Journey Through Japan's Cultural Treasures - 7 Days

Welcome to Japan! Upon completing customs formalities, you will be whisked away to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. Once settled in, the remainder of the day is at your leisure, giving you the chance to explore Tokyo at your own pace. This afternoon, you will receive additional details about 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.

In the morning, we will embark on an in-depth guided exploration of Tokyo, a city where futuristic energy harmonises with pockets of tranquillity. Our five-hour tour begins with a brief visit to Zojoji Temple, where you can capture stunning views of Tokyo Tower. Amidst the temple’s grounds, you'll find an array of Jizo statues, adorned in colourful caps and bibs, symbolising the guardianship of children. We then proceed to the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, known as the planet’s busiest intersection, before visiting the serene Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort.

Following this, our tour continues by bus along the chic Omotesando Avenue. We'll have the opportunity to admire the impressive Imperial Palace and its picturesque gardens, making a stop at the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. As we drive through the Akihabara district, renowned for its vibrant manga and anime culture, we’ll also pass by the Kokugikan, Japan’s prestigious sumo wrestling arena.

Our excursion concludes in Asakusa, where we will visit the historic Sensoji Temple and explore the bustling Nakamise Street. A delightful lunch is included at a local restaurant, after which we will return to the hotel.

In the evening at 6:30 p.m., we will reconvene with our guide in the hotel lobby. Together, we will take the metro (tickets covered) to the energetic Shinjuku district. There, you'll have the chance to soak up the lively nightlife as we stroll to a local eatery for our included dinner. We will accompany you back to the hotel afterwards, navigating the metro once again with our guide.

We will set off early in the morning on a swift bullet train journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, covering nearly 500 kilometres in just over two hours. Known as the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto served as the home of the Imperial Court from 794 to 1868 and was notably spared during World War II bombings, preserving its rich cultural heritage. This city holds historical significance, being the location where the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997, aiming to combat climate change.

Our exploration of Kyoto will include visits to its most iconic landmarks. We will marvel at the impressive Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its striking red torii gates, the elegant Imperial Palace, and the exquisite Kinkakuji Temple, often referred to as the "Golden Pavilion," nestled within a backdrop of stunning gardens.

Later in the day, take some time to wander through Gion, Kyoto's lively traditional district, renowned for its geisha culture and bustling atmosphere. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish, perhaps exploring more hidden gems or simply soaking in the unique Kyoto ambiance.

Today, we'll journey to Nara, a city steeped in history and tradition. Our first stop will be Todaiji Temple, an architectural marvel built in 752, housing a colossal Buddha statue. As you explore the temple's grandeur, you'll encounter the friendly deer that roam freely in the adjacent park, offering a unique photo opportunity. A satisfying lunch is included before we continue our exploration.

Next, we'll visit Horyu-ji Temple, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site. This complex comprises a seminary, monasteries, and temples, featuring one of the world's oldest wooden structures and holding the title of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. It remains a significant place of worship.

In the evening, we'll arrive in Osaka, a vibrant metropolis and Japan’s second-largest city. Our day concludes with a visit to Dotonbori, a lively district famed for its bustling nightlife and colourful environment, where you'll experience the energetic pulse of the city. Accommodations are arranged here for the night.

Today, our adventure leads us to Himeji, where we'll immerse ourselves in the grandeur of its remarkable castle complex, a quintessential example of Japanese castle architecture. Following an included lunch at a local restaurant, we will make our way to Okayama. Here, we'll explore Korakuen, one of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, featuring serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and classic teahouses. Crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you can wander around the grounds of Okayama Castle, a historic fortress originally built in the XVI century and reconstructed in 1966. Please note: the castle's interior is not open for visiting today. Afterward, you'll enjoy free time to explore Okayama, a lively provincial capital with a population of over 700,000. Do note that on certain dates, we might stay in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, with a visit to Kurashiki potentially scheduled for this same afternoon.

Today, we leave for Kurashiki, celebrated for its well-preserved historic district. You'll have the opportunity to meander through its quaint streets, soaking up the enchanting ambience of a bygone era. Our adventure continues in Hiroshima, a city with a poignant past, forever linked to the atomic bomb of 1945. We'll explore the Peace Memorial Park and visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum, where the city's history and resilience are poignantly showcased.

To find some tranquillity, we board a ferry to Itsukushima Island, reputedly where "men and gods live together." We’ll visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, dedicated to the sea's guardian, set partially over water. Here, you can explore the shrine and its surroundings at leisure, with time to discover the charming town centre and have lunch. Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Hiroshima, where dinner is included. Please note that the order of visits in Hiroshima may change, though the overall itinerary will remain unchanged.

Following a hearty breakfast in Hiroshima, your journey with us draws to a close. We hope you depart with a treasure trove of cherished memories from your travels, enriched by the sights, sounds, and stories of Japan's captivating landscapes and vibrant culture. Enjoy the rest of your day and safe onward travels.