Japan

Arrive in Tokyo and begin in Asakusa, one of the city’s most atmospheric old neighbourhoods. After time to settle in, we’ll take an easy first walk through the lantern-lit temple streets around Senso-ji, Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise-dori, followed by a welcome dinner together. The next day explores more of old Tokyo, including kitchenware and craft streets, local food areas, and quieter neighbourhoods such as Yanaka and Nezu.

Move across to Shinjuku, a lively and practical base for exploring Tokyo’s modern side. We’ll experience food halls, shrine grounds, design districts, atmospheric evening streets and the energy of Shibuya, balanced with calmer pockets such as Meiji Shrine and Omotesando. From Shinjuku, we’ll also take a full-day trip into the Fuji-Hakone region, travelling by mountain rail, cable car, ropeway and boat through volcanic landscapes, Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine, with possible Mount Fuji views in clear October weather.

Travel by rail to Kanazawa, a refined city known for its gardens, samurai streets, old teahouse districts, seafood markets and artisan traditions. We’ll explore Kanazawa’s historic neighbourhoods and include a hands-on cultural experience such as gold leaf, tea, wagashi or craft. From Kanazawa, we’ll visit Shirakawa-go, a mountain village famous for its steep thatched-roof farmhouses and traditional rural scenery in the Japanese Alps.

Continue to Hiroshima, where we’ll spend time at Peace Memorial Park and explore the city’s modern history with care and context. The stay also allows time for Hiroshima-style food culture, including its famous okonomiyaki. A separate day is set aside for Miyajima, with its island scenery, shrine heritage, coastal views, local food and gentler pace.

Settle into Kyoto for several days in Japan’s cultural heart. We’ll explore temple lanes, garden spaces, tea culture, traditional craft, Gion heritage and lantern-lit streets, with time to go beyond the busiest sights. One day travels north to Amanohashidate and Ine Bay, where we’ll visit the working fishing village of Ine, cruise past traditional waterside boathouses and take in sweeping coastal views from the Amanohashidate cable car. Another day focuses on Kyoto’s local food, craft and quieter cultural corners, including the Fushimi sake district.

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka via Nara, turning the journey into a sightseeing day rather than a simple transfer. We’ll stop to explore Nara Park, meet the sacred deer, visit Todai-ji , one of Japan’s great ancient temples, and, time permitting, wander old merchant streets before continuing on to Osaka.

Finish in Osaka, Japan’s food-loving city. These final days focus on lively neighbourhoods, market streets, backstreet dining and the informal energy that makes Osaka such a fun contrast to Kyoto. We’ll include a local food experience and finish with a final evening that celebrates the flavours, atmosphere and street-level character of the city before the journey ends.

Accommodation
Comfortable accommodation throughout the 19-day Japan journey, including well-located city and regional hotels selected for access, atmosphere and ease of movement.

Transport
All scheduled transport within Japan, including bullet trains, regional rail journeys, local transport, selected private transfers and luggage arrangements where required.

Guiding
Personally guided throughout by a New Zealand Grassroots Adventures guide, with local specialist guides used where they add depth, context or smoother logistics.

Activities & Sightseeing
Included sightseeing and experiences as outlined in the final itinerary, including cultural visits, site entry fees, selected food experiences, a tea ceremony, coastal sightseeing and local activities.

Meals
Some meals are included, including selected group meals and food experiences as outlined in the final itinerary.

Trip Development
This journey is being shaped through our own on-the-ground research, with final details refined after our Japan recce.