Enchanting Japan

Traverse the highlights of Japan in style on a luxury 12-day holiday. Experience the iconic wonders of Tokyo before admiring the beauty of Hakone and the culture of Takayama and Kanazawa. Finish in Kyoto, where you’ll take part in a tea ceremony and enjoy a private dinner with a maiko or geisha.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner at your hotel, savouring Japanese flavours with a modern flair.

Day 2: Tokyo

Following breakfast, set off with your Tour Director to Roppongi, where you’ll soak in the scenery at the observation deck at Mori Tower, which on a clear day provides outstanding panoramic 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 Buddhist temple and stroll through the Namikase shopping street indulging in snacks and souvenir shopping. Following lunch, embark on your exciting Freedom of Choice activity.

Day 3: Tokyo

Visit Meiji Shrine this morning, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji. Following your delectable Signature Experience, be guided to Ginza, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping district. Marvel at the presentation and diversity of food at a local department store before experiencing the fascinating Kabukiza Gallery, dedicated to the traditional performance art of Kabuki. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 4: Tokyo, Hakone

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 delight in a kaiseki-style dinner, a traditional multi-course meal, this evening.

Day 5: Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama

Set out this morning for a Signature Experience. Following your lunch, continue to Matsumoto and embark on your chosen activity before being transferred to your new hotel in Takayama, where you’ll indulge in dinner tonight.

Day 6: Takayama

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. You’ll also take a stroll through Takayama Jinya, a beautifully preserved 17th-century building built for a noble family and the Tokugawa shonugate. Following your Signature Experience, wander along the stunning streets of the city’s old town 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.

Day 7: Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

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 the marvellous Kenroku-en garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Later, stroll through the Nagamachi Samurai district and the traditional Nomura Samurai House. Enjoy your choice of restaurant for dinner this evening.

Day 8: Kanazawa, Tsuruga, Kyoto

Start your day in the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa’s largest geisha district. Enjoy a special Signature Experience before visiting the traditional Shima tea house. Following lunch, be transferred to the train station to board a bullet train to Tsuruga, then change to a limited express train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, walk to your nearby accommodation and settle in before savouring a delicious dinner at the restaurant of your choice.

Day 9: Kyoto

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, stop off at 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.

Day 10: Kyoto

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.

Day 11: Kyoto, Nara

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, see Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha, which was established in AD768. Return to the hotel with free time this afternoon before savouring a special Signature Experience for dinner.

Day 12: Kyoto, Depart Osaka

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