Essential Japan

Essential Japan Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart UK

  Fly to Narita airport in Tokyo from a choice of UK airports with selected airlines.

• Day 2: Tokyo

  Welcome to Tokyo. This invigorating city is the world’s most populous metropolis, where the bright lights of modern life and traditional temples co-exist harmoniously. Enjoy a delightful welcome reception and dinner your hotel, your Special Stay for the next three nights.. Dinner Included

• Day 3: Tokyo

  Visit the Asakusa district, paying your respects at Sensoji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple.

• Freechoice:

  Visit the Imperial Shinto Meiji Shrine, walk across the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and see the famous Hachiko dog statue.Alternatively, visit Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens before exploring the lively Shinjuku entertainment district, or sample local snacks while strolling through the Yanaka District.Revel in the atmosphere of the ancient preservation districts or visit the Silver Pavilion and then stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk, especially beautiful during blossom season.Later marvel at the architecture of Nijo Castle, a classic reminder of the fascinating Edo-period shogunate’s power, before letting yourself loose in the Nishiki Shijo Shopping District during your free afternoon.

• Sundowners

  Take in the bright lights of Tokyo during your evening dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay on a yakatabune, an old fashioned houseboat. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner Included

• Day 4: Tokyo

  Start your day walking through the peaceful Hama-Rikyu Gardens before visiting the National Sumo Stadium and Museum in the Ryogoku District.

• Enrich

  Given by Taiko Masters, partake in an interactive, private group demonstration and lesson playing the Taiko drums.Walk off your lunch in the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, part of the inner palace area and the former site of Edo Castle’s innermost circles of defence.Immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine with the help of a local chef, as you prepare your own sushi lunch.Venture into the countryside on your drive to Hakone and study the art works and sculptures at the Hakone Open Air Museum. Enjoy a Special Stay at your hotel overlooking Lake Ashinoko. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner IncludedPartake in a Japanese tea ceremony whilst dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono, a great photo opportunitySettle into your four night stay in Kyoto. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner IncludedAfter strolling through the Gion District, tonight’s dinner will allow you to interact with a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, who’ll host your meal presentation. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about what is involved in becoming a Geisha and the art of Japanese hospitality. Breakfast Included. Dinner IncludedExperience an emotional visit to the Peace Park and Museum before visiting Orizuru Tower to create your own special origami donation.Enjoy two restful nights in Hiroshima. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included

• Freechoice Dining:

  Choose contemporary Asian at China Blue. Alternatively, join your Tour Director and immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese evening Izakaya bar scene serving Yakatori and Kushiyaki. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner IncludedChoose from Japanese or French menus at the hotel restaurant. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner IncludedChoose between Le Midi, a French-Italian-inspired bistro in town famed for its Hida Beef, or Sakanaya, a fine Japanese restaurant set in a renovated former sake brewery. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner IncludedChoose between Japanese cuisine at Shinensen Heihachi, or international cuisine at the historic Fortune Garden. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner Included

• Day 5: Tokyo > Hakone

  Wander through the Tsukiji outer Fish Market to see the morning’s catch being distributed by the wholesale and retail shops.

• Day 6: Hakone > Five Lakes

  Walk around the hot springs at the summit of the Owakudani geothermal area and admire the stunning scenery during your cable car ride down to your Lake Ashinoko cruise with Mt Fuji as a backdrop. Later, discover the craftsmanship involved in creating kimonos at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. Soak in the views of Mt Fuji from your lovely hotel.

• Day 7: Five Lakes > Takayama

  En route to Takayama learn how wasabi is made at the Daio Wasabi Farm. Stop at the Hida Folk Village to partake in Sarubobo mascot-making. Enjoy a two night stay at your resort with amazing views over Takayama. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included

• Day 8: Takayama

  Discover the historical farmhouses of the mountain villages in Shirakawa-go, now a World Heritage-listed Site. Back in Takayama, enjoy a sake tasting and visit to a sake museum, then view the impressive Yatai festival floats before exploring the shops and backstreets of Takayama’s old quarter.

• Day 9: Takayama > Nagoya

  Wander the Miyagawa morning markets before travelling by Express Train to Nagoya and exploring the rebuilt Nagoya Castle. Overlook the flood-lit Nagoya Castle and enjoy your Teppanyaki feast at your overnight Special Stay. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner Included

• Day 10: Nagoya > Kyoto

  Travel by Shinkansen train to the culturally rich city of Kyoto, home to many World Heritage-listed Sites

• Day 11: Kyoto

  Begin with a visit to the Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion before wandering through the classical Zen Garden at Ryoanji Temple. Then wander through the surreal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before an afternoon at leisure.

• Day 12: Kyoto

• Day 13: Kyoto > Nara

  Enjoy an excursion to Nara to visit Todaiji Temple and Nara Park. Stop at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, featured in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.Ryokan Upgrade - Choose to stay in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn with futon beds and private facilities including dinner and breakfast. Must be pre-booked before departure. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner Included

• Day 14: Kyoto > Hiroshima

  Board your Shinkansen train to Hiroshima.

• Day 15: Hiroshima > Miyajima Island

  Sail by ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the Daisho-in Temple and the floating sixth century Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine. On return to the mainland visit the Mazda car factory and see the robots at work on the cars on the production line. Tonight, sample Okonomiyaki, a delicious savoury Japanese-style pancake and specialty of the region. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner Included

• Day 16: Hiroshima > Himeji > Osaka

  Travel by Shinkansen to marvel at Himeji Castle, an original and Japan’s most spectacular castle before continuing to Osaka. Enjoy a two night Special Stay. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included

• Day 17: Osaka

  Located outside of Osaka is the timeless village of Tondabayashi Jinaimachi. Visit a traditional house and wander around this splendid historical time capsule, with houses and buildings that date back to the Edo period. Back in Osaka, marvel at the size of the city from Sky Garden before seeing how beer is produced at the Asahi factory. Tonight relive your experiences at your farewell dinner. Breakfast Included. Lunch Included. Dinner Included

• Day 18: Osaka > UK

  Bid a fond farewell to this corner of Southeast Asia. Transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home. Breakfast Included

• Day 19: Arrive UK

  Welcome home.