Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Tokyo
'Konnichiwa' and welcome to dazzling, futuristic Tokyo, Japan's incredible capital city. One of the most culturally rich cities on earth, Tokyo is the kind of place where everyday is a new adventure, and where no two neighbourhoods are the same. Some are deeply connected to the past, all glowing lanterns and low-slung rustic buildings, whilst others only have eyes for the future.. To say Tokyo is eclectic would be a disservice to a city that prides itself on having something for everyone. Arriving today board your shuttle bus transfer from Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport. This evening meet up with your Travel Director and fellow explorers for your first taste of Japanese cuisine.
Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing
Diving in to all that Tokyo has to offer, today's sightseeing tour will kick off 243 metres above the ground as you take in panoramic views of the city from the twin towered Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory. Step inside a forested inner-city oasis with a visit to the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine, which was built to protect the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shōken. Soak in the peaceful surroundings here and make a wish on a traditional ema before heading on to Asakusa for a glimpse of Old Tokyo. Browse the craft shops along Nakamise Street, then visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple which has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in the 7th century. This afternoon and evening it's all about tailoring your trip your way. Perhaps take advantage of our optional visit to the Tokyo National Museum, where you'll be treated to collections of Japanese art, samurai swords, intricate kimonos and more, followed by a visit to two of Tokyo's premium shopping destinations, Ameyoko and Ginza. This evening, you could choose to dine local style with dinner at a traditional izakaya (Japanese pub).
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Kimono Dressing Experience
From cotton summer yukatas to silk kimonos, these pieces of wearable art are icons of Japanese style. Visit a specialist kimono hiring shop and have fun getting dressed up in traditional Japanese style with the assistance of an expert ‘kimono dresser’ who will show you the tricks to make it easy. Choose your preferred colour of kimono which will come with a matching bag and shoes. A professional stylist will dress you in the kimono and afterwards enjoy some free time to stroll through streets wearing your kimono! Strike a pose for camera carrying visitors or just simply act like a local and take a relaxing stroll through the streets. Great fun for both ladies and gentlemen. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Tokyo Illuminations and 'Izakaya' Dining Experience
As the sun sets, start the evening with a drive past the classic Tokyo Tower to see its colourful illuminations. Continue to the Roppongi Hills and a visit to Tokyo City View with its indoor and rooftop ‘Sky Deck’ observation decks for magnificent views of the city at night. Later join in for a different kind of Japanese dining experience in an izakaya, a casual Japanese pub where the food is shared by everyone at the table (similar to Spanish Tapas). The menu is seasonal and generally includes meat and vegetarian Japanese appetizers, sashimi, tempura, grilled chicken, steamed fish and miso soup followed by dessert. One glass of wine, beer or soft drink is also included. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥8,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing
You may have seen glimpses of its snowcapped peaks but today's the day you get up close and personal with the iconic Mt. Fuji, the highest volcano in Japan. Driving up to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station (weather permitting), catch your breath as you survey the scenery from 2300 metres above sea level. Take in the spectacular views of the Fuji Five Lakes area below and enjoy some free time for lunch in the shadow of Mt. Fuji's iconic peak. Not done with incredible vistas just yet, you'll then catch the Komagatake Ropeway for equally as impressive views of Lake Ashi, a crater formed lake. Driving back through Hakone, take in the incomparable mountain views and traditional buildings of this serene little city getaway before heading back to your hotel where the evening is yours to stay in, or explore the streets for one last night in Tokyo.
Day 4: Tokyo - Kyoto
Board the bullet train this morning as you speed towards the atmospheric city of Kyoto at a staggering 320 kilometres per hour. Known for geishas, gorgeous temples and traditional teahouses, Kyoto will undoubtedly charm you in an instant, then continue to impress on your sightseeing tour this afternoon. Starting off at the iconic Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, gaze in wonder at this gold leaf covered beauty that shines like a beacon above its reflecting pond. Heading on to the visually stunning Heian-jingu shrine, discover the history of this Shinto masterpiece and visit the 25 metre high torii gate that is as equally, if not more beautiful than the shine itself. From here it will be on to a traditional handicraft centre to browse the Japanese crafts, before finally arriving at your hotel. Undoubtedly hungry from an action-packed day, dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Kyoto Free Day
Waking up this morning, a day to explore your way is upon you, and beautiful Kyoto is a prospect that will surely fill you with excitement. Perhaps start your day surrounded by lush greenery at the Ginkaku-ji shrine, or head over to the Gion district in the hopes of catching a glimpse of a geisha. Think of yourself as something of a foodie? You're in the right place. Kyoto is a huge culinary destination where you can enjoy fresh sushi, steaming bowls of ramen or creamy matcha ice cream to your hearts content, most likely at the Nishiki Market. This morning we imagine that you'll find our optional visit to Nara hard to resist. Known as a place that specialises in the art of bokusho (ink making), you'll watch talented artisans create these beautiful masterpieces and even have a go yourself before heading on to Todaji Temple and Nara Park, an area taken over by hundreds of cute, free roaming deer. Keen to see a Kyoto icon? You could join our optional trip to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Instantly recognisable for its tunnel of thousands of orange vermilion torii gates stretching upwards though a thickly wooded mountain towards the shrine.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Fushimi Inari Shrine and Sake Tasting Experience
Leave the hotel by coach to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its tunnel of thousands of bright orange torii gates guiding the path through the sacred site and up into the mountains. Continue to the Gekkeikan Okura Museum to learn about the history of sake and the process of making it followed by a sake tasting. The family run sake brewery, which is next door to the museum, was founded in 1637 by Jiemen Okura and has been passed down through 14 generations to the current President of Gekkeikan, Haruhiko Okura. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Nara Visit and Ink Making Experience
Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan and specialises in ‘bokusho’ the art of ink-making. The ink sticks are delicately crafted by artisans and the meticulous process involves kneading soot with glue, adding fragrances and carefully moulding the mixture into the desired shape before slowly drying it into its finished form. Handcrafted ink sticks are more than just everyday utensils used by calligraphers and artists – their inspired quality and shapes also make them works of art. Observe the artisans at work and have a go at making your own ink stick which you are welcome to keep as a souvenir. Later visit Todaji Temple which is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. It houses one of Japan’s largest bronze statues of Buddha at 15 metres tall. Afterwards visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer before returning to Osaka by coach. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥5,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6: Kyoto - Kurashiki - Hiroshima
Leaving Kyoto behind your first stop today will be Kurashiki, where you'll meet up with a Local Specialist for a tour of the historic Bikan Quarter. All black and white warehouses converted into contemporary museums, old wooden houses and weaving laneways, this area does exudes timeless elegance. Learn about the trading history of the district before heading on to Hiroshima, a place that needs little introduction and a city where peace and hope resound. Destroyed beyond recognition on the 6th August 1945 by the world's first atomic bomb attack, Hiroshima respectfully remembers its catastrophic past whilst looking to the future with optimism. It's a thriving cosmopolitan city with a lot to offer, not least its delectable cuisine, a taste of which you'll get to enjoy tonight as you tuck in to okonomiyaki, a type of Japanese savoury pancake and a Hiroshima speciality.
Day 7: Hiroshima Sightseeing
Today's Hiroshima sightseeing tour will begin with a ferry ride across the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, bound for the island of Miyajima. Considered one of Japan's most scenic spots, this is where you'll visit the 12th century Itsukushima Shrine and see the famous orange torii gate which appear to be floating above the sea. Heading back to Hiroshima it will be on to the quiet, leafy space of the Peace Memorial Park. Dotted with memorials and peaceful spaces for reflection, visit the cenotaph displaying the names of all those who lost their lives in the catastrophe before heading on to the Memorial Museum, where exhibits of ragged clothes, a melted lunchbox and a watch frozen in time at 8.15am all bring home the horror of a day that changed history forever. Your tour will end at the UNESCO listed Peace Memorial, the only building in the city to survive the bomb, then this afternoon perhaps opt to join our 'Secrets of Hiroshima' Optional Experience.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Shukei-en Garden and Orizuru Tower
Visit Shukei-en garden; an Edo style historic Japanese Garden located in the centre of Hiroshima. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take a stroll around the gardens which are beautifully laid out with paths that meander around a lake with bridges and small islands. Later, visit Orizuru Tower, named after the folded paper crane (bird) it is a symbol of peace. Ascend to the rooftop observation deck for panoramic views of Hiroshima City and on a clear day, see as far as Miyajima Island. During your visit learn about the changes of Hiroshima townscape before and after the bombing and also how to make a traditional origami crane. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥3,500.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8: Hiroshima - Himeji
Heading on from Hiroshima, this morning you'll journey on to Himeji, a city best known for its resplendent and fairy tale-esque 400-year-old castle. After some free time for lunch and exploration, this afternoon you'll then meet up with a Local Specialist to visit the UNESCO listed castle. Known as the White Heron Castle, this site is widely considered Japan's most spectacular castle and looking up at its vast size, beauty and immaculate gardens, it won't be hard to see why. Learn about its history before heading on to your hotel for an evening to explore your way if you wish.
Day 9: Himeji - Osaka
On the last full day of your trip, start as you mean to go on with a visit to a sake brewery accompanied by a Local Specialist. Made with a combination of quality rice, clean water, koji mould and yeast, sake is the drink that compliments just about anything in Japan. Learn about its history and brewing process before heading on to the final destination of your Japanese adventure, Osaka, a spirited and liberal city. With an afternoon free, explore this neon sign loving metropolis or take advantage of our Optional trip to the Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Castle. Standing at 170 metres tall, admire the views of the city from the Floating Garden Observatory before heading on to the striking castle to delve into the rich collection of paintings, samurai costumes and historical artefacts that are housed within its walls. This evening and to see out your trip in style, you can opt to join our foodie inspired trip to Namba, Osaka's dining and entertainment hub, for a final feast of local delights.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Umeda Sky Building & Osaka Castle
Visit the Umeda Sky Building which is about 170m tall and one of the most famous landmarks of Osaka. Admire the panoramic views of the city from the Floating Garden Observatory – an open air viewing platform that straddles the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. Enjoy some free time in Umeda before continuing to Osaka Castle, a striking historical landmark in the middle of the modern cityscapes which was built around 1585 by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Admire the historical artefacts, samurai costumes, colourful paintings and a model village of a 16th century castle town before returning to the hotel. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥4,000.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dinner in Dotonbori
Travel by coach to Namba; the dining and entertainment district of Osaka. At a local restaurant enjoy a dinner of traditional Osaka cuisine such as okomomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu and fried meats followed by dessert. Also included are unlimited drinks for 90 minutes with a choice of beer, sake or soft drinks. The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
Adult Price: ¥7,000.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10: Depart Osaka
Culturally satisfied, as you head for the airport and your onward flight we hope you're leaving with big smiles courtesy of Japan's faultless hospitality. Bon voyage!
***End of Tour*** | 
