11 Day Jewels of Japan Tour Itinerary
Days 1-2 Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 Discover Tokyo
Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial
Palace East Garden and then take time to
explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn
about Tokyos historical heritage. After lunch,
seek out the tranquillity at Sensoji Temple
in Asakusa district, followed by a visit to the
observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree
for panoramic views over the sprawling
city below.
Day 4 Meiji Shrine
Start the day with a relaxing wander around
the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu
Garden. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto
shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of
Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken,
before driving past the famous Shibuya
Crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to
explore as you wish. End the day with a
dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay and witness the
city lit up at night.
Day 5 Mount Fuji & Fuji Five Lakes
Journey through the foothills of the iconic
Mount Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji
Five Lakes. Upon arrival, ascend
2,000 metres up to Mount Fujis 5th Station
(weather permitting) where you can take in the breathtaking views over the
landscapes below. After lunch, continue
to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the
artists elaborate dyed silk creations and
spend some time strolling around the
beautiful garden. Also explore Iyashi no
Sato Historical Village, a former farming
village on the shores of Lake Saiko.
Day 6 Bullet train to Kyoto
Start the day with a visit to Oshino
Hakkai before learning how to make
your very own traditional Japanese soba
noodles which you will then tuck into
for lunch! Later, transfer to Mishima
station and journey on the bullet train
to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto
was capital for 1,000 years; today it
is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of
tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha
and sublime gardens.
Day 7 Explore Kyoto
Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto starting
with a visit to one of Kyotos
delightful temples the 17th-century
Buddhist Kiyomizu. Immerse yourself
in the culture by experiencing the ritual
of the sacred tea ceremony before exploring the impressive
Fushimi Inari Shrine with its remarkable
10,000 red torii gates.
Day 8 Journey to Hiroshima
Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple,
home to Japans most famous zen garden and
the famous Kinkakuji Temple, known as the
Golden Pavilion. Continue to Osaka, arriving
in time for lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori
district. Later, travel by bullet train to
Hiroshima. A city that needs no introduction,
Hiroshima today is vibrant and modern with a
forward thinking, sunny outlook.
Day 9 Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hop on the ferry to the holy island of
Miyajima and visit the Itsukushima Shrine,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of
Japans most recognisable, rising majestically
out of the waters of the Seto Inland Sea.
Enjoy some free time and take an optional
ride on the cable car up Mount Misen to enjoy
the panoramic views. Return to Hiroshima
and take a moment to reflect at the Peace
Memorial Park and Museum, paying homage
to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb and
also visit the Orizuro Tower.
Day 10 Himeji Castle
Travel to Himeji to visit its famous castle. The
feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in
Japan, towers over the city and is recognisable as
the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate
its turbulent past before strolling around Kokoen,
the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat.
Later, transfer to Osaka for an overnight stay.
Day 11 Fly Osaka to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
