Day 1
Tokyo
Upon arrival in Tokyo, you’ll be met at the airport for a transfer into the city centre, allowing you to check in to your hotel with time to relax or explore as you wish.
Overnight: Standard - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku | Superior - Park Hotel Tokyo | Deluxe - Mandarin Oriental or similar, Room Only basis.
Day 2
Tokyo
Meet with a guide this morning at the hotel to embark on a journey to Meiji Jingu, Tokyo's most renowned Shinto shrine brimming with historical significance and spiritual resonance. Traverse the awe-inspiring torii gates guiding you into the shrine's inner forest, enveloped by a sanctuary of over 100,000 trees.
Later you'll visit neighboring districts of Harajuku and Omotesando, vibrant enclaves offering a distinctive and diverse cultural tapestry. Harajuku, celebrated for its eccentric street fashion, boasts a myriad of avant-garde boutiques and establishments catering to various subcultures. Conversely, Omotesando, often likened to Tokyo's "Champs-Élysées," exudes an air of refinement and sophistication with its upscale ambiance.
Following lunch, utilize public transportation to arrive at the enchanting Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, an exemplar of traditional Japanese garden design.
Conclude the day's itinerary in Asakusa, a picturesque district resonating with nostalgic charm and home to Japan's oldest Buddhist temple. The lively Nakamise Street leading to the temple teems with activity, offering a bustling market brimming with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and artisanal crafts.
*Please note the order of this itinerary may change depending on the location of your hotel
Overnight: Standard - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku | Superior - Park Hotel Tokyo | Deluxe - Mandarin Oriental or similar, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 3
Tokyo
Today is free for you to enjoy as you like – why not discover some of the wonderful museums and art galleries, or visit the bustling electronics district of Akihabara?
There’s also an optional day trip to Kamakura on offer, a gorgeous seaside town home to fascinating shrines and temples, plus the 13m tall bronze Daibutsu Buddha. You may choose to enjoy a cycling tour of the city, or even a street food tour.
Overnight: Standard - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku | Superior - Park Hotel Tokyo | Deluxe - Mandarin Oriental or similar, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 4
Nagano
Another self-guided day begins with a ride on board the famous (bullet train) to travel to Nagano, the principal city nestled in the Japanese Alps, known for its stature and natural splendor. This city is home to Zenkoji Temple, a venerable spiritual site that has drawn pilgrims for over 1400 years, making it one of Japan's most frequented temples.
We suggest visiting Matsumoto, a quaint castle town embraced by verdant rice fields, vineyards, and the majestic Japan Alps. Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of only a dozen original castles still standing in Japan. Renowned for its striking black facade, crimson arch bridge, and panoramic backdrop of the Japanese Alps, it offers a captivating glimpse into the nation's feudal history.
This evening's lodging entails a stay at a Shukubo, a temple accommodation nestled within the Zenkoji precinct. Indulge in the serenity of this tranquil setting, where you'll be treated to a traditional vegetarian Buddhist dinner.
Overnight: Standard - Zenkoji Fuchinobo Nagano | Superior - Zenkoji Fuchinobo Nagano | Deluxe - Zenkoji Fuchinobo Nagano or similar, Half Board basis (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 5
Kanazawa
Commence the day bright and early by joining the local guide for the Oasaji, the morning memorial service held at the Main Hall of Zenkoji Temple. Witness the unveiling of the curtain that veils the most sacred object within the temple, the Amida Statue. Following the prayers, embark on a journey through the underground passage in search of "the key of paradise," a revered artifact believed to bestow salvation upon those who touch it.
Return to the temple lodging for a nourishing Buddhist vegetarian breakfast before checking out and boarding the train to Kanazawa. This castle town flourished as a hub for culture and the arts during the 17th century.
The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure.
Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Kanazawa | Superior - Sainoniwa Kanazawa | Deluxe - Sanraku Kanazawa or similar, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 6
Shirakawago
In the morning, take a bus to Shirakawago, a fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s renowned for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Meaning ‘constructed like hands in a prayer’, these farmhouses have steep thatched roofs that are designed to withstand lots of snow. Whilst many of these are private homes, some are open to the public – including Wada House which was left behind by the Wada Family, once the richest family in Ogimachi.
