Tokyo. It’s the city that never sleeps – and the beating heart of Japan’s Eastern capital will leave an imprint on you long after you’ve left.
Whether you’re wandering through the lively, lantern-lined Nakamise Shopping Street, or munching on bite-sized ningyō-yaki – light, fluffy sponge cakes filled with sweet red bean paste – its heritage-rich soul shines through.
You can, of course, take to the vast, maze-like train stations, with their glowing signs and chiming announcements, to explore.
Or you can opt for a comfortable coach, like I did, by booking a tour.
With Inspiring Vacations’ 7 Day Highlights of Japan trip, you get to explore the best of the whole country.
Travelling from Tokyo’s modern metropolis to the food-obsessed Osaka, all supported by a dedicated tour leader.
Ours was named Yumi – a witty and informative guide, who sprinkled in lessons on Japanese culture and history as we travelled from place to place.
The country beckons
After taking our fill of Tokyo’s energetic streets, we headed southwest to the Fuji Five Lakes region.
Here, we were treated to rolling hills ablaze with the colours of autumn.
Emerging from a tunnel on a crystal clear day, we were soon face-to-face with the mighty Mount Fuji – its majestic cone looking postcard perfect.
Later, we stopped in Oshino Hakkai Village, where it felt like we’d gone back in time.
Traditional thatched houses, shimmering koi ponds, and that iconic volcano surrounded us in a scene reminiscent of a fairytale.
After a restful night in the coastal city of Hamamatsu – known for being Japan’s “city of music” – we travelled onwards, with a stop at the 17th-century Nagoya Castle.
With a striking gold shachihoko – a tiger-headed carp – perched regally on its roof, it’s hard to believe the castle burned down in World War Two, such is the beauty of its restoration.
In the afternoon, we stopped in Kyoto, where the Fushimi Inari Shrine beckoned.
Walking beneath its mesmerising tunnel of red torii gates, the weight of its history hung in the air.
Kyoto is also home to Kinkaku-ji, the stunning “Golden Pavilion,” its top two floors layered in gold leaf.
There, you can pause in the Fudōdō Hall, light incense and ring the bell, asking for blessings for the new year. You can also wander into the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – a peaceful sea of green stalks swaying in the breeze.
The viewing platform overlooking the Katsura River is a highlight. I saw sweeping valley views, autumn colours everywhere, and heard a distant ceremonial bell echoing through the valley.
Osaka’s food scene
Where Kyoto is serene, its sister city, Osaka, is bold and lively.
Dōtonbori Street – with its neon lights and animatronic seafood – is heaven for street food lovers.
I tucked into melt-in-your-mouth Kushiyaki of Kobe beef, meat skewered and served hot off the grill, and the beloved Japanese comfort food Okonomiyaki – made from flour, eggs and shredded cabbage – it’s part pancake and part savoury pie.
After a night’s rest, our tour headed to Shizuoka, stopping in Nara first.
Here, deer roam freely, and you can feed them with 200-yen deer biscuits. (Pro tip: bow, wait for them to bow back, and try not to flinch when they nibble your clothes).
In the heart of the park stands Tōdai-ji Temple – Japan’s most famous temple, and home to the awe-inspiring Nara Daibutsu – a 15-metre-tall bronze Buddha.
The day ended in the Iga region – birthplace of the ninja, at the Iga-ryū Ninja Museum, which hosts an informative and impressive show.
Finally, it was time to wind our way back to Tokyo. The place where it all began, and where I farewelled my fellow travelling companions.
Seven days in Japan had gone in a flash, but those memories will last me a lifetime.
To book your trip with Inspiring Vacations head to www.inspiringvacations.com
By Holly Campbell
