Beyond the Ordinary: Japan
A perfect introduction to Japan, this journey blends iconic cities—Tokyo, Hiroshima and Osaka—with the art-rich islands of Naoshima, Miyajima and Ikuchijima. Explore ancient temples and cutting-edge museums, experience a serene ryokan stay, ride the legendary shinkansen and even cycle the spectacular Shimanami Kaido for a deeper connection to the country’s culture and creativity.
Journey highlights
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Ride the legendary shinkansen and cycle the breathtaking Shimanami Kaido, crossing island-to-island bridges with sweeping views over the Seto Inland Sea.
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Experience true cultural immersion with a stay in a traditional ryokan, hyper-local cuisine and guided insight into ancient temples, markets and daily life.
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Curated access to Japan’s modern and traditional art heritage, including Benesse House, the Chichu Museum, the Art House Project and standout architectural landmarks.
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A rare blend of Japan’s cultural powerhouses—Tokyo, Hiroshima and Osaka—with the creative sanctuaries of Naoshima, Miyajima and Ikuchijima.
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Itinerary
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At a Glance
Live alongside Japan’s iconic contemporary art with a two-night stay at Tadao Ando’s innovative Benesse House, a hotel and museum combining guest rooms and modern artworks, on the island of Naoshima. Your driver will take you to Uno Port, for the 20-minute ferry ride to Naoshima, where you are greeted by two oversized colourful pumpkins.
Naoshima is covered with avant-garde art installations, sculptures, galleries and architecture designed to blend into the natural landscape. Experience the cutting-edge underground Chichu Museum, look out for Yayoi Kusama’s famous yellow polka-dotted pumpkin and explore the Art House Project, a collection of abandoned houses, temples, shrines and workshops reimagined by local artists.
Enjoy a full day of leisure to further explore the island, or we can arrange a full day guided boat tour to Teshima Island. Along with Naoshima, Teshima is a venue for the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival and features a series of artworks integrated into its rural landscape.Where to stay
Benesse House (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
More Experiences in This Area
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination and your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
When to visit
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- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Tokyo kicks off its year with cold winter days and the odd snowfall. Although temperatures occasionally drop below freezing, winter (December to February) is usually reasonable. Spring (March to May) brings pleasant, warm days, and, of course, cherry blossoms – early April is probably the best time to view the blooms. Summer (June to August) is hot and muggy. Late June can see torrential rains. The temperature and humidity are at their worst in August. Apart from spring, autumn (September to November) is the most pleasant season as temperatures cool down to a cosy level and days are often clear and fine. Autumn also means the return of the dramatic foliage season, when the parks and green areas of the city mellow into varying hues of orange and red.
Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2026 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| September 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| October 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| November 2026 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| December 2026 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| January 2027 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| February 2027 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
| March 2027 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| April 2027 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| May 2027 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| June 2027 | £14,600 | £2,200 | plan your trip |
| July 2027 | £13,600 | £2,000 | plan your trip |
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August 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
-
September 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
October 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
November 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
December 2026
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
-
January 2027
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
-
February 2027
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
-
March 2027
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
April 2027
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
May 2027
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
June 2027
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£14,600
Deposit from*£2,200
-
July 2027
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£13,600
Deposit from*£2,000
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning your holiday.
