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.

Tokyo, Kiso Valley, Kyoto, Miyajimaguchi & Lake Kawaguchi (Mount Fuji)

11 nights private tour from GBP £9,100 per person

Journey highlights

A chance to get off the beaten track and experience some of Japan’s incredible scenery
Follow ancient Samurai trails and explore a more rural side of Japan as you walk the Nakasendo Trail
Soak in the culture and rich history of Kyoto and experience a traditional tea ceremony
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

Best time to visit

Good time to visit

Average time to visit

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

Day 1-4

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 )

Grand Deluxe with Balcony - Palace Hotel

Day 4-6

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 )

Day 6-8

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 )

Day 8-9

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 )

Day 9-11

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 )

Day 11-12

Tokyo, Japan

For your final stop in Japan you will head back to Tokyo for one night which you will reach after a car transfer to Mishima Station and a direct bullet train into Shinjuku in the heart of Tokyo. Spend your last night overlooking the bright lights of this incredible city, with a constant and vibrant energy before saying goodbye to this beautiful country and heading home the following day.

Accommodation: Park Hyatt Tokyo ( 1 night )

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
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^* 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.	Deposit from ^*	Enquire
November 2024	GBP £9,600	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
December 2024	GBP £9,400	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
January 2025	GBP £9,100	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
February 2025	GBP £9,100	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
March 2025	GBP £9,400	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
April 2025	GBP £9,600	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
May 2025	GBP £9,400	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
June 2025	GBP £9,100	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
July 2025	GBP £9,400	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
August 2025	GBP £9,400	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
September 2025	GBP £9,100	GBP £1,400	plan your trip
October 2025	GBP £9,600	GBP £1,400	plan your trip

November 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 £9,600
Deposit from*
GBP £1,400
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 £9,400
Deposit from*
GBP £1,400
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 £9,100
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 £9,100
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 £9,400
Deposit from*
GBP £1,400
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 £9,600
Deposit from*
GBP £1,400
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 £9,400
Deposit from*
GBP £1,400
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 £9,100
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 £9,400
Deposit from*
GBP £1,400
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 £9,400
Deposit from*
GBP £1,400
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 £9,100
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 £9,600
Deposit from*
GBP £1,400
plan your trip

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