Day 1
Osaka
Upon arrival into Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, you'll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and begin immersing yourself in the local culture.
Overnight: Hotel Monterey Osaka (or similar)
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Nara
Spend the morning in Nara, a charming city steeped in history that was once Japan's first capital. Take a leisurely stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and enjoy the beauty of the traditional Isuien Garden. Return to Osaka to visit the impressive Osaka Castle, followed by a relaxing cruise along the Yodogawa River.
Overnight: Hotel Monterey Osaka (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
Himeji Castle
Depart Osaka for Hiroshima, with a stop along the way to explore the magnificent 17th-century Himeji Castle and the adjacent Koko-en, a traditional Japanese garden.
Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Explore Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a dynamic, forward-thinking city that’s a joy to explore. Take a moment to reflect on the city’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying tribute to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, catch the ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima, where you can visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy some free time.
** Please be aware that the Peace Memorial Museum may be confronting and upsetting for some, and it is at your discretion if you wish to visit or instead enjoy free time exploring the park.
Overnight: Grand Prince Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Bullet Train to Kyoto
Begin the day with a bullet train journey to Kyoto. Once the capital for 1,000 years, this captivating city is the very essence of traditional Japan. Visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most renowned zen garden, and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion'.
Overnight: Rihga Gran Kyoto (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Visit one of Kyoto's most charming locations, Kiyomizu, a 17th-century Buddhist temple, before immersing yourself in the ancient traditions of a traditional tea ceremony with a skilled tea master. After lunch, explore Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its 10,000 vibrant vermilion torii gates.
Overnight: Rihga Gran Kyoto (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7
Travel to Kanazawa
Travel by road to Kanazawa. Stroll through Kenrokuen, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, before exploring the impressive art collection at the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Overnight: Hotel Vista Kanazawa (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8
Washi Paper Making
Visit the Nomura Samurai House and Garden before departing Kanazawa. Stop in Gokayama for lunch and a hands-on washi paper-making workshop. Continue to Shirakawago to explore the 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House, before arriving in Takayama.
Overnight: Mercure Hida Takayama (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9
Explore Takayama
Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market, and wander past some of the charming traditional houses. Visit several excellent local museums, including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum, and Takayama Jinya, before enjoying a stroll along Kamisannomachi Street.
Overnight: Mercure Hida Takayama (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10
Travel to Nagano
Travel to Matsumoto and explore the impressive 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Visit a miso house to learn about this iconic Japanese seasoning, then spend some time at a wasabi farm to discover how it is cultivated, before continuing your journey to Nagano.
Overnight: Metropolitan Nagano Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11
Search for Snow Monkeys
Venture further into the Japanese Alps to search for the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park – sightings are not guaranteed. Afterwards, visit Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most renowned Buddhist temples.
Overnight: Metropolitan Nagano Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12
Mount Fuji
Today you’ll head to the Fuji Five Lakes region and, weather permitting, ascend by road to the 5th station. Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to admire the intricate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Overnight accommodation will be in Mishima or the surrounding Fuji area.
Overnight: Kofu Kinenbi Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13
Explore Hakone
Start the day with a tranquil cruise on Lake Ashi. Next, take the Hakone Ropeway to soar above the hilltops, reaching the volcanic Owakudani Valley, where you can explore the dramatic natural hot springs of Mount Hakone. Later, continue your journey to Tokyo.
Overnight: Sunshine City Prince Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14
Discover Tokyo
A wonderous, high-tech metropolis, Tokyo blends its modern vibrancy with deeply traditional roots. Begin your explorations at the Imperial Palace East Garden, visit the Meiji Shrine, and make sure to stop by the iconic Shibuya Crossing.
Overnight: Sunshine City Prince Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15
Tokyo
Wander through the lively Asakusa district and absorb the atmosphere of Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Take a trip up to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree and savour lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure, before you embark on a traditional yakata boat for a dinner cruise in the evening.
Overnight: Sunshine City Prince Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16
Depart
This morning is at your leisure, before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast.