Ancient and Modern Japan - 14 Days

Arrive in Kyoto, an atmospheric city framed by beautiful hills. Make your own way to the hotel. At around 6pm, we meet the tour leader and fellow travellers for introductions and a briefing on the journey ahead, followed by a warm welcome dinner. If you would like more time in Kyoto, you can arrange extra pre tour nights through your sales representative.

Kyoto holds more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, its traditional spirit preserved through war and modernisation. Today we take an introductory city tour – we visit Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji and Ryoanji, home to Japan’s most celebrated rock garden. Afterwards we head to central Kyoto, and you have free time to enjoy a leisurely late lunch, relax at the hotel or keep exploring.

We take a day trip to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, about one hour each way. On our walking tour we visit key temples and shrines, including Todaiji with its 49ft (15m) bronze Great Buddha, housed in what is reputed to be the largest wooden building in the world. We spend time in Nara Koen Park, meeting the famously assertive deer, and see the attractive outer grounds of the Kasuga Shinto shrine.

Later we return to Kyoto and stop at Fushimi Inari Taisha, walking among thousands of vermilion torii gates. As evening approaches, we wander Gion, Kyoto’s best known geisha district, when lanterns glow and the streets are most atmospheric – very occasionally you may glimpse an apprentice geisha on the way to an appointment. If you prefer, you can instead browse Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s Kitchen, for seasonal specialities.

Today we take our first ride on the shinkansen as we leave Kyoto for Hiroshima, about two hours. We then continue by local train and ferry to Miyajima to see the celebrated floating torii of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to hover at high tide against the backdrop of Mount Misen.

Back in Hiroshima, you have free time – you might take in the views over Peace Memorial Park from Hiroshima Orizuru Tower or enjoy a tranquil stroll in the feudal era Shukkeien Garden.

Important travel note: there is no storage for large suitcases on the shinkansen, so please pack a small overnight bag for two nights tonight – nights 4 and 5 – and you will be reunited with your main luggage at the Kanazawa hotel on Day 6.

This morning we visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum, powerful memorials to the events of August 1945; in the park a symbolic flame will be extinguished only when the last nuclear weapon on Earth has been destroyed.

We then travel by train to Kobe, about one hour forty five minutes, for an overnight stay. The compact port city is easy to explore on foot, and food lovers may wish to sample famed Kobe beef at source. This evening there is an optional group Kobe beef dinner – please let the tour leader know at the start of the trip if you would like to join so a reservation can be secured; cancellation charges may apply once confirmed.

We travel north to Kanazawa by Thunderbird and shinkansen trains, about three hours fifteen minutes, tracing the shores of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. In the atmospheric city of Kanazawa, long renowned for arts, prosperity and seafood, we have lunch before visiting Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful, with a large artificial pond and seasonal planting that transforms through the year.

We begin in Nagamachi, the former samurai district, visiting the Nomura Samurai House and Garden, a finely preserved example of a prosperous warrior’s home. We continue exploring Nagamachi’s narrow lanes and canals, then visit Omicho Market, a three hundred years old hub where chefs, locals and visitors stock up on fresh produce and seafood from the Sea of Japan.

This afternoon we discover Higashi Chaya, one of Kanazawa’s largest geisha districts. Important travel note: please pack a small overnight bag tonight as your main luggage will be transferred to Takayama – you will be reunited with it at the Takayama hotel on Day 8.

We travel by bus for about one hour thirty minutes to Shirakawago, a secluded mountain region where historic villages are dotted with gassho zukuri farmhouses – steep thatched roofs built to withstand heavy winter snow and to provide attic space for silkworm cultivation. We take a leisurely walk through the picture perfect village, with time to step inside some of the oldest buildings.

We then transfer by bus for about one hour to Takayama and visit the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum, a collection of thirty traditional Hida houses and other village buildings from the Edo period. We stay two nights in Takayama to savour the charm of this delightful town in the Hida Mountains.

Today we explore Takayama. We begin with an orientation walk that calls at the lively Morning Market beside the Miyagawa River and continues through the historic Sanmachi district, before we join a relaxed, welcoming tea ceremony experience. Our hosts introduce the traditions while preparing matcha for you.

Afterwards, you have free time – you could enjoy a local lunch and sake tasting, browse the many lacquerware and antique shops, visit the old Government House of Takayama jinya to learn about the lives of medieval officials, or stroll the temple lined Higashiyama Walkway created by the warlord Kanamori Nagachika.

This morning we travel by direct bus for about two hours thirty minutes to Matsumoto and leave our luggage at the hotel. We then visit Matsumoto Castle, known as Crow Castle for its striking black exterior. Built in 1504, it is among the best preserved castles in Japan, with original interior and structure – note the very tall steps and steep staircases, which some may find difficult. For the rest of the day you can relax and enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere; after dinner you might like a gentle stroll to see the castle illuminated at night.

We continue by train and bus for about three hours to the lakeside town of Kawaguchiko beside Lake Kawaguchi; in clear conditions Mount Fuji may be reflected in the waters. This afternoon we visit Oishi Park for more lakeside views and the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, whose architecture is inspired by nature and which displays exquisite kimono.

On departures when the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is closed, we instead visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art on Day 10. Important travel note: there is limited space for large suitcases today, so please pack a small overnight bag this morning for one night – night 11 – and you will be reunited with your main luggage in Tokyo on Day 12.

We depart early by bus for about one hour forty five minutes to Tokyo, then use the superb subway to visit key sights, including lively Sensoji Temple in the historic Asakusa district. We explore the vibrant temple grounds, stroll the bustling Nakamise shopping street and soak up the time honoured atmosphere.

Our tour finishes in the late afternoon, after which you have free time – you might head towards Ueno Station to roam the market street of Ameyokocho or wander nearby for a nostalgic downtown ambience of eateries and shops beneath the tracks. In the evening, the nightlife options are virtually limitless.

Today is free for your own exploration with a one day metro pass included. We recommend the forest wrapped Meiji Shrine, then Omotesando, often likened to the Champs Elysees of Tokyo; culture and shopping abound in districts such as Ginza, Shibuya with its famous scramble, and Shinjuku, the city’s nightlife hub. Your tour leader can advise on how best to spend the day. This evening you can join the group for a farewell dinner, followed by optional karaoke.

Your journey through old and new Japan comes to an end today after riding the iconic bullet train and delving into samurai heritage. Make your own way to the airport or your next destination.