Tour highlights:
- Witness the fusion of modernity and tradition on a Tokyo city tour
- Ascend the iconic and inspirational Mount Fuji
- Experience the moving and surprisingly forward thinking city of Hiroshima
- Watch as water laps over the iconic Itsukushima Shrine
- Discover the stunning white facade of the feudal Himeji Castle
- Explore the quintessential Japanese town of Kyoto
Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan's capital city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Discover Tokyo
Today's city tour starts on the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, the world's tallest tower, before seeking out the tranquility of the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple. Glimpse Tokyo's historical heritage at the Edo-Tokyo Museum and explore Tokyo's Imperial Palace.
Day 4: Meiji Shrine
The city tour continues with a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden. Explore the huge evergreen forest that encompasses the Shinto Meiji Shrine. This evening take dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for excellent city vistas.
Day 5: Fuji Five Lakes
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mt Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past eruptions, reflecting Fuji's picture-perfect cone. Try your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles before tucking in to your creations. Continue to Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal clear spring water created by Fuji’s melting snow, where there is also a small museum.
Day 6: Mt Fuji
Ascend Mt Fuji to the 5th Station. Return to the beautiful Five Lakes region and explore Iyashi no Sato. Destroyed by a landslide in 1966, the remaining thatched-roofed houses of this old Japanese village have been transformed into an open-air museum and craft village, exhibiting plenty of local, and traditional handicrafts.
Day 7: Bullet train to Kyoto
Sit back and relax in the cool comfort of a bullet train as you speed across the country to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. This afternoon visit a traditional tea house and explore the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji, a Zen temple with an excellent example of a dry landscape garden.
Day 8: Explore Kyoto
Visit the Kiyomizu Temple, a 16th century Buddhist temple before learning the traditional Japanese art of origami and enjoying a tea ceremony.
Day 9: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Hiroshima needs no introduction. The city today is vibrant and modern with a forward-thinking, sunny outlook. Find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Hopping on a ferry, make the short trip to the holy island of Miyajima. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most recognisable, it rises majestically out of the waters of the inland sea.
Day 10: Himeji
Drive to Himeji where the feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Explore the beautiful castle and Kokoen Garden before continuing to Osaka for dinner.
Day 11: Fly Osaka to Ireland
Transfer to Osaka airport and fly to Ireland, arriving home the same or following day.