Japan - Land of the Rising Sun

Today, let the excitement start to build as you board your flight to Tokyo.

You’ll arrive in Tokyo this evening where we’ll transfer you to your hotel, as you drive towards the city, the iconic Tokyo Tower can be seen lit up on the skyline. After time to settle in, why not head out for stroll to get your bearings. You could visit the bright lights of Tokyo in the Shinjuku district where there are a range of restaurants offering traditional Japanese cuisine.

Today a guided tour will take you to explore some of Tokyo’s incredible sights. The first stop of the day is in the tranquil setting of a 170 acre, man-made forest. The Meiji Jengu Shrine and great torii gate is dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan. Walk along the peaceful, shaded paths and take time to watch people as they say their own private prayers.
Our next spot is the district of Asakusa, where you'll walk down the vibrant Nakamise shopping street bustling with stalls selling an array of clothing, souvenirs and delicious local food. The walkway leads us to the Sensoji Buddhist temple – your senses are filled with the aroma of incense, and the sounds of money being tossed into the temples saisen-bako. You’ll have some time here to explore at your own pace and enjoy a bite to eat. Perhaps you’ll revisit one or two of the stalls selling dango or karaage or venture to one of the small restaurants hidden in one of the side-streets.
In the afternoon we make a stop close to the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Emperor of Japan, as well as a visit the Tokyo Tower to enjoy views across the city. After time back at the hotel to freshen up, we'll take a short walk to a local restaurant and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Today we journey outside of the city limits as we venture to Hakone, the gateway to Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. And, it isn’t long after leaving Tokyo before you cast your first glimpse of her snow-capped peak. We’ll drive up to the Fujinomiya 5th Station, located at 2400m above sea level for not only a closer look at Mount Fuji from her southern slope but spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
We’ll then take a short drive to Lake Ashi. The lake formed thousands of years ago in the crater of a dormant volcano, here we'll take a tranquil and scenic cruise across its waters. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy further views of Mount Fuji. The views here are breathtakingly beautiful and we'll take a cable-car ride over the Owakudani Valley to admire views of mountains, sulphur hot springs and crystal-clear Lake. At the hot springs, you'll have a chance to try the local delicacy of 'black eggs'. Cooked in the sulphur, eating just one egg is believed to add seven years to your life!

Today we leave Tokyo behind and head to Takayama in the Japanese Alps. We’ll first drive to Matsumoto Castle, it's the country's oldest five-tiered wooden castle and has been designated a National Treasure of Japan. Step inside to explore the each of the floors taking the steep wooden stairs to the observation deck on the top floor. You’ll have time in Matsumoto to explore at leisure. Walk towards the river and watch koi swimming in the clear waters, or walk along Nawate shopping street where small shops sell local wares.
In the afternoon, we stop at Daio Wasabi Farm to see how Japanese horseradish is grown. The farm has a number of large fields where the wasabi plants grow and we will admire them from specially designed walking trails. To round off your visit, why not treat yourself to a wasabi-flavoured ice cream!
The drive from Matsumoto to Takayama is a long one, but this road takes you into the heart of the Hida Mountains along winding roads that pass through mountain tunnels and alongside rivers so clear you can see the rocky bed below – the panoramic views are breath-taking.
After arriving at our hotel in Takayama, we’ll meet for a dinner of local cuisine.

This morning, we start with a visit to the Miyagawa morning market, where you can see and perhaps even sample the region's exotic fruit and vegetables. There is free time to explore this town and it is full of surprises. Affectionally called “little Kyoto” the old town has been beautifully preserved – the distinctive black facades of buildings lining narrow streets are full of museums, galleries, restaurants and craft shops. You could even visit the Matsuri no Mori festival museum or Historical Government House.
This afternoon we’ll visit one of Japan's most scenic areas Shirakawago, located along the Shokawa River. This UNESCO listed site showcases a rare type of architecture called Gassho-zukuri. Walk along the suspension bridge that crosses Sho River and wander through the small village. You’ll have time to wander through the site at your own pace. Perhaps you’ll step inside the Wada House, the largest traditional gassho-style farmhouse in the village. Just behind this house is a path that takes you up to an observation deck – here you’ll enjoy wonderful views of pine-covered mountains and centuries-old thatch-roofed farmhouses.

