Breathtaking Japan

Day 1 – Arrive in Tokyo

Arrive at the front-line capital of Japan. The Imperial Palace accentuates the contrast between tradition and modernity and the Hamarikyu Gardens provide some temporary respite. Take advantage of inexpensive izakaya bars and neighbourhood cafes or stroll through Asakusa and the Buddhist temple Sensoji.

On your arrival at Narita Airport, you will be met by an assistant who will escort you to your hotel in Tokyo. You will have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure.

Day 2 – Tour of Tokyo

First up is Asakusa, a testament to Tokyo of old, Visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a traditional shopping street. Next, travel down the Sumidagawa River on Tokyo’s Water Bus. You’ll arrive at Hamarikyu garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by futuristic skyscrapers where you will stop for a cup of steaming matcha and Japanese sweets in a tea house.

After lunch, enjoy a visit to Meiji Shrine. Finally, take a walk down the sparkly Omotesando shopping street.

Day 3 – Tsukiji fish market

In the morning, meet your guide in Tsukiji and stroll around the world’s largest fish market. Take time to wander through and explore the impressive seafood section, where you can try tasty samples!

Following this, you will visit a nearby restaurant for a sushi-making experience. A Japanese chef will help you to make a selection of delicious fresh sushi, which you then get to enjoy for lunch.

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

Hakone is a natural wonderland with an exquisite view of Mount Fuji. You can tour Hakone as a day trip but adding an overnight stay, including a soak in a hot-spring tub, is recommended.

Board Japan’s world-famous bullet train to Hakone. Take advantage of the local transport network – from switchback trains to cable cars, even a pirate ship that will sweep you across the volcanic Lake Ashi. Tonight, you will stay in a Japanese traditional ryokan, with included meals and piping hot onsen (hot spring) baths.

Day 5: Hakone to Takayama

Known as “little Kyoto” for its culture, every day the freshest produce is brought to Takayama’s morning market. The district called San-machi Suji has been preserved for around 3 centuries: there are inns, shops and taverns which trace their history back many generations. From Hakone, take the bullet train, then change onto the Hida Wideview for one of the most scenic train journeys in Japan.

This afternoon is at your leisure. We recommend visiting one of the town’s sake breweries for a taste of the local drop.

Day 6: Takayama

The day is at your leisure. After breakfast, we recommend you head to the Miyagawa morning markets. A bus ride will take you to Hida No Sato Folk Village, an open-air museum exhibiting over 30 typical farmhouses. A workshop in the village illustrates how many of Japan’s handicrafts are made. In the afternoon, visit the Takayama Festival Floats Museum, or simply wander through the beautifully preserved old town.

Day 7: Takayama to Kanazawa via Shirakawago

Today will be self-guided. Pay a visit to Shirakawago village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. After your visit, you will head onwards to Kanazawa by coach with your included ticket.

Day 8: Kanazawa

A free day to explore Kanazawa. The highlight being Kenrokuen garden – its breathtaking beauty shines through in any season. We also recommend visiting Kanazawa Castle. You can visit the Nagamachi Samurai District, the Saihitsuan Yuzen Silk Center – demonstrating the centuries-old Yuzen silk painting technique – and the Nomura Samurai House – a traditional Japanese home with a tea-ceremony room, interior courtyard garden and artifacts from the Edo period.

Day 9: Kanazawa to Hiroshima

The city’s tragic past has become its biggest tourism attraction, and visitors now come to see the Peace Memorial Park and its haunting museum. Destroyed monuments of the city’s historical heritage, such as the Shukkeien Garden and the Hiroshima Castle, have been rebuilt. Besides excellent museums, Hiroshima is also the most popular gateway for trips to nearby Miyajima, an island considered to be one of Japan’s most scenic spots.

Travel by train to Hiroshima (4 hours with one change in Shin Osaka). Your afternoon is at your leisure.

Day 10: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Take a day tour of Hiroshima with a local guide, starting with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Discover the many memorials before heading into the Museum itself.

From Hiroshima, take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Here you will find the most photographed site in Japan – the Floating Torii Gate, the harmoniously arranged buildings designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples, as well as sample local cuisine, before heading back to your hotel to relax.

Day 11: Hiroshima to Kyoto

Kyoto transports you back in time to Japan’s mysterious past, echoes of the court nobility resonate at the Imperial Palace and the search for contemplation can be found in Ryoanji’s Zen rock gardens.

In the afternoon, make your way to a meeting place to take part in a private cooking lesson. In this tour, you will try your hand at making some of the dishes that made this cuisine so popular in the world. Afternoon Izakaya Class is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese dining culture as well.

Day 12: Kyoto

The world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine sees millions of visitors every year. The shrine complex spans the entire Mt. Inari. You will visit the main shrine hall. Then, you will proceed through the famed vermillion gate tunnel. Next, visit Sanjusangendo, the longest wooden structure in Japan. Followed by a visit to the Kiyomizu-dera temple.

In the afternoon you will visit Kinkakuji temple and finally, visit Kitano-Temanngu – a remarkable shrine to scholarship, built to appease the spirit of an angry ghost.

Day 13: Nara

Take a full-day tour to Nara. First, you will visit the beautiful Isuien Garden, Next, take a wander through Nara Park. Within Nara Park is Todaiji temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha.

Next stop is Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, and to contrast the many temples and shrines, you will end the day with a stroll around Naramachi, a charming historic merchant district showcasing some exceptionally well-preserved “machiya” Japanese town houses.

Your guide will take you back to your hotel at the end of the day.

Day 14: Kyoto to Tokyo and Depart from Tokyo

Departure from Tokyo Narita International Airport (Flights departing after 2pm only). You have a free day until your train departs to Narita Airport (4 hours).

Services Included

• Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees
• Accommodation in hotels as stated, or similar, with daily breakfast
• Train tickets as specified in the above itinerary
• Service of English Speaking Local Guide for all included sightseeing (except free days)
• Meals as specified in the above itinerary (drinks are not included)
• Government tax and services charge

Services Not Included

• International and domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified
• Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees (Visa is not needed for citizens of many countries, however please enquire with your local authorities)
• Meals other than specified as included
• Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
• Tips or gratuities
• Drinks or personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities

Prices vary according to season. Price is based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Please ask us for the full itinerary and add-ons.
All itineraries shown can be amended to suit your personal requirements. To find out more, give us a call or email sales@odyssey-world.co.uk