Tokyo and the California Coast

Experience a journey that blends the stunning California coastline with the vibrant energy of Tokyo, bringing together two remarkable destinations in one unforgettable adventure.

Begin your trip in California with a self-drive journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Explore San Francisco’s iconic landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf, before heading south along the legendary Highway 1. Your first stop is Monterey, known for Cannery Row, the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, and opportunities to spot sea otters and other marine life.

Continue through the dramatic Big Sur coastline, where towering cliffs and sweeping ocean vistas offer countless spots for scenic walks and breath-taking photos.

Further along the coast, enjoy charming towns like Pismo Beach before arriving in Santa Barbara, where palm-lined streets, Spanish Revival architecture, and waterfront dining create a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.

Your California journey concludes in Los Angeles, home to iconic sights from Hollywood to Santa Monica, blending vibrant city culture with the beauty of the Pacific coast.

From here, fly to Tokyo, where modern city life coexists with historic temples, traditional neighbourhoods, and a rich cultural heritage. Explore the city at your own pace, enjoying local cuisine, bustling markets, and iconic districts. A day trip to Hakone offers a serene contrast, with views of Mount Fuji, peaceful lakes, and rejuvenating hot springs.

This itinerary combines coastal drives, cultural immersion, and world-class city exploration, giving you the freedom to experience the very best of both California and Japan while creating memories across two extraordinary regions.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our USA and Japan tours are private, tailor-made itineraries, designed entirely around you. Every aspect can be customised to suit your interests, pace, and travel style.

Your itinerary may include a mix of independent exploration and guided experiences. In Japan, this often means guided excursions in key cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Kanazawa, while in the USA it may include pre-booked tours, experiences, or scenic drives with car rental.

What are the Departure Dates?

As this is a private trip, there are no fixed departure dates. Simply let us know your preferred travel dates and we will find the most suitable flights and routing.

We can also advise on the best times to travel to both the USA and Japan, as well as periods to avoid due to weather, peak seasons, or major local events.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all major airlines flying to both destinations.

• Japan: Commonly British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Finnair (which often offers excellent fares and fast connections via Helsinki).

• USA: Typically Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Delta, and other major carriers.

We are happy to use your preferred airline and can arrange departures from any regional UK airport. There are direct flights from the UK to major hubs including Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and more.

Which Hotels do you use?

We carefully select hotels based on location, comfort, and value, while always taking your preferences into account.

• We specialise in boutique hotels, smaller luxury properties, and well-located character hotels where available.

• In Japan, boutique options are limited in major cities, and hotels tend to be functional and compact—particularly in Tokyo, where room sizes are among the smallest in the world. If room size is important, please let us know.

• In large US cities, hotels can also be smaller and more business-oriented, with higher nightly rates.

• Location is especially important in both countries. In Japan, being close to train stations can save significant time. In the USA, proximity to attractions, transport links, or parking is key.

• Hotel check-in and check-out times in Japan are often strict (check-in around 3pm, check-out 10–11am).

• Some US hotels charge resort or facility fees, which we will highlight clearly at booking.

Is Japan / the USA Expensive?

It depends, but both destinations offer excellent value when planned well.

in Japan dining ranges from inexpensive ramen and yakitori to high-end kaiseki. The Japan Rail Pass offers outstanding value. Taxis, ryokan stays, and private guides can be more costly, so we often balance guided tours with independent time.

In the USA costs vary widely by region. Car rental offers flexibility and value, especially outside major cities. There are many free or low-cost attractions, including scenic drives, national parks, and museums. Dining suits all budgets, from food trucks to fine dining.

We design itineraries to balance comfort, experience, and value in both countries.

Car Rental & Driving (USA & Japan)

• USA: Many itineraries include car rental. We advise on insurance, navigation, parking costs, and one-way rental fees where applicable. A valid UK licence is required, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

• Japan: Driving is less common for city-based itineraries as public transport is so good. 

View Itinerary in Detail

To view a sample holiday, click on one of the links below. This will open the itinerary up in a new window.

All of our Japan and USA Holidays are completely tailor made and we can put together any kind of itinerary to suit your interests and budget.

We have many other options so if you have a particular hotel in mind just let us know and we'll put together a price and itinerary for you.