Since 1966

Tour

Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima

Embrace the timeless tradition and modern spirit of Japan’s iconic sites, from the neon skyline of Tokyo to the foodie hotspot of Osaka. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kotohira, spend the nig...

Embrace the timeless tradition and modern spirit of Japan’s iconic sites, from the neon skyline of Tokyo to the foodie hotspot of Osaka. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kotohira, spend the night in a traditional ryokan and contemplate world peace in Hiroshima. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.

(from USD 7,185)

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Splendors of Japan with Hiroshima
Embrace the timeless tradition and modern spirit of Japan’s iconic sites, from the neon skyline of Tokyo to the foodie hotspot of Osaka. Relax in the soothing hot springs of Kotohira, spend the night in a traditional ryokan and contemplate world peace in Hiroshima. The Activity Level of this tour is Dynamic, meaning this journey features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills.

Dining Summary

  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)
  • 6 Dinner (D)

Must-see Highlights

  • Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Kanazawa
  • Visit the Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sanjusangendo Hall in Kyoto, the Water Temple on Awaji Island, Zentsuji Temple, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and Osaka Castle
  • View Mt. Fuji
  • See the traditional Gassho-zukuri houses in Gokayama and the beautiful gardens of Kenrokuen in Kanazawa

Iconic Experience

  • Tokyo: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, in the historic Asakusa district. Wander through Nakamise Arcade, lined with traditional treats and crafts, before arriving at the main hall, a symbol of faith, resilience and local spirit.
  • Tokyo: Rise above the skyline at Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. From its observation deck, you’ll take in panoramic views of the city, from Mount Fuji to Tokyo Bay. It’s a modern marvel and an unforgettable moment that will leave you awestruck.
  • Ginza: With the guidance of your professional sushi chef, make your own selection of sushi specialties. Afterwards enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch.
  • Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.
  • Mt Fuji: Admire the stunning countryside at Mt. Fuji 5th Station.
  • Gokayama: Take some time to admire the peaceful mountain village of Gokayama. Discover their unique homes that have been built without the use of nails and their sloped thatched roofs. 
  • Kanazawa: Learn about the delicacy of the 16th-century craft gold leaf painting with your Local Specialist.
  • Kanazawa: Step back in time at the Nomura Samurai House, once home to a respected warrior family. Explore its gardens, traditional architecture and treasured artifacts. You’ll learn about samurai life and honor in feudal Japan with a rare glimpse into the elegance of Edo-period craftsmanship.
  • Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.  
  • Kotohira: Bask in the breath-taking views as we visit Kotohiragu Shrine.  
  • Hiroshima: Admire the islands of the Seto Inland Sea as you travel across the Shimanami Kaido Expressway.
  • Hiroshima: Spend some time admiring the majestic Itsukushima Shrine.
  • Hiroshima: Discover the rich history when you visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park. 
  • Hiroshima: Sample the famous Hiroshima style okonomiyaki.
  • Osaka: Discover another side of Osaka in Dotonbori, a lively entertainment district known for its theaters and street food. You’ll walk the main strip before turning into Hōzenji Yokocho, a stone-paved alley lined with traditional eateries leading to a small temple where locals splash water over a moss-covered statue for good luck. You may also wish to pause at one of the nearby street stalls to try takoyaki — Osaka’s famous octopus snack, said to have originated here.
  • Osaka Castle: Visit Osaka Castle, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful samurai leader who unified Japan for the first time in 1590.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Gokayama: Help support a local business with a visit to a washi paper workshop. You'll watch the family at work and test your paper-making skills for yourself. Your experience directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Be My Guest

  • Kyoto: Meet Nakamura Family for a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese Restaurant near Kyoto and learn about local customs.

Trafalgar Difference

  • Kyoto: Enjoy genuine Japanese hospitality at a traditional ryokan in the mountain hot springs village of Kotohira.

