Day 1
Tokyo
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan, there are varying sides of Tokyo to discover, from captivating museums to world class shopping, neighbourhood backstreets with many restaurants and bars. Tonight attend your welcome meeting at 6pm then enjoy some free time to explore the lively city.
Day 2
Tokyo/ Nikko
This morning enjoy a couple of hours to explore your surroundings, perhaps head to what is known as the Temple District in the Asakusa area. After a relaxing morning jump on the express train for an hour then onto the local train for an hour towards Nikko – enjoy the beautiful countryside views while you snack on bento boxes, green tea and beer. Upon arrival enjoy some free time.
Day 3
Nikko
Spend the day exploring this sacred city and take a visit to the Toshogu Shrine. You then have the option to hop on a bus to the Chuzanji Lake or visit the Imperial Villa. Some of the famous landmarks here include the red-lacquered Shin-kyo Bridge and the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji, definitely worth a visit.
Days 4-5
Hakone
Board a local train, followed by two bullet trains and a bus today on your way to Hakone, arriving by mid-afternoon (depending on connection times). Once you are in Hakone ride a boat across the Ashinoko Lake and take the cable car up into the mountains enjoying the breathtaking views – you may even see the wonderful Mt Fuji in the distance if the weather is clear. Tonight reside in a family run guesthouse with shared facilities and a lovely outdoor onsen. Men and women here enter separate baths and neither clothing nor swimming costumes are allowed.
Day 6
Takayama
Take the shinkansen (bullet train) today reaching speeds up to 270km/ph – you’ll arrive in 4 hours to the charming Edo period town of Takayama in the Japanese alps. First stop will be is the outdoor museum where you can discover the techniques used to build old farmhouses which would withstand the fierce winters and long periods of isolation, this has been recreated in the mountain setting for you to explore and wander round the art galleries, local markets and museums in this delightful little town.
Dinner included
Day 7
Takayama
Take a trip to the morning markets which are over 600 years old – browse through the seasonal vegetables, preserved fish, spices and delicious marshmallow treat of Owara Tamaten. Spend the rest of the day at leisure – why not visit one of the local breweries and try your hand at creating sake, the climate here is perfect for it.
Breakfast and dinner included
Days 8-9
Hiroshima
Ride the train for 5 hours to Hiroshima for a visit to the Genbaku (A-bomb) dome and peace memorial park and museum, both of these stand emotionally as testament to the fateful day in 1945 when Hiroshima was targeted as the first ever use of the atomic bomb. The dome stands metres from where the bomb was detonated and managed to retain its shape – serving as a reminder for the peace along with the memorials and monuments dedicated in memory of the victims and educating on what lead to the use of this weapon.
Enjoy free time to explore the extensive exhibitions or alternatively, head over to the enchanting island of Miyajima – at high tide this is considered as one of the most stunning spots in Japan. Here you can walk around the Monmaji Park or ride the cable car up to Mt. Misen, look out for the deer which roam the streets. Sample a local dish this evening – okonomiyaki, a type of savoury pancake made from egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood.
If you have time, visit the Chuo Park and the magnificent Hiroshima Castle dating back to the 1590’s, although destroyed by the bomb the reconstruction hosts an informative museum. After sightseeing why not relax in the serene Shukkeien gardens, winding through the bridges, tea houses and waterfalls, it’s a magical place. Baseball and soccer teams here can also be fun to see – the choices are endless.
Breakfast included on day 8
Day 10
Kyoto
You'll leave Hiroshima today and visit the incredible samurai castle at Himeji by shinkansen (an hour). Here, you'll explore the castle once home to over 10,000 samurai families. Next up is an hour train trip to Kyoto. You'll have an orientation walk on arrival, and then the rest of the day is free to explore.
Days 11-12
Kyoto
Considered the cultural heart of Japan, there's much to see in this city. First, your leader will take you to visit two impressive temples. Then, you'll have almost one and a half free days to explore Kyoto at your own pace. We highly recommend visiting the amazing Fushimi Inari shrime. wandering through the Sagano bamboo forest, or visit the old town areas.
Day 13
Departure day
Your tour ends today. Check out the hotel at 10am.
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