The Ultimate 15-Day London to Tokyo Route
This ambitious itinerary takes you from London through Southeast Asia to Japan, combining Europe's most connected airport with Asia's greatest hits. The route is designed for UK travellers with two weeks of annual leave plus a bank holiday weekend, hitting five countries with minimal backtracking.
The key to making this work is strategic flight routing: London to Singapore (direct, 13 hours), overland to Bangkok, then onward to Tokyo. Each stop is carefully timed to avoid jet lag while maximising your time on the ground.
Days 1-4: Singapore
Arrive refreshed on a direct flight from Heathrow. Singapore's compact size means you can see the highlights in four days without rushing. Start with the Zoo and Botanic Gardens to ease into the tropical pace, then hit Universal Studios on day two.
Days 5-8: Bangkok
A short three-hour flight puts you in Bangkok, where four days gives you time for temples, markets, street food, and a river cruise. The Chao Phraya dinner cruise is a highlight that combines sightseeing with incredible Thai cuisine.
Days 9-15: Japan
Fly Bangkok to Tokyo (six hours) and dedicate your final week to Japan. Split your time between Tokyo (three days) and a Shinkansen day trip to Osaka for Universal Studios Japan. Tokyo Tower orients you on arrival before diving into Shibuya, Asakusa, and Akihabara.
Q: How much does a 15-day London to Tokyo trip cost?
A: Budget £2,500-4,000 per person including flights, mid-range hotels, attractions, and food. Booking through HolidaySG saves significantly on attraction tickets.
Q: Do I need visas for this route as a UK citizen?
A: No visas needed. UK passport holders get visa-free entry to Singapore (90 days), Thailand (60 days), and Japan (90 days).
Q: What's the best time of year for this itinerary?
A: October to November or March to April. You'll avoid monsoon in Southeast Asia and extreme heat in all three countries.
Q: Can I do this trip in fewer days?
A: Yes, but you'd need to drop a destination. A 10-day version works well as Singapore (2 days), Bangkok (3 days), Tokyo (5 days).
Q: Should I book internal flights in advance?
A: Yes, book Singapore-Bangkok and Bangkok-Tokyo at least 6 weeks ahead. Budget airlines like Scoot and AirAsia offer the best fares on these routes.
Recommended Japan Tours and Experiences
Japan rewards travellers who plan ahead. Theme parks sell out, temple visits have seasonal windows, and day trips from Tokyo or Osaka need advance booking. These top-rated experiences cover the essentials across Kanto and Kansai.
Recommended Experiences
Here are some top-rated experiences you can book in advance to make the most of your trip: