Beyond the Ordinary
A perfect introduction to Japan, this journey blends iconic cities—Tokyo, Hiroshima and Osaka—with the art-rich islands of Naoshima, Miyajima and Ikuchijima. Explore ancient temples and cutting-edge museums, experience a serene ryokan stay, ride the legendary shinkansen and even cycle the spectacular Shimanami Kaido for a deeper connection to the country’s culture and creativity.
Journey highlights
-
A rare blend of Japan’s cultural powerhouses—Tokyo, Hiroshima and Osaka—with the creative sanctuaries of Naoshima, Miyajima and Ikuchijima.
-
Curated access to Japan’s modern and traditional art heritage, including Benesse House, the Chichu Museum, the Art House Project and standout architectural landmarks.
-
Experience true cultural immersion with a stay in a traditional ryokan, hyper-local cuisine and guided insight into ancient temples, markets and daily life.
-
Ride the legendary shinkansen and cycle the breathtaking Shimanami Kaido, crossing island-to-island bridges with sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea.
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Tokyo kicks off its year with cold winter days and the odd snowfall. Although temperatures occasionally drop below freezing, winter (December to February) is usually reasonable. Spring (March to May) brings pleasant, warm days, and, of course, cherry blossoms – early April is probably the best time to view the blooms. Summer (June to August) is hot and muggy. Late June can see torrential rains. The temperature and humidity are at their worst in August. Apart from spring, autumn (September to November) is the most pleasant season as temperatures cool down to a cosy level and days are often clear and fine. Autumn also means the return of the dramatic foliage season, when the parks and green areas of the city mellow into varying hues of orange and red.
Itinerary
-
At a Glance
Prepare for the electrifying experience of the Japanese capital. Select in advance which of Tokyo’s distinct neighbourhoods you’d most like to experience, so your driver guide can tailor your first full day to your interests. For traditional culture, consider the ancient Japanese gardens of the Imperial Palace, the iconic Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa where the narrow lanes are lined with tea houses, restaurants and kimono shops. For youth culture and fashion head to Harajuku, for cosplay, games and anime visit Akihabara or for a taste of daily life and food culture take a tour of Tsukiji Outer Market.
Other highlights include the towering skyscrapers and neon lights of Shinjuku, the famous Shibuya pedestrian crossing and the Tokyo Skytree, where the panoramic views stretch to Mount Fuji on a clear day. We can also arrange private experiences including a calligraphy workshop, sushi cooking class and specific art gallery or architecture tours, according to your wishes.Where to stay
Aman Tokyo (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
-
At a Glance
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture today, riding the bullet train to Kurashiki, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional ryokan inn. Taking enough luggage for the following three nights (your main luggage will be taken on to Hiroshima), you’ll enjoy a three-hour journey on Japan’s famous shinkansen to Okayama Station.
Your base for the night is Kurashiki Ryokan, full of old-world charm and refined elegance. Converted from historic rice and sugar warehouses, this beautiful property has been furnished with both Japanese and European antiques, in honour of the town’s trading heritage. A highlight is the delicious Japanese kaiseki dining experience. This multi-course feast makes delicious use of the local produce with an emphasis on seafood from the Seto Inland Sea.
Located on a pretty willow-lined canal in the well-preserved Bikan district, stroll among the picturesque 17th century buildings, exploring landmark attractions including the Ohara Museum of Art and the Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft.Where to stay
Ryokan Kurashiki (1 night)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
-
At a Glance
Live alongside Japan’s iconic contemporary art with a two-night stay at Tadao Ando’s innovative Benesse House, a hotel and museum combining guest rooms and modern artworks, on the island of Naoshima. Your driver will take you to Uno Port, for the 20-minute ferry ride to Naoshima, where you are greeted by two oversized colourful pumpkins.
Naoshima is covered with avant-garde art installations, sculptures, galleries and architecture designed to blend into the natural landscape. Experience the cutting-edge underground Chichu Museum, look out for Yayoi Kusama’s famous yellow polka-dotted pumpkin and explore the Art House Project, a collection of abandoned houses, temples, shrines and workshops reimagined by local artists.
Enjoy a full day of leisure to further explore the island, or we can arrange a full day guided boat tour to Teshima Island. Along with Naoshima, Teshima is a venue for the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival and features a series of artworks integrated into its rural landscape.Where to stay
Benesse House (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
-
At a Glance
Sink into Buddhist Zen this morning with a visit to the peaceful lakes and stunning grounds of Shinsho-ji Temple at Fukuyama. Then on to Onomichi to explore the city’s steep narrow streets and coastal scenery. Take the Temple Walk, which passes 25 temples and provides glorious views across the Seto Inland Sea.
Continue to Ikuchijima, with a spectacular drive along the celebrated Shimanami Kaido cycling route, crossing over a string of islands connected by impressive bridges. Your base for the following two nights is the Azumi Setoda, offering high-end meditative design, hyper-local cuisine and exquisite interiors.
Located along the Shimanami Kaido, choose a full day of guided cycling across the bridges and islands, indulging in the magnificent scenery. Alternatively, spend a guided day with a visit to Setoda’s Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art and Kosanji Temple, before transferring to Omishima to visit the Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, the Tokoro Museum and the Mother and Child Museum.Where to stay
Azumi Setoda (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
-
At a Glance
Transfer to Fukuyama Station for the 60-minute train ride to Japan’s food and entertainment capital, Osaka. Your final two nights are spent at the Waldorf Astoria, where art deco decadence is tempered by the serenity of traditional Japanese design.
Delight in a full day of guided exploration starting with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, taking in the panoramic city views from the high-rise Floating Garden Observatory. Next stop is Osaka Castle, eight stories high and surrounded by a moat, it is one of Japan’s most celebrated landmarks. Having built up a healthy appetite, you can indulge on a tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market, which sells everything from seafood to street food and traditional sweets. The day ends in Dotonbori, a pedestrian only, neon-lit street in the heart of Osaka’s street food and entertainment district, lined with shops, bars and tasting opportunities.After breakfast on your final morning, your driver will transfer you to Kansai International Airport for your flight home, during which you can reflect on your experiences and memories of this fascinating country.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Osaka (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2025 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| December 2025 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| January 2026 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| February 2026 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| March 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| April 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| May 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| June 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| July 2026 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| August 2026 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| September 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| October 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
December 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
-
January 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
-
February 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
-
March 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
April 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
May 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
June 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
July 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
-
August 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
-
September 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
October 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
- plan your trip
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning your holiday.
