Your journey begins today in Tokyo. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers and Tour Escort.

Stay: Two Nights: Tokyo, Grand Nikko Daiba, or similar

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• Dinner

There’s much more to Japan’s capital than the skyscrapers and neon-lights that first come to mind. A full-day tour of Tokyo illuminates the ancient history behind Asakusa Kannon Temple and the fascinating Ameyoko Market, as well as the Imperial Palace Plaza. Later, enjoy a visit to Nakajima no Ochaya, a tea house in Hamarikyu Garden that dates back to 1704. You are invited to sample authentic Japanese tea and sweets here. Afterwards, spend time at the Edo Tokyo Museum, where exhibits depict the fascinating history of Japan’s capital during the peaceful Edo period. This evening you might explore the buzzing city centre or relax back in the comfort of your hotel.

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• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

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

Upon arrival, you will enjoy a tour of the spectacular Hakone National Park with Mt Fuji resting in the distance. Lying in the foothills of this stunning mountain, Hakone is a breathtaking region of spoils including lakes, forests and hot springs. Enjoy a short cruise on the tranquil Lake Ashi, a former crater, which is popular among nature lovers and hikers because of its abundant reeds and walking tracks. Continue to the renowned hot springs at Owakudani.

Stay: Hakone, Prince Hotel, or similar

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• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Visit the Mt Fuji Visitor Centre (weather dependent) to learn more about the snow-capped peak.

This morning, travel to Mt Fuji, arguably Japan’s most distinctive landmark and drive along the foot of the famous mountain. Stay overnight in Matsumoto. Enjoy a visit to Matsumoto Castle, an impressive fortress completed in 1593. Built on a plain, this five-storey fortification is a celebrated National Treasure of Japan.

Stay: Matsumoto, Hotel Buena Vista, or similar

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• Breakfast

Your journey continues today, travelling to Takayama, pausing en route for an excursion to the nearby Folk Village where an open air museum of rustic farm dwellings depicts the traditional architectural styles found in the mountains. Some of the buildings in the picturesque village date back 500 years. After exploring here, you’ll continue to Takayama to spend the night. Perfectly named, Takayama, meaning ‘Tall Mountain’, is set atop brilliant hills and is home to a fascinating array of narrow streets and wooden houses which appear almost untouched by time.

Stay: Takayama, Oan Hotel or similar

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• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Enjoy a journey on the Hida Train to Nagoya, continuing onwards by Bullet Train to Hiroshima.

Begin your morning with an expert-guided tour of Takayama before continuing on to Hiroshima. The city of Hiroshima is now an iconic symbol of peace across the world after experiencing immense destruction at the conclusion of World War II. 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. Explore these critical historic sites at your own leisure and also some culturally significant buildings and temples that withstood the war.

Stay: Two Nights: Hiroshima, Granvia Hotel, or similar

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• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Today, travel by tram and boat to 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. This afternoon is set aside for you to discover the other sites of Hiroshima at your leisure.

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• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Visit Hiroshima’s World Peace Memorial Park where you will have the extraordinary opportunity to listen to a talk from a Hiroshima survivor. Later, travel by Bullet Train to Kyoto. The capital of Japan for more than a thousand years, Kyoto is a living museum of the country’s artistic heritage and religious and cultural traditions.

This morning explore the A-Bomb Dome Museum and learn about the events that shaped Japan into the country it is today.

Stay: Three Nights: Kyoto, Tokyu Hotel, or similar

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• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Wander the streets of the Gion district and watch for the beautiful geiko and maiko, the titles given to geisha and their apprentices while in Kyoto. Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner this evening at a local restaurant renowned for using delicious and fresh produce. Venture to some of Kyoto’s formal gardens for a traditional tea ceremony.

With buildings capped at 15 metres (with few exceptions) and blinking advertisements banned on rooftops all together, you can enjoy the surrounds of the stunning city. A morning tour introduces you to famous landmarks including the Nijo Castle, built in 1603 and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) which has an exquisite Japanese garden. Enjoy time at leisure.

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• Breakfast
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• Dinner

Visit Nara today, a cute and compact city of narrow streets. Enjoy a walking tour through Nara Park, home to the beautiful Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world and its Great Buddha. See one of Tadai-ji Temple’s most important structures, Nigatsu-do.

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• Breakfast

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Travel by Bullet Train to Osaka.

Enjoy a guided tour that includes a visit to the Floating Garden Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building. Here enjoy panoramic views over Osaka and its castle, ahead of a Farewell Dinner at the hotel with your fellow guests this evening.

Stay: Osaka, Cross Hotel, or similar

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• Breakfast
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• Dinner

Transfer to Osaka airport for your onward flight after breakfast.

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• Breakfast