CALL US FREE ON
0800 141 3667

OPENING TIMES TODAY 09:00 - 17:30

SPECIAL OFFER:

Save £200 per person on Japan tours departing from September 2025, when you book by 28th February 2025. Request a brochure

Treasures of Japan – Exclusively Solos Tour

Home Icon 16-day Treasures of Japan from only £7,595 £7,395pp

From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the serene gardens of Kyoto, Japan is a land of captivating contrasts. It’s a country where centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge technology, where ancient culture meets modern innovation. Over 16 days, our Treasures of Japan tour takes us through some of Japan’s most iconic destinations, with each stop providing a deeper appreciation of the country’s rich history, distinctive culture and stunning natural beauty.

On this small group tour, exclusively for solo travellers and with no single supplement, we dive into Japan and all it has to offer. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to showcase fascinating experiences and places, from the haunting sites of Hiroshima to the scenic beauty of Hakone and the cultural heart of Kyoto. Enjoy immersive experiences including sake tasting, a hands-on bonsai workshop, and a maiko performance, each offering a unique glimpse into Japanese culture.

Escorted by our Tour Manager, stay in carefully-selected hotels and savour delicious regional cuisine. We make exploring Japan easy with our superb Treasures of Japan tour, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Save £200 per person on Japan tours departing from September 2025, when you book by 28th February 2025.

Day 1

Depart UK

Treasures of Japan Day 1

Depart with Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow, via Dubai.

Alternative airline – Japan Airlines.

Should you prefer, fly direct to Tokyo from London Heathrow with Japan Airlines for a supplement, from £250 per person return.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

 

Day 2

Tokyo, 3 nights

Treasures of Japan Day 2

On arrival into Japan’s metropolitan capital, we transfer to the Hilton Tokyo Hotel in the heart of Shinjuku, our base for the next three nights. The remainder of the day is left free to relax and settle in.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Alternative airline – Japan Airlines

Should you prefer, fly direct to Tokyo from London Heathrow with Japan Airlines for a supplement, from £250 per person return.

Day 3

Tokyo

Treasures of Japan Day 3

Our first full day in Tokyo begins with a visit to the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine. Set in a beautiful forested area, this Shinto shrine was built in 1920 in memory of the Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken, and offers a great spot to start the day immersed in nature and spirituality. After a brief photo stop at the impressive Imperial Palace, we continue to Tokyo Tower. Inspired by the design of the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower remains an iconic symbol with panoramic views across the bustling city, despite now being dwarfed by the Tokyo Skytree. We return to our hotel this afternoon and later, meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner, providing a great way to get to know one another and learn about our upcoming adventure.

Included meals:

Breakfast and dinner

Day 4

Tokyo

Treasures of Japan Day 4

Today, we delve deeper into Tokyo’s cultural and historic heart. We visit the district of Asakusa, home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji. Built in AD645, we take in the intricate architecture and atmosphere before exploring the vibrant Nakamise Shopping Street, a great place to pick up souvenirs or try a traditional snack. Next, we try our hand at shaping a bonsai tree – a delicate process requiring plenty of patience. We learn about the history, philosophy and techniques of this unique Japanese tradition during this hands-on workshop. Following lunch, we head to the Edo Tokyo Museum to see displays on the city’s fascinating history. Returning to our hotel, the evening is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 5

Ito, Overnight

Treasures of Japan Day 5

Tour Highlight

Today we head to Hakone, a picturesque region renowned for its natural hot springs and stunning views of Mount Fuji. We make a stop at the historic Kotokuin Temple in Kamakura, home to the Great Buddha or ‘Daibutsu’. This monumental bronze statue stands at over 13 metres tall and dates back to the 13th century. We then visit nearby Hase Temple, a beautiful hillside temple known for its impressive wooden statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Continuing our journey, we explore the geothermal wonders of the Owakudani Valley, with its bubbling hot springs, and visit the serene Hakone Shrine, nestled in a lush forest beside Lake Ashi. Weather permitting, the shrine’s iconic red torii gate provides a stunning backdrop with Mount Fuji towering in the distance. Later, we check into our hotel for the night, Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Included meals:

