Japan Hidden Gems & Highlights

On arrival at Kansai or Itami International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative who will arrange for a shared taxi transfer to our hotel in Kyoto. The tour leader will be waiting in the lobby to welcome you, and later we gather with the group for a welcome meeting followed by a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

On day 2, we enjoy a day of guided sightseeing in Kyoto using public transportation, showcasing the city's rich history and culture. Known as the "City of Ten Thousand Temples," Kyoto offers a variety of stunning attractions. Entrance fees to selected sites will be included in the itinerary, allowing us to visit highlights such as the Philosophers' Path, the Silver Pavilion of Ginkakuji, and the lively Nishiki Food Market. In the afternoon, we have the unique opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea with a maiko (apprentice geisha) in the traditional Gion district.

Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar

Kyoto - Mount Koya. Today we're heading off the beaten path to Mount Koya, in the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. Mount Koya is home to ancient temples, shrines, and pagodas, including Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan. Surrounded by towering cryptomeria trees, this atmospheric graveyard stretches into the misty morning. With the services of a local guide to provide insight into the history and significance of these sites, our visit will include lunch and entrance fees. Tonight, we stay at a traditional Buddhist temple lodging, and enjoy a dinner of shojin ryori, a vegetarian Buddhist cuisine.

Accommodation: Renge-in Shukubo or similar

Mount Koya - Tokushima. This morning we rise early to join morning prayers at the temple lodging, before enjoying a traditional Buddhist breakfast. Leaving Mount Koya, we then take a private bus to Wakayama Port and board a ferry to Tokushima on Shikoku Island. Shikoku is the smallest of Japan's four main islands, and Tokushima is well-known for hosting the Awa Odori dance festival, the largest dance festival in Japan. Upon arrival, we visit the Awa Odori Kaikan Museum to learn more about the festival and we ride a cable car to the top of Mount Bizan for stunning views of the city.

Accommodation: Hotel Sunroute Tokushima or similar

Tokushima - Takamatsu - Naoshima - Takamatsu. On day 5, we enjoy a half-day excursion to experience traditional Japanese puppet theatre at the Awa Jurobe Yashiki puppet theatre. Afterwards, we make our way to Takamatsu and explore the beautiful Ritsurin Gardens.

On day 6, we take a day trip to Naoshima, known as Japan's famous "Art Island". Here we enjoy the services of a local guide, who will take us through world-class art installations amidst stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy lunch at a local island cafe and visit Benesse House and Chichu Art museums to see works by renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Claude Monet. We return to Takamatsu in the evening.

Accommodation: JR Clement Hotel or similar

Takamatsu - Kotohira. Leaving Takamatsu behind on day 7, we take a scenic train journey to Kotohira, a town renowned for housing Shikoku's largest shrine complex, Konpira-san. In Kotohira we are staying at a traditional but comfortable ryokan inn with its own hot spring baths and traditional Japanese-style evening meals included.

During the afternoon of day 7, we can climb the 1,368 steps to reach the inner shrine of Konpira-san, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. We also visit a local sake brewery and sample some traditional rice wine.

On day 8, a private bus takes us to the Iya Valley, a pristine and unspoiled natural area known for its vine bridges. Take a walk across one of these bridges, enjoy a delicious lunch, and join a boat ride through one of the valley's gorges. Additionally, we explore a historic samurai residence before returning to Kotohira for another night of hot spring baths and culinary delights.

Accommodation: Sakura-no-Sho or similar

Kotohira - Matsuyama. Today we take the train across Shikoku island to Matsuyama, home to Japan's oldest hot spring baths. There is also an incredibly well-preserved samurai castle here, which we will enjoy an included visit to, before a free afternoon for you to further explore Matsuyama.

The town's famous and historic bath house, Dogo Onsen is located right next to our hotel. This bath house has been in existence for over 3,000 years and is currently undergoing a 7-year restoration project to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations. There are baths reserved for the royal family, but there are also separate baths available to the public. Despite the renovations, the baths remain open and you are free to pay a visit this evening if you wish.

Accommodation: Candeo Hotels Matsuyama Okaido or similar

Matsuyama - Hiroshima. On day 10, we take a ferry from Matsuyama to Hiroshima on Japan's main island. Hiroshima will always be remembered for the tragic events of 1945, and we visit the Peace Park and Museum to learn about the dropping of the atomic bomb at the end of the Second World War. After a sobering but thought-provoking afternoon, we enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverside and try Hiroshima's famous dish, okonomiyaki for our included dinner.

Day 11 sees us take an included ferry ride to Miyajima Island, where you can visit Itsukushima Shrine and hike (or ride the cable car!) to the top of Mount Misen for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Accommodation: Vista Hotel Hiroshima or similar

Hiroshima - Joge - Kyoto. On day 10 we visit Joge, a small historic town that is rarely visited by foreign visitors to Japan. Joge is famous for its original Meiji & Taisho era architecture. Walking down Joge's main street gives you a sense of stepping back in time. We enjoy a full day of cultural activities with local guides, and can meet members of the local community.

In the late afternoon, we return to Kyoto on a super-fast Nozomi shinkansen bullet train. After freshening up, we join our tour leader and group for a farewell meal at a local izakaya. Consider ending the tour with karaoke for a memorable final night!

Our tour ends after breakfast on day 13, with an included shared taxi back to the airport.

Accommodation: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar