Journey through Japan

Overview

An enchanting mix of the traditional and modern: explore Tokyo’s bustling downtown and visit its ornate and colourful Buddhist shrines and temples; see Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Park, and then ride a speeding bullet train to Kyoto for a traditional tea ceremony.

Depart UK

UK - Tokyo

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for three nights (check in from 2pm).

Welcome to Japan's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Tokyo

Today's sightseeing tour takes you to the Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Afterwards, pass by the Imperial Palace Plaza, the State Guest House, the Akihabara district, and the famous Ginza shopping street. Your tour concludes with a visit to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening in this cosmopolitan city.

Tokyo - Nikko - Tokyo

Journey north to Nikko for a visit to Toshogu Shrine and its famous Yomeimon Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, continue on to the scenic Iroha-zaka Driveway, which reaches elevations of 3,940 feet (1200 metres), to visit Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon Waterfall. Later, return to Tokyo.

Tokyo - Matsumoto - Nagano - Toyama

This morning, travel to Matsumoto where you will see Matsumoto Castle and the MATSUMOTO City Museum. Later, visit Nagano and the Zenkoji Temple. Founded 1,400 years ago, the temple houses what is said to be the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. Arrive in Toyama this evening.

Toyama - Shirakawa - Takayama - Nagoya

Continue through Japan's beautiful mountain scenery to one of the country's most remote regions, Shirakawa. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the unique Gassho- Zukuri (joined hands) thatched houses can only be found here. This afternoon, journey through the Japanese Alps to the secluded town of Takayama, where old traditions are untouched by the passage of time. Visit the Kusakabe Heritage House for a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture of the late 19th century before heading to Nagoya.

Nagoya - Toba - Osaka

Begin today with a trip to Toba and visit Mikimoto Pearl Island to learn about the pearl cultivation process. Later, enjoy a visit to the most important shrine of the Shinto "church," ISE Grande Shrine. This afternoon, continue to Osaka, Japan's second largest city, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Osaka - Matsue

Journey to the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan. After a brief visit, continue to Adachi Museum of Art to view Japanese-style gardens and view paintings by one of the greatest Japanese painters, Yokoyama Taikan. Later, visit Matsue to see Matsue Castle and Buke Yashiki, a former samurai residence.

Matsue - Hiroshima

En route to Hiroshima, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine and its famous Floating Torii Gate. From here, continue to Hiroshima. This city bears significant historic importance, for it was here that the world's first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Your tour features the Peace Memorial Park to see the Peace Memorial, commonly referred to as the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been preserved just as it was on August 6, 1945, immediately after the bombing. Also, visit the Shukkeien Garden, which dates back to 1620.

Hiroshima - Kyoto by Bullet Train

Your fascinating journey to Kyoto, aboard one of Japan's famous Bullet Trains, is sure to be a highlight of your tour. Kyoto is one of the most fascinating cities in Japan and the remainder of your day is free to explore. This evening, you may choose to stay (additional expense) in a traditional Japanese Ryokan.

Kyoto

Enjoy a tour of Kyoto, visiting many of the city's temples, shrines, palaces, and pagodas. A highlight of the day is a visit to the extraordinary Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the official residence of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. You will also visit the Temple of The Gold Pavilion and the Heian Shrine and Garden. During the day, there will also be a chance to participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Kyoto - Hakone National Park - Tokyo

Drive to the Mount Fuji area for a leisurely Cruise on Lake Ashi and an aerial Cable Car Ride (weather permitting) over the beautiful Owakudani Valley. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, before continuing on to your Tokyo airport hotel.

Tokyo - UK

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.