Day 1
Arrive in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan! Your adventure starts in this bustling metropolis. Check your Essential Trip Information for hotel arrival instructions. A 6pm welcome meeting at the hotel introduces you to your group and local leader. Arrive early to discover Tokyo's museums, shopping, and hidden eateries. Tonight, indulge in a welcome dinner with your travel companions, savouring Tokyo's culinary wonders like soba noodles, tempura, and yakitori. Post-dinner, consider immersing yourself in Tokyo's lively izakaya scene for a true taste of local nightlife.
Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Tokyo
Discover Tokyo's vibrant blend of modern urbanity and ancient traditions with a comprehensive half-day tour led by your guide. Start in the historic Asakusa area, home to the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest, dating back to its early fishing village days. Wander Nakamise dori, a street bustling with stalls offering delicious snacks, crafts, and souvenirs. Next, dive into the lively Shibuya district, famed for its bustling intersection and depachika (underground food hall). Find tranquillity at Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine, contrasting the nearby Harajuku district, a hub of eccentric youth culture. Cap off the day at Shibuya Sky, an open-air observation deck offering a panoramic city view from 46 floors up, complete with a toast at the rooftop bar.
Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3
Tokyo
Begin your morning at Tsukiji Outer Market, renowned for its fresh seafood from Tokyo's largest fish market. Here, your leader will enlighten you about the local culinary delights from the sea. Engage in an exciting sushi-making class, learning the art and history of this globally adored Japanese cuisine. Master the techniques of crafting nigiri, hand-rolled, or temari sushi, then relish your handmade sushi for lunch. Post this culinary adventure, explore Ginza with your leader on a brief walking tour, followed by a free afternoon. You might visit the Yayoi Kusama Museum for its unique avant-garde art (booking required), peruse luxury stores in Ginza, absorb the drama of a kabuki play, or enjoy some lively karaoke.
Accommodation: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Tokyo- Hakone
Bid farewell to Tokyo and journey to the tranquil onsen town of Hakone, nestled in mountains. Revel in a cable car ride to Owakudani's sulphur vents, then a serene boat trip on Ashinoko Lake, with potential Mt Fuji views. Stay at Susukinohara Ichinoyu, blending traditional ryokan aesthetics with modern luxuries, including private and communal onsens. Savor classic Japanese cuisine for dinner, then unwind in your private onsen.
Accommodation: Susukinohara Ichinoyu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Hakone- Takayama
Travel to the Edo-period town of Takayama by bullet train, a scenic journey through the Japanese Alps. This picturesque riverside town is known for its traditional inns, sake breweries, and serene ambiance. Join a walking tour to explore its historic architecture and unique culinary scene, including sampling renowned Hida beef sushi or skewers. Visit the Takayama Showa-kan Museum, displaying pop culture artifacts from Emperor Hirohito's era. Conclude with a free evening for more local culinary explorations.
Accommodation: Hotel Around Takayama or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Takayama
Begin your day at Takayama's morning market, where local women have sold high-altitude vegetables for over 600 years. Explore stalls with colourful pickles, miso, soy bean candy, spices, and owara tamaten. Next, take a bus to Shirakawa-go's thatched gassho-zukuri cottages and learn about traditional life. Enjoy free afternoon time in Takayama, possibly visiting the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
Accommodation: Hotel Around Takayama or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7
Takayama- Hiroshima
Journey by train to Hiroshima, a city marked by history yet vibrant with distinctive cuisine and a dedication to peace. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk with your leader. Savor Hiroshima's famous oysters and okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake with egg, cabbage, noodles, and meat or seafood, at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8
Hiroshima
Explore Hiroshima's poignant history at the Genbaku Dome and Peace Memorial Park and Museum, learning about the atomic attack of 1945. See the Dome, a symbol of peace near the blast's epicentre. Then, ferry to Miyajima Island, famous for the Itsukushima Shrine's grand orange gate and scenic walks, including Mt. Misen. Spend your evening leisurely in Hiroshima.
Accommodation: Hotel Intergate Hiroshima or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 9
Hiroshima- Kyoto
Travel north to Kyoto on a bullet train, stopping to marvel at Himeji Castle, a 16th-century samurai stronghold recently restored. Explore its vast history and enjoy panoramic views. Arrive in Kyoto, founded in 794, and stroll through Gion, the renowned geisha district, learning about geisha traditions and culture. Consider revisiting Gion in the evening for a vibrant experience and potential geisha sightings.
Accommodation: The Gate Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10
Kyoto
Start your day touring Kyoto's landmarks, including the ornate Kinkakuji Temple, known from Yukio Mishima's 'The Golden Pavilion'. Visit the ancient Daitokuji Temple, engage in a meditation session, and discuss Zen Buddhism over green tea with a monk. Spend the afternoon exploring Nishiki Market, famously dubbed 'Kyoto’s kitchen'.
Accommodation: The Gate Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11
Kyoto
Visit Kyoto's iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its 'Path of the Red Gates.' Enjoy its serene spots and, if up for it, hike to the halfway point for splendid city views. Then, take a short train ride to a distinguished sake brewery, delving into the art of sake making and tasting various types. Conclude your Japanese journey with a celebratory dinner in Kyoto, sharing authentic local flavours with your travel companions.
Accommodation: The Gate Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12
Depart Kyoto
Your Japanese journey comes to a close, make your way to the airport with your transfer, checkout is 10am and luggage storage is available if your flight is later.
Meals Included: Breakfast