Breakfast and dinner

Day 6

Kyoto, 3 nights

Treasures of Japan Day 6

Tour Highlight

After a leisurely breakfast, we journey to Kyoto aboard the famous Shinkansen, or bullet train. On arrival, we enjoy a special lunch featuring a captivating performance by a maiko, an apprentice geisha. This performance offers a glimpse into the elegant world of traditional Japanese dance and music. Afterwards, we take a stroll through the historic Gion district, known for its beautifully-preserved wooden machiya houses and narrow streets. Our hotel for the next three nights is the centrally-located Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or The Higashiyama Hotel.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 7

Kyoto

Treasures of Japan Day 7

Tour Highlight

As Japan’s capital for over a thousand years, from AD794 to 1868, Kyoto is often considered the heart of traditional Japanese culture, and today we explore some of the city’s most renowned landmarks. We begin with a visit to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinkaku-Ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. The top two floors of this stunning Zen temple are completely covered in gold leaf, reflected beautifully in the surrounding pond. Then to another UNESCO site – the Ryoanji Temple, considered one of the finest examples of Zen landscaping in the whole of Japan. The 15 carefully-placed rocks create a serene atmosphere ideal for contemplation – with one always hidden out of sight. This afternoon, it’s time to get creative with a calligraphy workshop, where we try the art of Japanese brush writing as we practice kanji characters. We enjoy a Sukiyaki dinner tonight – a type of hot pot – at a local restaurant.

Included meals:

Breakfast and dinner

Day 8

Uji

Treasures of Japan Day 8

Tour Highlight

Today is focused on cultural immersion and we begin with a visit to Byodoin Temple in nearby Uji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the striking Phoenix Hall at its heart. Dating back to 1053 during the Heian period, this structure is so important that it features on the back of the Japanese ten yen coin. Next, we explore Mampukuji Temple, offering a rare insight into monastic practices and a chance to learn about Zen meditation. We enjoy a Fucha Ryori lunch, a vegetarian Zen cuisine. Uji is also famous for its green tea cultivation and we participate in a tasting session this afternoon, sampling Uji’s renowned matcha too. Our evening is free to explore Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife, wander through the lantern-lit streets, or relax at the hotel.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 9

Hiroshima, 2 nights

Treasures of Japan Day 9

Saying goodbye to Kyoto this morning, we board the bullet train to Hiroshima on one of the fastest trains in the country, with top speeds of over 200 miles per hour. This modern city, known for its poignant history and resilient spirit, is a great spot for reflection. On arrival, we embark on a guided tour of the Memorial Peace Park, museum and infamous Atomic Bomb Dome, a moving tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing during the Second World War. After a thought-provoking day, we check into our hotel for the next two nights, the RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima, ideally located for exploring the city. This evening, we head to a local restaurant to savour Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki – a delicious savoury pancake typically filled with cabbage, meat or seafood, served with various sauces on top.

Included meals:

Breakfast and dinner

Day 10

Miyajima Island

Treasures of Japan Day 10

After breakfast we travel to the scenic island of Miyajima, famous for its giant torii gate at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. We begin by visiting a local oyster farm to find out about their cultivation and the chance to enjoy some freshly-harvested oysters. Next, we explore Itsukushima Shrine and view the torii gate that appears to magically float on the water at high tide. There is time to wander through the pretty streets and enjoy lunch on the island before we return to our hotel. You may wish to further explore the city – Hiroshima Castle or Shukkeien Garden are within easy walking distance of our hotel – before we enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening.

Included meals:

Breakfast and dinner

Day 11

Okayama, 2 nights

Treasures of Japan Day 11

Tour Highlight

We travel to Okayama today, with several fascinating stops along the way. First, we take a stroll through Takehara’s Old Preserved Area, a charming town that feels like a step back in time to Japan’s Edo period. Takehara is renowned for its well-preserved streets lined with traditional merchant houses. Following lunch, we continue to Onomichi, a coastal town celebrated for its breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea, connecting the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan. Next, we head to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, a beautifully-preserved area with scenic canals lined with weeping willows and traditional whitewashed warehouses. These buildings, once used for storing rice and other goods, have now been converted into attractive cafes, shops and museums. After a day of exploration, we arrive at our hotel in Okayama, the Granvia Okayama, our home for the next two nights.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 12

Okayama

Treasures of Japan Day 12

Our sightseeing in Okayama starts with Okayama Castle, nicknamed ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dark clapboard facade. The castle has a rare pentagonal shape with intricate designs on its many towers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. We explore the landscaped Koraku-en Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens, described as a ‘strolling garden’ due to the variety of views from the pathways which wind through its pond, stream, lawns and teahouse. We enjoy lunch with an opportunity to sample locally-produced sake, beer or gin. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of our day is at leisure.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 13

