Jewels of Japan Premium - 13 days

Our all-inclusive Japanese journey begins in Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the most populous city in the world. Upon arrival at Tokyo's airport, you will be picked up for a shared shuttle to our hotel located in the heart of the city. Your tour leader will be there to greet you and address any inquiries you may have. Tonight, we enjoy a delectable welcome meal where you can get to know the group and tour leader.





On day 2, we hope you wake up refreshed and eager to explore Tokyo. With a private coach at our disposal, we will kick off the day with a taiko drumming lesson, immersing you in this traditional music form. Next, we visit the historic Meiji Shrine and take in the stunning architecture of the fashionable Aoyama and Omotesando districts. In the afternoon, we will wander through the charming streets and market stalls of Asakusa, the city's oldest and most traditional area, home to the ancient Senso-ji temple.





Accommodation: Hotel Niwa or similar

Tokyo - Hiroshima. Leave your luggage at the front desk on the morning of day 3, we'll have it forwarded to our hotel in Hiroshima! Hopping on the shinkansen (bullet train), we cover the 800-kilometres to the city in under 5 hours.





On arrival, we travel by private coach to our hotel and have time to freshen up before heading out to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Here we will learn more about the tragic events of 6 August 1945. This evening, join a cooking class to discover how to make okonomiyaki, the cabbage or noodle-based pancake typical of this part of Japan.





On day 4 we take a boat to the island of Miyajima, a trip of around 45 minutes. Known for its World Heritage shrine and the 'floating' Torii gate, you can also enjoy exploring the town centre and spotting the curious local deer during our visit.





Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hiroshima or similar

Hiroshima - Himeji Castle - Kyoto. We depart from Hiroshima in the morning of day 5 and travel east towards Kyoto. Our journey will include a stop in Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, one of the few original feudal castles remaining in Japan, and the largest of its kind.





Arriving in Kyoto, we will check into our hotel and have some time to relax before enjoying dinner with a maiko (trainee geisha) who will perform a traditional dance and answer any questions we may have.





Day 6 will be spent exploring Kyoto with the help of local guides. We will visit the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji, the Zen rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple, and other hidden gems in the city.





On day 7, we will continue our exploration of Kyoto, visiting Gion, the historic geisha quarter, as well as Kennin-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples. In the evening, we will attend a non-verbal theatre show called GEAR, offering a modern twist on Kyoto's traditional arts scene.





Accommodation: Okura Hotel Kyoto or similar

Kyoto - Awara Onsen. Travelling by private bus, we reach Awara Onsen, a hot spring town in Fukui Prefecture. Along the way, we will stop to explore the partially reconstructed ruins of Ichijodani Castle Town, destroyed by Oda Nobunaga in 1573, and visit the serene Daianzen-ji temple for a lesson in zazen meditation led by a temple priest.





Tonight, we stay at a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, where we will sleep on comfortable futon bedding on tatami-mat flooring and enjoy a dinner of fine kaiseki cuisine. Be sure to take advantage of the hot spring baths, a must-do experience during a ryokan stay.





Accommodation: Haiya Ryokan or similar

Awara Onsen - Kanazawa. On day 9, take the opportunity to relax in the morning with a visit to the onsen baths before we journey by private coach to Kanazawa. On arrival, visit the renowned 21st Century Museum and Kenroku-en garden, one of Japan's top three gardens. Check in to your hotel for a brief rest before enjoying a delicious dinner at the accommodation.





Discover the beauty of Higashi chaya and Nagamachi districts in the morning of day 10, exploring their preserved architecture and visiting the Nomura Samurai House. In the afternoon, try your hand at making traditional Japanese confectionery with a local expert. The evening is free for you to unwind at your own pace.





Accommodation: Nikko Hotel Kanazawa or similar

Kanazawa - Tokyo. On day 11, after a scenic bullet train ride back to Tokyo, we spend the afternoon exploring popular attractions such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on foot and by public transport. We also take in Tokyo Tower, and Zozo-ji Temple. The temple has been featured in the movie "Wolverine", making it a must-visit for fans of the film.





On your last full day in Tokyo, day 12, you will have the morning free for shopping or any remaining activities. Alternatively, you can join our tour leader for a visit to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation on Odaiba Island. In the afternoon, we explore the upscale Ginza district and other interesting sights before enjoying the final group dinner of the tour.





On day 13, after breakfast, you will be transferred by shared shuttle to the airport for your return flight home.





Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Shiodome or similar

Kyoto - Awara Onsen. Travelling by private bus, we reach Awara Onsen, a hot spring town in Fukui Prefecture. Along the way, we will stop to explore the partially reconstructed ruins of Ichijodani Castle Town, destroyed by Oda Nobunaga in 1573, and visit the serene Daianzen-ji temple for a lesson in zazen meditation led by a temple priest.





Tonight, we stay at a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, where we will sleep on comfortable futon bedding on tatami-mat flooring and enjoy a dinner of fine kaiseki cuisine. Be sure to take advantage of the hot spring baths, a must-do experience during a ryokan stay.





Accommodation: Haiya Ryokan or similar

Awara Onsen - Kanazawa. On day 9, take the opportunity to relax in the morning with a visit to the onsen baths before we journey by private coach to Kanazawa. On arrival, visit the renowned 21st Century Museum and Kenroku-en garden, one of Japan's top three gardens. Check in to your hotel for a brief rest before enjoying a delicious dinner at the accommodation.





Discover the beauty of Higashi chaya and Nagamachi districts in the morning of day 10, exploring their preserved architecture and visiting the Nomura Samurai House. In the afternoon, try your hand at making traditional Japanese confectionery with a local expert. The evening is free for you to unwind at your own pace.





Accommodation: Nikko Hotel Kanazawa or similar

Kanazawa - Tokyo. On day 11, after a scenic bullet train ride back to Tokyo, we spend the afternoon exploring popular attractions such as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace on foot and by public transport. We also take in Tokyo Tower, and Zozo-ji Temple. The temple has been featured in the movie "Wolverine", making it a must-visit for fans of the film.





On your last full day in Tokyo, day 12, you will have the morning free for shopping or any remaining activities. Alternatively, you can join our tour leader for a visit to the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation on Odaiba Island. In the afternoon, we explore the upscale Ginza district and other interesting sights before enjoying the final group dinner of the tour.





On day 13, after breakfast, you will be transferred by shared shuttle to the airport for your return flight home.





Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Shiodome or similar