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The heart of Japan

Duration
13 days
Price from
$9,211 pp.
Location
Japan, Southeast Asia
Mt Fuji Deep Japan Canva

Trip Highlights

  • Shinto Blessing in Tokyo
  • Soba-making class
  • Walking the Nakasendo Trail

What's Included

  • 12 nights accommodation
  • Internal transport and transfers
  • Excursions, guides and activities

Futuristic architecture and historic temples, culminating with Kyoto, the nation’s cultural heart

This journey through Japan is a tapestry of contrasts, where cutting-edge cities meet timeless landscapes and ancient traditions.

You’ll start amid the dazzling energy of Tokyo, a city that hums with neon lights, bustling markets, and futuristic architecture, yet is quietly threaded with serene shrines, secret gardens, and the gentle rhythm of daily life. From the city’s frenetic pace, you’ll escape to the mountains of Nagano, where forested peaks, historic temples, and hidden villages invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and savour the beauty of Japan’s natural world.

Nia, our Japan specialist, says:
"What I love about this trip is that it really gives you a proper taste of Japan. From quiet post towns along the Nakasendo Trail to little mountain villages where life hasn’t changed in centuries, it feels authentic and personal - the kind of experiences you remember long after you get home."

The adventure continues along the storied Nakasendo Trail, a centuries-old route where well-preserved post towns like Magome and Tsumago offer a window into Edo-period life. Here, every step on the forested paths and cobbled streets feels like a journey back in time, where the quiet charm of rural Japan contrasts with the modern world left behind. In Inuyama, a picturesque castle town perched beside the Kiso River, history comes alive in traditional streets, vibrant local markets, and the imposing elegance of one of Japan’s oldest original castles.

Finally, the journey culminates in Kyoto, the nation’s cultural heart. With its serene temples, meticulously landscaped gardens, teahouses tucked away in narrow alleyways, and geisha districts that whisper of centuries past, Kyoto captures the essence of Japan’s refined beauty and enduring spirit. This is a trip that blends exhilarating city experiences with the quiet intimacy of rural life, on-foot discoveries with culinary delights, and history with the pulse of modernity—an immersive exploration that will leave you inspired, enchanted, and completely captivated by the wonders of Japan.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Tokyo

1 Neon Lights Tokyo Japan Canva

Start your trip amid the dazzling energy of Tokyo, a city that hums with neon lights, bustling markets, and futuristic architecture, yet is quietly threaded with serene shrines, secret gardens, and the gentle rhythm of daily life.

Day 2 Full-Day Exploration of Tokyo

2 Sensoji Temple Japan Canva

Today you’ll explore the city with a local guide. The morning begins in Asakusa, the old quarter where Sensoji Temple stands surrounded by incense and traditional shopfronts. You’ll stroll along Nakamise Street before boarding the Tokyo Water Bus for a gentle cruise along the Sumida River.

Back on land, you’ll enter the Edo-era gardens of Hamarikyu, stopping for a cup of matcha and a sweet in the teahouse set on the lake. The afternoon takes you to Meiji Shrine, a forested Shinto sanctuary, before walking down Omotesando, a broad, elegant avenue known for its striking architecture and designer boutiques.

Day 3 Shinto Blessing and Free Time in Tokyo

Day 4 Tokyo to Nagano

Day 5 Soba, Mountains, and Togakushi Shrine

Day 6 Nagano to Kiso-Fukushima

Day 7 Walking the Nakasendo Trail

Day 8 Kiso-Fukushima to Inuyama

Day 9 Castles, Food, and Garden Traditions in Inuyama

Day 10 Inuyama to Kyoto

Day 11 Bamboo Forests and Zen Gardens in Arashiyama

Day 12 The Philosopher’s Path and Northern Higashiyama

Day 13 Departure from Kyoto

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Nia pictures

Nia

Japan Expert

When to go to Japan

A month-by-month guide of when to visit Japan

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is ideal for winter sports in Hokkaido and northern regions, with plenty of snow. Tokyo and Kyoto remain chilly but offer clear skies for sightseeing. Explore Sapporo's Snow Festival and soak in an onsen for the ultimate winter experience.

February

February is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in Nagano and Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major attraction, featuring stunning ice sculptures. Other areas are generally cold and dry and good for sightseeing.

March

March marks the beginning of spring, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in southern regions like Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy hanami picnics under the pink blossoms. It's a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures.

April

April is the peak of cherry blossom season. Witness Tokyo's Ueno Park and Kyoto's Maruyama Park come alive with vibrant sakura. Golden Week, late April to early May, offers festive parades and events.

May

May offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and hiking. Explore Tokyo's International Food Festival and enjoy the comfortable climate for sightseeing in Kyoto.

June

June is the start of the rainy season, known as tsuyu, lasting until mid-July. Although it's wet, explore Kyoto's temples and gardens amid light crowds. Festivals like the Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo showcase Japanese traditions.

July

July continues the rainy season, but the Tanabata Star Festival brightens the skies. Hokkaido hosts the Lavender Festival with fields of purple blooms. Kyoto's Gion Matsuri features grand floats.

August

August offers festivals and fireworks. The Obon Festival celebrates ancestors with lanterns and dances. Enjoy the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. Hokkaido's summer flower festivals are perfect for nature enthusiasts.

September

September brings comfortable weather and the iconic Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki. Explore the Sapporo Autumn Festival in Hokkaido. It's a great time for sightseeing with fewer tourists.

October

October features stunning autumn foliage in Kyoto and Nikko. Visit Tokyo's Meiji Shrine during the Meiji Jingu Festival and enjoy Oktoberfest celebrations. Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.

November

November showcases autumn foliage, with Kyoto's temples and parks ablaze in red and orange. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo hosts the International Food Festival, and Kyushu's hot spring resorts offer relaxation.

December

December marks the onset of winter, with holiday illuminations in cities and festive lights. Explore Hokkaido's Sapporo Snow Festival with breathtaking ice sculptures. Ski resorts open for winter sports enthusiasts.

Elizabeth Spells

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July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. It was good value for the level of luxury we had.

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps was ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

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April, 2024
Stodge

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March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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