18 Day Japan Land of Wonders

Welcome to Tokyo. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner at your hotel, savouring Japanese flavours with a modern flair.

Stay: Two Nights, Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
Meals: Dinner

Embark on your Freedom of Choice activity and be transferred to Tokyo’s old town of Asakusa. After lunch at a local restaurant, take part in a Signature Experience. Next, is a visit to the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, Sensoji. Stroll through the Namikase shopping street indulging in traditional snacks and souvenir shopping. Transfer by coach to your hotel.

Signature Experience - Calligraphy Lesson
Take part in a Japanese calligraphy lesson, learning all about the nation’s three alphabets – kanji, hiragana and katakana – and try your hand at writing your own characters under the guidance of an expert instructor. 

Freedom of Choice — Hamarikyu Garden and Tokyo Tower
Explore the picturesque Hamarikyu Garden before admiring the panoramic views of the Japanese capital from the main deck of Tokyo Tower.  

Freedom of Choice — Tokyo National Museum and Yanaka District
Delve into the history of Japan at the vast Tokyo National Museum before setting off on a walk through the historic old town of the Yanaka district. Observe scenes of local life in this residential area. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a visit to the Imperial Palace East Gardens before being transferred to Tokyo Station where you’ll board a bullet train to Karuizawa. Savour a packed lunch on board. Karuizawa is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous resort towns, offering stunning mountain views, serene nature and a fascinating history. Set within tranquil alpine forests, the town was a regular summer retreat for John Lennon and Yoko Ono. On arrival, set off for a Signature Experience, then be transferred to your hotel where dinner awaits this evening. 

Signature Experience - Kitsukura Sake Brewery
Savour an in-depth visit to Kitsukura Sake Brewery, which, at more than 300 years old, is one of Japan’s oldest sake breweries. Learn about the traditional brewing process and the way the brewery sources its fine ingredients and taste the carefully handcrafted sake right from the source. 

Stay: Two Nights, Hotel Indigo Karuizawa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing today. After breakfast, board a private coach to Shiraito no Taki Waterfalls, which translates to “The Waterfall of White Threads”. Just three metres tall but 70 metres wide, the serene waterfall acts as a natural curtain as the groundwater flows gracefully into a pond amid lush forest. Stop off next at the picturesque Kumoba Pond for a leisurely stroll, then return to Karuizawa to visit Karuizawa Ginza, a lively shopping street in the heart of the town. See the Shaw Memorial Church before visiting Musée Ando à Karuizawa, a private art museum dedicated to the work of Japanese-French painter Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita.

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, you’ll enjoy a visit to Manns Wines Komoro Winery, where Japanese wine has been produced for more than 50 years. Soak in the scenery at the winery, which boasts a chateau surrounded by Japanese garden and vineyard of Japanese grapes. Be transferred to Matsumoto City and following a Signature Experience, visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art to admire fantastic works from artists born in the city or inspired by its surroundings, including iconic contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama. Your next stop is the spectacular Matsumoto Castle. One of Japan’s most complete original castles, the structure dates back to the 16th century, and you’ll have the chance to tour the castle and its pristine grounds. Later, be transferred to your hotel and enjoy dinner there this evening. 

Signature Experience - Ishii Miso Brewery
Delight in a visit to Ishii Miso brewery, which was founded in 1868. See behind the curtain to discover how the soybean paste continues to be produced by a unique traditional method and enjoy a taste of the delicious produce with lunch at the brewery. 

Stay: Two Nights, Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is set aside for two fantastic Signature Experiences in this beautiful alpine region, first in the Jigokudani Valley before heading to a wasabi farm in Azumino. Following the experiences, return to Matsumoto. 

Signature Experience — Jigokudani Monkey Park
Come face-to-face with playful Japanese macaques – commonly known as snow monkeys – at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in the heart of the geothermal Jigokudani Valley. Admire the social monkeys and get up close as they gather in the natural hot springs which dot the landscape here. 

Signature Experience — Daio Wasabi Farm
Enjoy a visit to the Daio Wasabi Farm, one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms. Stroll along the walking paths between the wasabi fields and savour an inspired restaurant lunch at the pristine farm, which has perfected the difficult production of the iconic plant. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, travel to the Japan Ukiyoe Museum, which houses more than 100,000 woodblock prints, making it the world’s largest private collection of the traditional artworks. Following the museum visit, be transferred to Takayama. Explore the Takayama Jinya, an historic government building built in the 17th century which is now open to the public as a museum. Next stroll through the San-machi Suji district in the heart of Takayama’s old town, exploring the beautifully preserved homes and businesses. Later, be transferred to your hotel before enjoying the region’s mouthwatering Hida beef at a local restaurant for dinner. 

Stay: Two Nights, Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Start off the day with a visit to the Miyagawa morning market, one of the largest in Japan. All the market’s traders are independent farmers and craftspeople from the region, so it’s the perfect opportunity to try some of the area’s best produce.  Following your Signature Experience, wander along the stunning streets of the city’s old town on the way to the Festival Floats Museum, where you’ll admire the ornamental floats of the Takayama Festival. Enjoy time at your leisure before returning to your hotel this afternoon.  

Signature Experience - Sarubobo-Making Workshop
Enjoy a Sarubobo-making workshop. An amulet particularly common in Takayama and the nearby Hida region, Sarubobo are red dolls with no facial features. Learn how to make the dolls and discover why these amulets are believed to bring good luck. 

