HIGHLIGHTS
- A 3 night Tokyo stay to cover the major highlights; Asakusa Sensoji Kanon Temple, Wander Nakamise Street, a Sumo Wrestling viewing, Team Lab Planets - a digital art wonderland,
the trendy neighbourhoods of Harajuku and Omotesando, a sushi making class, the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
- See the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest and most revered mountain.
- Cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko - enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Fuji
- Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure and one of Japan's most stunning historic landmarks.
- Enjoy the charm of Takayama
- A two night stay Kanazawa
- The majestic Kanazawa Castle
- Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most celebrated gardens.
- Explore Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District, a traditional geisha district
- Experience a traditional Tea Ceremony
- Bullet train Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Bullet train Hiroshima to Kyoto
- Hiroshima for reflections
- Venture to the enchanting Miyajima Island by ferry.
- Enjoy all the charm of Kyoto with a 3 night stay;
Experience the natural beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, visit splendid Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, the charming Gion area
- The historic city of Nara – explore the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple
- Visit the Deer Park, Nara
- Visit the magnificent Osaka Castle
- Explore Osaka’s Dotonbori vibrant neighbourhood
- Some group lunches and dinners included along the way and time for your on local food discoveries
DAY 1
Arrive Tokyo
Arrive to Tokyo at your leisure. The day is at your leisure.
Meals: n/a
FREE TIME EXTRA
If you have opted to arrive a day early you can join an optional afternoon tour.
Visit Asakusa Sensoji Kanon Temple, a serene and ancient temple. Meander through Nakamise Street, a bustling marketplace brimming with vibrant stalls selling all sorts of trinkets and souvenirs.
DAY 2
Explore Tokyo’s Timeless Charm
Get ready for an exciting day ahead. After breakfast, we kick-start our adventure in Tokyo with a day out that promises to be memorable.
A sushi making experience which also serves as our lunch. After, we stop at the iconic Shibuya Crossing, to witness and walk one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world with some free time in Shibuya. By the end of the day we are back to our hotel. There's time to refresh before we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Sushi), Dinner
DAY 3
Modern Tokyo
Today, some of Tokyo's most unique and vibrant spots, promising a day filled with immersive experiences and urban delights.
First up - Team Lab Planets. Get ready to be mesmerised by a digital art wonderland that's sure to ignite your imagination. This interactive art exhibition will take you on a journey of colours, lights, and creativity – a very unique experience not to be missed!
Then, a sumo wrestling viewing; the Japanese style of wrestling and a national sport and a sumo lunch together. After lunch, explore the trendy neighbourhood of Harajuku and Omotesando on foot. It’s at your own pace with time set aside to explore at your own pace. Harajuku is a vibrant hub of youth culture and fashion, known for its quirky street style and trendy boutiques. Omotesando, on the other hand, offers a more upscale shopping experience, with luxury brands and stylish architecture lining the tree-lined avenue. It's a fantastic contrast to the youthful energy of Harajuku. By the end of the day we return to our hotel with the evening at leisure to make your own local discoveries.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4
Tokyo - Mount Fuji - Matsumoto
We set off early from our Tokyo hotel, ready for an easy paced morning as we set off towards awe-inspiring Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest and most revered mountain. The journey itself offers glimpses of the picturesque countryside.
Visits and attractions today include; a relaxing cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko - unwind and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Mount Fuji reflected on the serene waters. We taken in the sight of Mt Fuji (weather permitting) with the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway (cable car) experience, to take in sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscapes. We farewell the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji and make our way to the charming city of Matsumoto. As the day draws to a close, we check into our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
Matsumoto (Nagano)
From Matsumoto we drive to the city of Nagano. It’s the gateway city to the Japanese Alps and a special visit during ‘Sakura’ or the change of season to Autumn colours. It’s here we visit one of Japan’s most iconic temples, Zenkoji Temple. There is some time to wander the local area near to the temple.
We will be back to Matsumoto in the afternoon and we visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure and one of Japan's most stunning historic landmarks. Late in the afternoon we are back at our hotel and there’s the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
Matsumoto - Takayama
After breakfast, journey to the captivating town of Takayama. The road to our destination promises to be scenic, with breathtaking views of the countryside. Arrival to Takayama is well timed for a lunch break in the city. In the afternoon, delve into the heart of Takayama's charm. Enjoy Takayama’s Old Town, a place that oozes nostalgia with its beautifully preserved traditional buildings and streets. As you walk through the alleys, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Later in the afternoon check into our hotel for our overnight stay. This evening is a wonderful opportunity to walk back to the old town and the surrounding error for some local casual dining.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
Takayama - Kanazawa
Our day begins with a morning departure from the charming Takayama, setting our course for the enchanting city of Kanazawa. We visit Ogimachi Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled amidst the captivating mountains of Gifu. Here, traditional thatched-roof houses known as "gassho-zukuri" stand as living testaments to Japan's rural heritage. Stroll through this idyllic village, where time appears to have stood still. Also visit Gokayama, another treasure trove of ancient traditions and visit Ainokura Village, where the thatched-roof houses of Gassho-style architecture create a picturesque setting that feels like stepping into a fairytale.
Lunchtime is yours to savour at your leisure, offering the freedom to explore local culinary delights.
Our final destination for the next two nights is Kanazawa, a city renowned for its refined arts and rich cultural heritage. Tonight, we walk to our restaurant for dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
Kanazawa
Unveil Kanazawa, a city steeped in history and sophistication. We unveil the exquisite Kenrokuen Garden, often acclaimed as one of Japan's most breathtaking gardens and visit Kanazawa Castle (ruins) that is a landmark of the city.
Lunchtime beckons, and we take lunch break then continue on with time to wander through the Higashi Chaya District. This well-preserved geisha district offers a glimpse into Japan's traditional culture, where wooden teahouses exude an old-world charm that transports you to a bygone era.
HIGHLIGHT
Our day culminates with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an art form that embodies grace and ritual. Sip on fragrant matcha tea, and let the tranquil ambiance wash over you as you partake in this age-old tradition.
After our tea ceremony we make our way back to our Kanazawa hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
SPECIAL NOTES:
Prepare your overnight bag for the following 2 nights in Hiroshima
DAY 9
Kanazawa (Limited Express & Bullet Train) – Hiroshima
Today, we continue our journey. It’s a longer day of travel, leaving Kanazawa behind for the historically significant city of Hiroshima. We journey by both the Limited Express and Shinkansen Bullet train, whisking us away from Kanazawa to Hiroshima.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the swift and comfortable trip by rail to Hiroshima for our next two nights of stay.
This afternoon, we venture to the enchanting Miyajima Island for a few hours by ferry. The island is famous for its picturesque torii gate, which appears to float on the water during high tide.
Meals: Breakfast
SPECIAL NOTES:
Before we depart, pack an overnight bag for our two nights of stay in Hiroshima.
DAY 10
Hiroshima Reflections to Kyoto
Today, a tribute to Hiroshima’s past and embracing the beauty of the present.
Our first stop is the poignant Hiroshima Peace Park and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome. These powerful landmarks stand as symbols of hope, peace, and resilience in the face of tragedy of lives affected by the atomic bomb during World War II. Next, delve deeper into Hiroshima's history with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This thought-provoking museum offers insights into the events of that fateful day in 1945.
After lunch, a bullet train to Kyoto. By the end of the day we arrive to Kyoto. We check into our hotel for our next three nights of stay. Kyoto, with its ancient temples, serene gardens, and traditional arts, promises to be a captivating destination that will transport you back in time. Tonight, we walk to our dinner venue.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
Treasures Kyoto
The day is dedicated to exploring the cultural treasures of Kyoto, a city renowned for its rich history and breath taking landscapes.
We immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. As you wander through this enchanting bamboo forest, feel the tranquillity and magic that surrounds you. An equally enchanting visit is to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers sweeping views of the city and is known for its wooden terrace that seems to float in the air.
We take lunch together and in the afternoon, we ignite our taste buds with some sake tastings. The finale of our day is Fushimi Inari Shrine. Prepare to be mesmerised by the thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind their way through the forested Mount Inari. As the day draws to a close we return to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12
Golden Kyoto
Another day of cultural wonders as we continue our exploration of Kyoto. It's a full day exploring some of Kyoto's most important highlights.
We set off first thing to beat the crowds, to visit the majestic Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This iconic Zen Buddhist temple is a sight to behold, with its shimmering gold leaf exterior. It's a picture-perfect scene that embodies the essence of Kyoto's architectural splendour. Next up visit the beautiful Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. Also enjoy a wander around the streets near to the temple.
Next, we'll venture to the charming Gion area, known for its traditional architecture and historic tea houses. Keep an eye out for geisha and maiko dressed in elegant kimonos, as this area is a hotspot for traditional entertainment and culture.
As the day draws to a close, we'll transfer you back to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13
Kyoto – Nara – Osaka
We depart Kyoto for the historic city of Nara and the vibrant metropolis of Osaka.
Arriving to Nara we begin our exploration at the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple - one of Japan's most iconic landmarks and houses a massive bronze Buddha statue and with deer that roam freely in Nara Park, creating a unique and charming atmosphere.
We visit the Deer Park. This picturesque park is home to hundreds of friendly deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods in Japanese culture. You'll have the opportunity to interact with these gentle creatures and even feed them special deer crackers.
After lunch at leisure, we depart for the bustling city of Osaka, known for its modernity and vibrant energy. Osaka is a melting pot of culture, shopping, and entertainment. Our arrival is marked with a visit to Osaka Castle Tower - this iconic structure is a symbol of the city's rich history. As the day draws to a close, we arrive to our hotel for our final two nights of stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14
Osaka
Today is dedicated to experiencing the dynamic and lively city of Osaka. The morning is at your leisure to explore Umeda then we join together for lunch. In the afternoon we visit Kuromon market; the market has about 150 shops and it dates back to the Edo Period; as your visit to Japan comes to a close it's easy way to stroll and shop for some local items to take back home, and also try street foods. We also visit Dotonbori - famous for its flashy neon lights, large billboards, and lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot in Osaka.
This evening, a farewell group dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 15
Osaka
A morning at leisure before your hotel checkout and your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
