Walking with sightseeing in Japan

Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Tokyo.

Cherry Blossom season is one of the highlights of visiting Japan; however, any time of year is perfect, and we have many dates to choose from. If you are looking for colourful displays then Japan’s landscapes of Maple, ginkgo, and beech trees create dazzling displays along the historic Nakasendo Trail, while Osaka Castle and Kyoto’s streets are framed by autumn leaves. Join one of our autumn tours from the end of October to end of November and experience Japan during the season of golden light and fiery colour.

Your Local Tour Manager will meet the group on arrival at Haneda airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on flight arrival times there is a welcome dinner tonight or tomorrow evening to celebrate the beginning of a wonderful adventure and to provide an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers

Explore Japan’s present-day capital on a subway and walking tour that begins with Meiji Shrine which honours the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who led Japan's modernization. A forest of 100,000 trees donated by the Japanese people provides a large tranquil green space in the otherwise busy city. From here we take the subway to the Ginza area where we will explore the old and the new side by side with upscale department stores alongside traditional craft shops. From here we will head to a very special lunch experience at the Dawn Avatar Robot Café which provides employment for housebound people who are unable to work in a traditional way but pilot your robot waiters remotely.  By dining at the café, we are supporting this unique use of  technology to employ people rather than remove jobs. After lunch we take the subway to Nihonbashi historic district looking out for traditional shrines and bridges.  For a great view of the city, we head to the Tokyo Tower, a Red and white lattice structure, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower.

This evening, we head to the chaotic Shibuya Scramble – the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. At night this crossing is electrifying with massive screens and neon lights. We will also visit the Hachiko bronze statue of an Akita dog renowned for his exceptional loyalty, as he waited daily for his deceased master outside the Shibuya station for a decade. From here it is a short walk to dinner at Kaikyaya by the sea.

Distance: 3.5 miles (6 km)

Travel by coach from Tokyo to the traditional hot spring village of Yudanka Onsen, nestled in the mountains of Nagano, stopping along the way for lunch at a local restaurant. We’ll visit Jigokudani Monkey Park where we hope to spot the famous snow monkeys. The park is open all year round however, the monkeys don’t always bathe in the hot springs. It is dependent on the temperature. Your Tour Manager will be checking the movements of the monkeys before our visit. There is a lovely 30 minute walk through a cedar and pine tree forest to get to the entrance of the park. There is also a café and a gift shop.

Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)

Ascent: 650ft (200m)

Descent: 130ft (40m)

This morning we travel into the remote Kiso Valley with the Japanese Alps nearby, an area of high peaks and volcanoes, fertile valleys, mountain and ski resorts, and traditional villages. Over the next two days we walk from village to village, staying in a hotel nestled in the highlands of Mount Kisokoma. Our luggage will be sent ahead to Kyoto, and we’ll carry a daypack with overnight items. We start near Nagiso, one of eleven post towns along the Kiso Valley section of the Nakasendo. Post towns were resting places where travellers could find accommodation and food as they walked between Kyoto and Edo (as Tokyo was then called). Forested trails lead us to the charming post town of Tsumago, one of the prettiest and best-preserved in the area.

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)

Ascent: 1,200ft (365m)

Descent: 590ft (180m)

We’ll continue our walk to the village of Magome over the Magome Pass, stepping through cedar forests and ascending hilly terrain.

In Magome, you’ll have some free time to explore and have lunch – we recommend you try the Gohei mochi. Later, we journey by coach and train to Kyoto, the western end of the Nakasendo Path, and transfer to our accommodation.

The once-upon-a-time capital of Japan, Kyoto is bursting with must-see historic buildings and gardens. Walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a delightful canal-side walk lined with cherry trees and a number of temples. We’ll end up at Nanzen-ji temple, home to an excellent example of a zen garden.

Then we explore Gion, Kyoto’s best-known geisha district, where hopefully we’ll see a geisha/geiko or maiko (apprentice geisha) making their way through the narrow streets.

Today we travel by coach to the north-western area of Arashiyama, designated by the Japanese government as a Place of Scenic Beauty.

 Our walk begins at the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, continuing through temple precincts, past local craft shops and gorges, and through the famous bamboo grove to Tenryu-ji, Arashiyama’s most significant temple.

Today is free to explore Kyoto independently until later this afternoon when we will attend a private tea ceremony.

Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) – surrounded by a Japanese garden, this temple was originally built by the Ashikaga Shogun at the end of the 14th century.

Ryoan-ji – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a famous rock garden.

Fushimi Inari shrine – on the southern fringes of the city you’ll find this Shinto shrine, where hundreds of torii gates snake up the hillside. It’s easily reached by light rail.