Details

Tour Operator
Trafalgar
Start City
Tokyo
End City
Osaka
Duration (Days)
13
Activity Level
Country Explorer

Highlights

  • Asia
  • Country Explorer
Pricing & departures
Option From Departs Returns
Twin USD 7,250 March 7, 2027 March 19, 2027
Triple USD 7,210 March 7, 2027 March 19, 2027
Single USD 8,750 March 7, 2027 March 19, 2027
Twin USD 7,250 March 14, 2027 March 26, 2027
Triple USD 7,210 March 14, 2027 March 26, 2027
Single USD 8,750 March 14, 2027 March 26, 2027
Twin USD 7,250 March 17, 2027 March 29, 2027
Triple USD 7,210 March 17, 2027 March 29, 2027
Single USD 8,750 March 17, 2027 March 29, 2027
Twin USD 7,250 March 21, 2027 April 2, 2027
Triple USD 7,210 March 21, 2027 April 2, 2027
Single USD 8,750 March 21, 2027 April 2, 2027
Twin USD 7,250 March 24, 2027 April 5, 2027
Triple USD 7,210 March 24, 2027 April 5, 2027
Single USD 8,750 March 24, 2027 April 5, 2027
Twin USD 7,650 March 28, 2027 April 9, 2027
Triple USD 7,610 March 28, 2027 April 9, 2027
Single USD 9,050 March 28, 2027 April 9, 2027
Twin USD 7,650 March 31, 2027 April 12, 2027
Triple USD 7,610 March 31, 2027 April 12, 2027
Single USD 9,050 March 31, 2027 April 12, 2027
Twin USD 7,650 April 4, 2027 April 16, 2027
Triple USD 7,610 April 4, 2027 April 16, 2027
Single USD 9,050 April 4, 2027 April 16, 2027
Twin USD 7,650 April 7, 2027 April 19, 2027
Triple USD 7,610 April 7, 2027 April 19, 2027
Single USD 9,050 April 7, 2027 April 19, 2027
Twin USD 7,650 April 14, 2027 April 26, 2027
Triple USD 7,610 April 14, 2027 April 26, 2027
Single USD 9,050 April 14, 2027 April 26, 2027
Twin USD 7,650 April 18, 2027 April 30, 2027
Triple USD 7,610 April 18, 2027 April 30, 2027
Single USD 9,050 April 18, 2027 April 30, 2027
Twin USD 7,650 April 20, 2027 May 2, 2027
Triple USD 7,610 April 20, 2027 May 2, 2027
Single USD 9,050 April 20, 2027 May 2, 2027
Twin USD 7,650 May 9, 2027 May 21, 2027
Triple USD 7,610 May 9, 2027 May 21, 2027
Single USD 9,050 May 9, 2027 May 21, 2027
Twin USD 7,950 May 16, 2027 May 28, 2027
Triple USD 7,910 May 16, 2027 May 28, 2027
Single USD 9,570 May 16, 2027 May 28, 2027
Twin USD 7,425 May 23, 2027 June 4, 2027
Triple USD 7,385 May 23, 2027 June 4, 2027
Single USD 8,895 May 23, 2027 June 4, 2027
Twin USD 7,225 May 30, 2027 June 11, 2027
Triple USD 7,185 May 30, 2027 June 11, 2027
Single USD 8,595 May 30, 2027 June 11, 2027
Twin USD 7,225 June 6, 2027 June 18, 2027
Triple USD 7,185 June 6, 2027 June 18, 2027
Single USD 8,595 June 6, 2027 June 18, 2027
Twin USD 7,225 June 13, 2027 June 25, 2027
Triple USD 7,185 June 13, 2027 June 25, 2027
Single USD 8,595 June 13, 2027 June 25, 2027
Twin USD 7,225 June 20, 2027 July 2, 2027
Triple USD 7,185 June 20, 2027 July 2, 2027
Single USD 8,595 June 20, 2027 July 2, 2027
Twin USD 7,225 June 27, 2027 July 9, 2027
Triple USD 7,185 June 27, 2027 July 9, 2027
Single USD 8,595 June 27, 2027 July 9, 2027
Twin USD 7,225 July 4, 2027 July 16, 2027
Triple USD 7,185 July 4, 2027 July 16, 2027
Single USD 8,595 July 4, 2027 July 16, 2027
Twin USD 7,225 July 11, 2027 July 23, 2027
Triple USD 7,185 July 11, 2027 July 23, 2027
Single USD 8,595 July 11, 2027 July 23, 2027
Twin USD 7,225 August 15, 2027 August 27, 2027
Triple USD 7,185 August 15, 2027 August 27, 2027
Single USD 8,595 August 15, 2027 August 27, 2027
Twin USD 7,750 August 29, 2027 September 10, 2027
Triple USD 7,710 August 29, 2027 September 10, 2027
Single USD 9,270 August 29, 2027 September 10, 2027
Twin USD 7,950 September 5, 2027 September 17, 2027
Triple USD 7,910 September 5, 2027 September 17, 2027
Single USD 9,450 September 5, 2027 September 17, 2027
Twin USD 7,950 September 12, 2027 September 24, 2027
Triple USD 7,910 September 12, 2027 September 24, 2027
Single USD 9,450 September 12, 2027 September 24, 2027
Twin USD 7,950 September 19, 2027 October 1, 2027
Triple USD 7,910 September 19, 2027 October 1, 2027
Single USD 9,570 September 19, 2027 October 1, 2027
Twin USD 7,950 September 26, 2027 October 8, 2027
Triple USD 7,910 September 26, 2027 October 8, 2027
Single USD 9,450 September 26, 2027 October 8, 2027
Twin USD 7,950 October 3, 2027 October 15, 2027
Triple USD 7,910 October 3, 2027 October 15, 2027
Single USD 9,570 October 3, 2027 October 15, 2027
Twin USD 7,950 October 10, 2027 October 22, 2027
Triple USD 7,910 October 10, 2027 October 22, 2027
Single USD 9,450 October 10, 2027 October 22, 2027
Twin USD 7,950 October 24, 2027 November 5, 2027
Triple USD 7,910 October 24, 2027 November 5, 2027
Single USD 9,450 October 24, 2027 November 5, 2027
Twin USD 7,950 October 31, 2027 November 12, 2027
Triple USD 7,910 October 31, 2027 November 12, 2027
Single USD 9,450 October 31, 2027 November 12, 2027
Twin USD 7,695 November 14, 2027 November 26, 2027
Triple USD 7,655 November 14, 2027 November 26, 2027
Single USD 9,275 November 14, 2027 November 26, 2027
Day by day
  1. Day 1

