Orange left arrow graphic.Orange right arrow graphic.

Historical and Contemporary Japan (post-2026 BCLA Congress Tour)

User icon.
Tour leader
Tour Leader TBC
Diary icon.
Dates
1 Jun
7 Jun
2026

Japan is a blend of gracious tradition, exquisite ritual and hyper modernity. Experience the different facets of this exceptional country, seeing its culture, society and history.

This tour is ran in conjunction with BCLA Congress Tour, the congress will take place in Tokyo and we will arrange transport to Matsumoto where the tour begins.

It includes visits to some of Japan’s most fascinating places at a magnificent time of year. Experience lesser-known Japan, including the spectacular Kamikochi region, Miyajima Island in the Inland Sea, and the laneways of Kyoto.  

Visit Hiroshima and see the ways in which the city has reestablished itself after almost total destruction. In Kobe see Japan's traditional art and crafts and explore one of its most imposing castles and the ancient capital of Kyoto.

Price (sharing a room)
Sharing icon.
0
per person
Price (room to yourself)
Single icon.
0
per person
Reference:
JPN0326-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Ophthalmology
Nights icon.
Nights
6
Map pin icon.
Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
Availability icon.
Remaining places
0
Diary icon.
Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Tokyo / Matsumoto
Monday
,
1
June
Assemble at the meeting point and drive from Tokyo to Matsumoto in the Japanese Alps. Arrive and walk to the Buena Vista Hotel . Visit Matsumoto Castle and explore the old town including Frog Street and at leisure before dinner.
2
Matsumoto
Tuesday
,
2
June
Travel into the Japanese Alps and and take part in walk in the beautiful Kamikochi region. Enjoy lunch in the mountains. At leisure in Matsumoto.
3
Matsumoto / Hiroshima
Wednesday
,
3
June
Take the train to Hiroshima. Visit the A Bomb Dome and the Peace Museum and Peace Park. Check into the Hotel.
4
Hiroshima
Thursday
,
4
June
Cruise to Miyajima Island with lunch.
5
Hiroshima / Kobe
Friday
,
5
June
Take the train to Kobe and arrive and visit the Takenaka Carpentry Museum. Visit the Kobe wharf district. Optional Kobe Beef Dinner.
6
Kobe / Kyoto / Kobe
Saturday
,
6
June
Trave to Kyoto and visit a walking tour of food and craft markets and old Kyoto. Visit the shimmering medieval Golden Pavilion with its sensuously contoured temple roofs and take a walking tour through its raked pebble gardens . Visit Fushimi Inari, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, with the option to take part in a walk. Return to the hotel in Kobe for farewell Dinner.
7
Kobe
Sunday
,
7
June
Depart after breakfast.
Map pin icon.
Tour map

Plot your journey

This tour includes visits to some of Japan’s most fascinating locations at a magnificent time of year. See Japan’s traditional art and crafts as well as experiencing its latest technology.

Tour highlights icon.
What to expect

Tour highlights

Stunning scenery off the beaten track
Japanese Alps

Explore Matsumoto and walk through spectacular scenery in the Japanese Alps.

Takenaka Carpentry Museum
Kobe 

Enjoy a wide-range of exhibitions that will acquaint you with this ancient Japanese craft.

Post earthquake rehabilitation
Kobe wharf district, Earthquake Museum

Learn about post earthquake rehabilitation in a country highly experienced in seismic impact at the Kobe Earthquake Museum.

Local experiences
Inland Sea

Travel by bullet chain, experience a traditional onsen (optional) and take a cruise on the Inland Sea to visit Miyajima Island.

Peace Museum and Peace Park
Hiroshima

Visit the Peace Park and Museum and walk through the beautiful gardens, designed to commemorate the devastating consequences of a new kind of warfare.

Fushimi Inari
Kyoto

Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari.

Gallery icon.
Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
Tour grade one icon.Tour grade two icon.Tour grade three icon.Tour grade four icon.Tour grade five icon.
Tour grade icon.
Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

User icon.
Your expert companions

Tour leaders

No items found.
No items found.
No items found.

Alert bell icon.
Not quite ready to book?

Ask us anything

If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

Contact button orange.
02072239485
Email newsletter

Stay in touch