Gardens, Architecture and Customs of Japan
14 days from £9,610 for 2024 per person
This itinerary features in our Top 10 Romantic Holidays.
Start at the heart of 21st-century Japan, in the upmarket Ginza district of Tokyo. The faded grandeur of the Imperial Palace is not far away, and its gardens are one of the most tranquil strolling spots in the middle of the buzzing city. Fly on to Kanazawa to experience the food, baths and hospitality of a deluxe ryokan. The next day meet your guide and dip into teahouses, a sake brewery and a traditional textile house before relaxing in Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s official top three gardens.
Catch the express train on to Kyoto where a wealth of World Heritage sites, temples and gardens awaits you. As well as the iconic gold and silver temples, there is a beautiful ornate moss garden and the grounds of old royal villas to explore. Kyoto is also famous for its restaurants, the best of which can be found on Pontocho street along the river in the Gion district where you have the best chance of seeing Geisha flitting by.
Take in the great wooden temple at Nara that houses enormous statues from Buddhist lore, before taking the bullet train on to Hiroshima to explore the Peace Park, the iconic shrine and 'floating gate' of Miyajima Island, and one of our favourite gardens called Shukkei-en. Then head on across to Matsue, 'the Venice of Japan' situated between two lakes on the north coast of Japan. Explore our favourite castle which is filled with Samurai armour exhibits and other fine Japanese treasures, visit one of Japan's most important shrines, and the Adachi Museum of Art with its famous moss and rock garden.
Back in Tokyo, you have a couple more nights to delve deeper into the big city with numerous gardens such as Rikugien and Shinjuku Gyoen to explore as well as optional day excursions to Nikko and Kamakura.
As with all our itineraries, this is just an outline - it can be booked as it is or the pace and length of it can be adjusted until it is just right for you. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Epic Journey and Honeymoon collections; as well as our favourite Ultimate Luxury, Culinary Tours, Trains and Spa & Wellness itineraries.
Itinerary details
14 days from £9,610 for 2024 per person
- Day 1 - Conrad - Tokyo
Arrive and private transfer to the hotel. Afternnoon private tour of Imperial Palace and gardens. - Day 2 - Conrad - Tokyo
Full day private tour of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Roppongi Art Triangle. - Day 3 - Beniya Mukayu - Kanazawa
Bullet and express trains to Kaga hot spring town, including dinner. - Day 4 - Beniya Mukayu - Kanazawa
Full day private tour of Kanazawa with guide. - Day 5 - Hyatt Regency - Kyoto
Express train then day at leisure in Kyoto. - Day 6 - Hyatt Regency - Kyoto
Full day private tour of Kyoto with guide. - Day 7 - Hyatt Regency - Kyoto
Privately guided tour of Nara using local trains and taxis. - Day 8 - ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima - Hiroshima and Miyajima
Bullet train to Hiroshima then at leisure in the Peace Park and Shukkei-en Garden. - Day 9 - ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima - Hiroshima and Miyajima
Excursion to Miyajima island using local transport. - Day 10 - Minamikan - Matsue
Trains to Matsue then at leisure to explore the castle area. - Day 11 - Minamikan - Matsue
Private car and driver for Izumo Taisha shrine and the Adachi Art Museum. - Day 12 - Park Hyatt Tokyo - Tokyo
Trains to Tokyo then at leisure. - Day 13 - Park Hyatt Tokyo - Tokyo
At leisure in Tokyo. - Day 14 - In transit.
Private transfer to airport and day flight home.
When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller