a full day of guiding with a private car so that you can fit in all the highlights, take time to enjoy the more scenic parts of the city alongside and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony which is an exquisite way to immerse in a traditional Japanese art form.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto ( 2 nights )
Miyajimaguchi, Japan
After two nights in Kyoto it is on to Miyajimaguchi, which you will reach after a bullet train transfer of just over one and a half hours to Hiroshima followed by a private car transfer to Miyajimaguchi. Here you’ll have one night to enjoy the indulgent service of a ryokan to relax after the walking trail. However, if you want to keep exploring we very much suggest visiting Miyajima Island which is just a short car and ferry ride away and famed for one of the most beautiful views in the entire country with its famous 'floating' Tori Gate. The island of Miyajima is covered with beautiful shrines and temples dotted throughout the rural landscape and can easily be explored on foot.
Accommodation: The Sekitei ( 1 night )
Lake Kawaguchi (Mount Fuji), Japan
Next on the journey is two nights in the surrounds of Lake Kawaguchi. From Miyajimaguchi you will be driven back to Hiroshima station where you will take a bullet train to Mishima station, with a change in Nagoya, followed by just under a two hour car transfer. It is a longer journey but well worth the effort as over your next two nights you’ll be treated to a unique and luxurious camping experience with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as horseback riding, canoeing on the lake and mountain trekking with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and Mt Fuji.
Accommodation: Hoshinoya Fuji ( 2 nights )
Call us on 020 3918 3595 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | GBP £9,700 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £9,500 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £9,500 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £9,700 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £9,900 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £9,700 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £9,500 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £9,700 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £9,700 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £9,500 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £9,900 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | GBP £9,900 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
| December 2024 | GBP £9,700 | GBP £1,500 | plan your trip |
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December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,500
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,500
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,500
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,500
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,500
- plan your trip