Day : 1
Arrive Tokyo (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Welcome to Japan. On arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda International Airport transfer to your hotel by airport shuttle service. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow guests for an enjoyable dinner.
Day : 2
Tokyo Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Following breakfast, your sightseeing starts with a visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory to enjoy great panoramic views of the city. Explore the Meiji Jingu Shinto Shrine which is surrounded by greenery and gives the shrine a rural feel in the middle of the bustling city. Later, travel to Asakusa and absorb the Edo period's rich traditional atmosphere of an ancient town. Walk through the Nakamise Shopping Street and then visit the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most colourful temples. This afternoon enjoy some time at leisure or choose to take part in an optional trip to explore Tokyo further.
Day : 3
Mt. Fuji and Hakone Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning drive up to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji and admire the magnificent views from this majestic mountain (weather permitting) at 2300 metres. After some free time for lunch take the Komagatake Ropeway for views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi and later return to your hotel.
Day : 4
Tokyo - Kyoto (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Depart Tokyo and travel to Kyoto by bullet train. This afternoon visit Kinkakuji; a Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World heritage site which is famous for its golden pavilion. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this temple was previously the residence of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu before being converted into a Zen temple when he died. Later, visit the Heian-jingu shrine and admire the torii gate and the architecture. Afterwards, visit a handicraft centre to explore Japanese crafts and later check-in to your hotel. This evening dine in a local restaurant.
Day : 5
Kyoto
Number of Days : 1
The day is yours to explore Kyoto at your own pace or perhaps choose to take an optional experience.
Day : 6
Kyoto - Kurashiki - Hiroshima (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Travel to Kurashiki and on arrival meet a Local Specialist for a walking tour of the Bikan Historical Quarter. See the many classic black and white walled warehouses which have now been converted to museums and the moats which were used for transportation. Continue on to Hiroshima and this evening enjoy okonomiyaki in a local restaurant. This is a kind of pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood and cooked in front of you.
Day : 7
Hiroshima Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning set off for Miyajima Island by ferry which is regarded as one of the most scenic areas in Japan. Upon arrival visit the Itsukushima Shrine and view the floating torii gate rising from the sea. Enjoy some free time at leisure and immerse yourself in the sights of this tranquil island. Later return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. See the UNESCO listed Peace Memorial, the only structure which survived the first Atomic bomb in 1945. This afternoon, consider joining an optional experience to explore further.
Day : 8
Hiroshima - Himeji
Number of Days : 1
Travel to Himeji and have some free time for lunch before visiting Himeji Castle with a Local Specialist. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic and historic building which has survived for around 400 years. Later check in to your hotel.
Day : 9
Himeji - Osaka
Number of Days : 1
On the way to Osaka, stop and make a visit to a sake brewery with a Local Specialist. Learn about the history of sake and the process of brewing it. Continue to Osaka and spend the afternoon at leisure or consider taking an optional experience to explore further.
Day : 10
Depart Osaka
Number of Days : 1
Take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.