The Very Best of Japan
日本の最高の
Japan is a country like no other, futuristic and high tech but also with a strong sense of tradition and exceptional natural beauty. Cities that set the trend for the modern world rub side by side with timeworn temples and gardens, snowy volcanic peaks, valleys of spring cherry blossom, remote mountains and subtropical islands. Experience the modern buzz of Tokyo, discover the imperial past of Kyoto, see the snow monkeys in Yudanaka, take part in a traditional tea ceremony and enjoy a spectacular journey on Japan's Shinkasen bullet train from Hakodate to Tokyo.
Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands with 20% of the country's land area but only 5% of its population. This is where you’ll find Japan’s highest concentration of national parks, which vary from the almost fluorescent-green Kushiro Wetlands to Shiretoko National Park, where you can sometimes spot brown bears and sea lions. Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, dates back only 120 years, and this bright, cosmopolitan city, well-endowed with gardens and parks, makes the perfect base from which to head out and explore the island. Kushiro is well known for Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan's largest marshland and is renowned for the fresh seafood that can be enjoyed at it restaurants.
Cherry Blossom in Hokkaido is in its full glory from mid April to early May. The peak viewing period varies from place to place: late April in Hakodate and Matsumae, early to mid-May around Sapporo, and in mid-May in eastern Hokkaido.
Honshu is Japan's largest island and contains most of the country's best-known cities and destinations. It's here you'll find Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama, Hakone, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Niigata, Himeji and Mt. Fuji. But its size and geographic diversity also means there are hundreds of barely known spots, making getting off the beaten path easy and rewarding. Honshu covers 88,000 square miles, with a population of around 104 million, accounting for more than 80% of the total population of Japan. It's split into five regions from the northeast to the southwest, Tohoku, Chubu, Kanto, Kansai and Chugoku.
Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, is a spiritual place. It is here that you’ll find the country’s most famous pilgrimage route, the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku, which wraps around the edge of the island. Atmospheric temples and shrines aside, Shikoku is blessed with supreme natural beauty, with plunging canyons, tumbling waterfalls and wooded mountains laced with hiking trails. Add to that some rich cultural experiences and steamy onsen (hot springs)
Kyushu, Japan’s third largest and southernmost island is a dynamic landscape of active volcanoes, hot springs and fertile farmlands. Rich volcanic soil and regular rainfall have contributed to the region’s reputation as a gourmet destination, famous for its citrus fruits, seafood, and rich, pork-based ramen. Kyushu offers many historic treasures, modern cities and natural beauty.
Cherry Blossom in Hokkaido is in its full glory from mid April to early May.
Take a look at some of The Tour Highlights
Best of Japan
Tour Itinerary
Our 25 Day 'Very Best of Japan Tour' gtakes in most of Japan's highlights at a leisurely pace. During the tour, you’ll visit some of the country’s best-known attractions and cities, such as Sapporo, Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Day 1
Flight Departs UK
Look What’s Included (Flight Inclusive)
• Return Economy Flights From London to Sapporo & Nagasaki to London
• Fully Escorted by Scenic Car Tours Representative
• 21 Days Car Hire - Toyota SUV, Raize HEV, Yaris Cross or similar
• Car Rental Transfers in Sapporo, Hakodate & Tokyo
• 2 Nights at the JR Tower Hotel Nikko*, Sapporo, Hokkaido
• 1 Night at the Hokuten no Oka Abashiri Tsuruga Resort Hotel*, Abashiri, Hokkaido
• 1 Night at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel*, Kushiro, Hokkaido
• 1 Night at the Grand Hotel*, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
• 1 Night at the La Vista Hakodate Bay Hotel*, Hakodate, Hokkaido
• Shinkansen Bullet Train from Hakodate to Tokyo
• Transfer from Tokyo Shintakanawa Station to the Hotel
• 3 Nights at the Grand Prince Hotel Shintakanawa*, Tokyo, Honushu
• Full Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour
• Guided Day excursion to Mt. Fuji & Hakone
• 1 Night at the Matsumoto Hotel*, Kagetsu, Honshu
• 1 Night at the Tokyu Hotel*, Kanazawa, Honshu
• 3 Nights at the Prince Takaragaike Hotel*, Kyoto Honshu
• Kyoto Sightseeing Tour
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• 1 Night at the JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu*, Shikoku
• 2 Nights at the Grand Prince Hotel*, Hiroshima, Honshu
• Hiroshima Sightseeing Tour
• 1 Night at the Suginoi Hotel*, Beppu, Kyushu
• 2 Nights at the Shiroyama Hotel*, Kagoshima, Kyushu
• 2 Nights at the Hotel New Nagasaki*, Kyushu
• Sightseeing with admissions as per the Itinerary
• Breakfast each morning & 11 Dinners including Teppanyaki Evening & Maiko Dinner
• Detailed Road Book featuring Maps, Great Drives & Local Attractions
• Commemorative Tour Rally Plate
• Commemorative Tour Polo Shirt
• Car Parking at all Hotels - charges may apply locally
OUR
TOUR HOTELS
See our selection of hotels, all of which have been hand-picked for their quality, facilities and location for this tour.
*See hotel note below
*Hotels - Please note: As we are booking this tour for 2026, most of the hotels in Japan will not confirm our reservations until approx. 12 months prior to departure, therefore some hotels may change. In this case a hotel of a similar standard and location will be confirmed.
Driving in Japan - To drive in Japan you will need an International Driving Permit. There is a small charge and the permit is then valid worldwide for 12 months. In the late 19th-century, the British arrived in Japan to help build the railway system, which was left-side running. As the railway ran on the left, it was logical that motor traffic followed suit.
Car Hire - Most car hire in Japan is Toyota as, unsurprisingly, they have the best coverage. Our Tour includes a five-door SUV such as a Toyota Yaris Cross or Raize HEV.
Flights - Due to the variety of flight requests we get for these tours, you have the option to book a flight inclusive package or a NON inclusive flight package. The later gives you the flexibility to choose which day you travel on, which airport you travel from and affords you the option to upgrade or utilise any air miles etc you may have. If you choose the flight inclusive package, flight costs are estimated and we reserve the right to implement a flight supplement once the flights are on sale. Flight inclusive packages are operated for Scenic Car Tours by our sister company Success Tours ATOL No. 5114