Nijo castle – a fascinating UNESCO site, which provides some insight into the days of the shogun in Kyoto.

Higashiyama district – in addition to the beautiful ‘Yasaka pagoda’, these atmospheric back lanes offer a wonderful opportunity to shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs.

Private Tea Ceremony

In the afternoon we’ll meet back at the hotel and travel to the charming Ninenzaka district for a private tea ceremony where we’ll learn about the history and philosophy of this ancient practise, plus the health benefits of matcha. We’ll watch a demonstration, make our own matcha and then sample it with a traditional sweet.  

Our luggage is sent ahead as we’ll travel by train to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. It’s home to wow worthy UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines, including Todai-ji Temple, which we’ll visit after winding our way along the shops and, if time allows, stopping to see mochi being made the traditional way (for 7th April and 21st April 2026, we will visit a traditional wagashi shop instead). Spend time in Nara Park, too, where tame deer wander freely.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Explore the area around Nara, walking along a section of one of Japan’s oldest roads. Celebrated in the Nihon-shoki – the ancient histories of Japan, similar to the Domesday Book – the Yamanobe-no-michi skirts the mountains and meanders through villages past ancient temples and shrines. Walking on a mixture of paved and dirt trails and village roads, we’ll step into another element of Japan’s fascinating heritage.

Distance: 5.5 miles (9 km)

Ascent: 1,375ft (420m)

Descent: 1,390ft (425m)

We travel by train to Asuka, known as the spiritual home of the Japanese people. Our walk explores the village and surroundings, introducing us to its important landmarks, including ancient burial mounds. We then continue by train to our hotel in Osaka.

See all the sights in Osaka, known as the working heart of Japan. Visit the Shitenno-jo Temple, one of the oldest in Japan, followed by Osaka Castle. Once we’ve built up an appetite, it’s time to head out on a street food tour around the famous Dotonbori area, known for its neon lights and vibrant nightlife – as well as tasty treats like Takoyaki, lightly fried pieces of batter-covered octopus.

We return to Tokyo today, travelling on the famous Shinkansen – bullet train. You’ll have time to yourself before meeting up for our final dinner together, and a look back on our adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport.

Sakura Season: Mount Fuji & Cherry Blossom

These special departures include an extra day in Tokyo when we will visit the scenic lake region at the foot of Mt Fuji. Timed to coincide with the peak of the cherry blossom season, it’s a chance to capture unforgettable views of snow-capped Fuji, mirrored in still waters and framed by clouds of pink blossom – a once-in-a-lifetime moment for photographers and nature lovers alike. 

All other itinerary elements remain the same as our classic Japan tours. 

• Experiencing Japan during Cherry Blossom season 
• A day tour of the lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji 
• Tokyo tour and lunch at the Dawn Avatar Robot Café 
• A private tea ceremony in Kyoto 
• Walking the historic Nakasendo Way and the Yamanobe-no-michi 
• Exploring temples and shrines in ancient Kyoto, Nara, and Asuka 
• A street food tour in Osaka 

Depart on an overnight flight to Tokyo.

Your Local Tour Manager will meet the group on arrival at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on flight arrival times there is a welcome dinner tonight or tomorrow evening to celebrate the beginning of a wonderful adventure and to provide an opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.

Explore Japan’s present-day capital on a subway and walking tour that begins with Meiji Shrine which honours the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who led Japan's modernization. A forest of 100,000 trees donated by the Japanese people provides a large tranquil green space in the otherwise busy city. From here we take the subway to the Ginza area where we will explore the old and the new side by side with upscale department stores alongside traditional craft shops. From here we will head to a very special lunch experience at the Dawn Avatar Robot Café which provides employment for housebound people who are unable to work in a traditional way but pilot your robot waiters remotely. By dining at the café, we are supporting this unique use of technology to employ people rather than remove jobs. After lunch we take the subway to Nihonbashi historic district looking out for traditional shrines and bridges. For a great view of the city, we head to the Tokyo Tower, a Red and white lattice structure, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower. This evening, we head to the chaotic Shibuya Scramble – the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. At night this crossing is electrifying with massive screens and neon lights. We will also visit the Hachiko bronze statue of an Akita dog renowned for his exceptional loyalty, as he waited daily for his deceased master outside the Shibuya station for a decade. From here it is a short walk to dinner at Kaikyaya by the sea.

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)

Leave the hustle and bustle of Tokyo behind and head for the sacred and iconic Mt Fuji and her 5 lakes. We will explore Oishi Park with its breathtaking views of Mt Fuji. Moving closer we will walk along the Northern shores of Lake Kawaguchi, one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the region. If Mt Fuji grants us an audience, we will be rewarded with photographs of cherry blossom framing her famous conical shape. In the afternoon we visit Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a cultural heritage village. We will wander past thatched-roof houses where we can see artisans at work and try our hand at one of the crafts. The village affords us more views of Fuji. We finish the day with a walk on a flat forest trail in the picturesque Saiko Wild Bird Forest Park.

