Enchanting Japan

Welcome to Tokyo. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a welcome reception at the hotel.

Accommodation
Three Nights, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Following breakfast, set off with your Tour Director to Roppongi, where you’ll visit the observation deck at Mori Tower, which on a clear day provides outstanding views of Tokyo. Next up is Tokyo’s old town of Asakusa, which is home to the city’s oldest temple, Sensoji. Visit the iconic temple and stroll through the Namikase shopping street indulging in snacks and souvenir shopping. Following lunch, embark on your exciting Freedom of Choice activity. Later, savour a welcome dinner at a delightful Japanese restaurant.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Visit Meiji Shrine this morning, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji. Following your delectable Signature Experience, visit Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping district. Marvel at the presentation and diversity of the food at a local department store before the day’s touring comes to an end. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Tokyo , Japan

Depart for Hakone following breakfast and catch glimpses of iconic Mount Fuji if it’s a clear day. Your first stop is at Hakone Shrine, a beautiful, historic Shinto shrine nestled in the forest by the shores of Lake Ashi. Enjoy 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. Head to your luxury hotel, which boasts access to a naturally heated onsen, and enjoy dinner with your fellow guests this evening.

Accommodation
Hakone, Kowakien Ten-yu

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Hakone , Japan

Set out this morning to Gotemba for a Signature Experience. Following your soba noodle lunch, continue to Matsumoto and visit the spectacular Matsumoto Castle. One of Japan’s most complete original castles, the structure dates back to the 16th century. Tour the castle and its pristine grounds before being transferred to your new hotel in Takayama, where you’ll indulge in dinner tonight.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Associa Takayama Resort

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Takayama , Japan

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. Enjoy a Signature Experience, then wander along the stunning streets of the city’s old town after lunch on the way to the Festival Floats Museum, where you’ll admire the ornamental floats of the Takayama Festival. For dinner, you’ll have the chance to try the region’s famous Hida beef at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Takayama , Japan

Today you’ll visit the World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go en route to Kanazawa. Some of the village’s famous gassho-zukuri farmhouses date back more than 250 years, and you’ll stop at Kanda House to gain a deeper insight into the traditional homes before strolling around the peaceful village. Continue to Kanazawa and visit the marvellous Kenroku-en garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Later, visit the Nagamachi Samurai district and the traditional Nomura Samurai House. Enjoy your choice of restaurant for dinner this evening.

Accommodation
Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Kanazawa , Japan

Start your day in the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa’s largest geisha district. Enjoy a special Signature Experience before visiting the authentic Shima tea house. Following your time in the district, be transferred to the train station to board your first-class train to Kyoto, with a Japanese lunch provided on board. Upon arrival, walk to your nearby accommodation and settle in before savouring a group dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation
Four Nights, The Thousand Kyoto

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinners

Location
Kyoto , Japan

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 the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Following your rickshaw experience, visit the World Heritage-listed Tenryuji Temple, one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto, which was founded in 1339. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the famous Kinkakuji temple, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion for its gold-leaf-covered upper floors. You’ll then visit historic Nijo Castle before returning to your hotel and spending the evening at your leisure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Location
Kyoto , Japan

Begin your day with a special Signature Experience. In the afternoon, head out on your chosen Freedom of Choice activity before returning to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurant.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Kyoto , Japan

After breakfast, board a private coach for the nearby town of Nara, once the capital of Japan 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 largest statue of Buddha. Stroll through the fascinating temple before exploring the surrounding Nara Park, which is freely roamed by a large population of friendly deer who will generally bow their heads for a treat. Next, visit Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which was established in 768 AD. Return to the hotel and enjoy free time this afternoon before savouring a special Signature Experience for dinner.

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Location
Kyoto , Japan

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast this morning with a transfer to Osaka’s Kansai International Airport.

• Breakfast

Location
Kyoto , Japan