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Our most extensive tour of Japan includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes, Japan Uncovered ensures you get the most out of your trip to this fascinating land. Your journey concludes with a relaxing beach stay in Okinawa, Japan’s tropical southern island, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere.
Our Japan Uncovered tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine. We pack all of tours to Japan with incredible things to do - here are just a few of the highlights.
Explore Kyoto's outstanding temples
Venture into the beautiful Japanese Alps
Ascend the slopes of Japan's iconic Mt Fuji
Immerse yourself in a tropical island paradise of crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and soft white-sand beaches.
Our Japan Unconvered Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us. Experience the extraordinary on our award-winning Japan holidays
Arguably the world's most famous pedestrian crossing, seen in many a film and television show, witness the organised chaos and bright lights of Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing for yourself.
Admire the elaborately dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku at his eponymous art museum. Itchiku singlehandedly revived the traditional and beautiful technique of 'tsujigahana'.
Discover the traditional process of paper making before getting your hands dirty making 'washi' (Japanese paper) the age-old way.
Our most popular tour of Japan includes all the classic sights and key cultural activities. Featuring modern cities, historical sights and beautiful landscapes.
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure to start soaking up the local culture.
Spend the morning in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan's first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todai-ji Temple and admire the traditional Isui-en Garden. Look out for the park's beautiful free-roaming sika deer, who have learned to bow to visitors! Return to Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Castle.
Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th Century Himeji Castle and the neighbouring Koko-en, a traditional-style garden.
Reflect on this seaside city's tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, take the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to see its 'floating' torii gate and enjoy some time at leisure.
Start the day with a journey by bullet train to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, this enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden, and admire Kinkaku-ji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'.
Enjoy one of Kyoto's most delightful spots, Kiyomizu, a 17th-century Buddhist temple, before experiencing the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony. After lunch, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates.
Depart Kyoto and travel around 4 hours by coach to Kanazawa. After lunch in a local restaurant, wander through the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden before visiting a historic samurai house. Continue to your hotel and check in.
Drive to Gokayama, where you can enjoy a hands-on washi paper making workshop before lunch. Continue to Shirakawa-go, famous for its steep thatched roof houses. Continue to your hotel in Takayama, a beautiful, laidback town nestled in the western foothills of the Japanese Alps.
Take a morning walking tour of Takayama's old town, historically a hub for craftsmen, farmers and merchants from the surrounding mountains. Head to the Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can sample some of the delicious local fruits and vegetables (at your own expense). Later, take a leisurely stroll around the traditional streets and visit Takayama Jinya. If local opening hours permit, you will also visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
Travel to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, famous for its dramatic, dark wood exterior. Please note that the castle has very steep wooden steps inside; if you prefer, you can wait in the grounds and enjoy the view instead. Later, visit a miso house and learn about this staple Japanese seasoning. Continue to Nagano.
Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the charming town of Obuse, known for its chestnut and apple themed snacks. Later, head to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you'll take a gentle hike through the forested valley in search of the semi-wild Japanese snow monkeys, who love to bathe and play in the forest pools. Return to Nagano.
The sacred peak of Mount Fuji has inspired artists, poets and pilgrims for centuries. Drive from Nagano to reach the Fuji region, where, weather permitting, you can enjoy dramatic views of Fuji and drive up to its 5th Station, the highest point on the mountain accessible by road. If the Station is closed due to inclement weather, you will instead visit the Fujisan World Heritage Centre. Spend the night in the wider Fuji area.
Begin the day with a cruise on the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi. Next, soar high on the Hakone Ropeway over the hilltops to the volcanic Owakudani Valley and discover the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, proceed to Tokyo.
A dazzling, high-tech metropolis, Japan's capital has wonderfully traditional roots. Start your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden (opening hours permitting), then stop by the famous Shibuya Crossing before some free time to enjoy Tokyo at leisure. Please note, on select May and September departures, there is an extra special addition to day 15: a sumo tournament. Many of Japan’s most ancient traditions are preserved in the sport, and the rituals involved in its performance are as fascinating to watch as the wrestling itself.
Stroll the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambience of Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, and the adjacent Nakamise Shopping Street. Ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is free until this evening's farewell dinner cruise aboard a traditional yakata boat. Bid farewell to your guide and companions from your group tour as the remainder of your stay is at leisure, with no scheduled sightseeing, touring or guide services included. You will be free to enjoy the resort and surrounding area independently.
Bid farewell to the rest of your group and fly to Okinawa Island. On arrival at Naha Airport, transfer to your hotel in Yomitan, set along the island’s scenic west coast. With soft sandy beaches, sweeping ocean views and a relaxed pace of life, this is the perfect place to unwind. The rest of the day is yours to explore your hotel’s facilities.
The next few days are yours to enjoy at leisure, with time to relax on the beach, explore the local area or make use of the hotel’s facilities. Why not take advantage of the pool, or indulge in a spa treatment? For those who wish to explore further afield, hotel e-bikes are available to hire. You may wish to visit Yachimun no Sato, a collection of workshops producing Okinawan pottery. Alternatively, explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Zakimi Castle, a military fort with a wealth of history. Please note, the next few days will be on a private basis with no escorted touring included, allowing you to unwind and explore at your own pace.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving the same or following day.
Our tours feature hand-picked properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in a guesthouse or lodge where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour, or to allow access to a more unique and memorable location. Here is a taster of the type of hotels you will be staying in on your tour.
The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life and autumn (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.
Places Visited: Ireland - Osaka (2N) - Nara - Himeji - Hiroshima (2N) - Kyoto (2N) - Kanazawa (1N) - Shirakawago - Takayama (2N) - Matsumoto - Nagano (2N) - Yudanaka - Mt Fuji (1N) - Tokyo (3N) - Okinawa (4N) - Ireland
Serving refined French and European cuisine, Brasserie Verdemar offers an elegant dining experience with beautifully presented dishes and seasonal ingredients. Enjoy ocean views in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting overlooking the resort’s coastline.
Cuisine: French / European – à la carte
Location: Lobby Floor
Opening Hours: Breakfast 06:30 – 10:00; Dinner 18:00 – 22:00
Seating: Indoor & terrace seating
Extras: Reservation recommended
Offering authentic Japanese and Okinawan specialities, Sawa showcases traditional flavours using fresh local ingredients. From sushi and sashimi to regional dishes, it provides a cultural dining experience in a calm and refined setting.
Cuisine: Japanese / Okinawan – à la carte
Location: Garden Floor
Opening Hours: 07:00 – 10:00; 17:30 – 21:00 (seasonal opening times)
Seating: Indoor seating, sushi counter & private rooms
Extras: Reservation recommended
Cuisine: Teppanyaki
Location: Lobby Floor
Opening Hours: Dinner 18:00 – 22:00 (selected days)
Seating: Counter-style seating
Extras: Reservation recommended
A relaxed lounge ideal for light bites, afternoon tea and evening drinks. Unwind in a comfortable setting with views of the surrounding gardens and a calm, inviting atmosphere.
Cuisine: Light bites & beverages
Location: Lobby Floor
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Seating: Lounge & terrace seating
Extras: Ideal for afternoon tea and drinks
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