Japan Explorer

Welcome to Tokyo!  In 1868, the Japanese Emperor moved the capital from Kyoto to Edo, which was then renamed as Tokyo (\"Eastern Capital\"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and due to the air raids in 1945 during World War II. The city was rebuilt and today it offers a wealth of shopping, entertainment, culture, and dining choices as well as a variety of beautiful green spaces to its visitors. Upon arrival at Narita International Airport today, you will be met by our representative and assisted to an airport bus for your transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo

After an early breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Tokyo, a diverse collection of everchanging neighbourhoods, where futuristic modern districts peacefully coexist with quiet, warm neighbourhoods from the past. Your first stop will be at Zojoji Temple, standing next to Tokyo tower, it gives you a perfect backdrop for your photograph, a perfect representation of modern meeting the past. Apart from its impressive gateway dating back to 17th century, pay attention to hundred of Jizos traditional stone deities dressed in hats and robes and believe to protect and guide travellers, provide strength to weak and in danger. Next stop will be Shibuya, believed to be the most crowded junction of the world. Visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. Continue to the elegant street of Omotesando and visit the majestic Imperial Palace and it Gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. Pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture and then see Kokugikan, the Sumo stadium, home of this Japanese sport. We’ll conclude our tour in Asakusa, visiting the historic Sensoji Temple and the famous Nakamise Street. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel. At 6:30 p.m., we’ll meet our guide in the hotel lobby and take the metro (tickets included) to the lively Shinjuku district. Here, we’ll enjoy a stroll through its bustling streets, renowned for their vibrant nightlife, as we head to a local restaurant for dinner (included). Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by our guide.

Overnight at Tokyo.

Enjoy a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Later transfer to the train station to Board the “Bullet Train” to Kyoto, the journey of almost 500kms is covered in just 2hrs. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Later enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of this erstwhile capital of Japan and home to the Imperial Court. During world war II, it was the only major Japanese city to escape the bombardments, thus preserving its ancient heritage. Start your day with the journey to the outskirts to Arshiyama, crossing over the Togetsukyo Bridge (“bridge over the moon”) offering breathtaking views. Visit the Tenryu-ji Temple which was built in 1339 to revere Gautama Buddha. This 14- century Zen garden, with its backdrop of mountains, is a place to visit during a japan trip, followed by a walk through its mystic Bamboo forest. It is a trail through canopying bamboo trees which is so serene and peaceful that it could be favorite part of the tour. Then it is time for Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine which is made famous for its 1000 painted tori gates that stand on the paths and trails behind the main buildings. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Next up is the visit to Imperial Palace – the former ruling Palace of Emperor of Japan. Last but not the least we explore the Kinkakuji Temple (Temple of Golden pavilion) which is one of the best-known sights in Japan for gold leaves that cover the insides of the main hall. Return to the hotel.

Later in the evening, if you desire so, a complimentary transfer will be arranged to GION, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha – the female entertainers trained in traditional style of performing arts. Return will be on own to the hotel.

Overnight at Kyoto.

After your breakfast, depart for Nara, This city is home to many beautiful natural sights, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Todaiji Temple or the Eastern Great Temple – built in 752 AD, it is home to the Japan’s largest bronze statue of the Great Buddha, which took almost 10 years to build. Spend some time in Nara Park, which is famous for its population of wild deer that freely roams and interacts with park visitors. Visit Horyuji Buddhist Temple, another UNESCO world heritage site, constructed in late 07th century, its main Pagoda temple is one of the oldest wooden buildings of the world. Discover seminary, monasteries, and other Buddhist temples in its vicinity. Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Osaka, Japan’s second most important city. Arrive and check in for rest of the day at leisure.

In the evening visit Dotonbori, the entertainment district of Osaka, with myriad theatres, restaurants, cafes, and vibrant nightlife.

Overnight at Osaka.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, drive along the Osaka Bay to Reach Mount Shosha, home to the 10th century Buddhist Temple of Engyo-ji, the temple where the film “the last Samurai” was shot. Continue drive to Himeji, visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Himeji Castle, founded in 14th century and expanded over the centuries, it is one of the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 rooms. Arrive Okayama and check in at the hotel. After a brief rest, visit Korakuen, one of the three great gardens of Japan with beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and tea houses.

Overnight at Okayama

After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Hiroshima. Enroute visit Kurashiki, roughly meaning “town of storehouses”, it was an important rice distribution centre from 17th till 19th century. The Canal area still preserves the old-world charm of that era, with many storehouses been converted into museums, boutiques, and cafes. Arrive Hiroshima, one of the two cities to ever face the wrath of an atomic bomb which destroyed it completely. Visit the peace Memorial, which commemorates the time before and after the dropping of the nuclear bomb that changed the history of Hiroshima forever, The dome and the impressive Peace Memorial Museum. Later continue to the outskirts of the city, enjoy a short ferry ride crossing to Miyajima, the island where “man lives alongside the Gods”. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas, it is famous for its “floating” tori gate that is built on the sea. Return to Hiroshima.

Overnight at Hiroshima.

After a leisurely breakfast, take a ferry to Shikoku Island, a two and a half hours pleasurable journey giving you an overview of the many islands which makes up Japan. Arrive and transfer to the hotel in Matsuyama. Later take a cable car up to the 17th century impressive castle atop 132mts high Matsuyama Hill. Visit Ishiteji, literally meaning “Stone hand Temple” a beautiful Buddhist temple and a place of pilgrimage. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant. Later in the afternoon visit Dogo Onsen (Admission included) a traditional Japanese Bath facility built in the 19th century.

Overnight at Matsuayama.

After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Kotohira, a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and a place of pilgrimage. The shrine stands on Mount Zosu and is reached by climbing 785 steps. Next move to Takamatsu, visit Ritsurin, the beautiful garden dates to 17th Century and is full of ponds, water streams, small bridges, footpaths, tea houses and folk art and crafts exhibits. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Naruto, cross one of the largest bridges in the world, admire its construction, you can also walk on its glass floor and observe the sea 45 mts below you. Continue with the scenic drive over the sea to reach Kobe. Arrive and check in at the hotel.

Overnight at Kobe.

After a leisurely breakfast, explore Kobe. Visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, a place to remind the tragic seism that devastated the city in 1995 and its perfect reconstruction (Note: On some dates, the Earthquake Museum may be changed for the Sake Museum or a climb up Kobe Tower.). Later drive to Mt Koya, via Osaka, one of Japan’s most sacred mountains and world headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. There are 120 shrines and monasteries on this mountain, and it is a major pilgrimage centre for Buddhists.  Visit Okuno Mausoleum, dedicated to Kukai, a scholar and a revered Buddhist teacher who is believed the inventor of Kana, the Japanese calligraphy. The Mausoleum is surrounded by more than 200,000 graves, the largest in Japan. Visit Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of the complex built in 1593. Spend overnight at the Buddhist Monastery. The monks will offer you a Zen meditation Session (Ajikan). Enjoy your vegetarian Dinner and stay overnight at the monastery. (Note: We consider the sojourn at the monastery as an experience of great existential value. The rooms at this place are modest, without private bathrooms, in the traditional Japanese style with tatamis. Shared Bathrooms are available)

Overnight at Mt Koya

Very early in the morning, if you wish to attend, you can attend a religious ceremony which is held every morning. Depart for Kyoto with the first light of the day to arrive and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to explore Kyoto on own. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kyoto.

Overnight at Kyoto

After breakfast day at leisure. Check out and transfer by your own to Kansai International airport for your flight back home.