Japan: Land of the Rising Sun

Hello and welcome to Japan! Tokyo is a vibrant city full of modern culture, offering a variety of experiences. From intriguing museums and high-end shopping to charming backstreets filled with hidden restaurants and cozy bars, there’s something for everyone to discover. Your journey begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. Feel free to arrive anytime throughout the day, as there are no scheduled activities until the meeting. Afterward, you’re invited to join your fellow travelers for an optional dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Spend the morning at your leisure in Tokyo. In the afternoon, you'll hop on a local train bound for Nikko. Riding the Japanese trains is an iconic experience and offers a true glimpse into the country’s culture and remarkable efficiency. Take some time to pick up snacks or a bento box at the station, then relax as you enjoy the passing scenery. You’ll arrive in Nikko by late afternoon, where you'll stay overnight at a cozy inn with shared facilities.

Today, you have an entire day to discover Nikko – a historic town brimming with shrines and temples, including several that are UNESCO World Heritage sites. One of the highlights is Toshugu Shrine, the final resting place of a Tokugawa shogun, one of Japan's most influential rulers. The shrine is adorned with elaborate gold leaf, lacquer work, intricate paintings, and decorative patterns. You can also visit the Nikko Toshogu Museum of Art, located at the back of the temple complex (entrance fee required). During your free time, consider exploring the striking red-lacquered Shin-kyo bridge or the Rinno-ji Buddhist temple. Alternatively, you might choose to immerse yourself in Nikko's stunning natural beauty with a trip to Chuzenji Lake and Kegon Falls. Another must-see in the area is Kanmangafuchi Abyss, where your guide will take you to see around 70 Jizo Buddhas overlooking the river.

Bid farewell to Nikko as you embark on a journey to Hakone. Your travels will take you on a local train, followed by two shinkansen bullet trains, and finally a bus. The trip is well worth it, as Hakone is a picturesque hot spring resort nestled in the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Tonight, you'll stay at a charming, family-owned ryokan, where you’ll sleep on tatami mats, use shared bathroom facilities, and have the chance to unwind in a beautiful outdoor onsen hot spring.

This morning, take a boat ride across Ashinoko Lake, followed by a scenic cable car journey on the Hakone ropeway up to the surrounding mountains. The area around the lake offers breathtaking views, and if the weather is clear, you might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji in the distance. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring Hakone’s stunning mountain landscapes and volcanic features. You could visit the steaming sulphur springs of Owakudani or the Hakone Jinja Shrine, with its iconic red torii gate standing tall at the edge of the lake. Alternatively, take a stroll through the rolling hills of Sengokuhara, famous for its unique grassland ecosystem.

Travel by local train and then take a shinkansen towards Takayama, a picturesque town from the Edo period nestled in the Japanese Alps. Takayama is renowned for its traditional inns, sake breweries, and the Hida Folk Village. Your first stop is the village, an open-air museum where you can explore the region’s unique thatched-roof architecture, preserved in a mountain setting to protect and showcase traditional Japanese culture. Learn about the construction methods used to create farmhouses that could endure harsh winters and long periods of isolation caused by snow-blocked roads. Each house in the village acts as a mini museum, featuring displays of personal artifacts and traditional tools used by the local people.

This morning, you’ll visit the markets in Gifu Prefecture, which have been a local tradition for over 600 years. Famous for their high-altitude vegetables, the markets feature a wide variety of seasonal produce brought in from the surrounding countryside. Be sure to check out the distinctive local pickles, miso wrapped in leaves, Genkotsu ame (soybean candy), preserved fish, spices, and the sweet marshmallow-like treat, owara tamaten. Your guide will suggest a selection of local snacks for you to try as you enjoy a leisurely breakfast while wandering through the market. Gifu is also renowned for its sake, so you’ll visit a local brewery to sample the area’s signature brew. Afterward, head to Zenkoji Temple for a hands-on experience in incense making, a practice believed to have purifying effects. The rest of the day is yours to explore the town at your own pace.

Today, travel by express train and shinkansen to Hiroshima. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park this afternoon or tomorrow morning. The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand as powerful reminders of the atomic bombing in August 1945. Located just meters from the bomb’s epicenter, the dome survived largely intact and has become a symbol of peace. The surrounding park is home to museums, memorials, and monuments honoring the victims. In the evening, join your guide for dinner and try Hiroshima’s signature dish, okonomiyaki—a savory pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and your choice of meat or seafood.

Today, head to the nearby island of Miyajima to see the famous 'floating' torii gate. You can explore further by hiking to the top of Mt. Miyajima for panoramic views of the Inland Sea, or take the cable car for a more leisurely ride. Keep an eye out for the friendly, roaming deer. The rest of the day is free to visit other attractions, such as Hiroshima Castle, originally built in the 1590s, destroyed in the bombing, and rebuilt in the 1950s with a museum inside. Alternatively, relax in the serene Shukkeien Garden, known for its teahouses and waterfalls.

Today, leave Hiroshima and take the train to Himeji, home to Japan's most impressive samurai castle. Dating back to the mid-16th century, the castle has withstood earthquakes and war and was fully restored in 2015. Explore the castle, once home to over 10,000 samurai families, and enjoy views from the seventh floor. Afterward, board the shinkansen to Kyoto. Today, with over 2,000 temples, shrines, and gardens, it offers endless exploration. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk, after which you can stroll through the historic streets at your leisure.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, home to the stunning Golden Pavilion, made famous in Yukio Mishima's novel. Next, enjoy a sweet-making demonstration to learn how yatsuhashi (a traditional Japanese treat) and mocha tea are crafted. Afterward, explore Nishiki Market, Kyoto's vibrant food market, and sample local snacks like strawberry dumplings, chicken skewers, or soy milk sweets. In the afternoon, head to Fushimi Inari to see the famous red torii gates. For those seeking a challenge, hike up the mountain along the gates for beautiful forest views and a glimpse of the city. The rest of the afternoon is free for hiking, relaxing, or exploring at your own pace.

Enjoy a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. You might visit Arashiyama to stroll through the Sagano bamboo forest, or cycle along the Kamo River. Consider exploring the impressive Higashi Honganji Temple or Sanjusangendo, home to 1,001 Kannon statues. For a peaceful experience, take a walk along the 'Path of Philosophy' through Kyoto’s eastern hills, linking Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji Temple. You can extend this walk south to the historic Old Town and Kiyomizu-dera, known for its scenic viewing platform.

There's nothing planned for your final day and you can check out and leave whenever you like. If you'd like to extend your stay in Japan, please contact one of our agents who would be happy to tailor-make your holiday for you.