Osaka, 2 nights

Treasures of Japan Day 13

This morning, we travel to the city of Osaka. On the way we stop at the Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake for a fascinating insight into traditional sake production and experience a tasting paired with a delicious lunch. On arrival in Osaka we visit the Umeda Sky Building, offering panoramic views of the city skyline from its floating garden observatory. We then check into the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka for our final two nights in Japan. Osaka is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and is often referred to as the ‘Kitchen of Japan’ due to its wide array of delicious local dishes. This evening has been left free for you to explore.

Included meals:

Breakfast and lunch

Day 14

Nara

Treasures of Japan Day 14

Today’s excursion takes us to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital from AD710 to 794, and the site of Todai-ji Temple. The temple was constructed in AD752, as the head of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan, and is home to one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world. After our visit, stroll through lovely Nara Park where friendly deer roam freely. We return to Osaka and head to the lively Dotonbori area, famous for its bustling street food scene. Here we can try Takoyaki, a popular local dish of octopus-filled dough balls, and Kushikatsu, a dish of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. Later we discover the bustling Tsutenkaku area before enjoying a farewell dinner at our hotel, celebrating our memorable journey through Japan together.

Included meals:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15

Depart Osaka

Treasures of Japan Day 15

Our final day in Japan is at leisure until we travel to Osaka Airport for our evening flight to the UK. You may like to relax before your flight, or possibly purchase some last-minute souvenirs. All flights with Emirates will travel via Dubai. Alternatively, if choosing Japan Airlines, you will fly to the UK via Tokyo.

Included meals:

Breakfast, in-flight meals and drinks

Day 16

Arrive UK

Treasures of Japan Day 16

After 16 wonderful days exploring the Treasures of Japan, we arrive back into the UK, bringing our adventure to an end.

Included meals:

In-flight meals and drinks

Departure dates & prices

Save £200 per person on Japan tours departing from September 2025, when you book by 28th February 2025.

Departure datePrice (pp)AvailabilityOffer
2026
26 March£8,095 £7,895JUST LAUNCHED SAVE £200 per person
02 April£8,095 £7,895JUST LAUNCHED SAVE £200 per person
16 May£7,595 £7,395JUST LAUNCHED SAVE £200 per person
26 September£7,595 £7,395JUST LAUNCHED SAVE £200 per person
17 October£7,595 £7,395JUST LAUNCHED SAVE £200 per person
07 November£7,595 £7,395JUST LAUNCHED SAVE £200 per person

Prices: Prices are per person based on one person in a twin or double room. No single occupancy supplements apply.

Deposit: £1,000 per person if travelling in Economy Class, £1,950 per person if travelling in Premium Economy, and £3,750 per person for Business Class.

Flight upgrades
Emirates upgrade to Premium Economy* from £1,195 per person or Business Class from £4,145 per person return. *Only available on certain flights.

Japan Airlines upgrade to Premium Economy from £1,295 per person return, or Business Class from £3,495 per person return.

Important Information: Our holiday prices are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights in the lowest fare booking class. The correct price will always be confirmed to you before you book, and once you have booked, our Price Promise will guarantee there will be no further increases. Full Booking Conditions are available here.

So much included

At Distant Journeys, we offer a great range of tours of amazing places, all of which include so much in the price. And our Treasures of Japan holiday is no exception. Your scheduled international flights, overseas transfers, expertly chosen hotels, daily breakfast plus several other meals are all included. You’ll enjoy many amazing excursions in the company of experienced tour managers and knowledgeable local guides, all taken care of in the price of your holiday.

