Japan Highlights - 13 Days

Welcome to the start of your thrilling 13-day group tour across Japan! Upon arrival in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, you can check into your hotel from 3 PM onwards. Look out for your Expat Explore information pack, which outlines today’s activities.

This evening, join your tour leader and fellow travellers at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner. Savour the flavours of authentic Japanese cuisine as you get to know your companions.

Prepare for a captivating day in Tokyo! After breakfast, we embark on a city tour to explore some of Tokyo's iconic sites. First, we'll visit the Meiji Shrine, a splendid example of Japan's Shinto heritage, and the historic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple. Following the tour, you have free time to enjoy lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market, renowned for its fresh seafood and bustling atmosphere, and to explore Takeshita Street, a haven for trendy shopping and unique experiences.

This evening, you can continue discovering Tokyo at your leisure or opt for the Tokyo+ excursion. This includes a visit to the Skytree Tower for panoramic views of the city, dinner in the nostalgic alleyways of Omoide Yokocho, and a walking tour of the dynamic Shinjuku City.

We say goodbye to Tokyo and set off towards Shizuoka, with intriguing sights to explore en route. Our first stop is Kamakura, a picturesque seaside city famous for its iconic Great Buddha and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine. These landmarks offer a glimpse into Japan's rich spiritual history while showcasing extraordinary traditional architecture.

Next, we relax in Hakone, a delightful town on the banks of Lake Ashi, renowned for its stunning views of Mount Fuji. You have free time here to enjoy lunch and perhaps explore further.

After our time in Hakone, we continue our journey to Shizuoka Prefecture. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel. The evening is yours to explore or unwind as you wish.

Embark on a unique day of exploring Japanese culture. We'll start at a green tea plantation in Makinohara, where you'll discover the fascinating process behind Japan's beloved tea. After enjoying some free time for lunch, we then head to a miso factory to learn about the traditional production of this essential Japanese ingredient.

Our journey continues to the Toyota Museum, showcasing an impressive array of vintage vehicles and memorabilia. We conclude the day by travelling to Iga, where you can settle in for a relaxing evening.

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before we visit the Iga Ninja Museum. Here, you will uncover the secrets of the ninja and watch a demonstration of their skills and weaponry. Next, we visit the Kehaya Sumo Museum to delve into the history of Japan's distinctive wrestling tradition.

We then proceed to Osaka for an orientation tour, followed by some free time to explore the lively Dotonbori district. You are encouraged to sample the area's renowned street food. For dinner, you can opt for a sumptuous meal featuring premium Wagyu beef.

Please note: The Sumo Museum visit is dependent on availability. If the museum is closed, our itinerary will include a trip to ancient Nara, Japan’s first capital, known for its historic temples and free-roaming deer.

Today, we leave Osaka behind and set our sights on Hiroshima. En route, we will visit Himeji Castle, a masterpiece of 14th-century Japanese architecture. Perched on a hill, this iconic structure offers commanding views—particularly enchanting with cherry blossoms from March to May. You'll have time to explore its well-preserved interior before we continue our journey.

Upon arrival in Hiroshima this afternoon, we'll check into our hotel, where we'll spend the next two nights. This evening, savour an Okonomiyaki dinner, a beloved Japanese delicacy and a culinary highlight of our visit.

Spend the day discovering both contemporary and historical Hiroshima. We will start by walking across the impressive Kintaikyo Bridge, a marvel of traditional Japanese engineering. Then, we will head to Miyajima Island to visit the Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its iconic “floating” torii gate. On the island, you have free time for lunch—don’t miss the chance to try momiji manju, a local sweet delicacy.

Returning to Hiroshima, we'll delve into the city's poignant history, focusing on the profound impact of the atomic bombing during World War II. Honour the memories of those lost in 1945 at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might explore local attractions or experience Hiroshima’s vibrant nightlife in the Nagarekawa district.

After breakfast, we leave Hiroshima for Kurashiki, a charming town known for its serene canals and historic rice storehouses. You will have free time to explore Kurashiki’s historic centre, visit its various museums, or enjoy a peaceful punt along the canals.

In the early afternoon, we continue to Kyoto, a jewel of any journey through Japan. Once the nation's capital, Kyoto is famed for its stunning architecture and deep-rooted traditions. Our day concludes with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where you can wander amidst the towering bamboo in this enchanting setting.

The evening is yours to spend as you choose.

Today is yours to explore the captivating city of Kyoto, home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines.

We begin our day at Fushimi Inari Taisha, renowned for its mesmerising rows of red torii gates. Next, we visit Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,200 years of history.

Our journey continues to Kinkakuji, a Zen temple famously known as the “Golden Pavilion” for its top two floors, which are covered in gold leaf.

In the evening, why not opt for an optional excursion to the Gion district, offering a unique glimpse into its vibrant arts and culture?

Today, we journey to Hikone, a charming city nestled on the shores of Lake Biwa. We will explore the 17th-century Genkyuen Garden and view the iconic Edo-period Hikone Castle. Following this, we travel to Gifu Prefecture's mountainous region, stopping first at Gujo Hachiman. Known for its peaceful canals, this riverside town offers a glimpse into tranquil Japanese life.

This afternoon, we proceed to Takayama, where we will spend the evening. There, discover the historic Sanmachi district, once home to artisans, merchants, and farmers during the Edo period. The day concludes with a Sake tasting at a unique store featuring Sake vending machines.

After breakfast, we will visit Takayama Jin’ya, an Edo-period government building, offering a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Our journey then takes us to the Gassho-Zukuri Minka-en Open Air Museum. Here, we’ll explore a fascinating collection of historical farmhouses, notable for their distinctive wooden, thatched gable roofs, which reflect the architectural style of Japan's mountainous regions.

Next, we'll travel to Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village and UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Japanese Alps. This charming village evokes a fairytale atmosphere.

This afternoon, we continue to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, we’ll visit Kenrokuen Garden, renowned for its stunning landscape that dazzles in any season.

In the evening, you may choose to join the "Flavours of Kanazawa" optional excursion. This experience includes crafting your own temarizushi in a historic machiya townhouse.

This morning, we'll explore Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Often compared to Kyoto for its rich history and culture, Kanazawa offers a more serene experience. We'll dive into the renowned Nagamachi Samurai District, strolling its cobblestone streets and visiting a former Samurai residence.

In the afternoon, we proceed to the train station to board the Shinkansen, Japan's famous bullet train, which whisks us to Tokyo at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph). Upon arrival, we'll check into the hotel. This evening, we gather for a farewell group dinner as we savour our final night in Japan.

After a memorable 13-day journey through Japan's highlights, our tour concludes this morning following breakfast. Don't forget to exchange contact details with your fellow travellers to keep those cherished memories alive. We at Expat Explore wish you a safe onward journey.