Highlights of Japan

Day 1

Tokyo

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you’ll be met at the airport for a transfer into the city centre, check in to your hotel with time to relax or explore as you wish.

Overnight: Standard - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku | Superior - Park Hotel Tokyo | Deluxe - Mandarin Oriental

Day 2

Tokyo

Meet with the guide this morning at the hotel to embark on a journey to Meiji Jingu, Tokyo's most renowned Shinto shrine brimming with historical significance and spiritual resonance. Traverse the awe-inspiring torii gates guiding you into the shrine's inner forest, enveloped by a sanctuary of over 100,000 trees.

Later you'll visit neighboring districts of Harajuku and Omotesando, vibrant enclaves offering a distinctive and diverse cultural tapestry. Harajuku, celebrated for its eccentric street fashion, boasts a myriad of avant-garde boutiques and establishments catering to various subcultures. Conversely, Omotesando, often likened to Tokyo's "Champs-Élysées," exudes an air of refinement and sophistication with its upscale ambiance.

Following lunch, utilize public transportation to arrive at the enchanting Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, an exemplar of traditional Japanese garden design.

Conclude the day's itinerary in Asakusa, a picturesque district resonating with nostalgic charm and showcasing Tokyo's traditional heritage. Anchored by the iconic Senso-ji, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple, Asakusa captivates throngs of locals and tourists alike, beckoning with its spiritual allure and cultural riches. The lively Nakamise Street leading to the temple teems with activity, offering a bustling market brimming with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and artisanal crafts.

*Please note the order of this itinerary may change depending on the location of your hotel

Breakfast included

Overnight: Standard - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku | Superior - Park Hotel Tokyo | Deluxe - Mandarin Oriental

Day 3

Tokyo

Today is free for you to enjoy as you like – why not discover some of the wonderful museums and art galleries, or visit the bustling electronics district of Akihabara?

There’s also an optional day trip to Kamakura on offer, a gorgeous seaside town home to fascinating shrines and temples, plus the 13m tall bronze Daibutsu Buddha. Or you could enjoy a cycling tour of the city, or even a street food tour.

Breakfast included

Overnight: Standard - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku | Superior - Park Hotel Tokyo | Deluxe - Mandarin Oriental

Day 4

Nagano

Another self-guided day begining with a ride on board the famous (bullet train) to travel to Nagano, the principal city nestled in the Japanese Alps, renowned for its stature and natural splendor. This city is renowned as the residence of Zenkoji Temple, a venerable spiritual site that has drawn pilgrims for over 1400 years, making it one of Japan's most frequented temples.

We suggest visitng Matsumoto, a quaint castle town embraced by verdant rice fields, vineyards, and the majestic Japan Alps. Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of only a dozen original castles still standing in Japan. Renowned for its striking black facade, crimson arch bridge, and panoramic backdrop of the Japanese Alps, it offers a captivating glimpse into the nation's feudal history.

This evening's lodging entails a stay at a Shukubo, a temple accommodation nestled within the Zenkoji precinct. Indulge in the serenity of this tranquil setting, where you'll be treated to a traditional vegetarian Buddhist dinner.

Breakfast and dinner included

Overnight: Standard - Zenkoji Fuchinobo Nagano | Superior - Zenkoji Fuchinobo Nagano | Deluxe - Zenkoji Fuchinobo Nagano

Day 5

Kanazawa

Commence the day bright and early by joining the local guide for the Oasaji, the morning memorial service held at the Main Hall of Zenkoji Temple. Witness the unveiling of the curtain that veils the most sacred object within the temple, revealing the Amida Statue. Following the prayers, embark on a journey through the underground passage in search of "the key of Paradise," a revered artifact believed to bestow salvation upon those who touch it.

Return to the temple lodging for a nourishing Buddhist vegetarian breakfast before checking out and boarding the train to Kanazawa. This castle town flourished as a hub for culture and the arts during the 17th century.

The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure.

Breakfast included

Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Kanazawa | Superior - Sainoniwa Kanazawa | Deluxe - Sanraku Kanazawa

Day 6

Shirakawago

In the morning you will take a bus to Shirakawago, a fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s renowned for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Meaning ‘constructed like hands in a prayer’, these farmhouses have steep thatched roofs that are designed to withstand lots of snow. Whilst many of these are private homes, some are open to the public – including Wada House which was left behind by the Wada Family who were once the richest family in Ogimachi.

In the afternoon return to Kanazawa for some free time.