    Konnichiwa Tokyo

    Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a drink and local appetizers. Locations: Tokyo

  2. Day 2

    Explore Vibrant Tokyo

    Begin your city tour in Asakusa, Tokyo’s historic entertainment district, where you’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, one of the city’s most colorful and popular temples. Founded in 628 and rebuilt many times over the centuries, Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Next, stroll down Nakamise Street and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest free-standing broadcasting tower, for panoramic views of the city skyline. End the day with a stroll around Ginza, Tokyo’s famous shopping district or join an Optional Experience to explore Shinjuku by night with your Travel Director. Locations: Tokyo

  3. Day 3

    Off to the Five Lakes District

    Start your day at the Imperial Palace Plaza, where you’ll view the two bridges leading to the palace’s inner grounds. Walk through the East Gardens, a peaceful space once part of the original Edo Castle. At the Tokyo National Museum, take time to browse the country’s oldest collection of Japanese art. Then, join a sushi chef to learn how to prepare this iconic dish. Head into the Fuji Five Lakes District and look out for Mt. Fuji dominating the horizon. In the small village of Oshino Hakkai, discover eight clear spring‑fed ponds—registered as a component of the Mount Fuji UNESCO World Heritage site—and see how snowmelt from Mt. Fuji supports rural life in this scenic part of Japan. Locations: Tokyo, Yamanakako