Distance: 4 miles (6.5 km)

Ascent: 650ft (200m)

Descent: 130ft (40m)

This morning we travel into the remote Kiso Valley with the Japanese Alps nearby, an area of high peaks and volcanoes, fertile valleys, mountain and ski resorts, and traditional villages. Over the next two days we walk from village to village, staying in a hotel nestled in the highlands of Mount Kisokoma. Our luggage will be sent ahead to Kyoto, and we’ll carry a daypack with overnight items. We start near Nagiso, one of eleven post towns along the Kiso Valley section of the Nakasendo. Post towns were resting places where travellers could find accommodation and food as they walked between Kyoto and Edo (as Tokyo was then called). Forested trails lead us to the charming post town of Tsumago, one of the prettiest and best-preserved in the area.

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)

Ascent: 1,200ft (365m)

Descent: 590ft (180m)

We’ll continue our walk to the village of Magome over the Magome Pass, stepping through cedar forests and ascending hilly terrain. In Magome, you’ll have some free time to explore and have lunch – we recommend you try the Gohei mochi. Later, we journey by coach and train to Kyoto, the western end of the Nakasendo Path, and transfer to our accommodation.

The once-upon-a-time capital of Japan, Kyoto is bursting with must-see historic buildings and gardens. Walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a delightful canal-side walk lined with cherry trees and several temples. We’ll end up at Nanzen-ji temple, home to an excellent example of a zen garden. Then we explore Gion, Kyoto’s best-known geisha district, where hopefully we’ll see a geisha/geiko or maiko (apprentice geisha) making their way through the narrow streets.

Today we travel by coach to the north-western area of Arashiyama, designated by the Japanese government as a Place of Scenic Beauty. Our walk begins at the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, continuing through temple precincts, past local craft shops and gorges, and through the famous bamboo grove to Tenryu-ji, Arashiyama’s most significant temple.

Today is free to explore Kyoto independently until later this afternoon when we will attend a private tea ceremony.

Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) 

Surrounded by a Japanese garden, this temple was originally built by the Ashikaga Shogun at the end of the 14th century.  

Ryoan-ji 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a famous rock garden.  

Nijo castle 

A fascinating UNESCO site which provides some insight into the days of the shogun in Kyoto.  

Higashiyama district 

In addition to the beautiful ‘Yasaka pagoda’, these atmospheric back lanes offer a wonderful opportunity to shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs. 

Private Tea Ceremony

In the afternoon we’ll meet back at the hotel and travel to the charming Ninenzaka district for a private tea ceremony where we’ll learn about the history and philosophy of this ancient practise, plus the health benefits of matcha. We’ll watch a demonstration, make our own matcha and then sample it with a traditional sweet.  

Our luggage is sent ahead as we’ll travel by train to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. It’s home to wow worthy UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines, including Todai-ji Temple, which we’ll visit after winding our way along the shops, stopping to see mochi being made the traditional way (for 7th April and 21st April 2026, we will visit a traditional wagashi shop instead). Spend time in Nara Park, too, where tame deer wander freely.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Explore the area around Nara, walking along a section of one of Japan’s oldest roads. Celebrated in the Nihon-shoki – the ancient histories of Japan, similar to the Domesday Book – the Yamanobe-no-michi skirts the mountains and meanders through villages past ancient temples and shrines. Walking on a mixture of paved and dirt trails and village roads, we’ll step into another element of Japan’s fascinating heritage.

Hotel Onyado Nono Nara

Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)

Ascent: 1,375ft (420m)

Descent: 1,390ft (425m)

We travel by train to Asuka, known as the spiritual home of the Japanese people. Our walk explores the village and surroundings, introducing us to its important landmarks, including ancient burial mounds. We then continue by train to our hotel in Osaka.

See all the sights in Osaka, known as the working heart of Japan. Visit the Shitenno-jo Temple, one of the oldest in Japan, followed by Osaka Castle. Once we’ve built up an appetite, it’s time to head out on a street food tour around the famous Dotonbori area, known for its neon lights and vibrant nightlife – as well as tasty treats like Takoyaki, lightly fried pieces of batter-covered octopus. Please note, today our luggage will be sent ahead to our hotel in Tokyo. You'll need a daypack with overnight items.

We return to Tokyo today, travelling on the famous Shinkansen – bullet train. You’ll have time to yourself before meeting up for our final dinner together, and a look back on our adventures in the Land of the Rising Sun.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport.