Itinerary

1. Day1

   DAY 1Konnichiwa Tokyo

   Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On
   arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus
   transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll
   join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a
   welcome drink and local appetizers.
   Hotel: New Otani Garden Tower
   
   
   
   
2. Day2

   DAY2Explore Vibrant Tokyo

   We launch our city tour in the old-time entertainment
   center of Asakusa, where we’ll encounter the Sensoji
   Buddhist Temple. One of Tokyo's most colorful and
   popular temples, Sensoji has been rebuilt countless
   times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo's
   oldest temple site. Strolling down Nakamise next,
   immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of
   shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden
   dolls, colorful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional
   Japanese sweets. Ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's
   highest free-standing broadcasting tower for
   panoramic views of the city.
   Meals: Breakfast
   Hotel: New Otani Garden Tower
   
   
3. Day3

   DAY3Off to the Five Lakes District

   Our first stop today is the Imperial Palace Plaza from
   where the two bridges that form the entrance to the
   inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed.
   We'll have the opportunity to explore the leafy
   Imperial Palace East Gardens before continuing our
   city tour. At the Tokyo National Museum browse
   collections of Japanese art, then continue to the Ginza
   district where you’ll learn how to make sushi with a
   professional sushi chef. Venture to the Five Lakes
   District next, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCOlisted
   Mt. Fuji which dominates the landscape.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
   Hotel: Fuji Marriott Yamanakako
   
   
   
   
4. Day4

   DAY4Majestic Mt. Fuji and Timeless Takayama

   Visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five
   Lakes district, renowned for eight natural spring water
   ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji.
   Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in its
   clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300
   meters at the 5 station. Ride up Mt. Tenjo on the
   Kachikachiyama Ropeway next, for jaw-dropping views
   (weather permitting) of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko.
   Then, journey through the Japanese Alps to the
   beautiful hillside town of Takayama, before enjoying
   dinner at the hotel.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
   Hotel: Associa Takayama Resort
   
   
   
   
5. Day5

   DAY5Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa

   Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the
   Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a
   lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired
   Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest
   quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this
   afternoon during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed
   Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys.
   Admire the unique construction of the local Gasshozukuri
   wooden houses that have been built without the
   use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to
   prevent snow from building up on them. Meet with a
   local family in one of these houses. Observe local
   artisans making washi paper and try your hand at
   making your own. Make a difference to the
   sustainability of this small business during MAKE
   TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in
   Kanazawa.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
   Hotel: Kanazawa T
   
   
6. Day6

   DAY6Traditional Kanazawa

   Join a Local Specialist this morning to learn the secrets
   of painting gold leaf, a delicate craft the Japanese have
   been perfecting since the 16 century. Continue to
   the tranquil gardens of Kenroku-en, which took shape
   over a hundred years to emerge as one of Japan’s
   most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your
   exquisite natural surrounds, you’ll stroll through
   ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a
   short walk through the Omicho market next to see the
   local fish catch and enjoy an insider ’s view of everyday
   life in a busy coastal town. Then, visit the Nagamachi
   District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses
   that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will
   gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit
   to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion.
   Meals: Breakfast
   Hotel: Kanazawa Tokyu
   OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
   Shabu Shabu Dinner with Unlimited Drinks - Tonight you will enjoy typical washoku Japanese buffet meal with
   unlimited drinks. Dine on shabu shabu hot pot, a dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water and
   served with dipping sauces. This particular way of eating hot-pot dining originated in Osaka during the 1950s
   but has since spread all across Japan and even to other countries. The menu also includes sushi, tempuras,
   soba and Japanese typical appetizers which are a must to try! Vegetarian options are available. The price
   shown is in Japanese Yen.
   Adult: 6500.00 JPY
   Day 7 | Onwards to Kyoto
   Board an Express train this morning to Kyoto, where
   you'll connect with locals at a traditional restaurant on
   your Be My Guest experience. You'll learn about local
   Japanese customs from your hosts. After lunch, visit
   the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple with its famous
   Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto
   and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14thcentury
   villa.
   Meals: Breakfast,
   
   
7. Day7

   DAY7Onwards to Kyoto

   Board an Express train this morning to Kyoto, where
   you'll connect with locals at a traditional restaurant on
   your Be My Guest experience. You'll learn about local
   Japanese customs from your hosts. After lunch, visit
   the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple with its famous
   Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto
   and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14thcentury
   villa.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
   Hotel: The Hotel Higashiyama
   
