12 Day Treasures of Japan

You will be met on arrival at Tokyo Airport and transferred to your hotel in the bustling district of Shinjuku. Later meet your guide and fellow travellers for a tour briefing before heading to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner. 

Overnight: Hotel Groove Shinjuku  
Meals: Dinner

This morning, meet your guide and depart for Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrine which is steeped in history and spirituality. Pass through the impressive torii gates leading to the shrine’s inner forest and likely witness a traditional Shinto wedding procession before visiting the main temple. Next, head to the eclectic shopping districts of Harajuku and Omotesando for a taste of modern Japanese culture.

After lunch, visit the beautiful Koishikawa Korakuen Garden before heading to the traditional district of Asakusa. Walk along the vibrant markets on Nakamise Street to Senso-ji, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple. Tonight is yours to continue exploring the city at your own pace.

Overnight: Hotel Groove Shinjuku  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, travel to Shuzenji stopping at Jūkoku Pass Observation Deck to ride the cable car to the summit, for panoramic mountain views and the chance to see Mt. Fuji’s snow-capped peak. Next visit the MOA Museum of Art in Atami, which houses an exceptional collection of art ranging from elegant calligraphy and painted scrolls to exquisite ceramics and 
lacquerware. 

Continue the journey to Shuzenji, a tranquil hot spring town steeped in legend and history. On arrival, this afternoon is yours to explore the town. 

Visit the Shuzenji Temple or discover the town’s open air hot spring. Tonight stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) where you will enjoy a refined Kaiseki (multi-course dinner). Afterwards, unwind in your ryokan’s soothing onsen (hot spring) and soak in 
traditional Japanese life.

Overnight: SORA Togetsusou Kinryu  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, make one last visit to the onsen before the bullet train to Kyoto. On the train, experience authentic Japanese bento culture with a traditional lunch box meal. Upon arrival in Kyoto, learn about Japanese culture with kimono wearing and participate in an introductory lesson in origami under the guidance of a local artist. The rest of the evening is yours to spend at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Higashiyama Tokyu  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Following breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Kyoto starting with a visit to one of the city’s most iconic sites. The Heian Jingu Shinto Shrine is a magnificent sanctuary with expansive gardens. Next, stroll through Kyoto streets heading to Nanzenji Zen Temple before heading to Nishiki Market. This 400 year old market has a tantalizing amount of things to see and taste.

After lunch, travel to Nijo Castle, an ornamental palace built for the shogun in the early 1600s. Walk the halls, see the audience chambers, and experience what it was like to visit the military ruler of Japan in the classic era of samurai. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure before meeting at a local restaurant for dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Higashiyama Tokyu 
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
 

Today travel to Arashiyama, a beloved town outside of Kyoto city. This is where emperors built their villas, and devout Buddhists escaped for serenity. Arrive at Seiryoji Temple, with treasures on display from the temple’s long history. Next, reach Gioji Temple known for its lush moss 
garden. Wander through the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest on the way towards Tenryuji Zen Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most masterful landscapes. After lunch, say goodbye to Kyoto as you journey to Fukuoka. 

Overnight: The GATE Fukuoka  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, travel to Dazaifu, a city established in the 7th century. Visit the famous Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, the most important Tenmangu shrine in Japan. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Komyozenji Temple, before heading back to Fukuoka.

Later this afternoon, enjoy the highlight of your time in Fukuoka as you travel to the geisha district to meet an apprentice geisha. Performing classic dances, the geisha will also teach parlour games and host a traditional tea ceremony, before joining you on a Hakata River cruise for more time in her graceful company.

Overnight: The GATE Fukuoka  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, depart for Arita, the birthplace of porcelain, where some of the country’s finest ceramic wares are produced. Firstly, stop at Izumiyama Quarry, which provides the high-quality clay used for Arita’s porcelain before visiting the Arita Ceramic Museum, home to 
an exquisite collection detailing the artistry of Arita ware. Conclude the sightseeing in Arita by visiting Tozan Shrine, a truly unique Shinto shrine decorated in stunning Arita ceramics and home to Japan’s only porcelain torii gate.
Before heading back to Fukuoka, have time to explore Takeo Onsen, a historic hot spring resort town renowned for its vermilion red gate and healing waters, said to help improve skin.

Overnight: The GATE Fukuoka  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning head to Hiroshima by bullet train before travelling on to Miyajima, a small sacred island where you can explore the town and sample local oysters. Visit Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan’s most beautiful views. Next, stop at Daisho-in, the most visited Buddhist temple 
on the island. Spinning sutras line the stairs to the main hall, where it is believed anyone who spins them will be blessed. Return to Hiroshima where you enjoy an okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) dinner, the city’s beloved soul food.

Overnight: Rihga Royal Hotel  
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, head to Hiroshima to visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a powerful and moving site built to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing. Stop at the Genbaku Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few remaining structures left standing 
after the explosion. Whilst here you’ll also visit the Children’s Peace Monument and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to take time for reflection.
This afternoon, experience a workshop from a local lacquerware artist. Discover the legacy of altar making and be guided through applying genuine gold leaf to a lacquer coaster he has crafted, using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Overnight: Rihga Royal Hotel 
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, depart for Osaka and stop in Okayama to stroll through Korakuen, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens. Unlike other gardens, Korakuen features wide open spaces alongside its teahouses, plum groves, rice fields, and a crane aviary. Next, stop at Doppo-kan, an award-winning craft brewery and sake distillery, where you’ll take a guided tour before settling into the restaurant to savour a delicious meal paired with a tasting of three different beers. 

Arrive in Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital, for an evening of foodie explorations beginning at a teppanyaki restaurant. Stroll through the atmospheric Ohatsu Tenjin-dōri arcade sampling piping hot takoyaki (octopus-filled spheres) and conclude with freshly made taiyaki (fish
shaped cake).

Overnight: Osaka Excel Tokyu  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation/rooms detailed in this itinerary are subject to seasonal 
availability. If a property is unavailable, a comparable standard of 
accommodation will be provided.