Japan Discovery (14 Days)

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Upon arrival, our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. Free at leisure. 

Day 2: Tokyo – Sightseeing (B)

Start your day in Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town then visit to Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a centuries old shopping street. Next, take a cruise down Sumida River passing under 12 bridges before disembarking in Hamarikyu garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden. Stop for a cup of steaming matcha in a tea house on a small island in the park’s lake. Later, travel across town to Meiji Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji. Take a walk down Omotesando shopping street before return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Tokyo – Free at Leisure (B)

Delve deeper into Tokyo with a free day to explore and peel back the layers of this bustling metropolis.

Day 4: Tokyo – Hakone – Fuji (B, D)

Take a train into the majestic mountainous of Hakone National Park. The ultimate urban escape in the shadow of Mt. Fuji, take advantage of this time to slow down and enjoy some traditional Japanese pastimes in a beautiful natural setting. Next, catch the ropeway up Mt. Owakudani, soaring above fuming rivers with a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji if the weather is clear. Finally, drift across the three thousands year-old Ashinoko Lake on a grandiose replica pirate ship, before zigzagging through the mountains on the Hakone Tozan ‘switchback train.’ In the evening, treat yourself to a soak in the relaxing mineral waters of an onsen hot spring, one of Japan’s most restful cultural practices, before enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner.

Day 5: Hakone – Kyoto (B) 

Take one last soak in the onsen before taking bullet train to the ancient capital of Kyoto. Upon arrival, take in the city’s ancient splendour by making a quick trip in your free afternoon to Fushimi Inari Shrine. This shrine houses over 10,000 torii gates forming a path snaking up the mountain. Stroll through the gates as you snap some pictures of this majestic scenery.

Day 6: Kyoto (B)

Begin your day at Ginkakuji, a temple with a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. Then, take a stroll on the Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant stone passage through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, which follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Stop to visit the Yasaka Shrine then walk through Higashiyama en route to a Japanese Tea Ceremony called Cha-no-yu which has more than 400 years of history. Visit Kodaiji Temple with lavish buildings belonging to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Finally, visit Kiyomizu Temple enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto from the 13 metre high veranda jutting out from the Main Hall. Learn about the building’s fascinating history before returning to your hotel.

Day 7: Kyoto – Free at Leisure (B)

Take a free day to explore the former imperial capital of Japan on your own.

Day 8: Kyoto – Hiroshima (B)

Take the bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing, and remains until now. Then, get a bird’s eye view of the Peace Park from the new Orizuru Tower. This ultra modern tower is 50 metres high and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Miyajima island. It also has interactive exhibits, and features local artwork of the creator city.

Day 9: Hiroshima – Free at Leisure (B)

Free time to relax or explore more Hiroshima on your own.

Day 10: Hiroshima – Osaka (B)

Head to Osaka by Shinkansen. Upon arrival, visit to the Osaka Castle (photo stop). Here you will learn about the shoguns that ruled the country before power was restored to the Meiji Emperor. After exploring the castle and its grounds, take a stroll to the riverside to board the Aqualiner for a one hour tour of the waterways of Osaka giving you a fresh perspective of the city. Finally, your guide will escort you back to your hotel where you can freely venture through the city in the evening.

Day 11: Osaka – Takayama (B)

Take the bullet train to Nagoya for approximately 50 minutes. There, you will then change to the scenic Hida Wide View Express train for a more scenic and leisurely trip through some of Japan’s beautiful mountain scenery. Arrive in Takayama, nestled in the charming Hida region and be sure wander about this Edo period merchant town, with its beautifully preserved buildings and distinctive culture. As you have freedom, be sure to grab a bite of delicious Hida beef, which is as good as its more famous Kobe counterpart.

Day 12: Takayama (B)

Transfer to visit the riverside markets of Takayama, known for their locally grown produce. Then stroll through the old town on the way to Takayama Jinya – the last remaining government building from Samurai and Shogun times. This afternoon, enjoy wandering about Takayama by heading to Hida Folk Village. Here, more than 30 traditional buildings including thatched and shingled houses, shrines, sheds, and others are scattered around the village. All can be entered and explored at your own pace.

Day 13: Takayama – Tokyo (B)

Say farewell to the alpine air and journey back to Tokyo for your final evening in Japan. Ride back on the Hide Wide View Express train back through the mountains before transferring to your final Bullet Train to Tokyo.

Day 14: Tokyo Departure (B)

After breakfast, take free time until transfer to the airport for your own departure flight home.