Definitive Cultural Tour of Japan

Day 1 - Fly London to Tokyo

Fly overnight London to Tokyo.

Overnight: In flight

Day 2 - Arrive Tokyo. Transfer to hotel. Welcome dinner.

You fly into Tokyo where you will be met and join your shared taxi transfer to your centrally located hotel. In the evening you will head out to dinner at a local restaurant with your guide. Welcome to Japan!

Overnight: Shiba Park Hotel Or Park Hotel Or Similar, Tokyo

Day 3 - Day trip to Hakone Mount Fuji area. Cruise on Lake Ashi.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, Mount Fuji is Japan's most iconic landmark, and at 3,776 metres is also Japan's tallest mountain. The hot spring area of Hakone, out along the Tokaido from Tokyo, is famed for its views of Mount Fuji, and today you will spend the day exploring the area and trying to catch a glimpse of Fujisan.

Mount Fuji is so emblematic of Japan that it appears in countless woodblock prints, paintings, and even public bathhouses in Japan. Travelling by train, cable cars and gondolas you will explore Hakone and also take a short cruise on Lake Ashi, or Ashi-no-ko. From the cruise you will be able to see views of Hakone-Jinja, and if you are lucky you will be have views of Mount Fuji over the waters. Please be aware though that clouds and poor visibility may obscure the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain.

The weather conditions mean that you should prepare to be flexible today, and in the event you cannot see Mount Fuji, your guide will manage the itinerary to cater for the interests of the group. For example, you may be able to peruse Hakone-Yumoto filled with many craft and souvenir shops. In particular you may see items of Yosegi-zaiku, a form Japanese marquetry originating in the Edo period. This commonly comes in the form of puzzle boxes which are traditional to Hakone and make a lovely souvenir. Also, there may be the chance to visit Hakone Gongen: standing at the base of Mt Hakone the shrine is hidden in dense forest. As you make your way along the path lined with lanterns, the shrine emerges surrounded by tall 600 - 800 year old cedar trees. The shrine used to be a place of worship for prominent warriors and is now open to the public. Finally, you may visit kyukaido suginamiki, located only a short walk away this historic and preserved segment of the old Tokaido road is lined with 400 year old cedar trees soaring towards the sky.

Overnight: Shiba Park Hotel Or Park Hotel Or Similar, Tokyo

Day 4 - Sightseeing in Tokyo.

After a hearty breakfast you will visit the Sumo district of Tokyo, Ryogoku. The sport of sumo wrestling has been around for over 1,500 years. However it was in 1909 that the first sumo stadium was built, with the 4th constructed in 1985. The stadium is able to seat over 10,000 spectators and hosts annual tournaments. It is also home to the Sumo museum, which aims to preserve the rich history of Japan's national sport. You will also have a chance to walk around the district passing by the Sumo stables also known as Heya, a place where the wrestlers live and train. If you are lucky there is also a chance that you may watch a sumo training session. Please note that this cannot guaranteed and if possible will be confirmed whilst you are in country.

You next visit the Grand Meiji shrine. Surrounded by a forest of over 100,000 trees the shrine is a place to worship the spirits of the Emperor. During the New Year period, nearly 3,000,000 people visit. Continuing on you will head to Mitsubkoshi, the oldest department store in Tokyo, where you will have a chance to sample some of the amazing food on offer for lunch, with many choices available.

After lunch you will make your way to the wonderful Hama-Rikyu gardens. The garden originated as falconry ground and has had many incarnations since including a recreational ground for the 6th Shogun. It is now open to the public and the calm and serenity offers a welcome contrast to the surrounding concrete jungle.

The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax or continue exploring.

Overnight: Shiba Park Hotel Or Park Hotel Or Similar, Tokyo

Day 5 - Travel to Obuse. Visit the Hokusai-kan museum. Continue to the hot springs at Yudanka Onsen to see the ‘Snow Monkeys’.

Today your main luggage will be couriered to Takayama. An earlier start today as you travel to Obuse in the Nagano Prefecture northwest of Tokyo and your first chance to experience a high speed bullet train. As you reach a speed of 150 mph the city rushes past and you make your way out through the suburbs until a more rural Japan emerges, with fields all around and mountains looming in the distance.

After 90 minutes you disembark at Nagano and take a short local train ride to the small, attractive town of Obuse. Here you get your first real views of the snow-capped mountains of northern Shinano which provide a scenic backdrop to the town. Obuse was home to the artist Hokusai, famed for his woodblock prints and paintings which include the internationally renowned 'The Great Wave'. Hokusai lived in Obuse in his later years where he was known as the "old man mad about painting". During these years he created a number of masterpieces which can be found on display at the Hokusai-kan Museum which you will visit.

After lunch you continue by local train to Yudunaka Onsen, a hot spring village famous for its 'snow monkeys'. The Japanese macaques originally came here to warm themselves in the outdoor hot spring bath during the cold winters, and now come all year round.

Tonight's accommodation will be your first chance to experience a traditional Japanese room. With tatami mat floors the rooms are minimalist yet elegant. Remembering to take your slippers off before entering, you slide open the wooden doors to reveal the bedroom. A low table is placed in the middle of the room, and traditionally one would sit on a pillow whilst taking green tea, however now low chairs have been provided to give back support. You may notice that your bed has not been made, do not worry, this will be prepared as you have dinner and your futon will be ready on your return. Your ryokan will provide cotton robes, warm jackets, slippers, towels, toothbrushes and paste, soap, shampoo and conditioner. It is normal to wear the cotton robes to eat dinner in, relax in your room and even wear outdoors, so you really can travel light.

This evening there is the chance to try a nice relaxing Japanese Onsen (hot spring bath) in your ryokan before dinner. Traditional multi course dinners in the ryokans and minshuku are a sight to behold. There are many small and intricate dishes provided giving a large array of different foods and tastes. The main staple is sticky rice which will also be joined by miso soup. The rest will depend on the area you are staying and the local delicacies, but may consist of fresh and dried fish, Hida beef as well as mushrooms, pickled vegetables and a fresh desert.

Overnight: Biyu No Yado Ryokan Or Similar, Yudanka

Day 6 - Train to Matsumoto. Visit castle. Continue by train to Narai post-town on the Nakasendo Trail.

As the sun rises and warms the snow-capped peaks you enjoy a typical Japanese breakfast and then take the train to Matsumoto. Your journey takes you through apple orchards and grape plantations until after three hours you reach the city of Matsumoto and disembark to visit the beautiful black 16th century castle. With three turrets, six ornate floors and authentic wooden interiors, Matsumoto Castle is justly designated as one of the 'National Treasures of Japan'. It was built at the beginning of the Eisho era and is over 400 years old. After exploring the castle and taking in the panoramic views from the top there will be time to explore the gardens and maybe buy a souvenir before you board your next train to the small town of Narai in the Kiso Valley.

Narai is a charming post town on the ancient Nakasendo way - literally 'the path through the mountains'. It marks the mid-point between Kyoto and Tokyo and during the Edo feudal period was the wealthiest of the many post-towns where travellers stopped to rest their weary feet

Narai retains much of its historic charm with wooden buildings lining the 1km main street which is the longest in Japan's post towns. You will walk a short section of the Nakasendo Trail before making your way along the main street to your traditional minshuku accommodation - a small family run guesthouse. Once again cotton robes and slippers will be provided and most guests will wear these in the evening.

Overnight: Iseya Minshuku Or Shimade Minshuku Or Similar, Narai

Day 7 - Visit to old coffee house. Travel by train and bus to Takayama.

This morning after breakfast you will have the chance to visit a 180 year old coffee shop where the coffee is brewed in a traditional way, you may wish to buy coffee or just enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. A great way to start the morning! You may also be able to visit the Narai Kiso-no-Ohashi bride, a beautiful bridge constructed of cypress trees before catching the train along the Kiso Valley to Takayama.

Although it has expanded in recent years the small city of Takayama, gateway to the northern Japan Alps, has retained much of its traditional architecture and is well-known for its crafts, particularly yew-wood carving, Shunkei lacquerware, pottery and furniture. After arriving at your ryokan (traditional style inn), there will be time to relax in a hot-spring bath before dinner. Tonight's multi course meal will include Hida beef, a regional delicacy.

Overnight: Hotel Ouan Or Similar, Takayama

Day 8 - Morning sightseeing in Takayama including a visit to the Funsaka saké brewery and the Kusakabe Mingekan Folklore Museum. Time at leisure.

Today you have a full but relaxed day in Takayama, starting with a visit to the morning market. Run by the women of Takayama, the small market lies by the river and offers fresh produce as well as small trinkets and souvenirs. Sanmachi Suji - the three main streets that comprise the heart of the historic Old Town - has rows of old merchant houses which date back to over 300 years ago when the city was an important Edo merchant town. Some of the houses open as small museums including the fascinating Kusakabe Mingekan Folklore Museum which you will visit. It has been designed to represent a townhouse of the Edo period with many interesting exhibits from the time. The Takayama area is also home to several saké breweries including the 200 year old Funaska saké brewery. You will enjoy a tour of the brewery today with the chance to taste their traditional saké as well as some more unusual flavoured ones!

