A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to the Edo Tokyo Museum or the Miraikan. Next it’s onto the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Hamarikyu Garden, where you’ll have the chance to sample authentic tea and sweets at a Japanese tea house. Afterwards, pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine and the famous Shibuya Crossing before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Daily :

• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Journey to the resort town of Hakone by train, travelling in a ‘Romancecar’ (observation car) on the picturesque narrow-gauge line.

This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Take a tour of Odawara before taking a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to the Togendai station, nestled on the shores of the tranquil Lake Ashi. Enjoy a relaxing cruise around the lake before continuing on to your hotel for the evening.

Stay: Hakone Hotel

Daily :

• Breakfast
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Travel to Mt Fuji, arguably Japan’s most distinctive landmark.

This morning, travel to Mt Fuji, arguably Japan’s most distinctive landmark. Driving along the foot of the famous mountain, and disembark for an Insider Experience. Continue to Matsumoto and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Stay: Matsumoto, Hotel Buena Vista, or similar

Daily :

• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

This morning, venture to Matsumoto Castle, an impressive five-storey fortress.

Enjoy an Insider Experience at Matsumoto Castle this morning. En route to Takayama you’ll stop at Hirayu Onsen, one of Japan’s famous traditional open-air baths. Continue on to the picturesque town of Takayama, set atop brilliant hills. On a guided walking tour, see sights including the Old Jinya House and Kami Sannomachi.

Stay: Takayama, Associa Hotel

Daily :

• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Later, set off on a journey on the Hida Train to Nagoya, continuing onwards by bullet train to Hiroshima.

After a morning visit to the Miyagawa markets, enjoy an excursion to the nearby Hida Folk Village.

Stay: Two Nights, Hiroshima, Granvia Hotel

Daily :

• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Cruise to World Heritage-listed Miyajima Island. Translated to ‘Shrine Island’, the wooded island is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine which appears to float in the island’s waters at high tide. During your time here you’ll enjoy a walking tour and see cheeky wild deer.

Today, travel by train and cruise to Miyajima Island. This afternoon is set aside for you to discover the other sites of Hiroshima at your own leisure.

Daily :

• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

This morning visit Hiroshima’s World Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome Museum.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

You will also have the extraordinary opportunity to listen to a talk from a Hiroshima survivor or successor about the events that shaped Japan into the country it is today.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Travel by bullet train to Kyoto where you’ll wander the streets of the famous Gion district. Keep watch for one of the many beautiful geiko and maiko, the titles given to geisha and their apprentices.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Indulge in a traditional Japanese dinner at a local restaurant, renowned for using delicious and fresh produce.

A number of fascinating Insider Experiences will give you an insight into the events that shaped Japan into the country it is today. The memorial Peace Park was established to remember the more than 100,000 lives that were lost, and the A-Bomb Dome is a fascinating relic from the devastating event. Later, travel to Kyoto.

Stay: Three Nights, Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza or similar

Daily :

• Breakfast
• Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Venture to some of Kyoto’s beautiful formal gardens and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

Today after an Insider Experience, take a tour of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks including the Nijo Castle, built in 1603; Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) which has an exquisite Japanese garden; and Kiyomizu Temple, a historic Buddhist temple that offers impressive views over Kyoto. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Daily :

• Breakfast

Today you’ll enjoy a day trip to Nara, a picturesque city with charming narrow streets and an abundance of impressive temples. See the beautiful Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha and Nigatsu-do Shrine. Founded in 745 by Emperor Shomu, Todai-ji is a vast Buddhist temple complex that was constructed as a symbol of imperial power. Its famous Buddha towers overhead at 15 metres tall and is the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Later it’s time for a stroll through Nara’s famous Deer Park, home to over 1,200 wild deer who freely roam the park, grazing on the spacious lawns.

Daily :

• Breakfast

Travel to Osaka where you’ll enjoy a guided tour that includes a visit to the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Here you will enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle. Later, spend your final evening with your fellow travellers during a Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

Stay: Osaka, Sheraton Miyako

Daily :

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Your discovery of Japan comes to an end today. Transfer to Osaka airport after breakfast for your onward flight.

Daily :

• Breakfast