Tokyo and the California Coast

This holiday combines a classic California coastal journey with time in Tokyo, bringing together two very different destinations in one varied itinerary.

Begin 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 coast.

Your first stop is Monterey, known for Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and its dramatic marine scenery. Continue along the Big Sur coastline, where towering cliffs and Pacific Ocean views make this one of America’s most memorable drives.

Further south, spend time in Santa Barbara, with its Spanish Revival architecture, palm-lined streets and relaxed waterfront atmosphere, before finishing the California section of the journey in Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles, fly to Tokyo, where modern city life sits alongside traditional neighbourhoods, temples, gardens and excellent food.

A day trip to Hakone is included, offering a scenic contrast to Tokyo with views of Mount Fuji, peaceful lakes and hot springs.

This itinerary is ideal for those looking to combine a relaxed coastal drive with time in one of Asia’s most exciting cities.

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.