Reveal the Traditions of Japan

Upon arrival in Tokyo, enjoy the VIP Fast Track Meet and Greet service before a transfer to your hotel. After checking in, take the opportunity to explore vibrant Tokyo or unwind before joining your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

After breakfast, set out to Tokyo Skytree, an iconic television broadcasting tower and a symbol of Tokyo. Rising 634 meters into the sky, it offers unparalleled views of the cityscape. Experience the breathtaking panorama from the observation deck, one of the highest in the world. Continue your exploration at Asakusa, Tokyo's historic district, where you'll be transported back in time. Discover the charm of Sensoji, the city's oldest temple, and stroll along Namikase Street to soak in the traditional atmosphere. The rest of the day is at your leisure to embrace the essence of both ancient and modern Tokyo.

Real Moment   Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Japanese tea ceremonies with a visit to a family home in Omotesando. Step into the oldest remaining Japanese residence in the area, tucked away just behind the bustling main street. As you're warmly welcomed by your host, you'll be enchanted by the beauty of the traditional house and its serene garden, reminiscent of scenes from old Japanese films. Savour the tranquillity of this special place as you partake in the tea ceremony, a time-honoured ritual steeped in history and elegance. Engage with your host and learn about their unique life story, offering a glimpse into local culture and traditions that can only be shared by a true insider.

Today, venture to Kamakura, once the bustling capital of Japan during the Kamakura Period (1185 – 1333). Despite its former grandeur, present-day Kamakura is a quaint seaside town adorned with temples, shrines, and scenic attractions. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, your first stop is Kotokuin Temple, renowned for its iconic Daibutsu, a colossal bronze Buddha towering at 13.35 meters high. Continue your cultural exploration at Hasedera Temple, a revered sanctuary of the Jodo sect, housing a magnificent statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, with eleven heads symbolizing her various virtues. After immersing yourself in Kamakura's rich heritage, a private coach will transport you to Kawaguchiko, renowned for its breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji and the majestic reflection of the mountain mirrored in the tranquil waters of the lake.

Join your guide at the hotel for a captivating journey to the Kubota Itchiku Museum by private coach. Discover the mesmerising silk kimonos and intricate artworks that pay homage to Kubota Itchiku's revival of the Tsujigahana silk-dyeing technique. Afterwards, ascend Mount Tenjo via the Kachi Kachi Ropeway for breathtaking vistas of Lake Kawaguchi and, weather permitting, the towering Mount Fuji. Conclude your day with a scenic drive to Matsumoto.

Begin your day with a visit to Jigokudani Yaen Park, aptly named 'Hell's Valley' for its steaming, bubbling waters. Here, you'll encounter Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, delighting in the natural hot springs. Marvel at their playful interactions as they soak in the warm waters, seemingly unfazed by their human observers. A gentle 2km hike leads you to this captivating sanctuary, where sensible footwear is recommended for your comfort. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the charm of Obuse, a quaint town boasting traditional houses, shops, and winding streets. Indulge in the local delicacy of chestnuts and explore the legacy of Hokusai, the renowned painter and printmaker of Japan's Edo period, at his museum. Wander through the town's 'Open Garden' scheme, where over 100 houses invite you to experience the tranquillity of Japanese gardens, offering a unique glimpse into traditional living.

Join your guide in the hotel lobby for an exciting excursion to Matsumoto Castle. Admire the splendour of one of Japan's most exquisite original castles, renowned for its complete preservation and striking black wainscoting. Unlike traditional hilltop castles, Matsumoto Castle's unique location on the plains adds to its distinct charm, boasting both a secondary donjon and turret adjoined to its main keep. After exploring the castle, your journey continues to Matsumoto Station. Board the Limited Express Train for Nagoya and seamlessly transition to a bullet train bound for Kyoto, experiencing the exhilarating speed and efficiency of Japan's iconic transportation system. Upon arrival in Kyoto, your guide will escort you to your hotel via private coach, marking the end of an unforgettable day filled with cultural wonders and high-speed adventures. Note: **Your luggage will be sent to your hotel in Kyoto separately**  *Please prepare an overnight bag for staying in Kyoto for one night*

Begin your day at the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, renowned for its serene beauty. Marvel at the shimmering golden exterior and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this historic Buddhist temple. Then, venture to Ryoanji Zen Temple to contemplate Japan's famous rock garden, a serene landscape of 15 carefully placed rocks amid moss-covered earth walls. In the afternoon, explore the scenic Arashiyama district, known for its bamboo groves and historical sites. Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest, where the swaying stalks create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Visit Nonomiya Shrine, steeped in ancient tradition, before concluding your journey at Tenryuji, Kyoto's largest Zen temple. Enjoy a traditional vegan Buddhist lunch amid the temple's serene gardens, completing your day of cultural discovery in Kyoto.

