Imperial Japan's Enchanting Journey - 10 Days

Welcome to Japan! Upon your arrival in Tokyo, after finishing the necessary customs formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You might enjoy familiarising yourself with the local area or sampling some of Tokyo's culinary delights. In the afternoon, we'll provide all the information you need about the start of your tour, ensuring you're all set for the exciting journey ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Tokyo, we�ll embark on an absorbing five-hour guided tour of this dynamic metropolis, where the buzz of modernity harmoniously blends with pockets of serene tranquility. Our adventure begins with a visit to Zojoji Temple. Here, you�ll capture one of the most famous vistas of the Tokyo Tower, with the temple's grounds featuring numerous Jizo statues, lovingly adorned with colourful knit caps, bibs, and windmills, symbolising the protection of children.

Next, we move to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, often reputed as the busiest intersection worldwide. Then, it�s off to visit the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. As we continue our journey, we�ll drive down the classically elegant Omotesando Avenue and admire the beautiful landscapes surrounding the Imperial Palace, stopping to appreciate the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

Our route takes us through the bustling Akihabara district, famously dubbed the "Electric Town," celebrated as a hub for manga and anime culture. We�ll also glimpse the Kokugikan, Japan's prestigious sumo wrestling arena, before concluding our excursion in Asakusa at the historic Sensoji Temple and the lively Nakamise Street. We will break for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the evening, at 6:30 pm, we�ll regroup at the hotel lobby to meet our guide and make our way via metro (tickets included) to the vibrant Shinjuku district. You�ll have the pleasure of wandering through its lively streets, renowned for vibrant nightlife, before dining at a local restaurant (dinner included). We�ll return to the hotel by metro with our guide, rounding off an exhilarating day in Japan's capital.

On our third day, we embark on a journey from Tokyo to Kamakura, a serene retreat that served as Japan's capital for approximately two centuries. This delightful city is a treasure trove of sanctuaries, temples, and gardens. Our first stop is Hokoku-ji Zen Temple, where we'll wander through its captivating bamboo forest�admission included�and take a moment to savour traditional green tea. We will also visit Sugimoto-dera, Kamakura's oldest temple, established in 734. Time will be set aside to explore the charming city centre before we make our way to the iconic Great Buddha, or Daibutsu, with admission included.

Continuing along a scenic route by the Pacific Ocean, we'll reach Enoshima, a picturesque island linked to the mainland by a bridge. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and indulge in a leisurely stroll at your own pace. Our journey then takes us to Odawara, where we'll visit the formidable Odawara Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the Edo period and thoughtfully restored in the 20th century. The day's adventures conclude in Odawara, with an overnight stay to rest and reflect on the day's experiences.

Today, we embark on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Hakone region, renowned for its picturesque lakes and mountains close to the iconic Mount Fuji. Our adventure begins with a trip up to Owakudani, famously known as the �Valley of Hell,� celebrated for its steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and sulphurous gases. Please note, access may be restricted due to volcanic activity or toxic gases. In such cases, we will visit the Arakurayama Sengen Park instead.

We continue our exploration with a visit to Oshino Hakkai, a delightful village characterised by its eight clear ponds, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji. From there, we make our way to Kawaguchiko, a charming town adorned with quaint houses, vibrant flowers, and scenic mountains nestled by a beautiful lake. Here, you will enjoy a boat ride to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Later in the day, we will ascend Mount Fuji via the picturesque road leading to the Fifth Station, located 2,305 metres above sea level. Please note, during the winter months, this road is often closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions. Should this occur, we will ascend as far as conditions permit.

Upon returning to Kawaguchiko, you'll have the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll along the idyllic lakeside. Tonight, we offer the unique experience of staying in a ryokan � a traditional Japanese inn where you can relax and rejuvenate in the onsen, a traditional hot spring bath. Dinner is included in this memorable evening. Note that the ryokan features rooms in both traditional Japanese style with tatami mats and Western-style accommodations. In some situations, accommodation may be provided in a Western-style hotel.

