Enchanting Japan

Tokyo

Your itinerary really kicks off today with a guided tour of the capital, starting in Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town where the city’s oldest temple – the red and gold Sensoji – still stands. Wander up and down Nakamise shopping street lined by food stalls and souvenir shops – this is a good place to pick up trinkets to take home! Jump on board Tokyo Water Bus and travel down the Sumidagawa River, arriving directly at the Hamarikyu Garden – this peaceful place is in stark contrast to the skyscrapers that surround it. In the afternoon visit Meiji Shrine, a popular location for weddings before strolling the wide tree-lined Omotesando shopping street. Please note: if you would prefer to tour the city by private car, please speak to our travel experts.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Tokyo - Izu Peninsula

Leave the city behind as you head to Izu Peninsula, an area south of Mt. Fuji with an eclectic mix of traditional hot springs and seaside resorts. May you own way to the station in Tokyo in time for your limited express train – ask us about arranging private transfers – for a scenic two hour journey taking in rugged coastline – the train even slows down at times to give you a better view! On arrival into Izu-Kogen Station you’ll be met and taken to your hotel by taxi: this evening dinner is included, giving you a chance to try delicious regional seafood dishes.

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Dinner

Kyoto

You’re halfway through your tour! Today you’ll explore the former imperial capital of Japan, visiting some of Kyoto’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites while using the city’s comprehensive bus system. We start off at the Kinkakuji Temple, more commonly known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’, famed for its gold-leaf exterior and three distinctive architectural styles, before heading to the ornamental Nijo Castle, former residence of Edo Shogunate and surrounded by well-kept gardens. Carry on to Nishiki Market lined with over a hundred restaurants and shops selling all things food related from fresh seafood to cookware. At the end of the day, you’re given a choice: either take in the views of the city from the Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple or instead visit Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Please note: if you would prefer to tour the city by private car, please speak to our travel experts.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Kyoto - Okayama

In the morning embark on your self-guided tour of Okayama, a former castle town and now important transport hub just an hour’s journey on the bullet train from Kyoto. Head to the historic Kurashiki Bikan area where black-and-white tiled buildings and weeping willows line the canals where cargo-style boats once carried rice from storehouses to the nearby port. These buildings have now been converted into boutiques, galleries and cafés creating a unique mix of Japanese and western architectural styles. You may also want to consider visiting the Ohara Museum which houses the largest private collection of modern and contemporary western art, as well as pieces from the Japanese Folk Art movement. Stay overnight in Okayama.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Hiroshima - Miyajima Island

Today you’ll set out on a guided tour of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, an area of remembrance to all those who lost their lives with the dropping of the atomic bomb during World War Two. The park sits in the site where the bomb was dropped – known as Ground Zero – and is an expansive green area with memorials, monuments, statues and a museum. After you’ve had time to look around take a short ferry to Miyajima Island, a holy place of Shintoism in the Island Sea and home to one of the most beautiful – and most photographed – sites in the country, the Floating Torii Gate. The entire island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and you’ll have time to explore the many shrines and temples that are dotted around. Did you know that it is forbidden to give birth or die on the island?

INCLUDES : Breakfast