Contrasts of Japan ending in Tokyo

Welcome to Japan. After clearing customs, you will be transferred to your hotel by shared shuttle bus. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will provide all the details you need to get started on 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 city effortlessly blends vibrant, modern districts with tranquil, historic sites. Our first stop is Zojoji Temple, offering a stunning view of Tokyo Tower and home to countless Jizo statues—stone guardians of children, often dressed in knitted hats, bibs and pinwheels. Next, we visit Shibuya Crossing, famous as one of the busiest intersections worldwide, before exploring Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. We continue by bus along Omotesando Avenue, renowned for its elegant architecture, and then take in the scenic Imperial Palace grounds, stopping at the iconic Nijubashi Bridge. Our route includes a drive through Akihabara—Tokyo’s centre for manga and anime culture—before heading to Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest structure, where admission is included and you can enjoy panoramic city views. We conclude our daytime tour in Asakusa, exploring Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street before returning to the hotel. In the evening at 6:30 p.m., we regroup in the hotel lobby and take the subway (tickets included) to Shinjuku. Here, we walk through this lively district before dining at a local restaurant (dinner included). After dinner, we return to the hotel by subway, accompanied by our guide. Please note the order of visits may vary depending on Tokyo Skytree’s admission schedule. In case of bad weather or limited access to the Skytree, an alternative city viewpoint visit will be arranged.

We set off towards the Mount Fuji region, savouring the scenic landscapes along the way. Our first stop is Arakurayama Sengen Park, known for its charming pagoda and some of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji. Next, we continue to Kawaguchiko, a picturesque town nestled by a beautiful lake and surrounded by mountains. Here, we visit Fuji Sengen Shrine, traditionally the starting point for pilgrimages up Mount Fuji, where we’ll pause to give thanks in this tranquil, forested setting. Afterwards, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kawaguchiko before ascending towards Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station by road. Travelling through impressive forests and landscapes, we reach 2,305 metres (7,562 feet) above sea level. Please note that in winter, the route to the Fifth Station may be closed due to snow or weather, in which case we will travel as far as conditions allow. We return to Kawaguchiko for an overnight stay at a ryokan (traditional inn), where you can unwind in the on-site onsen (hot spring bath). Dinner is included. Accommodation may vary between Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats or Western-style rooms. Occasionally, a Western-style hotel may be provided instead.

This morning, we’ll follow a scenic route around the picturesque lakes to visit Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a village rebuilt as an open-air museum after being destroyed by a typhoon in 1966. The traditional thatched houses now serve as arts and crafts shops, restaurants, and cultural displays, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rural past. Next, we’ll visit Shiraito Falls, renowned for its stunning 20-metre cascades and natural beauty. From there, we continue to Nagoya for a visit to the Toyota Museum (admission included), showcasing the evolution of automotive technology and design. Afterwards, we’ll travel onwards to Kyoto for our overnight stay.

We spend the day exploring Kyoto, Japan’s capital from 794 to 1868 and home to the Imperial Court. Remarkably untouched by World War II bombings, Kyoto retains a rich artistic heritage and was the site where the Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 to address climate change. Our tour begins in Arashiyama with a visit to the Togetsukyo Bridge, known as the ‘Bridge over the Moon,’ offering stunning views of the surrounding scenery. We then explore Tenryuji Temple, one of the city’s five great Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a peaceful walk through its bamboo forest. Next, we visit the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and the exquisite Kinkakuji Temple, or ‘Golden Pavilion,’ set within beautiful gardens. After the guided tour, you will have time to stroll around Gion, Kyoto’s vibrant traditional district known for its lively atmosphere and geisha culture.

We leave Kyoto for Nara, where we visit Todaiji Temple, a remarkable Buddhist complex dating back to 752 and home to a colossal Buddha statue. You’ll have the opportunity to photograph and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the surrounding park. Lunch is included. Afterwards, we visit Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a seminary, monasteries, and temples. Its central pagoda is among the oldest wooden buildings in the world and Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, still serving as a place of worship. We then continue to Osaka, arriving in the evening. Accommodation will be in this vibrant, modern city – Japan’s second-largest urban area. Later, we’ll explore Dotonbori, a lively district famous for its bustling nightlife.

We depart for Himeji to visit its vast castle complex, showcasing exceptional Japanese castle architecture—admission is included. After lunch at a local restaurant, also included, we continue to Okayama to explore Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens, featuring lakes, waterfalls and teahouses. Crossing a pedestrian bridge over the river, you’ll have the opportunity to view Okayama Castle from outside. This sixteenth-century fortress was rebuilt in 1966 following its destruction during World War II; please note that entry to the castle is not included. Afterwards, you’ll have some free time to explore Okayama, a lively provincial capital with just over 700,000 residents. On certain dates, accommodation may be in Fukuyama or Kurashiki, and the visit to Kurashiki could be scheduled for the afternoon of this day.

We’ll begin the day in Kurashiki, known for its beautifully preserved historic quarter. You’ll have time to explore its charming streets at a relaxed pace, soaking up the atmosphere of a bygone era. Next, we’ll travel to Hiroshima, a city indelibly marked by its history. We’ll visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum, all poignant reminders of the city’s past and resilience. Afterwards, we’ll take a ferry to Itsukushima Island, often described as a place where ‘men and gods live together.’ Here, we’ll visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, partially built over the water and dedicated to the guardian of the seas. You’ll have time to explore the shrine and the quaint town centre, with lunch included. We’ll return to Hiroshima for our overnight stay, where dinner is also provided. The order of sites in Hiroshima may be adjusted without affecting the overall itinerary.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the station for the bullet train to Tokyo. The journey covers approximately 800 kilometres and takes around four hours. We expect to arrive in Tokyo around 2:00 pm, where you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure.

After breakfast, your tour concludes in Tokyo. You will have time to reflect on your experiences and prepare for your onward journey. We wish you a safe and pleasant onward travel.