Discover Japan - 14 day Premium Itinerary

Welcome to Tokyo! An English-speaking assistant will meet you in the arrivals hall
at Narita Airport and escort you to the designated pick-up point for your transfer
into the city. You will then travel to your accommodation by private vehicle.

Today take a fully guided tour using Tokyos efficient public transport network.
Meet your guide at your hotel lobby and start your Japan journey with one of the
most popular areas in Tokyo, Asakusa. Todays first stop is Sensoji Temple the oldest
Buddhist temple in Tokyo that is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Dont forget to
take your time strolling through the small shops selling various snacks, traditional
crafts, and souvenirs in Nakamise street.
Next head on towards Hamarikyu garden. Built during the Edo period, this garden
boasts amazing views unique to each season. Located in the busy city of Tokyo, the
tall buildings in the background show contrast against the calm traditional Japanese
garden. End your garden tour with a cup of tea and a traditional sweet.
After lunch, continue towards Meiji Jingu Shrine. Only a few minutes away from
the hustle and bustle of Harajuku, the thick trees lining the street to the shrine
provides shade in any seasons. Arguably, one of Japans most famous Shinto shrines,
it is built to commemorate the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken in 1913. The
manmade forest surrounding the shrine complex houses up to 365 different species
of trees and many types of birds.
Finish up todays tour with a stroll through Omotesando. Filled with various shops
and cafes along with their wide walking area, Omotesando is the perfect place to
shop and admire the surrounding architecture.
Overnight in Tokyo.

Your second day in Tokyo gives you a deep dive into local culture at the famous
Tsukiji Fish Market. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set off together on a true
Tokyo adventurenavigating the citys lively streets and seamlessly gliding through
its world-class public transport system to reach this iconic spot.
While the legendary tuna auctions have since moved to Toyosu, Tsukijis outer
market remains as vibrant as ever. Wander through the maze of stalls filled with
sizzling street food, fresh seafood, and the cheerful banter of vendors calling out to
customers. Soak up the sights, sounds, and delicious aromas that define this beloved
neighbourhood.
The afternoon is yours to explore Tokyo at your own pace, or you can join an
optional sushi-making class to learn the art of Japans most iconic dish from local
experts.
Overnight in Tokyo.

This morning, get ready to depart to Hakone National Park for a day of fresh air and
sightseeing at one of Japans most iconic parks in the shadow of Mt. Fuji. Throughout
the tour you will have a chance to take a glimpse at this awe-inspiring mountain, but
please bear in mind that it needs to be a clear day.
Meet your guide at your hotel and transfer to Shinjuku Station, where you will
board the Romance Car for a scenic 90-minute journey to Hakone. In Hakone make
use of the 2-day Hakone Free Pass to utilise various modes of public transport to
explore the region.
After dropping your luggage at the hotel head to Hakone Machi-ko where youll
board a pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashi to Togendai. A crater formed by a
volcano nearly three-thousand years ago, the lakes charming waters offer beautiful
views of the enveloping mountains and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Now, ride in a
cable car to the Hakone Ropeway, soar above the active volcanic site, Owakudani,
which translates to the Great Boiling Valley. Watch the steam rising from the
mountain, as thermal water grazes just under the rocky faade at extraordinarily
hot temperatures. Stop amongst the steamy rocks, and see if you can spot Mt. Fuji in
the distance before trying kuro-tamago, or a black egg. Boiled in the sulfuric hot
springs each egg turns black as its cooked; its rumoured that eating it will add
several years to your life.
Your tour will finish back at your ryokan where you will have the chance to relax in
the hot springs and have dinner.
(Luggage forwarding service is available and must be arranged at least one day in
advance. Please note that clients are responsible for both arranging and covering
the cost of this service, as on-site support is not provided).
Overnight in Hakone

Today, you will be transferred to Odawara Station in a private car to take the
Shinkansen to Nagoya. Here, with the help of an M&G you will change to a Limited
Express Train that will bring you to Takayama. The journey will take up to almost
5-hours, but the view is scenic.
Upon reaching Takayama Station, make your own way to your hotel. The rest of
your day is to enjoy at your own leisure.
Overnight in Takaya

Today is free for you to explore Takayama at your own pace. This charming alpine
town is famous for its old merchant district, friendly locals, and rich cultural
heritage. A great way to start the day is by visiting the Morning Markets, where you
can browse stalls filled with fresh vegetables, local snacks, and handicrafts. Later, if
time permits, consider a visit to Hida no Sato Folk Village, a peaceful open-air
museum showcasing traditional homes relocated from the surrounding countryside.
Overnight in Takayama

