Majestic Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Explore Japan in a group of no more than 24, with experiences that bring you closer to its culture and landscapes. From soaring skyscrapers to peaceful gardens, there’s plenty to discover at every turn.
From the lush man-made forest surrounding the magnificent Shinto monuments to vibrant nightlife, vintage teahouses, and venerable temples, Tokyo comes to life with spring’s first cherry blossoms and the first catch of the day in its sushi houses. Be whisked away by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya for more adventure, including a traditional sake tasting. Continue to captivating Kyoto where thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates welcome you to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Step into ancient bliss of the Temple of the Golden Pavilion and (“Zen” some!) with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Glide into tranquility on the serene waters lapping the shores of Amanohashidate sandbar and ponder the power of nature in Koraku-en Garden. Nature abounds again in Matsue, nicknamed the “City of Water,” where you’ll discover the beauty of the Adachi Museum’s world-renowned gardens and art. Your tour of Japan takes you to the hallowed grounds of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Memorial, preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945. So much history, mystery, and magnificent beauty awaits you on this fascinating Small Group Discovery tour of Japan.
11 Day Small Group Tour from Tokyo to Hiroshima
Your Itinerary
-
Your Small Group Discovery tour begins!
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Hotel check-in is available mid-afternoon.
-
Monumental Metropolis
Hop on Tokyo’s subway system to explore this fascinating city with guided sightseeing, featuring the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enhanced Free Time Explore more of Tokyo at your leisure. Visit one of the city’s unique neighbourhoods like Ginza or Shibuya districts, dine at the street food markets, or catch a game at the Tokyo Dome.
-
Fourth with a Bullet
Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city. Visit Nagoya Castle, a proud symbol of the city, then enjoy a sake tasting. Later, continue to Kyoto by motorcoach.
Meals Included Breakfast
-
A Golden Gift
This morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates, and stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Later, partake in a tea ceremony.
Meals Included Breakfast
-
Cruise by Sand & Sea
Travel outside the city to the stunning coastal region of Amanohashidate. Cruise on the tranquil waters surrounding this picturesque pine-covered sandbar, home to one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Return to Kyoto where your evening is at your leisure.
Excursion to Amanohashidate
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch
-
Palace Aisles & Pottery Styles
Travel to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, then drive south to Bizen, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn more about Bizen-yaki, one of Japan’s six ancient pottery styles dating back over 1,000 years. Continue to Okayama.Meals Included Breakfast
-
Garden Sights & City Whites
This morning, visit Koraku-en Garden. Journey to Kurashiki, to visit the Ohara Museum and Bikan Historical Quarter, once the political and commercial centre of the city. The canal-lined, white-washed, stone streets reflect the Edo period (1603–1867) and are quintessentially Japanese.Excursion to Kurashiki
Meals Included Breakfast & Dinner
-
Picturing Japan
Drive northwest to Matsue and visit Matsue Castle on the shores of Lake Shinji. After lunch, continue to the Adachi Museum of Art to view the renowned work of artist, Yokoyama Taikan. Your hotel tonight is in the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan.
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch
-
Serenity & Solemnity
Drive south to Hiroshima this morning. Upon arrival, visit the 400-year-old Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form. Also visit the moving Peace Memorial Park.
Meals Included Breakfast
-
Sacred Spaces & Sea Views
Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and take a cable-car ride to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Island Sea, and on a clear day, Hiroshima city. Participate in a Japanese cooking class for lunch. Return to Hiroshima for some time on your own. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan.
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
-
Say it Ain’t Sayonara
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals Included Breakfast
What Your Journey Looks Like
Tokyo's Iconic Sights Explore Tokyo by subway with guided visits to the serene Meiji Shrine and historic Asakusa, experiencing two very different sides of Japan's vibrant capital
Castles, Gardens & Local Traditions Discover Nagoya Castle, Himeji Castle and Matsue Castle, stroll through Koraku-en Garden and the Bikan Historical Quarter, and enjoy a traditional sake tasting
Kyoto's Timeless Culture Explore Kyoto's renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine and Golden Pavilion, cruise across Amanohashidate Bay and take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Hands-On Japanese Experiences Get creative with a pottery experience in Bizen before learning to prepare Japanese favourites including sushi and miso soup
Hiroshima & Miyajima Discover Hiroshima's Shukkei-en Garden and Peace Memorial Park, then take the ferry to Miyajima Island to visit Itsukushima Shrine, ride the cable car up Mount Misen and enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
Tour Inclusions
Guided Sightseeing with an experienced Tour Director and local experts
Included Meals 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
Accommodation 10 nights in carefully selected hotels throughout Japan
Bullet Train Journey Tokyo to Nagoya aboard the shinkansen
Amanohashidate Cruise Cruise the tranquil waters surrounding the scenic Amanohashidate sandbar
Pottery Experience Hands-on experience at a traditional Bizen pottery workshop
Miyajima Island Ferry to Miyajima Island, visit Itsukushima Shrine and take a cable-car ride up Mount Misen
Japanese Cooking Class Learn to make Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
Book by 30 October and save $500 per couple on 2027 Small Group Discovery tours
From $12,179 per person twin share, save $250 per person
*From price is based on departure dates 10 Apr, 08 & 22 May, 04 & 18 Sep, 02 & 16 Oct 2027. The price listed does not include airfare. Contact your Travel Expert to receive an air quote. Offer applies to new bookings only and is not transferable.
Himeji Castle, Japan
Terms & Conditions *Offer valid on new 2026 & 2027 Small Group Discovery tours booked and deposited by 30 October 2026. Choose one offer: Save $250 per person OR receive $500 air credit per person - offer must be selected and applied at the time of booking and cannot be claimed retrospectively. To secure the land offer, a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 per person/per tour is required at the time of booking. To secure the air offer, a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500 per person/per tour is required at the time of booking, along with full flight payment, unless otherwise stated. Air credit applies only to flights booked through Globus airdesk. Air tickets are non-refundable once ticketed, unless otherwise stated. In the event your tour is withdrawn, flights booked in accordance with this promotion may also be subject to cancellation - fees apply. Flight booking amendments may incur additional charges; any changes will be confirmed at the time of the amendment. Airline schedule changes are subject to change without notice and Globus is not liable for any additional costs incurred due to airline changes. Offers not combinable with any other offer except Second Tour discount (multiple tours must be booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year) and/or Welcome Back Credit. Offer not applicable to group bookings. Offers applicable to singles - single supplement applies. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Offers may be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
Travel agent service & credit card fees are additional. All tours subject to availability at time of booking. For full terms & conditions, contact Wanderlust Travel Experts.
Interested in this deal? Mention this Deal Code: 1256 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.