11 DAY BEST OF JAPAN TOUR

DAY 1 – DEPART USA/CANADA

Today make your own way to the airport to depart on your overnight flight to Japan. Enjoy inflight meals and services. Overnight on board

DAY 2 – TOKYO ARRIVAL (-/-/D)

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at Narita International Airport you will be met by our representative and assisted to board your transfer to your hotel (standard Check-In time is 14:00 hrs.        Early check-in is subject to availability). Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Later in the evening have your first introduction to this fascinating country.  Take a trip by metro (tickets included) to the Shinjuku District, the most happening place in Tokyo known for its buzzing clubs, upscale bars, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. Discover the most modern transport service, mingle with the crowd and have a taste of day-to-day life of the common Japanese. Enjoy your dinner at a local restaurant before returning back to the hotel by metro. Overnight in Tokyo

DAY 3 – TOKYO (B/L/-)

After an early breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Tokyo, a diverse collection of ever-changing neighborhoods where futuristic modern districts peacefully coexist with quiet, warm neighborhoods from the past. Your first stop will be at Zojoji Temple standing next to Tokyo Tower, it gives you a perfect backdrop for your photograph, a perfect representation of modern meeting the past. Apart from its impressive gateway dating back to 17th century, pay attention to hundreds of Jizos traditional stone deities dressed in hats and robes and believe to protect and guide travellers, provide strength to the weak and in danger. Next stop will be Shibuya, believed to be the most crowded junction of the world. Visit Meiji Shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife. Continue to the elegant street of Omotesando and visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Stop to visit the famous Nijubashi Bridge. Pass through the district of Akihabara, the “electric town” with icons from the popular Japanese Manga and Anime culture and then enjoy a panoramic view of Kokugikan from the outside, the Sumo stadium, home of this Japanese sport. The final stop will bat the Buddhist Temple of Sensoji, the oldest and most important Buddhist Temple in Tokyo dedicated to Bodhisattva of compassion. Next to it is the iconic 55mt. high Pagoda. Spend some free time to visit the nearby traditional commercial street of Nakamise. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Tokyo

DAY 4 – TOKYO – MT FUJI – KAWAGUCHIKO (B/-/D)

Enjoy your delicious breakfast and start your journey by coach for a guided tour to see majestic Mt. Fuji, passing through the pretty countryside on your way. Arrive at Kawaguchiko with its tiny houses, colorful flowering plants and a mesmerizing view of Mt Fuji, it is the perfect antithesis to the bustling town of Tokyo. Visit the Arakurayama Sengen Park known for its beautiful Pagodas and stunning views of Mt Fuji. Next visit Fuji Sengen Shrine surrounded by tall trees, it is the starting point of a traditional pilgrimage to the mountain. Enjoy a delightful boating trip on Kawaguchiko Lake. Later in the afternoon climb up to the fifth station of Mount Fuji at a height of 2305mt. which offers a mesmerizing view of the surrounding forests. Return to Kawaguchiko for an evening stroll around the lakeside.
Stay overnight in a Ryokan at Kawaguchiko
(a traditional Japanese hotel, rooms can be of Japanese with tatamis instead of beds)

DAY 5 – KAWAGUCHIKO -IYASHI NO SATO NENBA – TOYOTA – KYOTO (B/-/-)

After a leisurely breakfast, check out and take a scenic drive along the coast of Lakes Kawaguchi and Saiko. Arrive at the tiny village of Iyashi No Sato Nanba. This tiny village was completely destroyed by a typhoon in 1966, but was later restored as a traditional open-air mountain village and museum. Its traditional houses were transformed into arts and craftshops, restaurants and traditional museums. Continue your scenic drive to arrive at the idyllic Shiraito falls dropping from a height of 20mt., it is one of the most scenic waterfalls of Japan. (Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. At the falls you will have to walk about 1.5 km). Next visit Toyota Museum, a must-see site for motor lovers, it showcases Toyota’s story. It also displays iconic cars of some other manufacturers too. Late evening arrival in Kyoto for overnight stay.
Stay overnight at Kyoto.

