Highlights of Japan

Kon’nichiwa and welcome to the capital of Japan – Tokyo! Meet your group and tour leader for an informal welcome meeting in the hotel lobby at 6.30pm, before going out for an optional group dinner. With a population of above 10 million people, Tokyo offers endless choices when it comes to shopping, green spaces, entertainment, historical sites, culture, and dining!

• Accommodation
  Sunroute Asakusa Hotel – 3 Star
• Included Activities
  Group Welcome Meeting

Make the best of this morning in Tokyo on your own terms, or you can join an optional ‘Kitchen Tour’ to the world-famous Tsukiji fish market to sample some of Japan’s iconic and tasty seafood and sashimi. This tour will follow a local guide through Tsukiji’s outer markets, brimming with food stalls and retail shops. With over 2,500 tons and 450 types of fish coming through the wholesale market each day, your guide will provide plenty of information about the operations and importance of this world-famous fish market and the legendary tuna auctions. Next up, visit a nearby sake shop to sample Japan’s beloved beverage of choice!

We will farewell Tokyo for the breath-taking Hakone region at noon. Grab a seat for the two-hour train journey as we head towards the mountainous town known for its hot springs (onsen) resorts and views of Mount Fuji. On arrival in Hakone, follow your guide on a walking tour and take a scenic boat tour along Lake Ashinoko while you snap some picture-perfect shots of Mount Fuji. Explore the Hakone Shrine along the shore of Lake Ashinoko and visit the Tokaido Checkpoint to learn about its significance. Alternatively, you have the option to view the unique installations at Hakone Open Air Museum. Finish up the day with an included 30-minute gondola ride on the Owakudani Cable Car for views of the active sulfuric hot springs, Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji from above!

• Accommodation
  Ichinoyu Shinkan – Ryokan
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Hakone Sightseeing
  Boat ride on Lake Ashinoko
  Owakudani Cable Car
• Optional Activities
  Tokyo’s Kitchen Tour – 8,000 JPY
• Entrance Fees
  Tokaido Checkpoint – 500 JPY
  Hakone Shrine – Free

Kick-start the day with a scenic mountain train ride and hop on an express/bullet train that reaches speeds of 270 kilometers per hour as we make our way to Takayama! The journey will take approximately 5 hours and includes travel by local train and Shinkansen Bullet Train. Takayama is a charming city hidden in the mountainous region of Hida and made famous for its authentic Japanese touch and preserved old towns. This afternoon hop on a local bus for the Hida Folk Village and tag along your expert local guide to get a glimpse of a beautifully preserved sample of the Japanese culture, strolling along traditional thatched-roof homes built during the Edo Period of 1603-1967! Learn about the traditional Japanese way of life, crafts, and culture of these olden times. Tonight, put your feet up at the 4-star Wat Hotel and make the most of the beautiful onsen and spas.

• Accommodation
  WAT Hotel – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Hida Folk Village Tour

After an included breakfast at the hotel, explore Takayama’s morning market with your tour leader as we embark on our walking tour. This traditional market was established over 600 years ago and is a great way to interact with locals and tourists alike as your browse the crafts, flowers, and fresh produce for sale. Continue strolling the town with visits to the Merchant House and Takayama Jinja Building. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the quaint town of Takayama, go on a nature walk, or hop on the optional day trip to Shirakawago with your guide at noon. If you enjoy sake, make sure to have a taste of Takayama’s prized signature drop at a local store.

• Accommodation
  WAT Hotel – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Takayama Sightseeing
• Optional Activities
  Shirakawago Day trip – 9,000 JPY
• Entrance Fees
  Morning Market – Free
  Merchant House – 700 JPY
  Takayama Jinya Building – 430 JPY

Travel by express train and Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima (approximately 5 hours). Hiroshima is well known for the 1945 atomic bomb attack which destructed the entire city within a 2km radius. After the war, great efforts were taken to rebuild Hiroshima. The city was tastefully reconstructed in a way that still pays tribute to the suffering, with a large park built in the city centre – Peace Memorial Park. Following your guide through the park, you will visit the Peace Memorial Museum to learn of the historical war events that took place here. Then, visit the A-Bomb Dome, one of few buildings that remained standing following the attack. Explore the somber UNESCO World Heritage Site and listen carefully as your guide shares stories of Hiroshima’s unique past. This evening, you can explore Hiroshima on your own, or join an optional Cooking Class & Dinner and learn to make a signature Japanese dish, the Okonomiyaki or savoury pancake!

• Accommodation
  ARK Hotel Hiroshimaeki Minami – 3 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Peace Museum visit
  Peace Park & A Bomb Dome
• Optional Activities
  Okonomiyaki (Savoury Pancake) Cooking Class & Dinner – 5,000 JPY
• Entrance Fees
  Peace Museum – 200 JPY

Known as the ‘romantic shrine Island’ just 1 hour outside of Hiroshima, Miyajima Island makes for the perfect day trip and is home to some of Japan’s best views. Visit the island with your local guide and explore the famous floating Torii Gate and Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Then, hop on the nearby cable car to the top of Mt Misen and embrace the 360-degree views of the inland sea. Enjoy some photo opportunities on the mountain top before returning to Hiroshima with free time in the late afternoon to enjoy the sites of the city. Your guide will be more than happy to offer tips and suggestions on what to see and do during your final night in Hiroshima.

• Accommodation
  ARK Hotel Hiroshimaeki Minami – 3 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Miyajima Island Ferry & Sightseeing
• Entrance Fees
  Itsukushima-jinja Shrine – 300 JPY
  Cable Car to Mt. Misen – 1,000 JPY (one way)

Travel by Shinkansen bullet train for approximately 1 hour before arriving at the spectacular Hemeji Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed castle is 400-year-old national treasure and has never been destroyed by war, earthquake, or fire. Explore the enchanting white castle with your guide before continuing to Kyoto via Shinkansen Bullet Train (approximately 1 hour). Considered the cultural and historic heart of the country, Kyoto is brimming with temples, shrines, peaceful gardens, geisha, restaurants, and shops. This traditional city is the perfect place to get lost in! After checking into the hotel, enjoy free time to explore Kyoto at your own pace.

If you are feeling adventurous in the evening, join the group for an optional Kyoto Lanes & Lanterns walking tour to wander the backstreets of Gion, visit local spots off the beaten track, sample tasty Japanese snacks and explore the wooden walls and lanterns of Yasaka Shrine.

• Accommodation
  Heianbo Ryokan
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Himeji Castle Visit
• Optional Activities
  Kyoto Lanes & Lanterns – 8,000 JPY
• Entrance Fees
  Himeji Castle – 1,000 JPY

Today we say our goodbyes! Enjoy a final breakfast together before hotel check-out at 10:00. Roam through the backstreets of Kyoto one last time before farewelling your new travel mates – until next time!

• Meals Included
  Breakfast