Highlights of Japan

Get ready for a full day in the iconic city of Tokyo today! After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour to discover some of the city’s top attractions and witness ancient culture at the Meiji Shrine and the Senso-ji Temple. After the tour, enjoy free time for lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market and explore Takeshita Street, a pedestrian shopping jungle abuzz with style and unique activities! This evening, continue exploring Tokyo at leisure or join the optional Tokyo+ excursion, which includes a visit to the Skytree Tower for panoramic views of the city, dinner in Omoide Yokocho and a walking tour of Shinjuku City.

• Stroll through Tokyo’s vibrant neighbourhoods on a city tour

• Visit the Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple

• Explore the Tsukiji Fish Market

Bid farewell to Tokyo as the journey continues to Shizuoka with some insightful sightseeing along the way. Discover Kamakura, a picturesque seaside city known for its Great Buddha and the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine. Then, unwind in Hakone, a charming town on the shores of Lake Ashi with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. Enjoy free time for lunch and further exploration before continuing the journey to Shizuoka Prefecture. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and look forward to a free evening to spend as you wish!

• Visit the Great Buddha in Kamakura

• See the Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shinto shrine

• Visit Hakone Shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi

• Capture Mount Fuji during a photo stop

A day full of one-of-a-kind Japanese experiences lies ahead! The first stop of the day is Nihondaira where views of the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji await. Upon arrival, visit a green tea farm to learn how Japan’s most popular tea is produced and then enjoy free time for lunch. Up next is a tour of a miso factory. The last stop of the day is the city of Iga where tonight's accommodation is. Enjoy a free evening and ask your tour leader for some recommendations on what to see and do near the hotel to make the most out of your free time!

• Admire the views from Nihondaira

• Visit a green tea plantation

• Tour a miso factory

Fuel up for today’s adventures with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the Iga Ninja Museum to learn about the mysterious ways of these martial artists and witness a Ninja skill and weaponry demonstration. Next, travel to the Kehaya Sumo Museum and learn about the history of this unique style of wrestling. Then, continue to Osaka and enjoy an orientation tour. Discover some of the city’s highlights and learn all about this lively city that is both an important trade centre and a top nightlife destination. Then, explore the vibrant Dotonbori area during free time. Be sure to taste some of the delicious street food. Tonight offers a delicious, optional dinner complete with the finest Wagyu beef!

• Witness a Ninja demonstration at the Iga Ninja Museum

• Experience the world of Sumo at the Kehaya Sumo Museum

• Explore Osaka and its famous Dotonbori district

Hiroshima awaits! This morning, wave goodbye to Osaka as the tour journeys to yet another intriguing Japanese city. En route to Hiroshima, make a stop at Himeji Castle, the construction of which dates back to the 14th century and is still one of the best examples of Japanese architecture today. Witness the incredible views from this hilltop castle (keep an eye out for cherry blossoms between March and May) and admire its well-preserved interior before continuing the journey. Upon arrival in Hiroshima this afternoon, check into the hotel where the group will stay for the next two nights. To end the day, enjoy an included Okonomiyaki dinner. This savoury pancake is one of Japan’s most popular dishes and a must-try!

• Visit the beautiful Himeji Castle

• Enjoy an Okonomiyaki dinner

Enjoy a full day to uncover Hiroshima’s modern delights and ancient wonders. Walk across the historic Kintaikyo Bridge and visit the Itsukushima Shrine, which is known for its “floating” torii (gate), on Miyajima Island. Here, enjoy free time for lunch and be sure to trymomiji manju, a local sweet treat. Back in Hiroshima, learn about the devastating impact of the atomic bombing on Hiroshima during WW2 and how it has shaped the city today. Pay your respects to the victims of the 1945 bombing at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum before enjoying a free evening. Explore at leisure or get a taste of the city’s nightlife by visiting the Nagarekawa district for a night to remember!

• Walk along the impressive Kintaikyo Bridge

• Visit the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island

• Pay your respects at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum

After breakfast, depart Hiroshima and head to Kurashiki, a city boasting peaceful canals and historic rice storehouses. Enjoy free time exploring Kurashiki’s historic centre and the multiple museums or soak in the tranquil city’s sights from the water on a punting boat. In the early afternoon, the journey continues to Kyoto, a true highlight of any Japan tour! This ancient city and former capital of Japan showcases breathtaking architecture and unique traditions. End the day with a trip to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Admire the breathtaking bamboo towers as you walk through this otherworldly forest. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish!

• Explore the peaceful, canal-lined city of Kurashiki

• Experience the enchanting city of Kyoto

• Wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Today, Kyoto is yours to enjoy! With over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, this iconic city is rich in culture and natural beauty just waiting to be discovered. First up is a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha. This spellbinding sight features rows upon rows of red torii gates! Soak it all in before discovering one of Japan’s most impressive temples, The Kiyomizu Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 1,200 years of history. Next, travel to Kinkakuji, a Zen temple known as the “Golden Pavilion” due to its top two floors being covered in gold leaf! Join tonight’s optional excursion for an unforgettable insight into the Gion district’s arts and culture.

• Stand in awe of Fushimi Inari Taisha

• Explore the Kiyomizu Temple

• Discover Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion

It’s time to explore more fascinating Japanese sights as the tour heads to Hikone, a quaint city on the shores of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa. Experience the 17th-century Genkyuen Garden and catch a glimpse of the Edo-period Hikone Castle. Then, head to the mountainous Gifu Prefecture where the first stop is Gujo, a riverside town known for its serene waterways. This afternoon, travel to Takayama, where the tour will spend the evening. Offering an abundance of charm, history, and natural beauty, Takayama is yours to explore! Discover the historic Sanmachi district this afternoon and get insights into the artisans, merchants and farmers who lived here during the Edo period. End the day with a brewery tour and Sake tasting!

• Visit Genkyuen Garden in Hikone

• Admire the tranquil waterways of Gujo

• Experience Edo-period Japan in Takayama

• Enjoy a brewery tour and Sake tasting

After breakfast, visit Takayama Jin’ya, a former Edo-period government building. Then, head to Hida no Sato Open Air Museum and explore a collection of old farmhouses showcasing unique architectural styles of Japan's mountainous regions. Admire their characteristic wooden, thatched gable roofs. Next, travel to the traditional village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled among the Japanese Alps, this village feels like stepping into a fairytale. This afternoon, journey to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, visit the picture-perfect Kenrokuen Garden which boasts exceptional scenery no matter the season. Tonight, join the Flavours of Kanazawa optional excursion to taste some of the city’s most exquisite seasonal products and seafood!

• Explore Takayama Jin-ya

• Visit the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum

• Travel back in time in Shirakawa-go

• Discover the unmatched beauty of Kenrokuen Garden

Take time this morning to explore Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Soak in the history and culture of this hidden gem that shares many similarities with Kyoto but is much less crowded. Discover the famous Nagamachi Samurai District, wander its cobblestone streets and look forward to visiting a former Samurai home! This afternoon, head to the train station to hop aboard the Shinkansen and travel to Tokyo. Known for its exceptional speed, this bullet train can travel up to 320kph (200mph)! Upon arrival, check into the hotel and get ready to enjoy a farewell group dinner this evening!

• Visit a former Samurai home in Kanazaw

• Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo

• Enjoy a farewell dinner in Tokyo

After an unforgettable 13 days spent exploring the highlights of Japan, the tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Be sure to swap contact details with your fellow travellers so the memories can live on! Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onward.