Flights with leading scheduled airlines

  • Return economy class flights with Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stanstead, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle Edinburgh or Glasgow
  • Alternatively, fly direct to Tokyo with Japan Airlines from London Heathrow – a supplement, from £250 per person, will apply
  • All airport charges, security charges and any applicable fuel surcharges
  • UK Air Passenger Duty

Carefully selected hotels

  • Hotels in great locations
  • All hotel porterage
  • Applicable hotel taxes

Many meals worth £624 per person

  • Daily breakfast
  • Seven lunches
  • A traditional kaiseki meal
  • Five dinners

Unforgettable experiences

  • Sightseeing tours in Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Okayama and Nara
  • Learn how to shape a bonsai tree
  • Spend the night in an Onsen hotel
  • Travel on Japan’s high-speed bullet train
  • Watch a maiko performance
  • Try your hand at calligraphy
  • Explore the UNESCO Byodoin Temple
  • Tea and matcha tasting
  • Visit the historical and well-preserved areas of Takehara, Okayama and Bikan Chiku, Kurashiki
  • Enjoy a tasting at a sake factory and museum

On the ground

  • Services of an experienced Tour Manager
  • All overseas transfers
  • Modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout

100% confidence

  • Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise
  • Your holiday is fully ATOL protected

Hilton, Tokyo

The Hilton in Tokyo is set in the vibrant heart of Shinjuku. It is perfectly located for exploring the city's bustling entertainment, shopping and tourist district. With easy access to the Tokyo Metro via an underground walkway, guests are ideally… Find out more >
  •   Official rating
  • Star-Rating-4-5
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa, Ito

Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Izu Peninsula, Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa provides a serene retreat that beautifully combines modern comforts with traditional Japanese charm. Sitting in the seaside town of Ito, this charming onsen hotel invites guests to… Find out more >
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Official rating
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, Kyoto

A contemporary hotel with subtle nods to traditional Japanese design, the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel is a peaceful haven, yet it enjoys a great location. Once Japan’s imperial capital, this heritage still lives on in Kyoto today, with millions flocking to… Find out more >
  • Star-Rating-4
  •   Official rating
  • Star-Rating-4
  •   Distant Journeys rating

The Hotel Higashiyama, Kyoto

Set in its own spacious grounds, Hotel Higashiyama is located in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, with easy transport links to the centre of this historic city. In true Japanese style, the interior design is carefully chosen to reflect the… Find out more >
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Official rating
  • Star-Rating-3-5
  •   Distant Journeys rating

RIHGA Royal Hotel, Hiroshima

RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima is set in the heart of the city, close to many poignant monuments dedicated to those lost in the 1945 bombing. Guest rooms are elegant and welcoming, with spectacular views of Hiroshima city and in the… Find out more >
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Official rating
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Hotel Granvia – Okayama

Situated in the heart of Okayama, Hotel Granvia offers modern comfort and convenience and is directly attached to Okayama Railway Station. This central location makes it an ideal base for exploring local attractions such as the famous Korakuen Garden and… Find out more >
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Official rating
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Rihga Royal Hotel, Osaka

Located in the heart of Osaka’s Nakanoshima district, Rihga Royal Hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern design. It is widely known as one of the most impressive hotels in the area. The hotel includes a water garden-inspired… Find out more >
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Official rating
  • Image of 4 stars
  •   Distant Journeys rating

Customer Reviews  feefo logo

Treasures of Japan is a new itinerary with departures starting in early 2026. This page will be updated with reviews as soon as our returning customers are contacted by the independent reviews company Feefo. In the meantime, please feel free to look at the reviews for our other Japan tour.

Treasures of Japan 2025-26 map

Make An Enquiry

Call Us Today

To book or make an enquiry call FREE on 0800 141 3667

Email Us

If you have a question about our holidays or your travel arrangements

Request A Call Back

If you would like one of our travel experts to call you back

CONTACT US
brochure-stack-Far-East-25-26

BROCHURE REQUEST

Order your free brochure

Distant Journeys staff were quite happy to answer any questions prior to the holiday, with a courtesy call just before we went to make sure we were all ready to go.

Mr & Mrs Vickers (Hampshire), Spectacular South Africa with Victoria Falls

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Award-Winning Holidays

Distant Journeys has won 18 awards over the last seven years, at the British Travel Awards, and we have been awarded Feefo’s highest Platinum Trusted Rating for customer satisfaction.

Guaranteed Price Promise

Know you are paying the best price for your holiday with our Price Promise. We never offer last minute discounts and we guarantee the earlier you book the better the offer you’ll receive.

100% Financial Protection

Book in the confidence your money is 100% safe. All Distant Journeys holidays are fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10913) or ABTOT (number 5427).

ORDER YOUR BROCHURES TODAY

New Brochure

 

Planning your next holiday? Let Distant Journeys give you some travel inspiration.

There are three easy ways to request your brochures – just click on your preferred option below:

View our
online brochures
Download
your brochures
Request your FREE
brochures by post

CUSTOMER REVIEWS