Highlights of Japan

On arrival in Japan, you will be greeted at the airport by a driver and transported via a shared shuttle bus to our accommodation in Asakusa, a neighborhood known for its traditional charm. Join a welcome meeting with our tour leader later that evening and opt to dine with your fellow travellers at a nearby restaurant.

On day 2, we embark on a comprehensive walking tour of Tokyo alongside our tour leader, utilizing the city's efficient public transportation system. Our journey takes us through a variety of attractions, ranging from the serene Meiji Shrine to the vibrant Harajuku shopping district, and from the historic Asakusa neighborhood to the modern skyscrapers of Shinjuku. If you wish to explore independently today instead of joining the tour, your tour leader will be available to assist you in crafting your itinerary.

Accommodation: Richmond Asakusa or similar

Tokyo - Nagano. Today, we travel to Nagano, nestled amidst scenic mountains and famed for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. This charming city is celebrated for Zenko-ji, a revered temple in Japanese culture. Spend the afternoon discovering Nagano's delights, followed by an optional meal of local soba noodles with your tour guide and the chance to unwind in rejuvenating hot spring baths. Tonight, we'll stay in traditional Japanese-style accommodations at a shukubo lodge affiliated with Zenko-ji, featuring tatami mats, sliding doors, and cozy futon beds.

Accommodation: Zenkoji Yakuo-in or similar

Nagano - Matsumoto. Experience Buddhist morning prayers in Nagano and tuck into a traditional breakfast of shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist cuisine. The day's itinerary then depends on when you are travelling. You will either enjoy an included visit to see the snow monkeys in Yudanaka (2024 departures) or explore Obuse and the Hokusai Museum with its impressive collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints (2025 departures and beyond). We are staying in the city of Matsumoto.

Accommodation: Kagetsu or similar

Matsumoto - Takayama. We journey through the Japanese Alps to Takayama. There are two free days here for you to explore how you wish. Takayama offers a variety of activities, from exploring the festival float museum and old town streets to visiting the world headquarters of the Sukyo Mahikari cult and browsing the many craft shops. Your accommodations for the next two nights will be at a family-run inn, complete with Japanese-style rooms, onsen hot spring baths, and a delectable kaiseki dinner.

On day 6, why not start at the vibrant morning market before visiting the Hida no Sato folk village, an outdoor museum showcasing traditional thatched-roof farmhouses? End the day with a sake tasting at local breweries in the old town. Dinner is not provided, so be sure to try the local delicacy, Hida beef, for a delightful culinary experience.

Accommodation: Iwatakan or similar

Takayama - Kanazawa. Situated on the Japan Sea coast, Kanazawa is renowned for its historical significance and architectural beauty. Similar to Kyoto, the city's historical landmarks were spared from air raids during World War II, allowing visitors to experience the charm of pre-war Japan in its old town areas.

During our visit, make sure to stroll through the Nagamachi samurai quarter, explore the Chaya geisha district, and indulge in some fresh sushi from the Omicho fish market. A must-see attraction in Kanazawa is Kenrokuen, a breathtaking landscape garden that is ranked among Japan's top three. Don't miss the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of Kenrokuen during your visit to Kanazawa.

Accommodation: Square Hotel Kanazawa or similar

Kanazawa - Hiroshima. Spend two leisure days in Hiroshima exploring the city and visiting the Peace Park and Museum, which commemorate the tragedy of 1945. In addition to these historical sites, Hiroshima offers world-class art galleries, a manga library, a restored castle, and the Mazda Museum for visitors to enjoy. On day 9, consider taking a ferry to Miyajima, a beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea known for its traditional community, friendly deer population, and iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its "floating" torii gate. Before leaving, be sure to try Hiroshima's local specialty, okonomiyaki, a delicious and affordable cabbage- or noodle-based pancake cooked at your table.

Accommodation: Washington Hotel or similar

Hiroshima - Kurashiki. Kurashiki, often overlooked on typical Japan itineraries, is a charming town with a rich history. The canal district serves as the heart of the town, featuring traditional shops, cafes, and museums housed in ancient storehouses from the Edo era. The Ohara Museum, a standout among the local museums, showcases the first permanent collection of Western art ever exhibited in Japan.

You can explore Kurashiki independently today, or join an optional cycling excursion through the Kibi plains. This picturesque route offers a glimpse of Japan's natural beauty and historical sites, including rice fields, burial mounds, temples, and Buddhist cemeteries.

Accommodation: Dormy Inn Kurashiki or similar

Kurashiki - Kyoto. Kyoto, an ancient imperial capital, is considered Japan's most significant repository of culture and history. It served as Japan's capital for over a thousand years and boasts an impressive 17 World Heritage Sites, including temples, shrines, and exquisite gardens. On day 11 there's an included tour of the traditional Gion geisha district, where you might catch a glimpse of a geisha as evening approaches.

On day 12 in Kyoto, our tour leader will lead you on a personalized tour of the city's hidden gems based on the group's interests, the season, and the weather. Alternatively, you can explore these gems on your own. Whether it's the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, the red gates of Fushimi Inari, the Nishiki food market, or Gion's teahouses, Kyoto offers a multitude of attractions that will leave you spoiled for choice.

Accommodation: Gracery Kyoto Sanjo or similar

Kyoto - Tokyo. On day 13 we travel back to Tokyo on the shinkansen bullet train, with a chance to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji. Take this opportunity to do some last-minute souvenir shopping and visit any sights you may have missed before.

Consider visiting the Skytree, the tallest tower in the world at 634 meters (2,080 feet), or renting a karaoke booth in Shinjuku to sing your heart out with your new friends.

Although dinner is not included tonight, we recommend joining your group for a farewell meal at one of the tour leader's favorite restaurants in the city to celebrate the end of a fantastic trip.

On the morning of day 14, it will be time to bid farewell to Japan and take the airport limousine bus to catch your departure flight. Wishing you a safe journey home.

Accommodation: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku or similar