Discover Japan - Wendy Wu

Days 1-2 Tokyo  
Tokyo is aplenty with tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore as well as bustling city life. On arrival transfer to your hotel. Start the following day at the Skytree observation deck for panoramic views of the city then wander through the old district of Asakusa, stopping of at the tranquil Sensoji Temple. This evening, take a relaxed dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for excellent city vistas.

Day 3 Tokyo to Mount Fuji    
Depart Japan’s dynamic capital city by the illustrious bullet train heading to Odawara. Later float across Lake Ashi admiring the spectacular views of this beautiful area. Then after venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway, you’ll ascend Mount Fuji by road to the fifth station for breath-taking views of Fuji.

Day 4 Mount Fuji to Matsumoto    
Explore the formidable 16^th Century Matsumoto Castle. After lunch, stop at a Miso House to learn about the process of making this Japanese seasoning. Taste some delectable Miso soup before continuing to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region.

Day 5 Takayama        
Spend the day walking through the town of Takayama sightseeing. Experience the Miyagwa morning market with its delicious local produce and surrounding traditional houses. Also visit several intriguing local museums and enjoy some free time along Kamisannomachi Street.

Day 6 Takayama to Kanazawa    
Catch a glimpse of rural Japan at Shirakawago, famous for its traditional farmhouses built in the unique gassho-zukuri architectural style. Attempt washi paper making at your next stop in Gokayama before travelling to Kanazawa and roaming the secluded Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

Day 7 Kanazawa to Kyoto    
This morning learns the delicate process of making gold leaf. Stroll through classic Higashi Chaya, visiting Ochaya Shima – a historical geisha house. Journey on wards for a city full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime garden, Kyoto.

Day 8 Kyoto        
Today begins with traversing Ryoanji, the ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’ and the iconic Kinkakuji. This afternoon, head to an authentic Japanese wooden townhouse to try your hand at the art of orjgami and enjoy the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master.

Day 9 Kyoto to Nara    
Stop by the Fushimi Inari Shrine, impressive for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates, enroute to Nara. Stroll through the undisturbed Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, and encounter the resident sika deer, before exploring Isuien Garden.

Day 10 Nara to Osaka    
Japan’s most sacred mountain, the holy mountain of Koyasan is the tranquil heart of Shingon Buddhism. Wander around Okunoin, an immense burial ground, and enjoy the harmony and astonishing views as you discover Kongobuji Temple and the Garan Temple Complex. Later, continue to Osaka.

Day 11 Osaka        
Enter Osaka Castle, a beautiful testament to historic Japanese architecture, and climb to the top floor to survey the surrounding areas, alluring parks and cityscapes. A short river cruise along Yogogawa River and stroll through Dotonbori, will lead you to restaurant hub, where you can sample local delicacies for lunch. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring this fascinating city.

Day 12 Osaka          
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.