Magic of Japan

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 either Haneda or Narita International Airport today, 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

Our first stop will be at Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to beautiful pagodas and offering the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. From here, we’ll continue to Kawaguchiko, a charming town surrounded by mountains, vibrant flowers, and its namesake lake. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine, a serene site nestled among towering trees, which marks the traditional starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. During our visit, we’ll take a moment to express gratitude for experiencing such a magical place. Today includes a delightful boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko, where you can soak in the area’s tranquil beauty. After, we’ll ascend Mount Fuji via the scenic road to the Fifth Station, at 2,305 meters, surrounded by breathtaking forests and vistas. We’ll return to Kawaguchiko, with time to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake. Tonight, we’ll stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can relax in the onsen (public bath).

Dinner and an overnight in Kawaguchiko 

* Please note: Some rooms at the Ryokan feature traditional Japanese-style tatami mats, while others are Western-style. Occasionally, accommodation may be arranged in a Western-style hotel

** Please note: In winter, the ascent to Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. Should this occur, we will go as far as permitted.

Today we’ll follow a scenic road that winds around picturesque lakes to visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a small village that was destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as an open-air museum. Its traditional houses have been converted into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past. Next, we’ll visit the breathtaking Shiraito Falls, one of Japan’s most stunning natural attractions, with cascading water that spans a height of 20 meters. From there, we’ll continue to Nagoya, where we’ll visit the Toyota Museum, a must-see for car enthusiasts and those curious about automotive innovation. We will end the day in Kyoto.

Overnight in Kyoto

Spend the day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably, Kyoto was the only major Japanese city spared from bombing during World War II, allowing it to retain its rich artistic heritage. Notably, the Kyoto Protocol, aimed at limiting greenhouse gas emissions, was signed here in 1997. Visit Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. This morning begin in Arashiyama, where we’ll admire the Togetsukyo Bridge, or “Bridge over the Moon.” This spot offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape. Then visit Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s “five great Zen temples” and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a serene walk through its mystical bamboo forest. Next, explore Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine 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 is a visit to the Imperial Palace – the former ruling Palace of the Emperor of Japan. Last but not the least we explore Kinkakuji Temple (Temple of Golden pavilion) one of the best-known sights in Japan for gold leaf 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. Upon return to Hiroshima, check in to the hotel.

Dinner and an overnight in HiroshimaRegards

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 to Osaka where you will have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Osaka

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

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