Japan Explorer

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. 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
  Villa Fontaine Shiodome or Metropolitan Edmont Lidabashi or Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei – 4 Star
• Included Activities
  Group Welcome Meeting

Rise and shine in the city of Tokyo! After a full breakfast, follow your tour leader to learn about the diverse history and colourful culture of Japan as we visit the Hama Rikyu Garden and Meiji Jingu (Shrine), before making the famous Shibuya/Harajuku walk in the city. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to shape your adventure to your likes. Your tour leader will be happy to recommend the best places and activities to your taste. You can catch some fresh air at the public Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum within. Or explore one of the many fascinating museums across the city including Edo-Tokyo Museum, Hokusai Museum, or Odaiba Team Labo – home to immersive, futuristic art installations.

• Accommodation
  Villa Fontaine Shiodome or Metropolitan Edmont Lidabashi or Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Inluded Activities
  Hama Rikyu Garden Sightseeing
  Meiji Jingu Sightseeing
  Shibuya & Harajuku Walk
• Entrance Fees
  Hama Rikyu Garden – 300 JPY

Make the best of this morning in Tokyo on your own terms.

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. 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
  Yutowa Hotel or similar – 4 Star
• Meals
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Hakone Sightseeing
  Boat ride on Lake Ashinoko
  Owakudani Cable Car
• 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 & SPA or Hotel & SPA Gift Takayama – 3 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. If you enjoy sake, make sure to have a taste of Takayama’s prized signature drop at a local store.

• Accommodation
  WAT Hotel & SPA or Hotel & SPA Gift Takayama – 3 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Takayama Sightseeing
• 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.

• Accommodation
  Grand Intelligent Hotel or similar – 3 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Peace Museum visit
  Peace Park & A Bomb Dome
• 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
  Grand Intelligent Hotel or similar – 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 2 hours before arriving at Kyoto, once Japan’s capital. 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 arrival you will visit Nijo Castle, one of Kyoto’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns during Japan’s Edo Period. There you will visit the 3,300-square-meter Ninomaru Palace built entirely of Hinoki cypress and lavishly decorated with gold leave and wood carvings.
The palace is surrounded by extensive gardens where you can stroll around and enjoy seasonal flowers.
After checking into the hotel, enjoy free time to explore Kyoto at your own pace.

• Accommodation
  Hotel Vista Premio Kawaramachi – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Nijo Castle Visit

Enjoy a full day to explore the cultural hub of Japan as we roam the city by public bus! Your tour guide will lead you to three or four of the best locations to visit depending on the season (shrines, temples, local markets or museums), so listen carefully as they explain the significance and history of these fascinating sites. Learn about the best spots to visit around town and enjoy the afternoon freely to continue your discovery of charming Kyoto with your bus pass valid for the day.

• Accommodation
  Hotel Vista Premio Kawaramachi – 4 Star
• Meals Included
  Breakfast
• Included Activities
  Kyoto Sightseeing (1-day public bus pass)
• Entrance Fees
  Kiyomizu-dera – 400 JPY
  Imperial Palace – Free
  Nanzenji Temple – Free
  Shosei Strolling Garden – 500 JPY
  Nishiki-Koji Market – Free
  Gion Corner cultural centre – 3,150 JPY
  Ryoanji Zen Garden – 500 JPY
  Tenryuji Temple – 600 JPY
  National Museum – 500 JPY

Today we saw 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