Contrasts of Japan

Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival, you will clear customs and then be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore independently. In the afternoon, we will provide you with all the necessary information to prepare for the start of your tour.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin the day with a comprehensive guided tour of Tokyo lasting approximately five hours. This vibrant city blends futuristic districts with areas of calm and tradition. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, where you’ll see hundreds of Jizo statues—stone deities honoured as guardians of children—many dressed in knitted hats and bibs. From there, we visit the famously busy Shibuya Crossing before heading to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort. We then take a bus along Omotesando Avenue, known for its stylish architecture, and explore the scenic gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace, including a visit to the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. Continuing through Akihabara, Tokyo’s hub for manga and anime culture, we proceed to Tokyo Skytree. Admission is included to Japan’s tallest structure, where we admire panoramic city views. Our touring concludes in Asakusa, visiting Sensoji Temple and browsing Nakamise Street’s traditional shops. We return to the hotel for a short rest before meeting in the evening to travel by subway (tickets included) to Shinjuku. Here we’ll explore the lively district on foot before dining at a local restaurant, with dinner included. We then return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide. Please note, the sequence of visits may change based on Skytree admission times or weather conditions—in which case an alternative viewpoint will be offered.

We head towards the scenic Mount Fuji region, taking in the beautiful landscapes during our journey. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, known for its striking pagoda and one of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. Next, we continue to Kawaguchiko, a charming town nestled beside a picturesque lake, dotted with traditional houses and surrounded by mountains. Upon arrival, we visit Fuji Sengen Shrine, historically the starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji. Here, we pause to offer thanks in this tranquil, tree-lined setting. Afterwards, we enjoy a leisurely boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko before beginning our drive up to Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station, ascending through stunning forests and landscapes to an altitude of 2,305 metres. Please note that in winter, access to the Fifth Station may be restricted due to snow or weather, and we will go as far as conditions allow. We then return to Kawaguchiko for our overnight stay at a traditional ryokan, where you can relax and enjoy the onsen (public hot spring bath). Dinner is included. Accommodation may vary between Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats or Western-style rooms, and occasionally a Western-style hotel.

We begin the day travelling along a scenic route that circles several picturesque lakes, arriving at Iyashi no Sato Nenba. This small village was devastated by a typhoon in 1966 but has since been restored as an open-air museum. Its traditional thatched-roof houses now serve as arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits, offering insight into Japan’s rural heritage. Next, we visit Shiraito Falls, a striking natural attraction where water cascades over a 20-metre-wide rock face. Afterwards, we continue to Nagoya to visit the Toyota Museum, an essential stop for those interested in automotive history and innovation. The day concludes as we travel onwards to Kyoto for our overnight stay.

We’ll spend the day discovering Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital from 794 to 1868 and a city that remarkably escaped bombing during World War II, preserving its rich cultural heritage. Our tour begins in Arashiyama, where we’ll take in views of the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, known as the “Bridge over the Moon.” Next, we visit Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a peaceful walk through its renowned bamboo forest. We’ll also explore Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, before seeing the Imperial Palace and the stunning Kinkakuji Temple, or “Golden Pavilion,” set amid beautiful gardens. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to wander through Gion, Kyoto’s lively traditional district, known for its historic streets and geisha culture.

We depart Kyoto for Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, a remarkable Buddhist site dating back to 752, home to a colossal Buddha statue. You’ll have time to photograph and interact with the approachable deer that roam freely in Nara Park. Lunch is included. Afterwards, we visit Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the oldest wooden structures in existence. This historic temple complex remains an important centre of Buddhist worship. In the evening, we travel to Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, known for its dynamic urban atmosphere. Accommodation is in Osaka, where later we’ll explore the vibrant Dotonbori district, renowned for its nightlife and colourful streets.

We leave Osaka for Himeji, where admission is included to explore its extensive castle complex, a prime example of traditional Japanese fortress architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant (included), we continue to Okayama to visit Korakuen Garden, celebrated as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, featuring lakes, waterfalls and traditional teahouses. Crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you can visit Okayama Castle, originally built in the sixteenth century and rebuilt in 1966 after wartime destruction (entry inside the castle is not included). You will then have some free time to explore Okayama, a lively provincial city with a population of just over 700,000. Please note, on certain dates we may stay overnight in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, with a possible afternoon visit to Kurashiki on the same day.

We depart for Kurashiki, a city celebrated for its well-preserved historic district. You'll have time to explore its charming streets at a relaxed pace, experiencing an atmosphere that reflects its rich past. From there, we travel to Hiroshima, a city profoundly marked by the events of 1945. We visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum, all poignant reminders of Hiroshima’s history and resilience. To conclude the day with a quieter note, we take a ferry to Itsukushima Island, known as the "place where men and gods live together." Here, we explore the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, partially built over the water and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll also have time to wander the picturesque town centre and enjoy lunch. Later, we return to our Hiroshima hotel, where dinner is included. Please note, the order of visits in Hiroshima may be adjusted to suit the schedule without changing the overall itinerary.

After breakfast, your tour concludes in Hiroshima, leaving you with lasting memories of your time in Japan.