Itinerary Details
Day 1: Tokyo; Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo. Upon arrival at Narita Airport, you will be met by an assistant at the arrival lobby before boarding your shared transfer to your hotel in Tokyo, The Gate Hotel Tokyo by HULIC, or similar. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Tokyo; Full Day Tokyo Highlights Tour
Take a full-day tour by public transportation with a local guide. Explore Asakusa, Tokyo's old town, and visit Sensoji Temple. Wander Nakamise shopping street, enjoy a Sumidagawa River cruise (not available on Tuesdays), and visit Hamarikyu Garden for matcha and Japanese sweets. Later, visit Meiji Shrine, then walk along Harajuku and Omotesando shopping streets. (B)
Day 3: Tokyo; Half Day Private Tsukiji Market Tour
Meet your guide and go to Tsukiji to stroll around the market. While the wholesale market has moved to its new location, the outer market remains, and you can explore both the vegetable and fruit areas plus the impressive seafood section as you wander the streets here. You will also be able to try some tasty samples as you explore. Tsukiji market is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. Tonight you will forward your big luggage to Takayama
Day 4: Hakone; Travel to Hakone and Explore Region
Take Japan’s world-famous shinkansen (bullet train) to Hakone. Using your included Hakone Free Pass, take advantage of the extensive local transport network to explore this stunning area. Ride zig-zag trains, cable cars, ropeways, and buses – then embark on a pirate ship cruise, which will sweep you across the volcanic Lake Ashi while providing views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. In the evening, enjoy your stay at Hakone Kowakien Tenyu, a traditional Japanese ryokan, complete with delicious multi-course meals, a steaming onsen (hot spring) and futons laid out on tatami mats
Day 5: Takayama; Hakone to Takayama
Take the shinkansen and express trains to Takayama, a scenic journey into the Japan Alps. On arrival, make your way to your accommodation for the following two nights, Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, or similar.
Day 6: Takayama; Day at Takayama
Explore Takayama at your leisure – best done on foot. Don’t miss the fabulous morning markets by the river, or the old town district. There is also a temple trail on the outskirts of town. All are walkable distances. Takayama sake is famous – we suggest trying some tonight.
Day 7: Kanazawa; Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa
This morning, head to the Shirakawago region. After spending time in the village, you will use your included ticket to board a highway bus bound for Kanazawa where you will check in to your accommodation for two nights, Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, or similar. (B)
Day 8: Kanazawa; Kanazawa
After exploring Kanazawa on your own, you will take part in a tea ceremony. During a private experience, you will first be introduced to the art of tea and its history and learn why the tea ceremony has become so significant in Japanese culture. Then, enter the tearoom to take part in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, that will take you right to the heart of Japanese aesthetics and tradition.
Day 9: Hiroshima;
Day 10: Hiroshima; Hiroshima and Miyajima
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the Peace Memorial Park.,The area where the park is now located was ground zero for the atomic bomb attack on the 6th of August 1945. After the bombing, the Peace Memorial Park was created and dedicated to those who lost their lives in the tragic attack. Take a walk through the park to discover its many memorials, monuments, and statues before entering the museum.,From Hiroshima, a short ferry ride will take you to Miyajima, a small sacred island located in the Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima has been a sacred place for Shintoism since the earliest times. Here you will find one of the most photographed sites in Japan – the torii gate which appears to be floating in the sea during high tide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 11: Kyoto; Hiroshima to Kyoto
In the morning, make your way by bullet train bound to Kyoto. On arrival in Kyoto, make your way to your hotel for the following three nights, Granvia Hotel Kyoto. Rest of day at leisure.
Day 12: Kyoto; Kyoto
Explore Kyoto by public transportation with your guide. First, head to the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. Thousands of bright red torii gates line the mountain trail, and walking through them is a visually stunning experience. Next, visit Sanjusangendo, the longest wooden temple structure in Japan. Inside, you will find 1001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist god of mercy. Next stop is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, you will visit Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion.,Finally, visit Kitano-Tenmangu shrine, then marvel at the surrounding entertainment district of Kamishichiken, every bit as charming as its more touristy cousin Gion, with the bonus of fewer crowds and excellent photo opportunities.
Day 13: Kyoto; Nara
Enjoy a day tour to Nara, Japan’s former capital, with a local guide. First, you will visit the beautiful Isuien Garden, a striking example of Japanese horticulture, borrowing the water from the Yoshikigawa River and the mountain backdrop of Mt. Wakakusayama to create its striking appearance. Next, wander through Nara Park, also known as the ‘deer park’ due to the more than 1,000 free-roaming deer living there. Within Nara Park is Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s biggest Buddha statue. Next stop is Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 AD and famous for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers. End your day with a stroll around Naramachi, a charming historic merchant district showcasing some exceptionally well-preserved ‘machiya’ town houses.
Day 14: Tokyo; Kyoto to Tokyo or Osaka
Depending on whether your international flight departs from one of Tokyo’s airport or from Kansai airport in Osaka, you will travel to Tokyo or Osaka for your final night. Accommodation in Tokyo is at The Gate Hotel Tokyo by HULIC, or similar. Accommodation in Osaka is at Hotel Granvia Osaka, or similar.
Day 15: Tokyo; Depart Tokyo or Osaka
Transfer to airport for your onward flight arrangements.
12 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
