Essential Japan

Day 1 Tokyo        
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. As travellers are arriving from all over the world, there are no activities planned for day 1. The group meeting will take place at 6pm this evening. To introduce you to Tokyo at night your leader will take you for walk around one of Tokyo’s most popular hubs. Join your leader and new travel buddies for an optional first dinner together!        

Day 2 Tokyo        
In the morning, head out exploring with your group leader in the Shibuya area. Grab a picnic lunch (optional) as we are heading to Yoyogi Park, home to many events from the first Japan Olympics. Afterwards, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. Enter via a massive Torii (gate) and the sights and sounds of the busy city are replaced by a tranquil forest. Continue your journey with a visit to Harajuku, the home of quirky youth pop culture. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.        

Day 3 Tokyo to Kanazawa  
This morning, speed through central Japan on a bullet train bound for Kanazawa. This city is best known for Kenroku-en, a 17th-century gardens. Kanazawa is also known for being the home of samurai - it boasts beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, historic temples and awesome markets you can shop and eat your way around.  

Day 4 Kanazawa        
Explore Kanazawa by foot on a walking tour of the Higashi Chaya district. Get lost among the Geisha in the alleyways and admire the traditional Chaya houses, known locally as places of tradition, feasts and entertainment. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at one of the local tea houses, if tea's your thing, and then the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own.

Day 5 Kanazawa to Kyoto  
Today catch a train through the Japan alps to Kyoto - once the imperial capital of Japan and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a great place to get lost in - so get out, walk the streets and soak up the wonderful atmosphere in your free time.  

Day 6 Kyoto        
Join your leader this morning for a walk in the wooded hills of Inari Mountain, famous for its Shinto 'fox temple' and atmospheric red torii gates, a quintessential Japan sight and must-see for keen photographers. The afternoon is free for you to explore and your leader can give you recommendations on what to see and how to get there. It's your last night in Kyoto, so make sure you try some of Kyoto’s famed Kyo-ryori (‘Kyoto cuisine’), or wander the food market of Nishiki in the city’s heart to see the ingredients that make up Kyo-ryori or, in true Japanese tradition, hit the karaoke bar.        

Day 7 Kyoto to Hiroshima        
Hiroshima is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history, approximately two hours on the bullet train from Kyoto. Once here, your leader will take you to visit Peace Park and the ruins of the A-Bomb Dome building, one of 11 structures left partially standing as a reminder of the destruction of nuclear war following the nuclear bomb blast on 6 August 1945. The Peace Park contains monuments and a sobering and very informative museum dedicated to Hiroshima and international peace.  

Day 8 Hiroshima      
Today jump on a local train and ferry to spend the day at the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' Torii Gate and the grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Hike through the woods to the peak of Mt Misen for some stunning views of the Inland Sea stretching far out below you. Be sure to watch out for inquisitive and eternally hungry deer that roam the island. Back in Hiroshima and enjoy a free evening tonight.      

Day 9 Hiroshima to Osaka      
Travel by bullet train to Osaka, and what better way to finish our trip than in a city with the motto 'kuidaore' (translation: 'eat until you drop'!).  We recommend you try Osaka’s takoyaki (a delicious grilled octopus dish) which Osaka is renowned for! With your leader enjoy a walking tour around the popular Dotombori district which is the city's most famous shopping, food and entertainment district. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanical signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign.

Day 10 Osaka        
Depart at any time.