17 Day Grand Japan

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 might depart the night prior.

Today enjoy a full-day coach tour of Tokyo, starting with Meiji Shrine. The shrine is 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 visit Asakusa district, and visit Senso-ji Temple. This is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. On the approach to Senso-ji is Nakamise Shopping Street, a centuries-old promenade of shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs like kimonos and bottles of saké. We will then visit Tokyo Sky Tree. Opening in May 2012, the Skytree 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! We round off the day with a trip to Odaiba, a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Built as an island fortress in the 19th century, Odaiba will be a venue location for the 2020 Olympic Games, and is already a popular leisure and sightseeing area.

Today make your way to the meeting point to begin today's tour to Nikko, a major centre for Buddhism and the Shinto religion. It is located in a valley and surrounded by beautiful deciduous forests and majestic waterfalls. This area is well known for its distinctive architecture made up of a large number of wood carvings and gold leaf decorations on the buildings. This design is unique and not seen elsewhere in Japan. You will also visit Kegon Waterfall (around 100m high) which is the main natural attraction in Nikko. This is the best spot to view maple leaves during autumn. Later, return to Tokyo.

Leaving Tokyo this morning we head to the national park region of Hakone. On the way we explore the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. These buildings were erected a century ago as customs buildings for Yokohama Port. Requisitioned by the US military after World War 2, in 2002 they were re-purposed as a cultural and shopping complex. Next, we visit the incredible Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kotoku-in Temple. Constructed in 1252 and once covered in gold, the bronze Great Buddha is an impressive sight. This is followed by a boat cruise on Lake Ashi. The lake sits within Mount Hakone, and is famed for its views of Mount Fuji. Boats inspired by western warships cruise the scenic lake, and the picturesque forested region has been popular for hikers and sightseers for centuries. Transfer to Kawaguchiko, where you will enjoy dinner before spending the night in your traditional hot-spring onsen guesthouse.

Today we visit Mount Fuji‘s 5th Station. Here, above the clouds, we will view the sacred mountain’s enormous summit if weather permits. We then transfer to Matsumoto (approx. 2.5h), where we visit 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. We then continue to Nagano, site of the Olympic Winter Games 1998.

We leave the hotel today to visit Jigokudani – the famous Monkey Park where, in winter, Japanese Macaques bathe in volcanic hot springs. We’ll also visit picturesque Taisho Pond (Taishoike) in Kamikochi. This is a beautiful scenic destination, with Mt. Hotakadake and Mt. Yakedake visible in the distance, and the scenery around the lake changes dramatically with the passing seasons. Next, visit Kappa Bashi (Kappa Bridge) – where you’ll find a suspension bridge over the river, affording spectacular views of the surrounding mountains before continuing to the Edo Period city of Takayama.

Travel to Shirakawago Village, 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. On the way, we stop at Takayama’s 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. Enjoy some free time to explore the sights, and then it’s on to Shirakawago, where from the site’s observation deck you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of this UNESCO-listed village of thatched-roof houses among the gorgeous mountainous scenery. Transfer to Kanazawa to rest for the evening.

This morning visit Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. Developed over more than 200 years, starting in 1620, the garden contains almost 9000 trees and 200 plant species. We also 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, and feature beautiful architecture, gardens, and décor such as painted screen doors. We then continue on to Kyoto where on arrival is at leisure.

Today is a full free day in this golden city to explore at your own pace.

This morning, we travel the short distance to Nara by bus, and visit Kinkakuji: 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 visit Heian Jingu (Heian Shinto Shrine), a replica of an ancient imperial palace, and a symbol of the rebirth of Kyoto after World War 2 – the enormous vermillion orange tori gate is unforgettable! 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. Then, wander through Nara Park, where over 1,200 tame sika deer roam freely.

We leave Kyoto today and travel to Osaka, on arrival visiting 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 decorated in an attractive white and green colour scheme. 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. The Namba-Shimsaibashi area in the city’s South encompasses the city’s premier shopping districts, full of boutiques, designers outlets, restaurants and bars. We end the day with dinner at an Izakaya. These are Japanese-style bars which serve a variety of side dishes along with saké and beer – their grilled meat skewers are particularly good!

Today we visit the famous 'White Heron' Himeji Castle, which is the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO-registered complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight – hence the popular name ‘Shirasagi-jō’ – White Heron Castle. In 1945 an American firebomb was dropped into the top floor of the keep, but didn’t ignite, and the castle was renovated in 1956. Himeji Castle is the most visited in Japan, and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city.

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

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.

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.

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan. At the appropriate time, board the shuttle to transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Arrive home in Australia today.