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 Haneda or Narita International Airport, you will be met by our representative and assisted to an airport bus for your transfer to your hotel. 

Overnight in Tokyo

Today 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 the Shibuya Crossing, believed to be the most crowded junction in the world. Then visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. Continue to the elegant street, Omotesando and see the majestic Imperial Palace and it Gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. Pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric city” known as the centre of Japanese Manga and Anime culture. We will then head to Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo's tallest structure where you will be able to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Tokyo. We’ll conclude the 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. This evening meet the tour guide 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. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel by metro, accompanied by the tour guide.

Overnight in Tokyo

This morning you will be transferred to the train station to check in for the Bullet Train journey (approx 500kms/ 2 hours) to Kyoto.  Today 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. You will see some of the iconic sites in this beautiful city. You will see 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. You will have some free time to explore Gion, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha – the female entertainers trained in traditional style of performing arts.

Overnight in Kyoto

After your breakfast, depart for Nara, home to many beautiful sights, including Todaiji Temple, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 752 AD, it is home to 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 roam and interact with park visitors. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Horyu-ji Buddhist Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed in the late 7th century. Its central Pagoda is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Afterwards travel onwards to Osaka, Japan’s second most important city. This evening visit Dotonbori, the entertainment district with a myriad theatres, restaurants, cafes, and vibrant nightlife.

Overnight in Osaka

This morning depart for Himeji, to visit the complex which showcases the architecture of Japanese castles.  Its is home to Himeji Castle, founded in the 14th century, it is one of the finest surviving examples of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, comprising a network of 83 rooms. After lunch in a local restaurant continue to Okayama where you will visit Korakuen, one of the three great gardens in Japan with beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and tea houses. The gardens are home to Okayama Castle a 16th century Japanese fortification rebuilt in 1966 after being destroyed in a World War II bombing (entrance not included). Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Okayama

After breakfast, drive to Hiroshima with an enroute stop in Kurashiki, roughly meaning “town of storehouses”, that was an important rice distribution centre from the 17th to 19th centuries. The Canal area still preserves the old-world charm of that era, with many storehouses converted into museums, boutiques, and cafes. Enjoy some free time to explore.  On arrival in Hiroshima, one of the two cities to ever face the wrath of an atomic bomb which destroyed it completely, visit the Peace Memorial Park. The Peace Memorial Park commemorates the time before and after the dropping of the nuclear bomb that changed the history of Hiroshima forever, you will see the Atomic Bomb Dome and visit the impressive Peace Memorial Museum. Seeking serenity after these reflections, we’ll take a ferry to Miyajima, the island known as the place “where men and gods live together.” Here, we’ll visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the guardian of the seas, and partially built over the water. You’ll have time to explore the shrine, wander through the picturesque town center, and enjoy lunch. Upon return to Hiroshima, check in to the hotel.

Dinner and an overnight in Hiroshima

This morning take a ferry to Shikoku Island, a two-and-a-half-hour journey giving you an overview of the many islands which makes up Japan. In Matsuyama take a cable car up to the impressive castle. Afterwards visit Ishiteji, literally meaning “Stone Hand Temple” a beautiful Buddhist temple and pilgrimage site. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon visit Dogo Onsen a traditional Japanese bathhouse built in the 19th century.

Overnight in Matsuyama

This morning depart for Kotohira, a Shinto Shrine dedicated to the God of sailors and an important pilgrimage site. The shrine was built on Mount Zosu and is reached by climbing 785 steps. We the head to Takamatsu to visit Ritsurin, beautiful gardens with ponds, streams, small bridges, footpaths, tea houses and folk art and crafts exhibits. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Naruto, crossing one of the largest bridges in the world. There will be time to admire its construction, walk on its glass floor and observe the sea 45 mts below. Continue on to Kobe.

Overnight in Kobe

After breakfast visit the Earthquake Memorial Museum, to honour the tragic memory of the quake that devastated the city in 1995. Then drive via Osaka to Mt Koya, one of Japan’s most sacred mountains and world headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. There are 120 shrines and monasteries on this mountain and is a major pilgrimage centre for Buddhists.  Visit Okuno Mausoleum, dedicated to Kukai, a scholar and a revered Buddhist teacher who is believed to be the inventor of Kana, 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. This evening will be spent in a Buddhist Monastery. The monks will offer you a Zen meditation Session (Ajikan) - subject to availability.

Vegetarian dinner and an overnight in Mount Koya

*Please note: We consider the stay at the monastery as an experience of great existential value. The rooms are modest, without private bathrooms and in traditional Japanese style, has tatami mats instead of mattresses. Shared Bathrooms are available

**Please note that the Earthquake Museum visit may be replaced with a visit to the Sake Museum or a trip up Kobe Tower

 

Today begins very early with a traditional Japanese breakfast at the temple before departing at first light of the day to Kyoto.  Enjoy the day at leisure.

Overnight in Kyoto

Your tour ends upon check out after breakfast.  Make your own way to Kansai International Airport to check in for your homeward flight.