Splendours of Japan

Day 1

Arrive Tokyo

Fly to either Tokyo Narita or Haneda International Airport and transfer by airport shuttle to your hotel. This evening you will join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.

Overnight: Hotel New Otani (welcome reception included)

Day 2

Tokyo

This morning embark on a city tour beginning with a  visit to the Sensoji Buddhist temple – one of Tokyo’s most colourful temples which has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in the year 628, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple site. Visit the shopping street Nakamise, 200 metres long stretching from the temples outer gate to the temples second interior gate. Visit the Tokyo Skytree, the worlds highest free-standing broadcasting tower. Later you can return to your hotel for some leisure time or choose an optional experience.

Overnight: Hotel New Otani (Breakfast included)

Day 3

Tokyo – Lake Yamanakako

Head to the Imperial Palace Plaza, where there are viewing areas for the Imperial Palace – the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Stroll around the Imperial Palace East Gardens, before continuing on your city tour with a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Museum, filled with artefacts and architecture from the Edo period. Next head to the famous  Ginza district for a hands-on cooking class, when you will learn to make sushi and then eat it for lunch. After lunch leave Tokyo and head to the Five Lakes District, dominated by Mount Fuji – Japan’s highest mountain and UNESCO listed.

Overnight: Hotel Fuji Marriott Yamanakako (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Day 4

Lake Yamanakako – Mount Fuji - Takayama

After breakfast visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting a beautiful park with natural spring water ponds fed by the melted snow from Mount Fuji. The reflections of the sky and landscapes make for a perfect photo opportunity. You’ll then drive up Mount Fuji to the 5th station at 2,300 metres, before taking a ride on the Ropeway cable car (weather-permitting). Then travel through the breath-taking Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama. This evening you will enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Overnight: Associa Takayama Resort (Breakfast & dinner included)

Day 5

Takayama – Gokayama - Takayama

Take a step back in time to the peaceful mountain village and UNESCO designated site of Gokayama. You’ll see unique Gassho-zukuri wooden houses which have steeply sloped thatched roofs resembling two hands together in prayer. You will visit one of these houses and meet the family. Later watch local artisans making washi paper and try your hand at making your own. Today you will enjoy a cultural lunch at a local restaurant of Japanese Hida beef – the name given to beef from a Japanese black-haired cattle breed, and known as one of the finest varieties of beef. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the Edo-style streets of the Old Town, shopping en route to sample Japanese sake.

Overnight: Associa Takayama Resort (Breakfast & lunch included)

Day 6

Takayama - Kanazawa

Travel to Kanazawa and discover the secrets of gold leaf painting – 99% of Japan’s high quality gold leaf is produced in the area. Next visit the gardens of Kenrokuen, rated in the top three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the ornate landscapes, temples and ponds. Afterwards, take a walk through Omicho market to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insiders view of everyday life in this vibrant coastal town. Later visit the Nagamachi District with its old and beautifully preserved samurai houses. Visit the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion with beautiful small gardens belonging to a high-ranked samurai family.

Overnight: Hotel Kanazawa Tokyu (Breakfast included)

Day 7

Kanazawa - Kyoto

a d nestled in the peace and quiet of Mount Yoshida. The ryokan was built in 1932 by master craftsmen to serve as the second residence of the uncle of the current Emperor of Japan. Learn about local Japanese customs as your hosts welcome you into their beautiful home. After lunch visit Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Golden Pavilion, built in 1397. Later check into your hotel in Kyoto for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 8

Kyoto

Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and see the tunnel of thousands of bright orange torii gates, snaking through the forest up into the mountains. Then you will visit the Sanjusangen-do Hall, a temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Afterwards enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. Then you can either choose to stay in Gion to explore further or return to your hotel. This evening join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at the Ninja Kyoto restaurant. Venture into the mysterious labyrinth and secret fortress of the traditional Japanese heroes, the Ninjas and experience the creative Ninja-style food.

Overnight: Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 9

Depart Kyoto

Transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International airport or Osaka Itami Airport for your flight home. Or you can choose to extend this tour with a four day trip to Hiroshima. Please ask for details.