Japan's Timeless Traditions and Modern Marvels

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival, after passing through customs, you will be escorted to your hotel via a shared shuttle bus. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will provide you with the details for the commencement of your tour. Enjoy your free time and take in the first impressions of this captivating country. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day, we embark on a comprehensive five-hour guided exploration of Tokyo, a city where cutting-edge dynamism meets serene spaces. Our journey begins at Zojoji Temple, providing a famous view of the Tokyo Tower. The temple's grounds, adorned with hundreds of Jizo statues—each delicately carved and dressed in vibrant caps and bibs—are believed to watch over children.Next, we make our way to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, often cited as the busiest intersection globally, before visiting the Meiji Shrine, a tranquil spot dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Our exploration continues as we drive through the sophisticated Omotesando Avenue, allowing us a glimpse of the magnificent Imperial Palace and its scenic gardens, including a stop to admire the iconic Nijubashi Bridge.Our itinerary takes us through Akihabara, famously known as "Electric Town" for its strong connections to manga and anime culture, then past the Kokugikan, Japan's esteemed sumo wrestling arena. We conclude our captivating tour in Asakusa, home to the historic Sensoji Temple and the lively Nakamise Street. A delightful lunch at a local restaurant follows before we return to the hotel.As evening falls, we rendezvous with our guide in the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m. for a metro ride (tickets included) to the vibrant Shinjuku district. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience the lively energy of its bustling streets, renowned for their nightlife, before joining us for an included dinner at a local restaurant. Our guide will accompany us back to the hotel by metro, rounding off a day filled with the wonders of Tokyo.

Today, we embark on a thrilling journey aboard the iconic bullet train to Kyoto, departing early in the morning. In just over two hours, we will cover the nearly 500 kilometres that separate Tokyo from Kyoto, offering glimpses of stunning landscapes along the way. Once there, we will spend the day delving into Kyoto's rich history – a city that served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868 and housed the Imperial Court. Remarkably untouched by World War II bombings, Kyoto boasts a wealth of preserved artistic heritage. As the birthplace of the Kyoto Protocol signed in 1997 to combat greenhouse gas emissions, it holds significant global importance.Our tour includes visits to some of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks. We will explore the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its striking torii gates; marvel at the splendour of the Imperial Palace; and visit the Kinkakuji Temple, or the "Golden Pavilion," with its breathtaking gardens. Later, you can enjoy wandering through the traditional district of Gion, known for its vibrant atmosphere and the graceful presence of geishas. The rest of your day can be spent at leisure, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.

Today, we'll meander through the picturesque countryside to the quaint village of Tsumago. Renowned for its traditional wooden architecture, Tsumago offers a glimpse into Japan's past, and you'll have time to wander its charming streets and savour its historic ambience. We'll pause here for lunch at a local eatery, ensuring you experience authentic regional cuisine. Our journey then leads us to Matsumoto, a vibrant city famed for its striking 16th-century castle, which is affectionately known as "The Crow" due to its distinctive black facade. We’ll delve into the castle's storied history with a visit before granting you some free time to explore the area's intriguing cultural offerings at your own pace. In the afternoon, we'll set off for Tokyo, ensuring we arrive back in the bustling capital city by the day's end.

Following breakfast, our adventure concludes, allowing us to depart with cherished memories of our experiences.