A journey by train this morning takes us to Nagoya, where we board one of Japan's famous shinkansen, a Bullet Train, bound for Kyoto.
We'll start the sightseeing as soon as we arrive in historic Kyoto. It is a city filled with fascinating temples, ancient buildings and picturesque gardens. We’ll start with a visit to Nijo Castle, built in 1603 for the first Shogun of the Edo Period. It’s beautiful gardens are surrounded by imposing stone walls, but step inside the castle to navigate through walkways that “chirp” with each step and tatami rooms are decorated with intricate paintings and sliding doors.
The next stop is Sanjusangendo, the longest wooden temple in Japan. It’s what’s inside that is truly captivating. Walk through the large wooden doors and be wowed 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It is thought that if you look closely at the faces, you will find one that resembles the person you long to meet.
This evening is free for you to explore at leisure. If you’re looking to see authentic Geiko, head to the Gion district at dusk for best chance to see these beautifully dressed women.

We’ll discover even more of Kyoto’s sights today. We start by heading to the beautiful district of Arashiyama today, where a rickshaw ride through the town and into a bamboo forest promises to be a serene experience. Sit back and enjoy the sight of the towering stalks swaying gently in the wind and casting shadows on the path.
We’ll then head to Kinkakuji – the Golden pavilion. In the grounds of the Rokuon-ji temple, overlooking a large pond with orange koi swimming in its waters, is the unique three-storey structure. The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf and glisten in the sunlight. Follow the path through the gardens, past the pavilion, towards statues where visitors throw coins for luck.
A sushi-making demonstration promises to be a great experience as you learn the art of rolling the rice and creating mini masterpieces of raw fish (vegetarian options available). You’ll get to enjoy your dishes before we head to Nara this afternoon. This historic city is where we'll find the Todaiji Temple, one of the most famous in Japan, and the Deer Park with its hundreds of free-roaming deer - you can even purchase crackers to feed them. We'll also visit Kasuga Taisha, the most celebrated shrine in Nara.

Today has been left free for you to explore Kyoto at leisure. You might choose to head to the Kyoto Tower for panoramic views of the city, and see the Gion district where you partake in a tea ceremony. Kyoto is the birthplace of this traditional ceremony and there are a number of places which offer you a chance to experience it for yourself.
Perhaps you’d like to visit more of the unique temples and shrines in the area – at Fushimi Inari and find not one or two, but thousands of vermilion torii gates that sit close together and straddle a network of paths that lead into the forest at the base of Mount Inari.
Or perhaps, if you fancy a spot of retail therapy, head to Downtown Kyoto where you’ll find department stores and a wonderful food market. In the evening, make sure you venture to Kyoto station, an unspoken highlight of the city and home to an array of restaurants, galleries, a sky garden and a staircase with crowd-pleasing illuminations.

Today, we’ll take another shinkansen and venture south to Hiroshima. On arrival, we’ll take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island where you can see deer roaming around the area. Unsurprisingly, it’s not the wildlife that it the big draw to this island – here is where you will find the “floating” o-torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine. Both the shrine and the gate are unique for being built over water and therefore seeming to float during high tide – a time at which they are perhaps their most beautiful. We’ll enjoy some free time here – why not take the short walk up to the Daishoin temple, have a drink in the islands brewery or simply sit on the waterfront and take in the tranquil surroundings.
Back on the mainland, Hiroshima is infamous as the target of the first-ever atomic bomb, dropped by the US at the end of the Second World War. The Atomic Bomb Dome stood at the epicentre of the devastating bomb blast and has been preserved as a lasting reminder of that tragic event. You'll visit the remains of this building and walk through the Peace Memorial Park, an area of open land dedicated to the promotion of world peace to see the Cenotaph for the victims of the Atomic Bomb, and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Tonight we will get together for dinner.

Osaka is the final destination of your tour, so take this morning to relax and admire the view of Japan from the window of your shinkansen. On arrival in the city, we’ll visit the Floating Garden Observatory at the top of the Umeda Sky Building – it’s the perfect stop for lunch, whether you choose to stay at the top and enjoy the incredible views across the city, or head to the lower floor where a food court has been designed to recreate the atmosphere of the city in the early 12th century. Our last stop is Osaka Castle surrounded by a moat and lush gardens, this five-storey castle has a history dating back more than 400 years, a museum spread across each floor details its past and cultural significance. Take an elevator or the stairs to the top floor which provides even more wonderful views of Osaka.

This morning there is time to explore Osaka at leisure – walk down to the river to take a boat tour or simply pick up one or two last minute souvenirs.
This afternoon, we’ll transfer to Osaka airport for our return flight to the UK.

From Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka and beyond, your tour of Japan comes to an end as you arrive back in the UK.