15 Day Ancient Japan

Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow.

Arrival & Check-in information

Haneda International Airport (HND). The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Haneda International Airport (HND) to Tokyo Central is by train or by Monorail. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle bus service from around 1300Yen per person.

Narita International Airport. The best way to travel from Narita International Airport to Tokyo Central is by the Narita Airport Express. The journey to most Tokyo stations take approximately 1hr and the ticket costs 4070 Yen. The airport is also serviced by many 'Limousine Bus' services which offer shared shuttle busses from around 1300Yen per person.

Hotel Check-in.
Travellers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.

After breakfast this morning your English-speaking guide will meet you to begin your full-day coach tour of Japan’s ultramodern capital – Tokyo. 

Our exploration of Tokyo begins with a visit to Asakusa Sensoji temple–the oldest temple in Tokyo–famous for its huge lantern hung at the Kaminarimon gate (Thunder Gate). Then, we’ll explore the outer grounds of the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Previously home to samurai warriors, it’s a sprawling complex with beautiful 17th-century parks in the heart of the city. Built on the site of the old Edo castle, it is surrounded by a large park, moats and massive stone walls. Come cherry blossom season, it is blanketed in a sea of pink blooms.

Later, we move on to Meiji Jingu Shrine Surrounded by green trees, it’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time exploring. Then, we dive into Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the home of quirky youth pop culture before retiring to our hotel for an evening at leisure.

Today is a full free day in Tokyo. There is no end to the spectacular sightseeing and activities available to you, as Tokyo truly has something for everyone. Take as much time as you like to relax at your leisure, explore the city, shop for souvenirs and eat the delectable cuisine. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.

After breakfast today we depart Tokyo and travel to Hakone. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone offers tranquillity among stunning natural scenery. 

Upon arrival at Hakone, enjoy a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake, followed by taking a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani. You’ll have spectacular views, and on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance.

Our journey continues to Takayama, a charming Edo period town located in the Japanese alps. Upon arrival in Takayama, take a walk with your leader who will point out examples of beautiful traditional architecture as you explore the old part of town. During the walk, you will visit a local sake brewery and try different kinds of sake. You also learn how the town’s isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene. The area is particularly famous for Hida beef, which comes from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed that has been raised in the Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Stop off on your tour to sample delicious Hida beef sushi or skewers (own expense).

Before leaving Takayama this morning we'll tour the Miyagawa Open-Air Market. The Gifu region is known for its production of high-altitude vegetables, and local women have been travelling in from the countryside to sell their produce for hundreds of years. Your leader will guide you through the market stalls selling colourful pickles, bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices, and the delicious marshmallow treat of owara tamaten. 

Then, we travel to Kyoto where the afternoon is at leisure.

We’ll see the sights of ancient Kyoto this morning, starting with Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.’ Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you’re feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views. 

We’ll continue onto some of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden.

This afternoon, you have free time to explore the city on your own.

After breakfast this morning, we spend the day travelling to Hiroshima.

Upon arrival in Hiroshima, visit Miyajima, an island known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, there's a 'floating' torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. 

Later, check in your hotel and relax in the evening. You might want to try a local famous dish okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat or seafood.

This morning we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. A shell of a building that was one of very few left standing after the United States bombed Hiroshima in 1945. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we'll never forget the tragic events that took place here.

Afterwards, we continue our Japan adventure to Osaka. Upon arrival, you have free time to explore Osaka.

Today we enjoy a coach tour with our guide, beginning at Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century.

We’ll also enjoy a walking tour of the Dōtonbori area. One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dōtonbori canal and is a hugely popular destination for shopping, street food, bars and entertainment. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.

Please note - the rest of the itinerary is unescorted, with local guides joining you along the way. You will make your way between destinations via public trains and buses (tickets included) and will need to carry your own luggage. You will need to walk up to 10 minutes to your accommodation from the train/bus stations. A detailed step-by-step guide will be included with your documentation. 

This morning, make your way to Koyasan. An experienced guide will take you on a 4-hour tour of Koyasan’s must-visit destinations: the Garan temple complex, with its monolithic pagoda; Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism in Japan; and Okunoin, Japan’s largest Buddhist cemetery. Please note that admission fees are not included in your tour price.

Tonight, enjoy a unique experience in one of Japan’s most sacred spots – an overnight stay in a traditional temple. Your temple accommodation is over 1000 years old and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will have the opportunity to participate in morning religious services and Goma prayers, meditation and traditional writing techniques. Accommodation includes traditional Japanese style bedding and a delicious dinner.

Today, we depart Koyasan for Hongu, an area known for its hot springs, lush scenery and its deep spiritual energy. The day is at your leisure to explore the beautiful riverside town.

Tonight, stay in a traditional onsen ryokan. Why not take a soak in the onsen to relax after your journey? Your onsen accommdoation is located on the banks of the Yomura River and offers you traditional Japanese accommodation with it's own onsen baths. Enjoy a delicious dinner tonight.

The Kumano Sanzan shrines have been a spiritual destination for pilgrims for over 1000 years. Today, join a day tour that makes a circuit of all three, beginning with Kumano Hongu Taisha, then Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and lastly Kumano Nachi Taisha, which is also the site of Japan’s highest waterfall.

Afterwards, make your way to your waterfront onsen accommodation in Katsuura. A sumptuous Kaiseki dinner filled with local produce and seafood is included. 

Please note that there is no guide on the bus, explanations are in both Japanese and English in Nakahechi Route area.

After breakfast, travel back to Osaka by train at your own pace. On arrival in Osaka, check in to your hotel and enjoy a day at leisure to do some last minute shopping and exploring. 

Today marks the end of your incredible tour through Japan. 

Departure and check out: There are several ways to travel from your hotel to either Osaka International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX), from shuttle buses to trains and taxis. Transport to the airports can cost between 250 Yen to 21,000 Yen depending on the form of transport you choose. Your Tour Leader will be able to assist you arrange the most convenient way to the airport on the last day of the trip.

Travellers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out is from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.