This exciting cultural family adventure captures the very best of Japan's modern and traditional cultural phenomena. From the bright city lights of Tokyo to the ancient delights of Kyoto, experience traditional Japanese activities on a trip that's bound to enthral and fascinate the whole family.
- Ride Japan's famous bullet train
- See Kyoto's ancient castles & temples
- Dress in traditional Japanese kimonos
- Learn Ninja & Samurai skills
- Meet a professional Sumo Wrestler
- See the neon lights & sites of modern Tokyo
We begin the tour in the capital Tokyo, where we discover the modern cultural sites of the country - shopping streets full of colourful sweets, unique fashion shops and costume shops for Tokyo's cosplayers, as well as the bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing! The modern side of Japan doesn't come much higher than the famous Shinkansen bullet train, that we take a ride on to Kyoto to start the ancient portion of the trip.
Kyoto is home to ancient glittering temples, geishas and their maiko apprentices and famous Instagrammable bamboo groves. In Kyoto, we get to see all of this and learn ancient samurai and ninja warrior skills, dress in traditional Japanese costume and take part in a tea ceremony.
Boarding the Express Train to Nara, visit ancient shrines and temples, as well as Nara Park – famous for its wild Sika deer, before our itinerary ends in Osaka, Japan’s foodie capital. Here we can visit the lively markets and learn about local delicacies before finishing the holiday off with a trip to meet some professional Sumo wrestlers.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Depart UK
Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Tokyo.
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Day 2: Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
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Day 3: Modern Tokyo tour
Explore the modern wonders of Japan's cultural icons - a shopping street full of colourful sweets and cosplayers, the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing and 360 degree views across Tokyo’s cityscape.
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Day 4: Free in Tokyo
Today is a free day for you to explore Tokyo.
Why not visit the Ghibli Animation Studio or the Miraikan (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)? For family fun, we recommend a visit to Tokyo Disney or Disney Sea, ascending Tokyo’s Sky Tree, taking a dinner cruise in the evening or touring the Kojo Moe Factory. Alternatively, you could travel to Hakone.
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Day 5: Bullet train to Kyoto & Maiko Dinner
Catch Japan’s world-famous bullet train to the ancient capital of Kyoto and enjoy an evening dinner and dance performance by traditional maiko girls.
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Day 6: Samurai, Ninja & Kimonos
Learn about traditional Japanese icons with a visit to the Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum. Try on the armour and practice ninja skills before being professionally fitted for a kimono to capture great photos in Kyoto’s Gion district temples.
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Day 7: Ancient Kyoto, Bamboo Groves & Tea Ceremony
See some of the ancient temples of Kyoto, the Instagrammable Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and take part in a traditional tea ceremony.
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Day 8: Take the train to Osaka, via Nara
Take the express train to Osaka, via Nara, where we visit shrines, temples and Nara Park – famous for its wild sika deer. We continue our train journey to Osaka, Japan's second-largest metropolitan area after Tokyo, and enjoy a street food tour in the foodie capital of Japan.
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Day 9: Sumo Experience & Dinner
Enjoy a day at leisure in Osaka, where you can head up to Umeda Sky Building Observation Deck, explore Isaka Castle or sample more street food – all before going to enjoy a final dinner where you meet sumo wrestlers.
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Day 10: Fly back to the UK
Make your way to Kansai airport in time for your return flight connections back to the UK, arriving later the same day.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 10+
- Itinerary Type: Small Group Holiday Tailor-made can be arranged
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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Summer
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Xmas
What’s Included
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Activities
- City tour
- Cultural show
- Kimono experience
- Maiko show
- Samurai & ninja skills experience
- Street food tour
- Sumo experience
- Train ride
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Accommodation
Hotel x 8 nights -
Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 2 dinners
Tailored for You
A private departure or tailor-made holiday can also be arranged to suit your requirements. Contact our experts today.
Next Steps
Departures
Choose your preferred departure date from the 10 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
Our small group holidays require a minimum number of participants to operate. Most of our holidays are also available on a private basis or can be tailored to meet your requirements.
| Itinerary Dates
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Starts | Ends | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Holiday Status | Options |
| 2026 | 6 Jul | 14 Jul | 9 days | £2,695 | £2,495 | 10 days | £3,895 | £3,495 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 27 Jul | 4 Aug | 9 days | £2,695 | £2,445 | 10 days | £3,895 | £3,495 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 10 Aug | 18 Aug | 9 days | £2,695 | £2,495 | 10 days | £3,895 | £3,495 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | 21 Dec | 29 Dec | 9 days | £2,695 | £2,495 | 10 days | £3,895 | £3,495 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 28 Mar | 5 Apr | 9 days | £2,775 | £2,675 | 10 days | £3,995 | £3,675 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 4 Apr | 12 Apr | 9 days | £2,775 | £2,675 | 10 days | £3,995 | £3,675 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 11 Jul | 19 Jul | 9 days | £2,775 | £2,675 | 10 days | £3,795 | £3,475 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 25 Jul | 2 Aug | 9 days | £2,775 | £2,675 | 10 days | £3,795 | £3,475 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 8 Aug | 16 Aug | 9 days | £2,775 | £2,675 | 10 days | £3,995 | £3,675 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 19 Dec | 27 Dec | 9 days | £2,775 | £2,675 | 10 days | £3,995 | £3,675 | Available | Book or Enquire |
| * Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and has reached a minimum number of participants, so is guaranteed to run. ** On Request: we may be able to offer places on this holiday, please contact us for further information. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details. | ||||||||||
For alternative dates, please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.
