Discover Japan

After breakfast this morning, begin your Japan exploration at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, Japan's tallest tower. Then, enjoy some time wandering through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to soak up the tranquillity of the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple, the oldest of its kind in Tokyo. Next, enjoy stunning views of the Imperial Palace Plaza on a scenic drive before arriving at Hamarikyu Gardens and strolling through the classical landscapes. This evening, enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay and admire the awe-inspiring city vistas. Spend your second night in the comfortable Tokyo accommodation.

After waking up in Tokyo this morning, enjoy breakfast and start the day with an exciting journey on the bullet train to Odawara. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi for spectacular panoramic views of this exquisite area before venturing up the Komagatake Ropeway. Later, ascend over 2,000 metres up the iconic Mount Fuji to the 5th Station (weather permitting), and add the breathtaking views over the Fuji Five Lakes area to your treasured travel memories. This evening, stay over in the stunning Mount Fuji area.

Enjoy breakfast in the Mount Fuji area before transferring to Matsumoto. Upon arrival, explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, a true national treasure. Stop at a Miso House to learn the intricacies of making this famous Japanese seasoning. Then, head to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region, also known as the Japanese Alps. Takayama is a cornucopia of narrow streets in its Sanmachi Suji historic district, lined with wooden merchant houses dating back to the Edo Period. This evening, spend the night in your Takayama accommodation.

Takayama bids you a good morning! After breakfast, peruse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market while meandering past some of the city's charming traditional houses. Next, visit several of the area's top local museums – including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum, and Takayama Jinya. Then, enjoy some free time to explore Kamisannomachi Street, known for its impeccably preserved buildings, traditional shops, and palpable ambience. Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago and get a glimpse of its famous farmhouses built in the unique gassho-zukuri architectural style. Travel to Kanazawa on the central Honshu Island. After this evening's included dinner, get a good rest on the first of two nights in your Kanazawa accommodation.

Grab some breakfast this morning before meandering through the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Learn the process of making gold leaf, stroll through the traditional Higashi Chaya (Eastern Teahouse District) and visit Ochaya Shima – a historical geisha house. After an included dinner, settle into your accommodation in Kanazawa for the night.

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast before the journey to Kyoto. As the capital of Japan for 1,000 years until 1879, Kyoto carries on the legacy of ancient Japan. This city boasts an array of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens to explore. Spend the rest of the day exploring this famous city and ticking off its top attractions. This evening, enjoy the first evening in your Kyoto accommodation.

Today, start with breakfast and kick off the day's exploration with a visit to Ryoanji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon' as well as the famous Kinkakuji, also known as the 'Golden Pavilion', both popular Buddhist attractions. Later in the afternoon, head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse called a Machiya, try your hand at origami and enjoy the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony. Spend the rest of the day as you wish!

This morning, enjoy breakfast before visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates. Next, continue to Nara, a relaxed and charming town virtually untouched by the hands of modernity. This town is home to many archetypal pieces of early art and architecture. Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, meeting the resident sika deer en route before exploring Isuien Garden. Enjoy some free time for the rest of the day before getting some rest in your Nara accommodation this evening.

Dig into breakfast before a visit to the holy mountain of Koyasan, home to over 100 monasteries nestled in a valley enclosed by peaks said to resemble the lotus flower. Koyasan is arguably the most sacred mountain in Japan, right in the heart of Shingon Buddhism. It is also the resting place of Japan's best-known Buddhists, Kukai and Kobo Daishi. Next, wander around Okunoin – a vast cemetery of 200,000 stupas and enjoy the peaceful and picturesque views as you discover Kongobuji Temple and the Garan Temple Complex. Later, continue to Osaka, where you'll spend the first of two nights in your comfortable Osaka accommodation.

Say good morning to Osaka by beginning the day at Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous, for some insightful exploration. Next, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River to Dotonbori and stroll through this restaurant mecca upon arrival. Be sure to sample some of the local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free to explore this fascinating city however you wish. This evening, reflect on an unforgettable trip with an included farewell dinner.

All good things must come to an end. Today, bid your new global travel friends farewell before making your own way to the airport for your flight home or your next destination. We hope you have many more memorable travel experiences with us!