Japan in a Week 35 to 45

Konnichiwa, Tokyo! Welcome to this dazzling orchestra of light, sound and intersecting subway lines. Meet your crew, get the trip vibes flowing, then your evening’s yours.

Today we'll get ready to uncover Tokyo (on the metro!). We'll kick off with the ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji & the famous Meiji Jingu shrine. And then, we'll take part in a locally guided tour to discover the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street, and take to the streets of Shibuya for an attempt to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

Today’s yours to do Tokyo your way (just remember to top up your transport card before you head out). Dive into everything the city does best, from neon streets and anime hubs to museums, parks, and food spots. There’s a couple of optional experiences on offer too. First up, a robot cafe where robots deliver your drinks and each table has an avatar you can chat with, piloted by people with disabilities who can’t work in a traditional setting. Then tonight (since it’s our last evening in Tokyo), it’s the perfect time to check out a Maid Cafe in Akihabara, Tokyo's tech paradise.

Today it's time to take that famous example of Japanese efficiency, the aptly named bullet train. Our train will whizz us past the iconic Mount Fuji, of which we'll hopefully grab a glimpse before heading to Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Shrine. With no time to waste, we'll hop on our private coach for a sightseeing tour, exploring this glorious showcase of ancient Japan.

Today is yours to walk the sublime gardens, explore mystical temples and marvel at the architecture of this unforgettable city. We recommend taking the opportunity for a half-day trip to Nara, where you'll find the towering 8th century Great Buddha, as well as numerous examples of beautiful shrines and temples, alongside the roaming, slightly cheeky deer.

There is still so much to see in Kyoto. Don a kimono and check out the bamboo forest, take some photos at the iconic Yasaka Pagoda or spot Geishas in the Gion district. If you're into tea, don't forget to sign up for the optional traditional tea ceremony and enjoy a cup of matcha tea.

It's just a short trip on the metro to Osaka this morning... Aaand we have the whole day to explore this wonderful city. Wanna check out Osaka's most iconic sights? Then join us for an optional walking tour.

And just like that, the trip’s a wrap. Grab some brekkie, say your goodbyes, and soak up the final feels. Sticking around in Osaka? Lucky you - there’s still time to dive into this city’s epic food, culture, and you can’t forget Universal Studios. See ya soon!