Today, board your international flight to Japan! Upon arrival at Kansai International Airport, you will be greeted by one of our representatives and then transferred to your hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day at your leisure, relaxing after your flight or mingling with fellow travellers. 

Prepare for a full day of touring  today! Meet with your English speaking guide in the morning before heading out to explore Osaka. We will begin at the stunning Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the sixteenth century. The castle is elaborately fortified and beautifully decorated. After exploring the extensive castle and grounds, we move on to something more modern – the Umeda Sky Building Floating Observatory, which provides an unparalleled elevated view of Osaka. The viewing platform is suspended between two 40-story towers, at 173 metres above the city streets. Next we will enjoy a walking tour of the Dotonbori area, one of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations running parallel to the Dotonbori canal. It is a popular shopping and entertainment district and is also known as a food destination. At night it is lit by hundreds of neon lights and mechanized signs, including the famous Glico Running Man sign and Kani Doraku crab sign. We will finish our tour at one of Osaka’s most famous districts – the nostalgic Shinsekai, literally meaning “New World”. After our guided tour we will return to the hotel where you can spend the rest of the evening at leisure. 

Today is a free day to explore the wonders of Osaka. Osaka is known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food and has no end of extraordinary sights and activities. Be sure to ask your guide for some recommendations.  

You’ll have the choice between 2 of 5 bonus sightseeing experiences to enhance your journey. You may choose to include two (2) optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package. 

Optional Inspiring Sight (1 of 5) - Kobe/Wagyu Beef Dinner. Tonight, enjoy the delicacy of the world's famous Kobe beef. Kobe beef comes from the Tajima strain of the Japanese Black cattle, raised under strict rules in the Hyogo Prefecture. The meat is famous for its flavour, tenderness and marbling. 

This morning we say farewell to Osaka as we continue on our magnificent journey towards the golden city of Kyoto. Kyoto is considered by many to be the Jewel in Japan’s crown and one of the only cities in Japan to escape destruction during the war leaving it’s countless relics intact. Upon arrival we will begin a guided tour of the city at the breathtaking Nijo Castle. Its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. From here we will travel to Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. Next we will explore the Ryoanji Temple, the site of Japan's most famous rock garden finishing our tour at Arashiyama. Here we will see the famous bamboo forest, a nationally designated historic site and a place of serene beauty. Following this, the rest of the afternoon will be yours to spend at leisure. 

Optional Inspiring Sight (2 of 5) - Tofu Dinner - Kyoto is famed for its vegetarian cuisine, with the influence of the local monk culture. Tofu is one of the local specialities and can be prepared in a variety of ways - from being eaten with soy sauce and ginger to being fried or boiled with different flavours. It is also one of the most commonly used ingredients in Japanese cuisine. 

Today we will set out from the hotel with our guide towards Nara, a city with significant temples and artwork dating to the 8th century, when it was Japan’s capital. We begin at the magical Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion tori gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. From here we will then wander through Nara Park, where over 1,200 tame sika deer roam freely. Next, we visit Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), with its Great Buddha Hall – the world’s largest wooden building. This impressive building houses a huge 15m tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. We finish our tour here at Kasuga Shrine, whose interior is famous for its many bronze lanterns, as well as the many stone lanterns that lead up the shrine. Upon completion of our guided tour of Nara, we will return to our hotel in Kyoto.

Prepare an overnight bag this morning as your larger luggage will be transported ahead of you, to arrive the next day in Takayama.  We will meet the guide after check-out, who will walk with us to the Kyoto station. From here, board the Thunderbird train to Kanazawa station. Upon arrival we will enjoy an afternoon guided tour of Kanazawa. During World War Two, Kanazawa was Japan's second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. Consequently, parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived. From here we will visit Nomura House, the historic residence of the Nomura Samurai clan. The house and grounds provide an insight into the lifestyle of the Samurai class during the 16-19th centuries. They feature beautiful architecture, gardens and décor including intricately painted screen doors. We will then tour Kanazawa Castle Park, an absolutely stunning open space in the middle of the city and a favourite stop for many. We end our guided tour at the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Developed over more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9,000 trees and 200 plant species. 

Today enjoy an entire free day to spend in Kanazawa on your own. There is no end to the magnificent sights it has to offer. Relax or explore – the choice is yours. Be sure to ask your guide for some recommendations. 

Optional Inspiring Sight (3 of 5) - Green Tea Ceremony - Also called Chado, "the way of tea" is the traditional and ceremonial preparation and presentation of Matcha. You will be shown how to prepare the tea and be able to experience preparing it as well. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue. 

