Reveal the Traditions of Japan

Day 1  Tokyo    
Upon arrival in Tokyo, enjoy the VIP Fast Track Meet and Greet service before a transfer to your hotel. After checking in, take the opportunity to explore vibrant Tokyo or unwind before joining your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.    

Day 2  Tokyo      
Visit to a family home in Omotesando and experience a Japanese tea ceremonies. Step into the oldest remaining Japanese residence in the area, tucked away just behind the bustling main street. Savour the tranquillity of this special place as you partake in the tea ceremony, a time-honoured ritual steeped in history and elegance. After breakfast, set out to Tokyo Skytree, an iconic television broadcasting tower and a symbol of Tokyo. Discover the charm of Sensoji, the city's oldest temple, and stroll along Namikase Street to soak in the traditional atmosphere. The rest of the day is at your leisure to embrace the essence of both ancient and modern Tokyo.    

Day 3  Tokyo to Kawaguchiko    
Today, venture to once the bustling capital of Japan, Kamakura. Despite its former grandeur, present-day Kamakura is a quaint seaside town adorned with temples, shrines, and scenic attractions. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, your first stop is Kotokuin Temple, renowned for its iconic Daibutsu, a colossal bronze Buddha towering at 13.35 meters high, continue your cultural exploration at Hasedera Temple. After immersing yourself in Kamakura's rich heritage, a private coach will transport you to Kawaguchiko, renowned for its breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji and the majestic reflection of the mountain mirrored in the tranquil waters of the lake.    

Day 4  Kawaguchiko to Matsumoto    
Join your guide at the hotel for a captivating journey to the Kubota Itchiku Museum by private coach. Discover the mesmerising silk kimonos and intricate artworks that pay homage to Kubota Itchiku's revival of the Tsujigahana silk-dyeing technique. Afterwards, ascend Mount Tenjo via the Kachi Kachi Ropeway for breathtaking vistas of Lake Kawaguchi and, weather permitting, the towering Mount Fuji. Conclude your day with a scenic drive to Matsumoto.    

Day 5  Matsumoto    
Begin your day with a visit to Jigokudani Yaen Park, aptly named 'Hell's Valley' for its steaming, bubbling waters. Here, you'll encounter Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, delighting in the natural hot springs. Marvel at their playful interactions as they soak in the warm waters, seemingly unfazed by their human observers. A gentle 2km hike leads you to this captivating sanctuary, where sensible footwear is recommended for your comfort. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the charm of Obuse, a quaint town boasting traditional houses, shops, and winding streets. Indulge in the local delicacy of chestnuts and explore the legacy of Hokusai, the renowned painter and printmaker of Japan's Edo period, at his museum. Wander through the town's 'Open Garden' scheme, where over 100 houses invite you to experience the tranquillity of Japanese gardens, offering a unique glimpse into traditional living.    

Day 6  Matsumoto to Kyoto    
Join your guide in the hotel lobby for an exciting excursion to Matsumoto Castle. Admire the splendour of one of Japan's most exquisite original castles, renowned for its complete preservation and striking black wainscoting. After exploring the castle, your journey continues to Matsumoto Station. Board the Limited Express Train for Nagoya and seamlessly transition to a bullet train bound for Kyoto, experiencing the exhilarating speed and efficiency of Japan's iconic transportation system.  

Day 7  Kyoto      
Begin your day at the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto's Golden Pavilion, renowned for its serene beauty. Marvel at the shimmering golden exterior and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of this historic Buddhist temple. Then, venture to Ryoanji Zen Temple to contemplate Japan's famous rock garden, a serene landscape of 15 carefully placed rocks amid moss-covered earth walls. In the afternoon, explore the scenic Arashiyama district, known for its bamboo groves and historical sites. Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest, where the swaying stalks create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Visit Nonomiya Shrine, steeped in ancient tradition, before concluding your journey at Tenryuji, Kyoto's largest Zen temple. Enjoy a traditional vegan Buddhist lunch amid the temple's serene gardens, completing your day of cultural discovery in Kyoto.    

Day 8  Kyoto      
Embark on a culinary adventure with a sushi-making and food presentation class at a charming restaurant. Experience Japan's seasonal wonders infused into every dish as you learn the art of sushi rolling and presentation. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 9  Kyoto to Nara      
Take part in a special Shodo lesson, where you'll delve into the intricate art of Japanese calligraphy. Experience the meticulous order and path required for mastery before you embark on a journey to Nara, Japan's ancient capital. Explore the rich cultural legacy of this historic city, where temples and shrines from that era still stand today.

Day 10  Nara to Okayama    
Today embark on an exciting journey to Okayama by bullet train. Arrive into Okayama and be transferred to the beauty of Korakuen Garden, a circuit-style garden revered as one of Japan's three main gardens. Adjacent to Korakuen Garden stands Okayama Castle, where you'll admire the majestic black castle tower and delve into the history of Okayama and the Ikeda feudal family. Conclude your day in Bizen with a hands-on ware-making experience, a traditional craft of Okayama.    

Day 11  Kurashiki    
The Kurashiki Bikan Area is a retro-modern cityscape having a mixture of Japanese and western flavours. In the Edo Period, Kurashiki prospered as “Tenryo”, a domain directly governed by the shogunate. Admire the nostalgic scenery of white-walled storehouses together with narrow stone-paved streets crowded by carts in olden days. The blending of Japanese and western, as well as that of antiquity and modernism, create a unique atmosphere. Lastly you will learn how to make Sake and have a sample at the Morita Sake brewery.

Day 12  Okayama to Osaka      
Meet with your guide in the hotel lobby and depart for Okayama station on foot and board the bullet train to Osaka. At Shin Osaka Station, a private coach will take you to Kuromon Market. Seek out traditional family businesses and sample local favourite eats with an expert guide, exploring the in-depth origins of different types of Japanese food, and how food culture relates to the lives of the average citizen of Osaka. You will see the ingredients used to make miso soup, wasabi, bonito flakes, and Konyaku ‘jelly-potato’ in their original form. Take a walking tour of the Dotonbori, a popular shopping and entertainment district which is also known as a food destination.    

Day 13  Osaka      
Following breakfast, unwind during your transfer back to the airport for your next adventure. If you're tempted to prolong your journey, consider extending to explore the delights of Hiroshima.    

Please note: You can choose to join the 3 day Hiroshima extension after this tour: