THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN - 13 Days

Meet your assistant at Haneda Airport, and transfer to your hotel. Relax at the hotel before walking out for dinner at a nearby Japanese restaurant.

Start the day with a visit to Tokyo sumo morning practice at a stable. Afterward, travel to Asakusa to visit the renowned Sensoji! The colourful, popular temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. Stroll along Nakamise shopping street nearby, where typical Japanese souvenirs and various traditional snacks are sold! Enjoy local sushi or ramen for lunch. After lunch, we will visit the magnificent Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. The shrine is crowded on the first day of the year because of hatsumode (first prayers). For the rest of the year, if lucky, you may witness the solemn procession of Shinto weddings. Continue the journey to Harajuku and Omotesando. This tree-lined avenue features a multitude of dazzling architecturally ambitious buildings of global haute couture brands. Finish the day with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's tallest and most distinctive skyscrapers for a panoramic view of the city if time permits.

Embark on a bullet train to Nikko, Tokugawa Shogunate's sacred town. The town is home to UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine, an extravagant mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu - the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate. Wander around Japan's most opulent complex before having a local lunch. In the afternoon, journey to the scenic Lake Chuzenji, followed by the renowned Kegon Waterfall, and then return to Tokyo.

Wake up early and prepare for an adventure day at Hakone National Park. Travel to Mount Fuji - the symbol of Japan all around the world, in the masterpiece of Hokusai. En route visit the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, which offers a commanding view of the Fuji Five Lakes. Cruise on Lake Ashi with a replica pirate ship. Embark on a ropeway ride to enjoy the view of active sulfuric hot springs and many other scenic landscapes. Tonight, enjoy a comfortable stay in a hotel/ryokan.

After breakfast, embark on the Shinkansen bullet train, and transfer to the Hida Express train to arrive at Takayama. Don't forget to look for eki-ben, the bento boxes unique to each and every station on the Shinkansen line! Takayama is renowned for its beautiful old town, where traditional touch is preserved. Stroll the beautiful old streets, and visit a local brewery to experience a fresh tasting of pure sake! Enjoy a sumptuous Kaiseki dinner, with an overnight stay at a traditional Ryokan.

Wake up to a tasty breakfast before beginning your journey to Miyagawa Market. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the market, where vegetables and fruits unique to Japan are on display. Take a short walk to Takayama Jinya, the only surviving government office building headed by the officials dispatched from Edo. Take a short bus ride to visit Yatai Kaikan, which displays an array of exotic and flamboyant floats used in Takayama festivals. In the afternoon, we will travel to Shirakawago, a captivating mountain village in Japan's Gifu Prefecture. The picturesque village is renowned for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Designed to look like hands in prayer, these farmhouses can withstand heavy snowfalls in the winter and have spacious attics for cultivating silkworms. Heading to Kanazawa for the overnight stay.

After breakfast head out for a stroll around Kanazawa. The town used to serve as the home of the second most powerful clan, Maeda Clan, during the Edo Period. Thereupon, Kanazawa became a town of great cultural achievements, rivalling Tokyo and Kyoto. In the afternoon, journey to the nation's most celebrated garden Kenrokuen, followed by the slowly restored Kanazawa Castle. Afterward, travel to the largest one of three regional well-preserved chaya districts - Higashi Chaya district. Chaya is an exclusive restaurant, where geishas perform songs and dance to entertain patrons. Another signature of Kanazawa is gold leaf handicrafts - from accessories to clothing, housewares, and even food.

Prepare for your adventures in Kyoto. Upon arrival, enjoy the evening freely at your leisure to wander around Gion District, where you may get a glimpse of Geisha, and admire beautifully preserved machiya houses along its side alleys. Dinner with Maiko is offered as an optional experience here.

We start with the sprawling, breathtaking Nijo Castle, followed by Ryoanji - the UNESCO World Heritage zen temple with a famous rock garden. This unique garden has no plants, apart from little patches of moss around the stones. Afterward, visit Kinkakuji, the shining pavilion completely covered by gold leaf that was originally built as a shogun's summer house. Transfer to the outskirts of Kyoto for a gentle walk through Sagano's lush bamboo groove. The sunlight filters through the densely packed grove, projecting thin slashes of light onto this enchanting forest. Head to Tenryuji temple,  which survived centuries maintaining its original design. Then continue to Jojakkoji Temple nestled in the quiet and understated wooded hill. Crossing over the iconic landmark Togetsukyo Bridge for stunning views of the adjacent cherry forest.

Today is a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace. You could get up early to see the Fushimi Inari Taisha – The Shrine of 10,000 Torii Gates, before the crowds. Then head over to Sanjusangendo – The Temple of 1,001 life sized Kannon Statues. Follow this up with a 20 minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and great for seeing Cherry Blossom!  After lunch, you could experience a Japanese cooking workshop, followed by attending a tea ceremony.

After breakfast you will head to Hiroshima, a city recovered has from the Atomic Bombing aftermath. Admire stunning vibrancy and splendid culture that has regrown itself from the ashes. Peace Memorial Park, and Museum inside the park, are major attractions of the city. Embark on a ferry ride to Miyajima - home to the giant torii-gate. The bright, red gate seems to float on the water during high tide, and is also an attraction frequently featured in travel magazines.

This morning we head to Osaka - Japan's second-largest city. Upon arrival, head for Kuromon Market – Osaka’s Kitchen – the market is the best place to sample fresh seafood, wagyu beef, and street snacks. It’s a paradise for food lovers looking to experience authentic Osaka flavours. After lunch, head for Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, it played a crucial role in unifying the nation. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and moats, the castle offers stunning views from its top floor. In the evening head to Dotonbori, Osaka’s most iconic entertainment district, known for its neon lights, massive billboards (including the famous Glico Running Man), and vibrant street food scene. It’s the best place to try local delicacies like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes).

This morning you will take the train to Tokyo, Haneda Airport, for your flight home.

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