Timeless Japan

12 days, 16 meals. Spend 12 days immersing yourself in the ancient wonders of Japan. Spot a geisha in Kyoto, see Mt Fuji and taste sake at a local brewery in Takayama.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo where you will be met on arrival. Transfer to your hotel and join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a special dinner.

Day 2: Tokyo

A full-day tour of Tokyo begins with a trip to Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city. Next, it’s on to the Imperial Palace, where the Japanese royal family reside) for a photo stop and pass other important buildings on the drive to Tsukiji Outer Market. Take a walking tour of the largest fish market in Japan where fresh seafood is delivered daily. Wander the narrow aisles of this atmospheric marketplace to find all sorts of delicious and uniquely Japanese food – from fish and shellfish to barrels of green tea, dried seaweed and all manner of pickles and other tasty morsels before joining a sushi workshop. Stop at Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world before visiting Meji Shrine. Enter through the massive tori gate and discover a peaceful Shinto shrine.

Day 3: Tokyo, Hakone

Travel to Hakone today. Take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Geothermal Valley. Continue on to Lake Ashi and enjoy a cruise around the lake. This caldera lake was formed 3,000 years ago when Mount Hakone erupted. On a clear day, you may see Mount Fuji. Later, for the ultimate exercise in relaxation, perhaps partake in a traditional onsen experience at your hotel.

Day 4: Hakone, Matsumoto

This morning, travel to Mount Fuji, arguably Japan’s most distinctive landmark. Stop for your Insider Experience and lunch before continuing on to Matsumoto. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll through the merchant district of Nakamachi, where streets are lined with well-preserved Edo-style buildings.

Day 5: Matsumoto, Takayama

Dive deeper into Japan’s alpine region, admire the stunning alpine scenery before reaching the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway in Oku-Hida region. Take the cable car to an observation deck that is elevated to 2,156 metres. Later, arrive in the picturesque mountain town of Takayama. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. Tonight, perhaps discover the famous Hida beef, a remarkably tender variety of Wagyu beef (additional charge).

Note: Between May – early August 2024 the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway is closed for maintenance. During this period guests will visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Home to a collection of works by the famous Yayoi Kusama who was born in the city in 1929 and several revolving exhibitions.

Day 6: Takayama

This morning, stroll through the Miyagawa Morning Market. After, enjoy an Insider Experience. Up here in the mountains makes for perfect sake-producing conditions, at a local brewery spend time on an Insider Experience. The afternoon is at your leisure, where you might like to explore further.

Day 7: Takayama, Kanazawa

Following breakfast, head to Kanazawa, stopping en route at the alpine village of Shirakawa-go, made famous by its collection of original gassho-zukuri style farmhouses, which have been World Heritage listed. Continue to Kanazawa, sometimes referred to as the hidden pearl of Japan’s west coast and join a walking tour through the geisha and samurai districts.

Day 8: Kanazawa, Kyoto

Begin your explorations with a visit to the 17th-century Kenrokuen Garden, recognised as one of the three top gardens of Japan. Stroll across bridges, passing tranquil ponds and fountains, and admire a landscape dotted with Japanese pines, cherry trees and maples. Afterwards, continue to Kyoto.

Day 9: Kyoto

Today your Kyoto explorations begin at Sanjusangedo temple where you can see the thousand statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress covered in gold leaf. Step inside Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) and its stunning Japanese garden. Take a walk through Arashiyma Bamboo Forest and visit Tenryuji temple. Finish with a tea ceremony and experience the art of brewing, serving and drinking this special beverage which plays such an important role in Japanese traditions.

Day 10: Kyoto, Nara, Kyoto

Rise early this morning and follow the path marked by thousands of scarlet torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. You’ll then board your coach for a day trip to Nara, which briefly reigned as the capital of Japan in the 8th-century. Immerse yourself in Nara culture with a visit to Todai-ji Temple. You’ll also head to Nara Park to see the friendly wild deer, and Kasuga Shrine, whose countless lanterns have been donated by worshippers.

Day 11: Kyoto, Osaka

Travel to Osaka, Japan’s unofficial culinary capital. Visit the Umeda Observatory in the iconic Umeda Sky building, and soak in the incredible views across this dynamic city. Admire Osaka Castle on a photo stop before heading to Dotonbori, a hotspot for street food. Your final night is celebrated with a Farewell Dinner at a local sukiyaki restaurant.

Day 12: Depart Osaka

After breakfast, be transferred to Kansai International Airport for your onward flight.