Japan Uncovered

Welcome to Japan! On arrival in Tokyo, make your own way to the start hotel. At 16:00, you will meet the rest of the group and your adventure leader at a welcome meeting in the lounge of the hotel.

We then head for an included kaiseki dinner - a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. Afterwards, enjoy panoramic views over the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

The morning begins with a sunrise exploration of Tsukiji Fish Market, a bustling hub of shops and restaurants renowned for its fresh seafood.

We'll continue on to the Sumida River in Asakusa. A boat ride awaits, offering captivating views of Tokyo's skyline. Returning to solid ground, we'll visit the iconic Sensoji Temple. The temple's surroundings host a vibrant market with local treats and traditional souvenirs.

The afternoon offers you the chance to join a sushi-making class. Led by a seasoned professional instructor, you'll have the unique opportunity to craft this Japanese delicacy.

Come nightfall, consider exploring the energetic Roppongi district. This trendy area is known for its vibrant nightlife!

Today starts with a visit to a Sumo stable, offering a glimpse into the world of Sumo wrestling. Witness real-life Sumo wrestlers in the midst of their rigorous training, providing an authentic experience of this ancient Japanese tradition. Following this, explore the historic areas of Sumo town. For lunch, consider indulging in a chanko nabe meal, a dish favoured by Sumo wrestlers.

In the early afternoon, we'll head for Meiji Jingu Shrine, completed in 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Then, enjoy free time in the vibrant Harajuku district, known for its unique fashion and eclectic atmosphere.

The adventure continues to the bustling Shibuya district, where you can experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Take a moment to find the Hachiko statue, an iconic symbol of loyalty and devotion.

As the evening sets in, the city is yours to explore at your leisure. Consider venturing into the vibrant nightlife of Shibuya or discovering the tech and anime culture of Akihabara.

Tokyo - Hakone. After breakfast this morning, we depart Tokyo and head for the mountains, and one mountain in particular...

We'll arrive in Moto-Hakone just before lunch. Once here, prepare to test your sea legs aboard a pirate ship cruise over the scenic Lake Ashi. This unconventional vessel offers panoramic views of towering mountains, clear waters, and, on a clear day, the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji. We'll then ascent into the mountain peaks via a cable car. This journey promises the chance to admire the natural beauty of the Hakone region.

We will be staying in Hakone at a hotel offering a ryokan experience. A ryokan is a Japanese bath and sleeping house. You will have the chance to relax in a steamy onsen bath and will enjoy a mouth-watering multi-course Kaiseki dinner.

Hakone - Kyoto. Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hakone. After breakfast, you have time to enjoy another onsen bath before we bid farewell to Hakone and make our way to the rail station for the journey to Kyoto.

Upon reaching Kyoto and completing the check-in process, the exploration resumes with a stroll to the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu Dera Temple. The ancient temple is perched on the hillsides and offers panoramic views of Kyoto.

Returning to the city center, enjoy a guided tour of Kyoto's renowned geisha districts, particularly the enchanting Gion. In the evening, attend a traditional geisha show.

Afterwards, the city is yours to explore. Consider revisiting the Gion area, where many delicious traditional Japanese restaurants await.

This morning, we visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is even more impressive in person than it is in the photos! We'll stroll through the red torii gates before heading to Nishiki Market. Known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' enjoy free time to grab lunch from one of its hundreds of shops and restaurants.

In the early afternoon, we gather for a visit to the Sake Museum. This unique establishment is dedicated to the history, creation, and cultural significance of Japanese rice wine. Following the visit to the Sake Museum, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Today, find your inner peace at the Daisen-in Temple. Engage in a special meditation class led by a Buddhist monk, allowing you to discover the art of mindfulness and relaxation. After the meditation session, admire the temple's traditional Zen garden, renowned as one of the most beautiful in Japan.

We will then some of Kyoto's iconic sites. Firstly, the UNESCO-listed Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). This Zen temple, adorned with layers of gold leaf, casts shimmering reflections across the serene pond it gracefully stands over. Then, visit the Imperial Palace, which served as the residence for Japan's Imperial family until 1868.

As the day of sightseeing concludes, the evening is yours to spend at leisure. Consider venturing into the downtown area to experience Kyoto's vibrant nightlife.

Kyoto - Hiroshima. We check-out this morning and drop off our luggage for safe keeping. Opt to embark on an adventurous sightseeing tour of the Arashiyama district aboard a rickshaw (booked & paid locally).

Spending the afternoon in the Arashiyama area, we'll break for lunch before we head to the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Wander through this natural wonderland and continue your exploration at the Tenryu-ji Temple gardens. Home to ponds, landscaped zones, and traditional structures, the temple gardens showcase the artistry of Japanese garden design.

Then it's back to the station as we board a bullet train to Hiroshima. Check-in on arrival before your first evening in the city is at leisure.

Today we make the short ferry trip to Miyajima Island, famous for the iconic red torii gate which appears to float on the water. Enjoy panoramic views of the island as we ride the Miyajima Ropeway cable car to the top of Mount Misen. Returning to sea level, the afternoon is dedicated to further exploration of Miyajima Island's captivating landscapes.

Returning to Hiroshima, there's the option to join your group for a traditional okonomiyaki dinner this evening. These savoury pancakes are topped with cabbage, meat, and seafood and are a specialty in the area.

Hiroshima - Osaka. This morning, we take a sobering but important visit to the Peace Memorial Museum to learn more about the tragic events of 1945 when Hiroshima and Nagasaki were devastated by atomic weapons. With the aid of an audio guide, you'll navigate through the exhibits before enjoying some free time for lunch.

After our visit, we take the train to Osaka. Enjoy a short boat ride down the canal in the lively Dotonbori district before enjoying our final group meal of the tour. Sample traditional Takoyaki before we enjoy a few drinks on a craft beer crawl.

Osaka - Tokyo. You adventure leader will see you safely onto a train back to Tokyo this morning, and our tour arrangements end on arrival back in the city. If you would like us to arrange post-tour accommodation, then we can do this on request for you.