DAY 6 – KYOTO (B/-/-)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel then enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the erstwhile capital of Japan and home to the Imperial Court. During World War II, it was the only major Japanese city to escape the bombardments thus preserving its ancient heritage. Start your day with a journey to the outskirts to Arshiyama, crossing over the Togetsukyo Bridge (“bridge over the moon”) offering breathtaking views. Visit the Tenryu-Ji Temple which was built in 1339 to revere Gautama Buddha. This 14- century Zen garden with its backdrop of mountains is a place to visit during a Japan trip followed by a walk through its mystic Bamboo forest. It is a trail through canopying bamboo trees which is so serene and peaceful that it could be a favorite part of the tour. Then it’s time for the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine which was made famous for its 1000 painted tori gates that stand on the paths and trails behind the main buildings. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Next up is the visit to Imperial Palace – the former ruling palace of Emperor of Japan. Last but not the least, we explore the Kinkakuji Temple (Temple of Golden Pavilion) which is one of the best-known sights in Japan for the gold leaves that cover the insides of the main hall. Return to the hotel.

Later in the evening, if you desire so, a complimentary transfer will be arranged to GION, a busy traditional quarter famous for its Geisha – the female entertainers trained in the traditional style of performing arts. The return will be on own to the hotel.
Overnight at Kyoto.

DAY 7 – KYOTO – NARA – OSAKA (B/L/-)

After your breakfast depart for Nara, This city is home to many beautiful natural sights including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Todaiji Temple or the Eastern Great Temple – built in 752 AD, it is home to Japan’s largest bronze statue of the Great Buddha, which took almost 10 years to build. Spend some time in Nara Park, which is famous for its population of wild deer that freely roams and interacts with park visitors. Visit Horyuji Buddhist Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in late 07th century, it’s main Pagoda temple is one of the oldest wooden buildings of the world. Discover the seminary, monasteries and other Buddhist temples in its vicinity. Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Osaka, Japan’s second most important city. Arrive and check-in for the rest of the day at leisure.

In the evening you can visit Dotonbori, the entertainment district of Osaka, with myriad theatres, restaurants, cafes and vibrant nightlife. Overnight at Osaka.

DAY 8 – OSAKA – ENGYOJI – HIMEJI – OKAYAMA (B/L/-)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast drive along  Osaka Bay to Reach Mount Shosha, home to the 10th century Buddhist Temple of Engyo-ji, the temple where the film “The Last Samurai” was shot. Continue your drive to Himeji to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Himeji Castle founded in the 14th century and expanded over the centuries, it is one of the finest surviving examples of prototypical Japanese castle architecture comprising a network of 83 rooms. Arrive in Okayama and check-in at the hotel. After a brief rest visit Korakuen, one of the three great gardens of Japan with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and tea houses. Overnight at Okayama.

DAY 9 – OKAYAMA – KURASHIKI- ITSUKUSHIMA -HIROSHIMA (B/-/D)

After a leisurely breakfast drive to Hiroshima. Enroute visit Kurashiki roughly meaning “town of storehouses”. It was an important rice distribution centre from the 17th till 19th century. The Canal area still preserves the old-world charm of that era with many storehouses converted into museums, boutiques and cafes. Arrive Hiroshima, one of the two cities to ever face the wrath of an atomic bomb which destroyed it completely. Visit the peace Memorial which commemorates the time before and after the dropping of the nuclear bomb that changed the history of Hiroshima forever, the dome and the impressive Peace Memorial Museum. Later continue to the outskirts of the city and enjoy a short ferry ride crossing to Miyajima, the island where “man lives alongside the Gods”. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine dedicated to the guardian of the seas. It is famous for its “floating” tori gate that is built on the sea. Return back to Hiroshima. Overnight at Hiroshima.

DAY 10 – HIROSHIMA – TOKYO (B/-/-)

After a leisurely breakfast transfer to the train station in time to enjoy a Bullet train ride to Tokyo. The 800km. journey is completed in just four hours. Arrive at Tokyo station and make your own way to the hotel. Overnight at Tokyo

DAY 11 – TOKYO – USA/CANADA (B/-/-)

After a leisurely breakfast make your own way to the airport for flight back home.