Ultimate 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.

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 3-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 is yours to explore Kyoto and the surrounding towns!

Ask your local guide for tips and recommendations on what to do for a day exploring Kyoto independently.





Accommodation

Hotel Vista Premio Kawaramachi – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Today we will leave Kyoto and travel by train, cable car, and local bus (approximately 3 hours) before arriving at Mount Koya.

Home to a small mountaintop Buddhist community, Mount Koya (Koyasan) is one of Japan's most magical destinations.

Tonight, we will experience a stay like no other at a traditional Shukubo, a Buddhist Temple lodging.

Mount Koya is home to more than 100 temples and monasteries, some of which you will visit with your local guide.

The most famous and sacred landmark here is the otherworldly Okunoin Cemetery.

Follow your guide as they share stories of the cemetery and explore the location of Kobo Daishi's (the founder of Shingon Buddhism) mausoleum.

Visit the headquarters of Shingon at Kongobuji Temple and marvel at the beautiful Japanese rock gardens while you are here.

After a day exploring Mount Koya, we will enjoy an included Shojin Ryori dinner, Buddhist vegeterian cuisine!



Accommodation

Kumagaiji or similar - Ryokan

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities

Mount Koya Monastery Sightseeing

Garan Sacred Area

Okunoin Cemetery and Kobo Daish Mausoleum

Kongobuji Visit

Entrance Fees

Kongobuji – 1,000 JPY

Wake up early to catch the morning prayer service at your Shukubo lodge.

Here you will witness the sacred Goma Ritual where a priest will burn wooden sticks in a fire to destroy negative energies and thoughts while beating the taiko drums and chanting.

The ceremony is said to create a trance-like state and have a profound effect on those who witness it – so keep an open mind! Then, hop on a local bus, cable car, and train (approximately 2 hours) as we make our way to the city of Osaka.

Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Japan's second-largest metropolitan area.

Explore old backstreets, markets, and retail areas away from tourists; discover the New York-inspired neighbourhood of Shinsekai; wander through the flashy, glittering, famed district of Dotonbori; and sample famous Osaka treats like kushi-katsu and takoyaki octopus balls.





Accommodation

Miyako City Hotel or Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Morning Prayer Ceremony

Goma Fire Ceremony

Fill up on breakfast because a big day exploring Osaka awaits! This vibrant and eclectic city is the heart and soul of the Kansai region, so let us get straight into it.

First up, follow your guide to the Kuromon food market and explore some 150 shops selling culinary delights including fresh seafood, yakitori, sushi, and traditional sweets.

Next up, make your way to Osaka Castle and explore the surrounding citadels, gates, and impressive stone moats.

Continue with a stroll through Osaka's unmissable Dotombori district to check out the neon-lit canals and try some Japanese-style street food.

Spend your afternoon freely to shape your experience to your taste, there is no shortage of things to do in Osaka.





Accommodation

Miyako City Hotel or Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Kuromon Market visit

Osaka Castle visit

Dotonbori Street sightseeing

Entrance Fees

Osaka Castle – 600 JPY

Today we saw our goodbyes! Enjoy a final breakfast together before hotel check-out at 10:00.

Roam through the backstreets of Osaka one last time before farewelling your new travel mates – until next time!



Meals Included

Breakfast