Optional Inspiring Sight (4 of 5) Kimono Fitting - Kimonos are a traditional Japanese garment that were first introduced in Japan in the Heian period. You will be able to rent a Kimono and walk around the traditional streets of Kanazawa to take iconic photos. Your guide will be able to provide you with directions to the venue.

This morning we leave Kanazawa and travel towards our next destination, Takayama. Along the way we will stop in Shirakawage Village and enjoy a guided stroll around the town. Shirakawage is a World Heritage site where 114 Gassho-style houses with steeply-pitched roofs in the shape of a triangle. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. After our visit here we will continue on to the Edo Period city of Takayama. Upon arrival we will visit the Takayama Jinya, the former government house of Takayama. Following this we will tour Kamisannomachi Street (Old Town), a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868). As well as the charming architecture, there are unique cafes and a number of old saké breweries. 

Today we begin our journey towards Hakone, making stops at some of Japan’s most iconic destinations along the way. First we arrive in Matsumoto, where we will enjoy a guided tour including a visit to Matsumoto Castle, also known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its dramatic black exterior. The Keep, completed around 1593, is listed as a National Treasure of Japan. After enjoying a break for lunch, we continue on to the Mt. Fuji 5th station above the clouds, where you will view the sacred mountain’s enormous summit (if weather permits). Mt Fuji is the tallest and most picturesque mountain of Japan and an active volcano, peaking at 3,776 meters high. Late in the afternoon we arrive in Hakone and enjoy you Kaiseki dinner at the hotel alongside your private onsen (hotspring) on your balcony and in all privacy as part of our Inspiring stay.

Today begins with a comprehensive guided tour of Hakone. Hakone lies within Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and is a mountainous town known for its hot springs and mesmerizing views of Mt. Fuji. Our tour will begin at Hakone Shrine with its famous torii-gate-on-the-water and gorgeous views over Lake Ashi. Next we will visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, opened in 1969 and home to over a thousand sculptures and works of art. After our tour here, take some time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Odawara station. We transfer from here to Tokyo, experiencing the mind-blowing bullet train. The bullet trains in Japan are known for their punctuality down to the second, for their comfort with only forward facing seats, for their safety, and travelling at speeds up to 320 km/h. Upon arrival in Tokyo, we will enjoy an afternoon with our guide exploring some of the sights of the city. Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the world’s most populated megalopolis – the Tokyo metropolitan area spreads over 3 prefectures and has 38 million habitants. We will begin at the Ginza district, Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district. From here we will head to the Shibuya Crossing Street, rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world. Following this you may spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

This morning a full day tour of this magnificent city awaits you! Our guide will first bring us to Meiji Jingu Shrine, located within a 170 acre forest in the centre of Tokyo. Constructed of cypress wood and copper, the shrine commemorates Emperor Meiji, Japan’s 122nd emperor, who presided over Japan’s industrial revolution and emergence onto the world stage. Next we will visit the Imperial palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Built on the site of the old Edo castle, it is surrounded by large park areas, moats and massive stone walls. A tour of Tokyo would not be the same without a visit to the outer fish market, the world’s biggest wholesale fish market and the largest wholesale food market in the world. Stroll through Tokyo’s kitchen and delight in the tastes, smells and sights. Take some time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we begin our splendid Sumida River Cruise, offering a striking new perspective of the city. Following the cruise we will head to the Asakusa district where we will tour the beautiful Sensoji Temple. This ancient Buddhist temple is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. We finish our day at with a visit to the Tokyo Sky Tree. Opened in May 2012, the Sky Tree is a television and radio broadcast site and contains a restaurant and two viewing platforms. At 634m, this is the 2nd-tallest structure in the world! 

Optional Inspiring Sight (5 of 5) - Sushi Dinner - Needless to say, sushi is the most significant dish that represents Japanese cuisine. Its popularity has spread so widely that the word sushi is recognized anywhere in the world today. Using untraditional ingredients such as avocado, cheese, or fried shrimp, international versions of sushi continue to evolve in a unique way to reflect local characteristics.

Today is a free day to explore Tokyo on your own. Japan’s busy capital expertly mixes the ultramodern with the traditional and has plenty to offer everyone. You guide can perhaps give you some suggestions. 

Unfortunately today marks the end of your fantastic tour through some of the best Japan has to offer. We hope you have had an incredible experience and wish you a safe journey home. After checking out of your hotel, enjoy some free time until your transfer to Narita International Airport.

Arrive home this morning.