JAPAN Inspiration Gallery 11 Japan
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Japan’s Coasts and Countryside

15 days from £11,900 for 2025 per person

Arrive into Shinjuku and relax in the park with its English, French and Japanese landscape gardens. See how the kids like to mix and match on Harajuku teen fashion street which leads to the great contrast of old Meiji Jingu shrine. The high fashion and flagship stores on Ometesando are not far away. The first trip to Tokyo can be overwhelming, so take a day trip out to coastal Kamakura, the old Edo-period capital. Nearby Enoshima island can easily be reached on the scenic seaside train line, where you can eat fresh seafood, yakitori (fried meat skewers) and stroll around the island’s charming good luck shrines.

Leave the city behind and catch a scenic express train down the Izu Peninsula, where you can work up an appetite walking the jagged Jogosaki coastline before retiring to your 'ryokan' for a sumptuous 'kaiseki' feast and hot spring bath. It’s then back on the bullet train line down to Kyoto to explore its heritage, gardens and Philosopher’s path between some of the most impressive temples.

Catch the bullet train on to Hiroshima and appreciate Shukkei-en – one of our favourite gardens – before exploring the Peace Park and wartime history. The following day head to Miyajima island for the charming walks along the seafront and its famous shrine with the ‘floating’ red gate. You also have time to explore the small but perfectly formed town of Tsuwano with its koi carp streams alongside old samurai dwellings.

To reach Noto peninsula, double back to Kyoto then north to Kanazawa where you can sample a traditional teahouse and sake brewery before picking up your car and driving the coastal road of the Noto Peninsula for your second luxury 'ryokan' stay. Complete the loop back to Kanazawa for one more night before heading back to Tokyo via Hakone in the foothills of Mt Fuji for the third and possibly finest 'ryokan' stay at the renowned Gora Kadan.

You have one more day in Tokyo to catch anything you didn’t see at the start of the trip, and perhaps splash out at the fine stores and restaurants of the Ginza area before retiring to one of the city’s deluxe flagship hotels.

This tour is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is, or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own ideal tailor-made holidayIf you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our other Japan itineraries.


Itinerary details

15 days from £11,900 for 2025 per person

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Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

Client Testimonials

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

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