In the afternoon return to Kanazawa for some free time.
Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Kanazawa | Superior - Sainoniwa Kanazawa | Deluxe - Sanraku Kanazawa or similar, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 7
Kanazawa
Leaving at 9:30am, you will be guided to a meticulously preserved quarter where samurai and their families once resided, offering a captivating glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
Next, visit a restored samurai residence, showcasing the finer nuances of samurai domestic life, including traditional gardens and tea ceremony rooms. Nearby lies several historically significant sites integral to samurai society, including soldier residences, local establishments, and stables.
Following this enlightening odyssey through the annals of samurai history, bid farewell to the guide and continue exploring the city at your leisure.
Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Kanazawa | Superior - Sainoniwa Kanazawa | Deluxe - Sanraku Kanazawa or similar (Bed & Breakfast basis).
Day 8
Miyajima
The morning offers free time until your departure for Miyajima, a serene island nestled in the Seto Inland Sea. Following the extended train journey, it's time to settle into the ryokan, a quintessential Japanese inn, and unwind by immersing yourself in the soothing waters of the natural hot spring.
Overnight: Standard - Miyajima Seaside Hotel | Superior - Iwaso | Deluxe - Istukushima Iroha or similar, Half Board basis (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 9
Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Spend the day exploring Miyajima Island, marvelling at the striking scene of mountains, ocean and the famous ‘floating’ Torii gate.
Discover the Itsukushima Shrine – a gorgeous example of 12th century Shinto architecture, before wandering through Daisho-in, the most loved Buddhist temple on the island. Be sure to walk along the stairs to see the row of spinning sutras – anyone who spins these is said to be blessed.
Later head to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
Overnight: Standard - Miyajima Seaside Hotel | Superior - Iwaso | Deluxe - Istukushima Iroha or similar, Half Board basis (breakfast and dinner included).
Day 10
Kyoto
Today you will journey to Kyoto, the reigning cultural capital of Japan. There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore, but today you will enjoy a half-day trip of the city, starting with a visit to a machiya – a traditional wooden townhouse. Next up, you’ll try on a kimono so that you’re properly dressed for your traditional tea ceremony.
After your last sip of tea, you’ll be given an introductory course in origami – the intricate Japanese art of paper folding – with a local artist.
Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Premio Nagomi-Tei | Superior - Noku | Deluxe - The Mitsui or similar, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 11
Kyoto
Today begins with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vivid orange torii gates and its dedication to the goddess of rice. Next, take a train to Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1001 golden Buddhist statues inside the world’s longest wooden building.
Before lunch, explore Nishiki Market, a lively street packed with traditional foods, local specialties, and crafts. In the afternoon, tour Nijo Castle, built for the shogun in the 1600s, before ending the day at Nanzenji Temple, a peaceful Zen sanctuary nestled in nature.
The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Premio Nagomi-Tei | Superior - Noku | Deluxe - The Mitsui or similar, Half Board basis (breakfast and lunch included).
Day 12
Kyoto
Today is free for you to explore the city as you wish. We’d recommend taking a 45-minute train journey to Nara, a small town that’s home to Nara Park – famous for its tame deer - as well as Todaiji Temple, which is home to Japan’s largest Buddha.
Overnight: Standard - Hotel Vista Premio Nagomi-Tei | Superior - Noku | Deluxe - The Mitsui or similar, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 13
Osaka
The final stop of your adventure is Osaka – every foodie’s idea of heaven. The day is free for you to explore Japan’s culinary capital at your own pace. We recommend exploring Dotonbori, a vibrant street renowned for its bright neon lights and incredible food stalls that offer local Osakan delights including fugu (poisonous puffer fish). There’s even an optional food tour that sees you trying menchi katsu (a local favourite of breaded, deep-fried patty of ground meat), sake and Japanese wine, and a restaurant that specialises in wagyu beef.
Overnight: Standard - Cross Hotel | Superior - Marriott Miyakol | Deluxe - InterContinental Osaka or similar, Bed & Breakfast basis.
Day 14
Osaka
Today marks the end of your tour.
Breakfast included
