Lanterns, Skylines and Sakura: Japan & Vietnam

This thirteen night journey brings together the buzz of Japan’s cities and time by the coast in central Vietnam. You move from neon streets and high speed rail to lantern lit evenings and relaxed days near the beach, with a strong balance of food, culture and downtime. Private transfers, well located hotels and key rail and flight connections are all arranged, so each stage runs smoothly while still giving you the freedom to explore on your own.

Lanterns, Skylines and Sakura: Japan & Vietnam

Tokyo

Arrive into Tokyo and step straight into one of the world’s most captivating cities. Over four nights, you’ll discover neighbourhoods that feel completely different from one another. Wander through temple grounds in Asakusa, cross the famous Shibuya junction beneath glowing billboards, browse cafés and bookshops, and dine in everything from tiny ramen counters to polished sushi bars

Tokyo works best when explored on foot and by metro, dipping in and out of districts as the mood takes you. One evening might be spent among neon lights and skyscrapers, the next strolling quieter residential streets where local life unfolds at a gentler pace. With several full days here, there is time to see beyond the highlights and really get a feel for the city.

Kyoto and Nara

Board the bullet train to Kyoto, watching Japan unfold outside your window as you travel west. In just a few hours, the atmosphere shifts from modern skyline to traditional wooden townhouses and temple lined streets.

Kyoto invites slower exploration. Walk through shrine complexes, explore traditional districts and visit centuries old temples framed by carefully tended gardens. A full day guided tour combines Kyoto with nearby Nara, where sacred deer roam freely in spacious parkland and some of Japan’s most important temples stand quietly among trees. It’s a setting that feels calmer, more reflective, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Osaka

Continue to Osaka for two nights. Known for its food culture and lively atmosphere, evenings are best spent around Dotonbori where bright lights reflect on the river and street food stalls line the streets. It’s informal, energetic and fun, offering one last taste of urban Japan before the journey continues.

Hoi An

Hoi An is smaller in scale but rich in atmosphere. During the day, divide your time between the beach and the old town, where narrow lanes are lined with mustard coloured buildings, lanterns and local shops. Markets spill onto the streets, tailors measure fabric for custom pieces, and cafés overlook the river.

In the evenings, the town glows as lanterns light up the water. It’s easy to spend unplanned hours wandering, stopping for Vietnamese coffee, fresh seafood or a quiet drink by the river. After the pace of Tokyo and Osaka, this final stretch feels warm, relaxed and easy.

Included in this Itinerary

Return flights from Dublin to Tokyo with Iberia via Madrid, flight from Osaka to Da Nang with Vietnam Airlines, return flights from Da Nang to Dublin with Malaysia Airlines, British Airways and Aer Lingus via Kuala Lumpur and London, private airport transfers throughout, 4 nights in Tokyo at Shiba Park Hotel, 2 nights in Kyoto at Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu, 2 nights in Osaka at Cross Hotel Osaka, 4 nights in Hoi An at Hoi An Beach Resort with breakfast, one way bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto and Nara full day tour. Based on 2 passengers sharing. Flights depart Dublin on 19 September 2026. Price is correct at the time of posting (27 February 2026). Offers are subject to change.

Price from €3,500 per person

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