  4. Day 4

    Majestic Mt. Fuji and Timeless Takayama

    Journey up Mt. Fuji by road to the 5th Station, sitting 2,300 m (7,546 ft) above sea level. From here, take in sweeping views over Lake Kawaguchiko and the surrounding peaks before traveling through the scenic landscapes of the Japanese Alps to Takayama, a hillside town known for its traditional streets and mountain setting. Tonight, settle into your hotel where you’ll sit down to dinner together. Locations: Yamanakako, Takayama

  5. Day 5

    Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa

    Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this afternoon during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them. Meet with a local family in one of these houses. Observe local artisans making washi paper and try your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa. Locations: Takayama, Kanazawa

  6. Day 6

    Traditional Kanazawa

    Join a Local Specialist this morning to learn about gold leaf painting, a delicate craft practised in Japan since the 16th century. Continue to Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, shaped over more than 100 years with ponds, bridges and planted landscapes. Here, you may choose an Optional Experience to try on a traditional kimono for a photo in the garden. Later, explore Omicho Market, where seafood stalls reflect Kanazawa’s coastal setting, before stepping into the Nagamachi District to see preserved samurai houses and visit Nomura House. Locations: Kanazawa

  7. Day 7

    Onwards to Kyoto

    Board an express train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. Begin your visit with a walking tour through the Gion district, known for its wooden machiya townhouses and long-standing geisha traditions. Then visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple. Set in peaceful gardens beside a reflective pond, this Zen temple is best known for the Kinkaku, or Golden Pavilion — once a 14th-century villa and now one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks. Locations: Kanazawa, Kyoto

  8. Day 8

    Discover Enchanting Kyoto

    The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide your path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. Continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the intricate detail of its 1,001 statues of the “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy. Later, Connect with Locals at a traditional restaurant on your Be My Guest experience. Learn about local Japanese customs from your hosts over a shared meal. This evening, enjoy dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travelers. Locations: Kyoto

  9. Day 9

    Cross the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island

    This morning, leave Japan’s main island Honshu behind as you cross the world’s largest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Enjoy free time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. One of the most striking features is the ‘100 Stepped Garden’ — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens arranged in grids across several levels on an incline. Visit the Water Temple and admire the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters. Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira, where tonight's accommodation is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional Japanese ryokan. You'll have time this evening to climb the steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside. Later, perhaps unwind with a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at the hotel. Locations: Kyoto, Kotohira

  10. Day 10

    Spiritual Kotohira and Onwards to Hiroshima

    This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, the birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th temple on the 88-temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey covering approximately 1,200 kilometers, traditionally completed on foot over 60 days. Today, many pilgrims undertake the route, though modern methods includes cars, taxis, buses, bicycles and motorcycles. Continue to Ōshima Island and stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Then, drive to Hiroshima via the scenic Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometer highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening. Locations: Kotohira, Hiroshima

  11. Day 11

    Set Sail for Miyajima Island

    Travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island, where you’ll see the UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and admire its iconic torii gate, which stands majestically in the sea. After some free time for lunch and to explore the island’s spiritual sanctuaries, return to Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that followed the world’s first atomic explosion in 1945 as you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area, now a powerful symbol of hope for world peace. This evening, indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate. Locations: Hiroshima

  12. Day 12

    High Speed Bullet Train to Osaka

    Board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Dotonbori Street area. Visit Osaka Castle, a historic landmark that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the memories made during your journey. Locations: Hiroshima, Osaka

  13. Day 13

    Departure from Osaka

    Your encounter with Japan’s age-old traditions and modern cityscapes comes to an end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight. Locations: Osaka

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