Highlights of Japan
Uncover Japan’s best-known cities, discover the hidden treasures of Koya-san and Nara and view majestic Mt Fuji. There will also be time at leisure to further explore on your own or with your newfound friends.
- Explore historic Himeji & Nara
- Head to holy Koya-san
- Discover delightful Kyoto
- Admire beautiful Mt Fuji
- Be amazed in bustling Tokyo
Days 1-2: Fly to Osaka
Fly overnight to the lively, fast-paced city of Osaka. On arrival you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer to your hotel.
Destination Information
– Osaka – Osaka is Japan’s third largest city. What Osaka lacks in sightseeing locations, it makes up for with its flamboyance, fun loving people and amazing food.
Day 3: Himeji
Start exploring Japan today with a visit to Himeji. In the morning, travel around 2 hours by coach and on arrival visit the city’s magnificent feudal-era fort, before strolling through Koko-en, a classical Japanese garden. After lunch in a local restaurant, return to Osaka. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.
Destination Information
– Himeji Castle – Widely considered Japan’s most magnificent castle for its imposing size and beauty, the well preserved Himeji Castle is both a national and world heritage listed treasure. Himeji Castle has never been destroyed by war, earthquake or fire and survives to this day as one of the country’s twelve original castles.
– Koko-en Garden – Koko-en is a Japanese style garden consisting of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period.
Day 4: Koya-san
This morning, transfer around 2.5 hours to the holy mountain of Koya-san, home to a cluster of over a hundred monasteries nestled in a valley enclosed by peaks. Visit Kongobuji Temple and wander around Okunoin. Continue around 2.5 hours to the charming city of Nara, Japan’s first capital. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Destination Information
– Koya-san – Known primarily as the centre of the Shingon sub-section of Buddhism, Koya-san sits in the mountains and is the ideal spot to get a glimpse of Japan’s traditional religious life.
– Okunoin Cemetery – Home to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum (founder of Shingon Buddhism), Okunoin is the largest cemetery in Japan, with over 200,000 tombstones, as many wished to be buried near Kobo Daishi.
– Kongobuji Temple – Dating back to the 16th Century, the Kongobuji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect. The interior is adorned with paintings of cranes and there are sliding doors throughout.
Nara – Due to Nara’s past as the first permanent capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 5: Nara – Kyoto
Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, meeting the resident sika deer en-route, before exploring Isui-en Garden. Proceed around 1 hour by road to Kyoto and start exploring this lovely city with visits to Kinkakuji Temple, known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’, and the Zen garden at Ryoanji Temple. Check in to your Kyoto hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Destination Information
– Todaiji Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todaiji Temple is one the Seven Great Temples of Japan and home to the world’s largest bronze statue, Daibutsu.
– Isui-en Garden – Isui-en is an attractive Japanese garden divided into two parts, a front garden and a rear garden, with a number of tea houses scattered throughout. The front garden dates back to the mid-17th century, while the rear garden, the larger of the two, was built in 1899 by a wealthy merchant.
– Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) – Kinkakuji Temple is a Buddhist temple and is an excellent example of Japanese garden design. The structure is a brilliant golden hue colour and is very minimalistic.
– Ryoanji Temple – Ryoanji Temple is a Zen temple which is renowned for its garden which features a dry, sand landscape with large rocks and smooth pebbles.
Day 6: Kyoto
An interesting morning awaits as you take part in some traditional Japanese activities. Experience the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony, before a session of Zen meditation at the lovely Kodaiji Temple. Depart Kodaiji in tranquil state of mind and return to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Destination Information
– Kodaiji Temple – Kodaiji, established in 1606, belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and feature richly decorated interiors and is surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens.
Day 7: Kyoto – Hakone
This morning, transfer to Kyoto station and take the super-fast bullet train to the Hakone area, a journey of around 2 hours. In Hakone, board a coach to explore the beautiful area. Take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi before soaring high on the Komagatake Ropeway for gorgeous Fuji views. There is free time in Hakone before a dinner with the group in the evening.
Destination Information
– Hakone – Situated next to picturesque Lake Ashi, Hakone is a pleasant town, popular with weary Tokyoites looking for a break from the city and a great overnight stop after visiting Mount Fuji.
– Lake Ashi – Formed after Mount Hakone’s last eruption 3000 years ago, Lake Ashi is the symbol of Hakone and on a clear day offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji in the distance.
Day 8: Mt Fuji
Travel approximately 1 hour to Mt Fuji and ascend by road to Fuji’s 5th Station, about half way up the volcano’s slope, for spectacular mountain vistas. After lunch, transfer around 3 hours to Tokyo, Japan’s dazzling capital city, where you can spend the evening exploring this fascinating metropolis.
Destination Information
– Mount Fuji – At 3,776m, Mount Fuji is the highest of Japan’s mountains and an iconic symbol of the country. Mount Fuji is notoriously shy and is often enveloped by clouds.
– Tokyo – One of the world’s most cutting-edge capital cities, Tokyo is a city of contrasts, famous for its neonlit landscape, towering skyscrapers, peaceful shrines and lovely gardens. Although long the political and cultural centre of Japan, Tokyo became the official capital when the Meiji Emperor moved it there in 1867.
Day 9: Explore Tokyo
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Today, take a half-day tour by coach of this fascinating city. Head to the 1st observatory of the 634-metre Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city before wandering through the district of Asakusa and visiting Sensoji Temple. Continue to the peaceful Hamarikyu Garden and stroll through the classical landscapes. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Destination Information
– Tokyo Skytree – The tallest structure in Japan and the tallest tower in the world, Tokyo Skytree is predominantly a television and radio broadcast tower and is earthquake resistant.
– Sensoji Temple – Sensoji Temple is an ancient Buddhist Temple and the oldest in Tokyo. The temple was originally founded in the 7th century. The temple adorns an image of the Buddhist Goddess Kannon, who was said to have been rescued by two fishermen from the Sumida River in Tokyo.
– Hamarikyu Garden – Hamarikyu Garden is a beautiful example of Japanese garden style which sits at the mouth of the Sumida River.
Day 10: Tokyo
Today is a free day for you to spend as you wish; your guide will be on hand to give options and ideas. In the evening, get together for your final meal as a group where you can share memories and highlights of the tour.
Day 11: Tokyo
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
