Travel to Japan on this tailor-made holiday for a unique Far East experience. Roam Tokyo streets thronged with people and flanked by skyscrapers before nipping into a quiet corner for time to stroll through one of the many parks in the city. Journey by bullet train to Hakone national park area, home to Fuji-san or Mt Fuji, and marvel at an iconic image of Japan. As you travel to Osaka and Okayama, you'll explore cultural landmarks and enjoy free days to discover each city at your own pace. A special visit to Naoshima, known for its modern art, adds a touch of artistic flair to your trip. Finally take in the sights of historic Kyoto, home to over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines before returning to Tokyo for a final night in this mad metropolis.
Spend today exploring the city with a local Japanese guide. Touring will make use of your IC Card and the efficient Tokyo metro system to allow you to cover ground quickly. Sights to visit are decided between yourself and the local guide allowing you to tailor touring to suit your preference. Overnight Tokyo. (B)
Learn the art of authentic Japanese sushi-making in a hands-on class where you'll master the basics of preparing sushi rice, toppings, and key ingredients like dashi, miso, mirin, and sake. After a brief introduction to the importance of quality ingredients, you'll create a variety of sushi, including nigiri, inari, and rolls. The class ends with enjoying the sushi you've made, offering both a memorable experience and a new skill to share with others. (B,L)
Travel to Hakone from Shinjuku Station using the Hakone 3-Day Pass, where you'll meet your guide and begin exploring Hakone National Park, known for its views of Mt. Fuji. You'll ride the Hakone Ropeway over the active volcanic site Owakudani, with a chance to try the local kuro-tamago, and take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi. The day also includes a visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum before settling into your ryokan for the night, where you can relax in a traditional Japanese hot spring. (B,D)
Today is free to use your Hakone Freepass to explore Hakone region. Many visitors like to include a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, a visit to one of the many museums and of course the famous hot-spring baths. (B/D)
Re-trace your steps to Odawara today and board a Shinkansen bullet train to Japan's second city, Osaka. Life in the city is fast-paced and exciting with local residents well known for working hard and playing hard. Discover a number of interesting museums, the reconstructed Osaka Castle and enjoy a ride on one of the many big wheels dotted throughout the city. Overnight Osaka. (B)
Travel from Shin-Osaka to Okayama by Shinkansen. In Okayama, explore the famous Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens. Nearby, Kurashiki offers the historic Bikan Quarter with its preserved buildings and shops. You can explore these areas on your own or join an optional tour, please contact one of our travel specialists for recommendations.. (B)
Your guide will take you to Naoshima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea famous for its modern art, architecture, and sculptures. Known as "Art Island," Naoshima features a Mediterranean vibe with sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. You'll visit the Chichu Art Museum and Benesse House Museum, with free time to explore on foot or by bicycle before returning to your hotel in Okayama.
Take the Shinkansen from Okayama to Hiroshima, where your guide will meet you upon arrival. After checking in at your hotel, you'll begin a half-day tour exploring Hiroshima’s history, including a visit to Memorial Peace Park and the Peace Memorial Museum. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. (B)
Enjoy this day at your leisure or enhance your experience with optional paid tours. Please contact us for numerous options of private or join-in tours in Tokyo. (B)
Begin your day by meeting your private guide at the hotel for a personalised 4-hour exploration of Kyoto. With transport passes and a budget for entrance fees provided, you have the flexibility to visit the sites that interest you most, while your guide offers suggestions to enhance your experience.
After immersing yourself in Kyoto's rich history and culture, attend a traditional tea ceremony. You'll have the opportunity to select from over 200 kimonos, with hair styling included for women, before participating in an authentic matcha tea ceremony. Held in a traditional Kyo-machiya wooden house, this experience offers a serene and genuine taste of Japanese culture, guided by an experienced tea master. (B)
A free day to explore the city. Kyoto has plenty to see with your free time but we would recommend heading out to Nara using your Japan Rail Pass. Just 40 minutes away by local train, Nara was formerly the end of the Silk Road and was the first area to see Buddhist teachings crossing over from China. Discover the daibutsu, or Big Buddha, as well as numerous shrines and temples. Nara park is also famous for a vast population of extremely curious deer who are likely to be very interested in your every move! Return to Kyoto for the evening at leisure. (B)
From Kyoto take a Shinkansen bullet train back to Tokyo. Transfer to the underground and transfer to Shinjuku district and home to your hotel. This is your final evening in the city (please speak to a Regent Japan Specialist if you wish to extend your stay in the country). (B)
Take the shared shuttle bus transfer back to Tokyo Narita airport for the journey home. (B)
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