   
   
   
8. Day8

   DAY8Discover Enchanting Kyoto

   The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine
   guide our path through the forest, up into the
   mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers
   for prosperity and happiness since the 8 century. We
   continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the
   minute detail of each of its 1,001 “thousand-handed”
   goddesses of mercy statues, then enjoy a walking tour
   of the Gion area. This evening, we indulge in a Farewell
   Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
   Hotel: The Hotel Higashiyama
   OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
   Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience - Experience the ambience of a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with a
   professional Tea Master who will have spent many years leaning his craft which is often presented in a
   ceremony influenced by Zen Buddhism. Learn about the history and culture of tea making in Japan and
   observe how the powdered green tea (matcha) is prepared by adding boiling water and mixing it with a
   bamboo whisk. There will also be an explanation on the Japanese way of making and drinking tea. Take the
   opportunity to try some Japanese sweets and afterwards, having observed the skill involved in making the
   tea, have a go at making your own! The price shown is in Japanese Yen.
   Adult: 4500.00 JPY
   Day 9 | Cross the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island
   This morning we leave Japan’s main island Honshu
   behind, crossing the world’s largest suspension bridge
   over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Enjoy free
   time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a
   complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain.
   One of the most striking features is the ‘100 Stepped
   Garden’ — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square
   gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread
   over several levels. Visit the Water Temple and admire
   the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice
   paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps
   to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters.
   Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of
   Kotohira where our accommodation tonight is one of
   Trafalgar 's Stays With Stories - a traditional Japanese
   ryokan. We’ll have some time this evening to climb the
   steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine
   and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the
   surrounding countryside. Later perhaps take a
   relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at our
   hotel.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
   Hotel: Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho Ryokan
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Day9

   DAY 9Cross the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island

   This morning we leave Japan’s main island Honshu
   behind, crossing the world’s largest suspension bridge
   over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Enjoy free
   time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a
   complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain.
   One of the most striking features is the ‘100 Stepped
   Garden’ — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square
   gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread
   over several levels. Visit the Water Temple and admire
   the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice
   paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps
   to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters.
   Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of
   Kotohira where our accommodation tonight is one of
   Trafalgar 's Stays With Stories - a traditional Japanese
   ryokan. We’ll have some time this evening to climb the
   steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine
   and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the
   surrounding countryside. Later perhaps take a
   relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at our
   hotel.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
   Hotel: Kotohira Grand Sakuranosho Ryokan
   
   
    
   
   
10. Day10

    DAY10Spiritual Kotohira and Onwards to Hiroshima

    This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of
    one of the most revered figures of Japanese
    Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th
    temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which
    covers approximately 1,200 kilometers and was
    traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to
    complete. It is still done by many people today
    although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses,
    bicycles or motorcycles. Continue to Omishima Island
    and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive
    to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido
    Expressway, a 60-kilometer highway that links the
    islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual
    bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    Hotel: Rihga Royal
    
    
    
    
11. Day11

    DAY11Set Sail for Miyajima Island

    We travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island,
    where we’ll see the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima
    Shrine and elaborate torii gate that stands majestically
    in the sea. After some free time for lunch and to
    explore the island’s spiritual sanctuaries, we return to
    Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and
    Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that
    followed the world’s first atomic explosion in 1945 as
    you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only
    structure left standing in the area and an expression
    of hope for world peace. This evening, we’ll indulge in
    Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made
    with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood
    or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate.
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
    Hotel: Rihga Royal
    
    
    
    
12. Day12

    DAY12High Speed Bullet Train to Osaka

    Board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka this
    morning and enjoy some free time for lunch and
    shopping in the Dotonbori Street area. Visit Osaka
    Castle, which played a major role in the unification of
    Japan during the sixteenth century. This evening, join
    your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell
    Dinner at a local restaurant.
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
    Hotel: Sheraton Miyako
    
    
    
    
13. Day13

    DAY13Sayonara Osaka

    Our encounter with Japan’s centuries-old traditions
    and modern cityscapes at its end, take a transfer by
    airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport,
    or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.
    Meals: Breakfast