Meals: Breakfast

Embark on a Signature Experience today from Magome to Tsumago. Later, travel to Nagiso Station to board an express train, then change to a bullet train from Nagoya to Kyoto, where you’ll be transferred to your luxury hotel.  

Signature Experience – Magome and Tsumago
Explore the beautiful post town of Magome, wandering along restored stone walkways among the town’s traditional wooden buildings. You’ll then set out on a scenic walk along the historic Nakasendo trail though the Kiso Valley to Tsumago, which is also regarded as one of Japan’s best-preserved post towns. 

Stay: Two Nights, Hilton Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An exciting day of sightseeing lies ahead. Set out for Arashiyama this morning, climbing aboard a rickshaw for a ride past the Nonomiya Shrine and through the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Following your rickshaw experience, head to the famous Kinkakuji Temple, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion for its gold-leaf-covered upper floors. Return to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure this afternoon before your Signature Experience this evening.  

Signature Experience - Dinner with a Maiko or Geisha
A special night of private entertainment with a maiko or geisha awaits. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and drinks and have the chance to learn more about geisha and their daily lives, all accompanied by music played on a shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast, travel to the nearby town of Uji for a Signature Experience. After, visit the World Heritage-listed Byodo-In Temple with its pristine gardens and impressive architecture including the Phoenix Hall, which features on the 10-yen coin. Later, be transferred to the lively city of Osaka and embark on a walking tour of Dotonbori, the city’s most popular shopping and entertainment district. Admire the neon-lit streets and see famous signs including the iconic Glico running man and the Kani Doraku crab sign, and experience Osaka’s famous street food as you sample some takoyaki (octopus dumplings). Tonight, dine at a local restaurant.

Signature Experience – Matcha Experience
Take part in a special tea experience where you’ll try your hand at grinding matcha from whole leaves to a powder and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of the beloved green tea. 

Stay: Two Nights, Zentis Osaka
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 

Travel by bullet train to Hiroshima Station, then take a short ferry ride to the picturesque Miyajima Island. A sacred island and holy place of Shintoism, Miyajima is home to the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine, which is famous for its partially submerged 'floating' torii gate. After strolling around the island, savour lunch at a local restaurant. Then, travel by coach to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park for your Signature Experience. Later, return to Osaka by bullet train.

Signature Experience – Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which lies at ground zero of the devastating atomic bomb dropped on the city on August 6, 1945. See the park’s many memorials and monuments before visiting the moving Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Set off by private coach for the nearby town of Nara, once the Japanese capital for 74 years in the eighth century. Visit the incredible Todaiji temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home to the country’s grandest statue of Buddha. Visit Isuien Garden to discover lush views and traditional pagodas, originating in the Meiji era. Then, pause for lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll then visit Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which was established in AD768. Next is a wander through the surrounding Nara Park, which is freely roamed by a large population of friendly deer who will generally bow their heads for a treat. Be transferred to your hotel before savouring the dinner of your choice. 

Freedom of Choice Dining - Azekura
Experience an authentic Japanese dining adventure at Azekura, where you can indulge in traditional regional dishes. The restaurant's interior, inspired by an ancient treasure house, enhances the stylish and inviting atmosphere, making each meal a memorable experience.

Freedom of Choice Dining - Silk Road Dining
Indulge in a diverse array of cuisines at Silk Road Dining, where each dish is thoughtfully crafted by skilled chefs using fresh, locally sourced ingredients alongside global selections. Enjoy a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western flavours, while watching the talented chefs prepare your meal in the open kitchen.

Stay: Two Nights, JW Marriott Nara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy your choice of touring. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. 

Freedom of Choice - Hasedera Temple
Today, you might like to visit the enchanting Hasedera Temple for a fascinating morning service. Bask in the beauty of one of the oldest temples in Kamakura and appreciate the Main Hall, a true national treasure of Japan. 

Freedom of Choice - Horyuji Temple
Visit the World Heritage-listed Horyuji Temple, which features the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures and is one of the country’s oldest temples. 

Freedom of Choice - Asuka
Set out on a guided walk through the ancient town of Asuka, the political and cultural capital of Japan in the fifth and sixth centuries. Witness glorious landscapes and learn about the town’s captivating history in the roots of Buddhism.

Meals: Breakfast

Be transferred to Kyoto Station and board a bullet train to Odawara, enjoying a packed bento box for lunch at your seat. Enjoy an in-depth visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum, located in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Built in 1969, the museum is dedicated to sculptures and showcases an array of captivating art. After your visit, be transferred to your hotel where dinner awaits tonight.

Stay: Two Nights, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, be transferred to Mount Fuji’s fifth station where, when the weather is clear, you’ll be able to admire panoramic views of the country’s greatest icon. You'll continue to marvel at Japan’s tallest mountain throughout the day should the weather be on your side. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum to view artist Kubota Itchiku’s exquisite works of dyed silk. Later, return to your hotel and enjoy a night at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin your day with a short journey to the shores of Lake Ashi. Board a boat for a cruise on the picturesque lake and arrive at Togendai before taking in the scenery on the way to the volcanic valley of Owakudani via the Hakone Ropeway. Follow the walking trails around the bubbling pools and steam vents and perhaps try one of the famous black eggs boiled in the area’s natural hot springs. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before travelling to Tokyo. This evening, share stories of your unforgettable holiday at a Japanese farewell dinner.  

Stay: Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning with a transfer to Haneda Airport.

Meals: Breakfast