Today, board your international flight for Japan! On arrival, you will be able to board a shuttle to your overnight hotel.

Please note: Some flights depart the night before.

This morning make your own way to the JR station in Osaka to travel to Hiroshima on the incredible Shinkansen bullet train. On arrival, make your own way to your hotel for check-in. Hiroshima, a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event. In the park are the ruins of Genbaku Dome, one of the few buildings that was left standing near ground zero. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin exploring this peaceful city.

Japan's rail network is one of the most efficient and accessible rail systems in the world. Metro stations from all corners of the city connect with the Osaka bullet train station (Shin-Osaka) making getting to and from the station a breeze. Station signage is displayed in both English and Japanese and station attendants at the main hubs also have a good level of English. On this day, we recommend getting the metro train closest to your hotel (5-10 minute walk) to Shin-Osaka (central station) to board the bullet train to Hiroshima. You will arrive at Hiroshima Station where you can change to a metro train to access your hotel. You will be provided detailed instructions with your final tour documentation. 

Please note: Arrangements to and from the train stations are self-guided (no guide or transfers are included). 

After breakfast your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. Board a ferry for the short trip to Miyajima. Miyajima is known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, the giant, orange Great Torii Gate is partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. Nearby, the Museum of History and Folklore has cultural artifacts in a 19th-century merchant's home. Return to Hiroshima to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome. The shell of the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku) was one of very few structures left standing after the Allies bombed Hiroshima. In modern Hiroshima, locals have mixed feelings when they see a reminder of war dominating the river bank or a tribute to the lost and urges us not to forget the tragic events. After, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed. Afterwards, journey back to Osaka by bullet train. On arrival, make your own way to your hotel. 

After your day tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima, your guide will drop you back at your hotel. Make your own way from the hotel back to Hiroshima Station to board the bullet train to Shin-Osaka. On arrival at Shin-Osaka transfer to the metro line which takes you closest to your hotel. You will be provided detailed instructions with your final tour documentation.  

Please note: Arrangements to and from the train stations are self-guided (no guide or transfers are included). You will have a local English speaking guide for sightseeing on this day.

Start of escorted tour guide services.

This morning your guide will meet you in the lobby to begin a spectacular day as we delve into the history of ancient Japan. We travel to Kyoto which served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. Here we visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds. Visit Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), with its Great Buddha Hall – the world’s largest wooden building. This impressive building houses the world’s largest (15m) bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. Wander through Nara Park, where over 1,200 wild sika deer roam free, before travelling back to Osaka.

 Today is a free day at leisure to enjoy the many sights and activities Osaka as to offer.

Optional Tour: Osaka City Sights - This optional tour will take you to Osaka Castle which was built in 1583 as the intended capital of Japan, before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo). Walk through the majestic castle while learning from the exhibit detailing life in old Osaka. From there, walk to the nearby river boat dock to board the Osaka River Cruise for a cruise around Nakanoshima. Explore Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori, the vast restaurant districts, with eateries offering a variety of Japan’s most famous street foods. Then travel down to Umeda Skybuilding, where you will get a sweeping view of Osaka. (Transfers to and from hotel not included).

This morning, head to Nagoya and visit Inuyama Castle. The castle was built in the beginning of the Edo Period as the seat of one of the three branches of the ruling Tokugawa family, the Owari branch. As such, it was one of the largest castles in the country, and the castle town around it ultimately grew to become Japan's fourth largest city. Then, head to Atsuta Shinto Shrine (covering 200,000 square meters and established almost 2000 years ago) before enjoying some time for shopping at the Osu Kannon Shopping Quarter. Transfer to your hotel in the evening.

Today, visit Oshino Hakkai. Known as the springs of Mount Fuji, the eight ponds are fed by melting snow filtering down from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji, through porous layers of lava, resulting in very clear spring water that is revered by locals. Afterwards, visit Gotemba Peace Park to capture a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, and Hakone Shinto Shrine. Standing at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi, the shrine buildings are hidden in dense forest. Finally, visit Owakudani – ‘Great Boiling Valley’ is a valley formed by the explosion of Hakone volcano more than 300 years ago, and contains hot springs and steaming sulphur vents – visitors usually eat eggs cooked in the boiling, sulphurous waters. At the end of the day we head to Tokyo.

Today is a free day in one of the world's great cities. The city offers an almost unlimited amount of activities for all tastes. 

Optional tour: Tokyo Samurai Museum - A museum that offers a great Samurai experience. This museum not only displays real armour, helmets, swords, and battle gear from 400 years ago, but you can also interact with replicated armour, touching and examining the weight and materials to experience the Samurai era. (Transfers to and from hotel not included)

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Optional tour: Tokyo Day Tour - First stop on this tour is Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of Tokyo’s most colourful and popular temples. Afterwards visit Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified sprits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Proceed to the fashion district Harajuku and Shibuya, an affluent and trendy shopping hotspot. Later proceed to Tokyo Tower, where you will observe the amazing city of Tokyo from up above. Then, relax on a Tokyo bay cruise en route to the beautiful and serene landscaped Hamarikyu Garden beside Tokyo Bay.

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home.

Arrive home in Australia today.