Breakfast included

Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Kanazawa | Superior - Sainoniwa Kanazawa | Deluxe - Sanraku Kanazawa

Day 7

Kanazawa

Leaving at 09:30 this morning, you will be guided to a meticulously preserved quarter where samurai and their families once resided, offering a captivating glimpse into Japan's feudal past.

Next visit a restored samurai residence, showcasing the finer nuances of samurai domestic life, including traditional gardens and tea ceremony rooms. Nearby lies several historically significant sites integral to samurai society, including soldier residences, local establishments, and stables.

Following this enlightening odyssey through the annals of samurai history, bid farewell to the guide and continue exploring the city at your leisure.

Breakfast included

Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Kanazawa | Superior - Sainoniwa Kanazawa | Deluxe - Sanraku Kanazawa

Day 8

Miyajima

This morning offers free time until departure for Miyajima, a serene island nestled in the Seto Inland Sea. Following the extended train journey, it's time to settle into the ryokan, a quintessential Japanese inn, and unwind by immersing oneself in the soothing waters of the natural hot spring.

Breakfast and dinner included

Overnight: Standard - Miyajima Seaside Hotel | Superior - Iwaso | Deluxe - Istukushima Iroha

Day 9

Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

Day nine will be spent as a self-guided day exploring Miyajima Island, to marvel at the striking scene of mountains, ocean and the famous ‘floating’ Torii gate.

Discover the Itsukushima Shrine – a gorgeous example of 12th century Shinto architecture, before wandering through Daisho-in, the most loved Buddhist temple on the island. Be sure to walk along the stairs to see the row of spinning sutras – anyone who spins these are said to be blessed.

Later head to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Breakfast and Dinner included

Overnight: Standard - Miyajima Seaside Hotel | Superior - Iwaso | Deluxe - Istukushima Iroha

Day 10

Kyoto

Today you will journey to Kyoto, the reigning cultural capital of Japan. There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore, but today you will enjoy a half-day trip of the city, starting with a visit to a machiya – a traditional wooden townhouse. Next up, you’ll try on a kimono so that you’re properly dressed for your traditional tea ceremony.

After your last sip of tea, you’ll be given an introductory course in origami – the intricate Japanese art of paper folding – with a local artist.

Breakfast included.

Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Premio Nagomi-Tei | Superior - Noku | Deluxe - The Mitsui

Day 11

Kyoto

Today's tour commences with a visit to one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks: the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine. Within its lavishly adorned premises resides the goddess of rice, while thousands of vibrant orange torii gates form enchanting tunnels ascending the mountainside. Unlike any other shrine in Japan, this site offers an ideal opportunity to comprehend the deep connection between Shintoism and reverence for nature.

Board a train to Sanjusangendo, an awe-inspiring Buddhist temple often overshadowed by more popular attractions. Inside the world's longest wooden structure awaits a mesmerizing array of 1001 life-sized golden Buddhist statues, sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Before lunch visit Nishiki Market, affectionately known as "Kyoto's kitchen." This bustling covered street teems with an array of shops and stalls offering everything from traditional delicacies to tofu, fish, pickles, knives, and handicrafts, promising a sensory feast for all who wander its lively corridors.

After lunch, journey to Nijo Castle, an opulent palace constructed for the shogun in the early 1600s. Then hop aboard the subway for your final destination, Nanzenji Zen Temple. This serene sanctuary, inhabited by monks since 1291, offers a tranquil retreat amidst lush surroundings.

The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Premio Nagomi-Tei | Superior - Noku | Deluxe - The Mitsui

Day 12

Kyoto

Today is free for you to explore the city as you wish. We’d recommend taking a 45-minute train journey to Nara, a small town that’s home to Nara Park – famous for its tame deer - as well as Todaiji Temple home to Japan’s largest Buddha.

Breakfast included.

Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Premio Nagomi-Tei | Superior - Noku | Deluxe - The Mitsui

Day 13

Osaka

The final stop of our tour is Osaka – every foodie’s idea of haven. The day is free for you to explore Japan’s culinary capital at your own pace. We recommend exploring Dotonbori, a vibrant street renowned for its bright neon lights and incredible food stalls that offer local Osakan delights including fugu (poisonous puffer fish). There’s even an optional food tour that sees you trying menchi katsu (a local favourite of breaded, deep-fried patty of ground meat), sake and Japanese wine, and a restaurant that specialises in wagyu beef.

Breakfast included

Overnight: Standard - Cross Hotel | Superior - Marriott Miyakol | Deluxe - InerContinental Osaka

Day 14

Osaka

Today marks the end of your tour.

Breakfast included