Another OP recently inquired of recommendations for organized tours in Japan. We had the same question as we are first timers looking at Japan for 2028. One of the responses suggested looking at Sarah Murdock's itinerary. (We are looking at the other tour operator suggestions as well). As for Sarah's , and though 2028 is not posted as yet, the 2027 version looks pretty good to my untrained eye. It appears to include quite a few hands on activities/experiences which we really enjoy. FYI, we burn out on congested cities after a few days. Value nature and hands on vs static museums. We have done 14 Rick Steve's tours and like the format. Sarah's itinerary in a nutshell
Day One
Overnight: Hiroshima
Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! Orientation we will have our first dinner together
Day Two
Overnight: Hiroshima
Travel to Miyajima and see the beautiful floating tori gates. This afternoon there is a chance to visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Day Three
Overnight: Okayama
Shinkansen (bullet train) of the tour to Okayama. We will take a brief orientation walk to become familiar with our new neighborhood and then participate in a sashiko and denim workshop. Tonight enjoy an evening to explore Okayama and its delicious food offerings
Day 4.
Overnight: Okayama
Train and ferry to Naoshima. Naoshima is famous for its art installations and museums. Feel free to explore the island on your own, either by rental bicycle or town bus. Some museums require reservations in advance so, have a think about how you want to spend your time on this beautiful island.
Day Five
Overnight: Kyoto
Shinkansen tto Kyoto. Visit Nijo Castle – residence of the first shogun in the Edo Period – with its famous squeaking nightingale floor. Afterwards, we will explore the Kyoto International Manga Museum and take part in a manga inking workshop.
Day Six
Overnight: Kyoto
Today you will visit two of Kyoto’s highlights and UNESCO sights – the Kinkakuji Temple, better known as the Golden Pavilion and the glass-covered Nishiki Market. It’s here that you’ll find a range of Kyoto’s regional specialties like pickled vegetables hidden beneath layers of fermented rice, ornate Kyo-wagashi (Kyoto sweets), Uji green teas, as well as souvenirs, and a renowned hand-crafted knife shop. This afternoon we will participate in a kintsugi workshop. Kintsugi is a traditional Japanese art form that repairs broken pottery by mending fractures with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.
Day Seven
Overnight: Nagoya
Today we are exploring Ghibli Park. Ghibli Park is a park that represents the world of Studio Ghibli, and the five areas are spread out across the massive grounds of Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park).
Day Eight
Overnight: Tokyo
This morning travel via shinkansen to Tokyo, then start off your capital city experience with a visit to Senso-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Nearby you will discover a great shopping street where you can find a quirky Japanese souvenir or sample some traditional snacks. Learn about the Japanese art of calligraphy in a group workshop and practice how to up your writing skills. Tonight join your group again for our farewell dinner.
Day Nine
Tour is over after breakfast
So, my question for those that have traveled Japan, the itinerary is only 7 days at its core. If we did this tour, we would want to add minimum 4 days to the front or back. Any suggestions for add on to this itinerary either front Hiroshima or back Tokyo would be greatly appreciated!