Depart Takayama with your private English-speaking driver guide for a scenic
journey toward Kanazawa. En route, stop to explore the enchanting village of
Shirakawago a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its centuries-old thatched
gassho-zukuri farmhouses nestled in a picturesque valley. Enjoy some time soaking in the villages timeless beauty before continuing on to your hotel in
Kanazawa.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy and relax in Kanazawa.
Overnight in Kanazawa

Today's tour will focus on the Kenrokuen Gardens and allow you to take part in a
traditional Kanazawa Tea Ceremony in a setting even older than the Kenrokuen
Gardens themselves. Your guide will take you on a tour including the Kazumi Lake,
Plum Flower Grove, and Kotoji Lantern (a symbol of Kanazawa), and many more
secrets of the Kenrokuen Gardens, facing the Kanazawa Castle. You will enter the
Gyokusen-en gardens and participate in a traditional tea ceremony, with the tea
masters guiding and teaching you about the hidden meanings in each movement
and phrase. Specially ordered Japanese sweets of the season will accompany your
individual bowl of green tea.
*On days when the Gyokusen-en is closed, you will be taken to another exclusive
location with the same excellent and traditional service.
The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own leisure.
Overnight in Kanazawa

Today you will take a combination of Shinkansen and Limited Express trains that
will take you to Hiroshima. The journey will take you a little less than 4h. There is a
M&G service at Kyoto Station that will support with your second transfer.
Once in Hiroshima, make your own way to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day
is free to enjoy at your own leisure.
Overnight in Hiroshima

Discover more of the ancient and more recent history of the city of water,
Hiroshima on this unique day tour. This morning, meet your guide before traveling
by public transit to Memorial Peace Park. Hiroshimas tribute to its tragic past and
hopes for the future. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum next, whose exhibits display artefacts and photographs of the bombing and its aftermath. Despite the
severity of the subject, the museum itself is not about being divisive or placing
blame, but serves as a reminder not to take peace for granted. Once finished, have
some free time for lunch before heading across to Miyajima Island. This island is an
ancient holy site, a sacred and beautiful national treasure of Japan. Featuring
stunning Shinto shrines, Buddhist pagodas and temples, spectacular natural beauty,
and charming Edo-style walkways, the island offers a slice of ancient Japanese
culture. Arrive at the main complex Itsukushima shrine, a lovely family Shinto
shrine founded in the 6th century. At high tide, it appears to be floating above the
water, in addition to its floating torii gate, the iconic Otorii. This massive gateway is
one of the most photographed structures in Japan. Youll have free time to explore
more of the Island now. Pass tame wild deer who wander the island freely, as you
venture along the charming pathways. You can wander to Daisho-in, a Buddhist
temple with a trail of hundreds of happy Buddha statues leading the way.
Afterwards, make some time to stop and shop at the charming souvenir shops in
town, or try some local delicacies. The island has farmed oysters for over 300 years,
so be sure to try some. Or sample some maple leaf castellas filled with red bean
paste, a classic snack unique to the island. Now its time to bid farewell to Miyajima
and return to the mainland, before heading back to your hotel.

Today, make your own way to Hiroshima Station, where youll board the
Shinkansen again speeding gracefully through the countryside as you make your
way back to the timeless beauty of Kyoto. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at your
own leisure, but we provide an optional tour.
Overnight in Kyoto

Embark on a captivating exploration of Kyoto, Japans former imperial capital,
guided by a local expert as you navigate the citys timeless treasures using Kyotos
efficient public transportation system. Begin your day at the enchanting Kinkakuji
Temple, a striking golden pavilion with a fascinating history. Continue to the
majestic Nijo Castle, renowned for its intricate architecture and melodious
nightingale floors. Then, pay homage at the Heian Shrine before concluding your
journey at the iconic Kiyomizu Temple, where panoramic views await from its
remarkable veranda. Delve into the temple's remarkable history and ingenious
construction methods, offering insights into Kyoto's architectural marvels.
Overnight in Kyoto

Today, meet your guide at the hotel and embark on another adventurea full-day
tour of Nara, traveling conveniently through the city using the Nara one day bus
pass. To begin, youll visit Isuien Garden, which is divided into two distinct parts.
The garden is a striking example of Japanese horticulture, with water from the
Yoshikigawa River and the backdrop of Mt. Wakakusayama. Next, wander through
Nara Park, which is called Deer Park by locals, due to the over 1,000 tame deer that
live there. Within the park is Todaiji Temple, the worlds largest wooden building.
The next stop is Kasuga Taisha, a shrine famous for its hundreds of stone and
bronze lanterns. You will end the day with a stroll around Naramachi, a historic
merchant district showcasing some Japanese town homes. After this, the guide will
take you back to your hotel, where youll spend the night back in Kyoto.
Overnight in Kyoto

Today your journey comes to an end today. Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel
to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, where you will check in for your
onward flight.
Say goodbye to the beautiful Japan and we wish you a safe flight back home.
Sayonara!