Essential Japan

OPTION 1: ESSENTIAL JAPAN

DAY 1 SAT. Tokyo 

Transfer by coach to hotel and meet with guide. In the afternoon visit the Shinjuku district and see the crowds of people who use this modern and efficient collective transport system. Shinjuku is one of the most important nightlife districts. The visit includes an ascent to the Metropolitan Tower, which has a wonderful view of the city from the 46th floor. Dinner tonight is included.

DAY 2 SUN. Tokyo

In the morning take part in a 5-hour trip with guide to see this amazing city, with its hustle and bustle and extremely modern districts that coexist with quiet, peaceful areas. Brief stop at the Zojoji Temple to make a beautiful photograph of the Tokyo Tower. Pay attention to the hundred of Jizos, stone traditional protecting deities who guide us on our travels, give power to those who are weak (such children) and those in dangerous places, and who are dressed including hats, robes and windmills. Then we head to the junction of Shibuya, a junction that is said to be the most crowded in the world. The Meiji Temple is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, his wife, and their spirits. Walk to the lively Harajuku area where you can find shops and boutiques of the most eccentric styles. Continue on the bus along the elegant street of Omotesando. Edge the most beautiful part of the Imperial Palace and the gardens. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. Pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture and then see Kokugikan, the Sumo stadium, home of this Japanese sport. Also visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important temple in Tokyo, with its 55-metre high pagoda. Here some free time to visit the traditional commercial street of Nakamise in the district of Asakusa. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Return to hotel. Free time in the afternoon.

DAY 3 MON. Tokyo – Mount Fuji – Kawaguchiko

Set out for the beautiful region of Mount Fuji, passing through pretty countryside. Reach the idyllic city of Kawaguchiko with its tiny houses, flowers and mountains and its beautiful lake. On arrival visit the Fuji Sengen Shrine set in a magical site surrounded by tall trees and the starting point of the traditional pilgrimage to the mountain. The trip includes the ascent by cable car to Mount Tenjo. The views of the neighbouring lakes and Mount Fuji are spectacular. The visit also includes a delightful boat trip on Kawaguchiko Lake. After lunch start to ascend Mount Fuji on the road that takes you to the -fifth station surrounded by spectacular forests and views to a height of 2,305 metres. Return to Kawaguchiko with some time to stroll near the lake. Stay at a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) and have the chance to enjoy its Onsen (public baths). Traditional Japanese dinner is included tonight.

DAY 4 TUE. Kawaguchiko Iyasi no Sato Nenba – Toyota – Nagoya

In the morning continue along the pretty road bordered by lakes to Iyashi No Sato Nenba a tiny village destroyed by a typhoon in 1966 and later restored as a traditional open-air mountain village and museum. Its traditional houses have been transformed into arts and crafts shops, restaurants and traditional museums. You will then have the opportunity to admire the Shiraito Falls, considered one of the most attractive sites in Japan with a waterfall height of 150 metres. Continue onto  Nagoya  city and visit the Toyota Museum. A must-see for motor lovers! Dinner tonight is included.

DAY 05 WED. Nagoya – Kyoto

Travel onto Kyoto city and visit the marvellous Shinto Shrine of Fushimi Inari, the Imperial Palace and Kinkakuji temple, “the golden pavilion” and its wonderful gardens. Free time before visiting Gion, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha. Free time.

DAY 6 THU. Kyoto – Nara – Osaka

Head for the outskirts of Kyoto to Arashiyama and cross the Togetsukyo Bridge (“bridge over the moon”), which has fantastic views. Visit the Tenryuji temple, one of the five major Zen temples of Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a walk through its mystic bamboo forest. Then head to Nara and visit Todaiji, a magnificent Buddhist temple built in 752, which has a giant Buddha and where you can take photos and touch and feed the deer that wander through the park. Lunch is included today. Continue to Osaka city where and arrive in the evening. Tonight visit Dotonbori, a colourful district filled with nightlife.

DAY 7 FRI. Osaka.- After breakfast, end of our services.

OPTION 2: CONTRASTS OF JAPAN (DAYS 1 to 6 ITINERARY)

DAY 7 FRI. Osaka- Himeji- Engyo-ji – Okayama

Travel to Himeji where entry to the castle is included. After this take a cable car trip up Mount Shosha where there is the Engyo-Ji temple complex with over a thousand years of history, where the film “The last Samurai” was shot. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Onto Okayama and visit  Korakuen, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, with its lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses.

DAY 8 SAT. Okayama- Kurashiki- HiroshimaItsukushima- Hiroshima

Leave for Kurashiki a city with a very well preserved historical centre. Time for a stroll in this charming place with its atmosphere from the past. Continue onto Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island. 

DAY 9 SUN. Hiroshima

After breakfast, tour will conclude.

OPTION 3: CONTRASTS OF JAPAN (END TOKYO)

DAY 9 SUN. Hiroshima – Tokyo

After breakfast, transfer to the station to take the bullet train to Tokyo. It takes four hours to travel the 800 kilometres between both cities. Arrival at Tokyo at around 2:00pm.