Today's adventure takes us from Kawaguchiko through delightful landscapes to Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This enchanting village, once destroyed by a typhoon in 1966, has been transformed into an open-air museum with traditional houses now housing arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits. Next, we will admire the stunning Shiraito Falls, where the water elegantly cascades down from a height of 20 metres. Our journey then leads us to the bustling city of Nagoya, where we'll explore the intriguing Toyota Museum�an essential stop for car enthusiasts and those interested in automotive innovation. The day concludes with our arrival in Kyoto for an overnight stay, where you'll have time to unwind and prepare for tomorrow's exploration of this historic city.

On the sixth day, we dedicate ourselves to exploring the captivating city of Kyoto, the former capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. This city, spared the devastation of World War II bombings, boasts an impressive artistic legacy. Kyoto is also historically significant as the site of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, a major international effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Our day begins in the serene district of Arashiyama. Here, we admire the stunning views from the Togetsukyo Bridge, famously known as the "Bridge over the Moon," which offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape. We continue to Tenryuji Temple, one of the city's UNESCO-recognised "five great Zen temples." A peaceful walk follows through its enchanting bamboo forest.

Next, we pay a visit to the renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine and then move on to explore the Imperial Palace and the illustrious Kinkakuji Temple, often called the "Golden Pavilion," which is beautifully set amidst meticulously crafted gardens. Please note that the sequence of these visits may vary.

After this culturally rich tour, you have the opportunity to wander through Gion, Kyoto�s traditional district famous for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional geisha culture. You'll be able to soak up the lively ambiance and perhaps spot a geisha in her stunning attire.

As we set off for Nara, you'll find yourself captivated by the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, an architectural wonder dating back to 752. Housing a grand statue of Buddha, this site is not only significant for its spiritual importance but also for the delightful deer that roam the nearby park, friendly and eager to meet visitors�perfect for capturing memorable photos. Our visit will include lunch. Following this, we will explore the revered Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its ancient wooden structures, this historic complex includes a seminary, monasteries, and temples, and is lauded as the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan.

In the evening, our journey leads us to Osaka, a bustling city famed as Japan's second-largest urban centre. Here, we�ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant energy of Dotonbori, a lively district renowned for its colourful lights and bustling nightlife. Our stay will offer a chance to experience the modern charm of Osaka before settling in for the night.

We begin our day by travelling to Himeji, where we'll explore its magnificent castle complex. Known for its imposing architecture, Himeji Castle is one of Japan's finest examples of traditional castle design and offers insights into the country's feudal history. After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, our journey continues to Okayama. Here, we'll visit Korakuen, celebrated as one of Japan's most stunning gardens, featuring serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and charming teahouses.

Crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river affords you the chance to admire Okayama Castle, a sixteenth-century fortification thoughtfully rebuilt after World War II (although an inside visit is not included). Following this, you'll have some free time to wander around Okayama, an engaging provincial capital with a population of just over 700,000. On certain dates, our overnight stay may be in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, with the option to explore Kurashiki in the afternoon if circumstances allow.

Today, we embark on a journey to Kurashiki, renowned for its beautifully preserved historic centre. You'll have the opportunity to wander its charming streets, which echo the past with their quaint architecture and serene atmosphere. Our travels will then lead us to Hiroshima, a city poignantly connected to the events of 1945 when it was struck by an atomic bomb. Here, we will visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the evocative Peace Memorial Museum, which together commemorate the city's resilience and history.

To find peace and reflection after these solemn visits, we'll take a ferry to the enchanting island reputed as the "place where men and gods live together." On this island, we'll explore the famous Itsukushima Shrine, a stunning site dedicated to the protector of the seas and partially constructed over water. You'll have the chance to delve into the shrine, stroll through the picturesque town centre, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. We will then return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where dinner will be provided. Please note, the order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted without affecting the overall itinerary.

After a nourishing breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of the incredible experiences and captivating places we've explored together.