Following a delicious Signature Experience, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.  

Real Moments Embark on a culinary adventure with a sushi-making and food presentation class at a charming restaurant. Experience Japan's seasonal wonders infused into every dish as you learn the art of sushi rolling and presentation. Let your creativity shine as you craft edible masterpieces inspired by nature's beauty.

Embark on a journey to Nara, Japan's ancient capital for 74 years during the eighth century. Explore the rich cultural legacy of this historic city, where temples and shrines from that era still stand today. Begin your exploration at Horyuji Temple, founded in 607 by Prince Shotoku, boasting the world's oldest surviving wooden structures and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Real Moment   Take part in a special Shodo lesson, where you'll delve into the intricate art of Japanese calligraphy. Discover the precise techniques of kanji writing, where each stroke carries significance from its beginning to its end. Experience the meticulous order and path required for mastery, where even the slightest lapse in concentration leaves its mark on your creation.

Today embark on an exciting journey to Okayama by bullet train. Arrive into Okayama and be transferred to the beauty of Korakuen Garden, a circuit-style garden revered as one of Japan's three main gardens. Marvel at its scenic landscapes, including a broad lawn uncommon in Japanese-style gardens, reflecting the region's mild climate and earning it a prestigious three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide. Adjacent to Korakuen Garden stands Okayama Castle, where you'll admire the majestic black castle tower and delve into the history of Okayama and the Ikeda feudal family. Conclude your day in Bizen with a hands-on ware-making experience, a traditional craft of Okayama. Under the guidance of an expert potter, create your own pottery masterpiece, with the experience fee included. Please note that shipping costs for your completed work to your home country are not included and will be payable on site.  **Your luggage will be sent to your hotel in Osaka separately**  *Please prepare an overnight bag for staying in Okayama for two nights*

The Kurashiki Bikan Area is a retro-modern cityscape having a mixture of Japanese and western flavours. In the Edo Period, Kurashiki prospered as “Tenryo”, a domain directly governed by the shogunate. Special local products from all over the surrounding area were gathered in Kurashiki via rivers using takasebune, takase-style cargo boats, and thus many white-walled houses and storehouses of merchants lined the Kurashiki River at the centre of town. You will admire the nostalgic scenery of white-walled storehouses together with narrow stone-paved streets crowded by carts in olden days. The structures down the side streets have also been repaired and remodelled, and are used today for galleries, coffee shops, and souvenir shops. The blending of Japanese and western, as well as that of antiquity and modernism, create a unique, calming, original atmosphere one cannot experience in any place other than Kurashiki. You will also visit Ohashi House. The Ohashi family was foremost amongst the merchant class of Kurashiki, and this is the residence they built for themselves in 1796. The house is typical of the town houses of Kurashiki's wealthy merchants. There are tatami-floored rooms with elegant sliding doors and hanging scrolls for entertaining guests as well as private quarters, storage rooms and a kitchen. Lastly you will visit Morita Sake Brewery. You will learn how to make Sake and taste a few different types of Sake at the brewery.

Meet with your guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Okayama station on foot and board the bullet train to Osaka. At Shin Osaka Station, a private coach will take you to Kuromon Market for a Signature Experience.

Real Moments Osaka is known as the kitchen of Japan, and Kuromon Market is renowned as the kitchen of Osaka. Your expert English-speaking guide will help you seek out traditional family businesses and sample local favourite eats. Explore in-depth the origins of different types of Japanese food, and how food culture relates to the lives of the average citizen of Osaka. You will see the ingredients used to make miso soup, wasabi, bonito flakes, and Konyaku ‘jelly-potato’ in their original form. Next you will take a walking tour of the Dotonbori, a popular shopping and entertainment district which is also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

Following breakfast, unwind during your transfer back to the airport for your next adventure. If you're tempted to prolong your journey, consider extending to explore the delights of Hiroshima.