In the afternoon there will be free time for you to wander at leisure and maybe hunt for special treasures to bring home. This is a great place for handicraft shopping with everything from handmade wooden clogs to intriguing red Sarubobo dolls available.

Overnight: Hotel Ouan Or Similar, Takayama

Day 9 - Time in Takayama. Transfer by train to Kyoto – 3 hours. Walk through the Gion District. Tea ceremony with apprentice Geisha.

You have a relaxed start this morning with time to explore Takayama further. You may like to visit the Takayama Float exhibition hall where you can view some of the floats that are used in the Takayama festival Matsuri. The festival began around 350 years and as the town grew so did the floats becoming more and more magnificent. When not in the museum the floats are housed throughout the city.

A lunchtime train will carry you through the rice paddies to your next stop, Kyoto, where you head out into the city. Here you explore the small streets awash with tiny glowing lanterns and scented with the heady smell of Japanese cuisine. The Gion district is famed for its many Ryotei - exclusive private restaurants, and you will also visit the Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, the western end of the Nakasendo Trail.

Kyoto as the cultural capital of Japan is home to the three tea ceremony schools, and the highlight of today is a special tea ceremony with a maiko (apprentice geisha). Most visitors are lucky if they catch a passing glimpse of a genuine geiko (the local name for a geisha) and/or maiko whilst in Kyoto, making this experience even more special. The formal tea ceremony, or the Way of Tea, dates back to the 16th century and is rooted in Zen Buddhist philosophy. It is one of the classical arts of refinement which the maiko will learn as part of her geisha training. The ceremony follows simple rules but there is a strict etiquette to be observed - this is a not a relaxing cuppa, more a spiritual process. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore or try one of Kyoto's many restaurants. Please note that your main luggage will be couriered to Kyoto today.

Overnight: The General Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji Or Similar, Kyoto

Day 10 - Morning tour of Kyoto. Afternoon visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

A great breakfast is followed by a full day of sightseeing in and around Kyoto.

Your day starts with a visit to the famous Kinkaku-ji, the beautiful golden pavilion whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. In 1397 Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi period bought the land here and built a villa on it for rest and contemplation. The villa was used as a guest house for emperors and other members of nobility until after Yoshimitsu died when, as per his wishes, it was converted into a temple. In 1994 the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next you walk a short distance to Ryoanji to view the famous rock garden of raked gravel and fifteen moss covered boulders.

Crossing Kyoto by train you make your way this afternoon to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its many vermilion torii gates and photogenic walkways. You will find the first, much photographed section of the path busy but as you snake your way up the hillside through the gates the crowds start to clear and towards the top you will enjoy fantastic views over Kyoto. The torii gates are donated by those offering thanks for making a wish come true or seeking prosperity. Your luggage will be waiting for you when you return to your hotel.

Overnight: The General Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji Or Similar, Kyoto

Day 11 - Train to Nara including Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park.

This morning you will take a day trip from Kyoto to Nara, only an hour away by train. Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan, before Kyoto, in the period between 710 and 784. The city has plenty of UNESCO historical treasures but your first stop is Todai-ji, which with its vast temple building and large bronze Buddha is one of Japan's most famous temples. The elegant wooden structure is said to be the largest in the world, and the grounds of the temple are also home to a large number of wild deer who roam the area freely and are tame. You return to the centre of town for lunch, and should have time afterwards to visit the old merchant quarter where you can explore the narrow streets with their little shops and cafes.

Back in Kyoto you have the evening at leisure, your last night here before a change of scenery at Mount Koya.

Overnight: The General Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji Or Similar, Kyoto

Day 12 - Scenic train ride to Mount Koya. Walk through the Okuno-In Cemetery.

We will send your luggage ahead this morning to Himeji while you travel with just your overnight essentials on the the scenic journey by train and cable car to Mount Koya, ascending through a valley filled with cedar trees high up in the mountains of the Kii peninsula. Sacred Mount Koya has been a place of religious devotion and ceremony since the 9th century and there is a real contrast between here and Kyoto.

There are now more than 100 monasteries in Mount Koya, a number of which have special accommodation for pilgrims. Tonight you will stay in one of these temple shukubo. After you drop your bags off here you head to the vast cemetery of Okuno-in for a guided walk through the thousands of graves and memorials dedicated to feudal lords and other past luminaries. Interestingly it is also a place to remember the more recently deceased and many companies such as Nissan and Panasonic have their own memorials. Towards the far end of the cemetery is the Gokusho Offering Hall where visitors throw water over a row of statues, praying for family members who have passed. Finally you come to the most sacred mausoleum in the cemetery, Kobo Daishi's Tomb, which is sealed behind doors.

Outside the cemetery you visit the Shingon Buddhist shrine of Kongobuji which has the largest sand and rock garden in the whole of Japan; one hundred and forty granite stones have been carefully positioned arranged to represent two dragons in a sea of clouds.

Returning back to the Shukubo you will have some time to take a hot spring bath and relax in the robes and slippers provided, before your evening meal. Tonight's delicious temple meal will be vegetarian in keeping with Buddhist philosophy.

Overnight: Yochiin Temple Or Similar, Mount Koya

Day 13 - Morning prayer service. Visit Kongubu-ji Temple. Bullet train to Himeji.

This morning we recommend you to rise early for the prayer service at your shukubo. This is a fascinating, almost meditative experience where you sit and silently observe as the monks chant their morning prayers for around an hour. There may also be a short explanatory talk afterwards

After a shoji ryori - Buddhist vegetarian - breakfast there is time this morning for further exploration of Mount Koya, maybe to see the red Konpon Daito pagoda or explore the Danjo Garan temple complex, before you travel onwards to Himeji via Osaka.

Himeji is a large city famous for its magnificent castle, which you will visit tomorrow. The castle is one of the finest surviving examples of early 17th-century Japanese architecture, and was Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Overnight: Hotel Monterey Or Similar, Himeji

Day 14 - Visit to Himeji Castle. Bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

For the final time your main luggage will be couriered, and will be waiting on your arrival at your hotel in Osaka tomorrow.

This morning you visit Himeji Castle, known as the "White Heron" Castle for its walls covered with white plaster which resemble a heron in flight. Himeji Castle is famous for both its huge main tower and its maze-like design. The castle has recently completed extensive restoration works. You will pass through the Hishi-No-Mon gate and take a guided tour of the castle. Throughout the tour you will observe the incredible beauty and detail of the castle from the vast gardens to the intricate ornamentation of the Gegyo; it really is a stunning site.

You then continue on by bullet train to Hiroshima. Known throughout the world as the first city to suffer the impact of atomic weapons, today Hiroshima is a vibrant, modern city. Throughout the Peace Memorial Park are a number of touching memorials, including the Children's Peace Monument, festooned with brightly coloured strings of origami cranes, left by children from all over the world to express a desire for peace. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum provides context to the impact of the bombing on the city, the country and the world. You will be able to see the A-Bomb Dome, the only structure that was left standing in the hypocentre of the bombing. Within the museum there are many different artefacts and works of art providing context and stories of those who suffered at the time of the bombings. The museum experience is undoubtedly extremely sobering but also reflects the resilience of Hiroshima and its people.

If you prefer not to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Park there is still plenty to do and see in Hiroshima, from the bustling downtown area to the Shukkeien sunken garden which dates back to 1620.

Overnight: Sotetsu Grand Fresa Or Washington Hotel, Hiroshima

Day 15 - Train and ferry to Miyajima Island. Sightseeing. Train to Osaka. Evening tour and farewell dinner.

This morning you travel by train and ferry to the sacred island of Miyajima, one of the most scenic spots in Japan. Here you will stroll along the waterfront and view the famous floating Great Torii and the Itsukushima Shrine. As in Nara there are a number of free roaming deer on the island which are considered to be sacred messengers of the gods. There is a cableway up to Mt Misen (optional), the highest peak on the island, which you may like to take for fantastic panoramic views from the top on a clear day. Or enjoy strolling the streets and visiting the traditional shops that line the route back to the ferry.

You depart the island mid-afternoon and travel back by train, arriving late afternoon/early evening at the hotel in Osaka. You then venture out into the thick of the bright lights and hustle and bustle of Osaka - the very epitome of modern Japan. It is considered to be the commercial hub of the country. The evening tour of the Dotonbori will overload your senses; with its numerous restaurants, delicious aroma of fresh food and quirky signs, it really is a haven for foodies. It is also the perfect place to conclude your tour with a final farewell dinner.

Overnight: Monterey Grasmere Hotel Or Sotetsu Grand Fresa Namba, Osaka

Day 16 - Transfer to Osaka airport. Fly to London.

Time to bid goodbye to Japan as you transfer to the airport for your flight home.