Classic with a Twist
Japan’s cultural big hitters, both ancient and modern, live large in our imaginations, from the bright neon high-rises of its busy cities to the serene shrines and cherry blossom of the more rural regions. The classic way to take in some of the country’s superstar highlights is via the legendary ‘Golden Route’, travelling between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and back by high-speed shinkansen bullet train, often via Fuji-san to take a chance on glimpsing this often-elusive mountain on a cloud-free day! It’s a classic route for a good reason, and we absolutely understand why it remains such a popular way to see Japan.
However, we wouldn’t be Selective Asia if we didn’t have a few expert twists of our own to make this classic route really shine. Many stops on the Golden Route can, unsurprisingly, get very crowded, especially during peak season, so we always add our own tweaks to make sure those ‘must visits’ are seen at their absolute best. This journey is a fantastic way to see Japan, especially for the first time, taking in our top picks of the country’s highlights at a smooth pace, with plenty of culture and history to get your teeth into, and a few lesser-known gems along the way.
Once you’ve had your fill of Tokyo’s endless variety (and we can’t say that’s happened to us yet!), tear yourself away to hop on the shinkansen to Kawaguchiko for stunning views of the lake and Mount Fuji beyond, before heading to Kyoto to mix classic Japanese history with modern culture and phenomenal food. See Hiroshima through a rich and varied lens, combining its tragic history with its uplifting present, before finishing with a few days in bohemian Osaka, eating as much delicious street food as you can handle!
The Big Smoke
Tokyo can feel like a weird whirlwind on first encounter, but you’ll instantly love it. Head out for dinner at one of the hundreds of eateries right in front of you... and above and below too! Never dismiss what looks like just an office block - there are amazing restaurants and experiences hidden behind unassuming exteriors all across the city.
Explore the city’s winding, historic streets, away from the bright-light rush, and enjoy a beer and a few bar snacks at a friendly izakaya that’s a step aside from the tourist trail. Peek inside the world’s largest fish market and marvel at the austere beauty of Meiji Shrine. Take time to smell the flowers at Hamarikyu gardens, and discover dozens of different foodie delights from sushi to yakitori.
Your personalised experience of Tokyo will be shaped by your interests and wishes, and our Japan Specialists will help you craft your time to get the very best experience of the capital. Whoever you are, Tokyo will blow your mind.
Fuji-san Afresh
Hugging the shores of one of the Five Fuji Lakes, Kawaguchiko offers a more laid-back experience of Fuji-san than high-profile Hakone. If you’re lucky with the weather, Kawaguchiko is one of the best places in Japan to see Mount Fuji, with the peak’s iconic black cone and snow-dusted summit reflected in perfect symmetry in the lake’s still waters. This hot-spring resort has fewer traditional ryokan than some, with a mix of larger hotels, high-end ryokan and glamping options stepping up as cosy bases for those who hope for a glimpse of the mountain through the clouds.
Raise the action levels a notch with a ride on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway cablecar to look down over the town and lake from a lofty observation platform near the summit of Mount Tenjo. On a clear day, this is the place for perfect views of Fuji-san. Take conservation-focused guided hikes into the wider countryside to discover secluded shrines and natural treasures, exploring ecosystem restoration in the oak and moss-laden glens surrounding Lake Saiko. Back at ground level, explore galleries and museums to inspire.
Kyoto in a New Light
Arriving into Kyoto’s modern station you might find yourself thinking, ‘This isn’t quite what I expected!’. Kyoto is more modern in many ways that a lot of visitors imagine, blending its iconic history with the buzz of a vibrant, contemporary city. As one of Japan’s most famous destinations it certainly attracts attention, and our Specialists will guide you beyond the crowds to show you the city at its finest.
Gion, the classic quarter, is always busy with like-minded travellers looking to catch a glimpse of an exquisite geisha or maiko san. It’s a unique place for an evening stroll through ‘the floating world’, and the gleaming golden Kinkakuji temple, even if seen only from a distance, is utterly perfect. Although large parts of Kyoto are strikingly modern, you’ll soon discover those timeless pockets that everyone talks about. They start to open up until you are tracking a seam and can see it all around you.
Hope from the Ruins
Hiroshima is, naturally, a major point on the trail for many visitors. Some are hesitant about visiting, which is understandable, but we do recommend a stay. It’s utterly sobering to try and comprehend the horror and destruction visited on this city, but visiting the Peace Park and museum at the site where the bomb struck is an important and extremely moving thing to do. These devastating events are still perhaps the single biggest influence on the Japan we see now and, though very emotional, a guided visit to understand through the eyes of the city’s citizens is very poignant.
Beyond its sombre history, present-day Hiroshima is an effervescent, friendly and beautiful town. Round off your visit with a gentler activity, by taking a kayak out to the island of Miyajima and its UNESCO-listed shrine, and float through one of Japan’s most photographed scenes: the red tori gate which marks the entrance to the sacred space.
When You’re Hungry…
Flamboyant, amusing and a challenge to many preconceived ideas about Japan, Osaka - unquestionably Japan’s foodie capital - is home to everything you could possibly want to eat. Brave the buzzing backstreets and glittering commotion of Dotonbori to try a multitude of Japan’s best streetfood, including hot, fluffy takoyaki octopus dough balls, crispy karaage fried chicken, okonomiyaki pancakes stuffed with cabbage, pork and ginger, and plenty of fresh sushi. Wander past tiny backstreet bars where locals go to unwind after work, and pop in for a beer.
Alternatively, head to the retro-chic, Paris-inspired Shinsekai - a less-crowded alternative - to feast on the district’s speciality of kushi katsu: skewers of meat or veg dipped in batter, rolled on bread crumbs, and then deep fried. Take the focus off food for a moment to wander around Osaka castle, perched high on sheer stone ramparts that are now largely hidden by cherry trees, for peaceful views over the city, and discover the strikingly futuristic architecture of Isshinji Temple, before heading back into the city centre for more eating - all told, it’s pretty difficult to leave Osaka feeling hungry!
A note on cost…
The guide price of £4,490US$5,990 is a per person price (not including international flights) staying a total of 3 nights in Tokyo, 2 nights in Kawaguchiko, 3 nights in Kyoto, 2 nights in Hiroshima, 2 nights in Osaka, all in our favourite mid-range hotels.
The exact shape of your trip is up to you - our tailor-made specialists work with you to create your perfect journey.
