Japan's Breathtaking Icons and Heritage - 8 Days

Welcome to Japan! Once you have completed the customs procedures, you'll be transferred to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore or unwind at your leisure. In the afternoon, you will receive essential information regarding the commencement of your tour. 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 the second day of our adventure in Tokyo, we will embark on an enthralling five-hour guided tour of this captivating metropolis. Tokyo is a city where vibrant modernity blends seamlessly with serene, traditional spaces. Our journey begins with a visit to Zojoji Temple, offering an iconic view of the Tokyo Tower. This temple is surrounded by hundreds of Jizo statues, lovingly adorned with colourful knit hats and bibs, thought to protect children.

Next, we'll experience the dynamic energy of Shibuya Crossing, famously known as the busiest intersection in the world. From here, we'll visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our tour continues with a scenic bus ride along Omotesando Avenue, allowing us to appreciate the elegance of the area before we admire the stunning Imperial Palace and its gardens, alongside the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.

Passing through the electric hub of Akihabara, a paradise for manga and anime enthusiasts, we'll also view the Kokugikan, Japan's celebrated sumo wrestling arena. Our tour culminates in Asakusa at the historic Sensoji Temple where we'll wander down the fascinating Nakamise Street. We'll pause for lunch at a local restaurant, included in your itinerary, before returning to the hotel.

In the evening, at 6:30 p.m., we shall meet in the hotel lobby to explore the lively Shinjuku district via metro (tickets provided). Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, Shinjuku offers us a bustling atmosphere to enjoy as we stroll towards a local restaurant for an included dinner. Concluding the evening, we'll return to the hotel by metro with our guide, enriched by the day's discoveries.

Today, we'll leave Tokyo and head to the peaceful city of Kamakura, once Japan's capital for two centuries. Known for its abundance of sanctuaries, temples, and gardens, Kamakura is a delightful place to explore. We'll take a serene walk through the enchanting bamboo forest at Hokoku-ji Zen Temple, where you can enjoy a cup of traditional green tea. Our journey will also include a visit to Sugimoto-dera, Kamakura's oldest temple, established in 734. There will be some free time for you to discover the charming city centre before we visit the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu).

Following our exploration of Kamakura, we'll enjoy a scenic drive along the Pacific Ocean to Enoshima, a picturesque island connected to the mainland by a bridge. You'll have leisure time here to savour lunch and take a leisurely stroll around this beautiful island.

Our day continues in Odawara, where we will visit the impressive Odawara Castle�a magnificent medieval fortress from the Edo period, restored in the 20th century. We'll wrap up the day with an overnight stay in Odawara, allowing you ample time to reflect on the day's rich experiences.

Today, we embark on a scenic journey through the captivating Hakone region, famed for its stunning lakes and majestic mountains with the iconic Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Our adventure begins with a trip to Owakudani, also known as the "Valley of Hell", renowned for its steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and sulphurous gases. Please note, access may be restricted due to volcanic activity or toxic gases; if so, we will instead visit Arakurayama Sengen Park.

We continue our exploration at Oshino Hakkai, a charming village offering eight picturesque ponds and splendid views of Mount Fuji. Our journey then takes us to Kawaguchiko, a quaint town noted for its idyllic houses, vibrant flowers, and mountainous scenery, nestled beside a beautiful lake. Here, you�ll enjoy a serene boat ride that allows you to absorb the area�s natural beauty.

Later, we make our way up Mount Fuji along the scenic road leading to the Fifth Station, situated 2,305 metres above sea level. Please be aware that during winter, the road to Mount Fuji may be closed due to snow or adverse weather conditions, and on such occasions, we will ascend as far as conditions allow.

As we return to Kawaguchiko, you have the opportunity to take a leisurely walk along its picturesque lake. Tonight�s accommodation is a stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can unwind in the onsen (a Japanese public bath). Dinner is included. Please note that some rooms at the ryokan are in a traditional Japanese style with tatami mats, while others are Western-style. Occasionally, accommodation may be provided in a Western-style hotel instead.

In the morning, we�ll take a scenic drive through a charming landscape of lakes as we head to Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This village, devastated by a typhoon in 1966, has been lovingly restored as an open-air museum. Here, you'll find traditional houses transformed into arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering a fascinating window into Japan�s past. Our next stop is the stunning Shiraito Falls, where water cascades elegantly from a height of 20 metres, showcasing one of Japan�s most beautiful natural wonders. After taking in the falls, we�ll journey to Nagoya to explore the Toyota Museum (admission included). This is an unmissable experience for car enthusiasts and those intrigued by automotive innovation. Finally, we'll continue to Kyoto for our overnight stay, ready to discover more of Japan's rich history and culture.

Today, we dedicate the entire day to exploring Kyoto, a city steeped in history as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868, and famously unscathed during World War II, thus preserving its rich cultural heritage. Our day begins in the scenic Arashiyama area, home to the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as the �Bridge over the Moon,� offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We will then visit the Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto�s �five great Zen temples� and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a tranquil walk through its enchanting bamboo grove.

Continuing our exploration, we'll head to the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine, the historic Imperial Palace, and the Kinkakuji Temple, famed as the �Golden Pavilion,� with its exquisite gardens. Please note that the order of these visits may vary. After the guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to wander through the vibrant traditional district of Gion at your own pace, basking in its lively atmosphere and perhaps even spotting a geisha.

We will begin our day by journeying to the historic city of Nara, home to the impressive Todaiji Temple, constructed in 752. This significant Buddhist temple houses a colossal statue of Buddha and is surrounded by a park where you can take photos and interact with the tame deer that wander freely. Lunch is included in today's itinerary. Next, we will explore the renowned Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient complex consists of a seminary, monasteries, and temples, featuring the oldest wooden structures on the planet. Horyu-ji holds the title of Japan�s oldest Buddhist temple and remains an important site for worship. In the evening, we will head to Osaka, Japan's bustling second city, where we will stay overnight. Once settled, we will visit the vibrant district of Dotonbori, famous for its energetic nightlife and colourful street scenes.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your adventure.