Tokyo

Commence your adventure whenever you arrive in Tokyo, the bustling heart of Japan. Immerse yourself in the capital's thrilling blend of tradition and modernity, as you get settled in for the journey ahead. Comfort awaits you at the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, or a similar establishment, where you can rest and prepare for the forthcoming days of exploration.

Tokyo

Immerse in the vibrancy of Tokyo, one of the world's most populous metropolises, as you navigate through the city on public transit. Be captivated by the city's traditional facet with a visit to the sacred Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort. Delve into the city's offbeat, contemporary side as you promenade through Harajuku, the epicentre of Japanese pop culture and an excellent spot for observing the city's pulse.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tokyo

Tokyo

The day unfolds with a visit to the Tsukiji fish and seafood outer market, a window into Japan's immense fishing industry. Absorb knowledge on sushi preparation in a comprehensive class, acquainting you with fresh fish identification, filleting, and presentation, followed by a tasting of your own crafted sushi. Post this unique culinary adventure, traverse Asakusa, Tokyo's historical core, savouring its old-world charm. Optional Activities: Ginza Shopping, Ueno Park Visit

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

TSUMAGO

Bid farewell to Tokyo and board a train destined for Nagiso, following which you'll proceed to a local minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast. Here, you'll revel in a pastoral stroll into Tsumago, a preserved cultural area from the Edo period. This idyllic town eschews motorised vehicles and hides phone lines and power cables, keeping its vintage appeal intact. Back at the minshuku, partake in a kaiseki dinner, a ritualistic multi-course affair that extols artful presentation and fresh ingredients.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kanazawa

Journey onward by train to Kanazawa, an historic city once under the influential Maeda clan during the Edo period. Delve into Nagamachi, the city's well-conserved samurai district situated beneath Kanazawa Castle, and glean insights into the esteemed warrior class's lifestyle. A visit to the Nomura residence is also on the itinerary, the impeccably restored dwelling of a prosperous samurai family, replete with antique treasures and a breathtaking garden.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kanazawa

Dedicate your day to uncovering Kanazawa. Explore Myoryuji Temple, colloquially known as the Ninja Temple for its role as a military outpost, unveiling its secret defences and escape routes. Wander through Higashi Chaya, the city's geisha district, delving deeper into geisha culture with a viewing of a traditional wooden abode. Finally, stop by a local craft workshop, where you'll learn about Kanazawa's age-old crafts and experience painting chopsticks with gold leaf. Optional Activities: Kanazawa Castle Visit, Kenroku-En Garden Visit

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hiroshima

Hop on a bullet train and set off for Hiroshima, a city that stands as a poignant testament to the tragedies of war. Traverse the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, nestled at the city's core, a space honouring the devastating atomic bombings of 1945. Explore the various memorials that pay tribute to the victims of the cataclysmic event, stopping by the Children's Peace Monument, where the statue of Sadako Sasaki reverberates the impact of the bombings on the city's youth.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hiroshima

Hiroshima

Board a ferry and sail to Itsukushima Island, often referred to as Miyajima. Encounter one of Japan's most stunning and hallowed temples, the 12th-century Itsukushima Shinto shrine. This UNESCO-listed site sits over the water, with a red torii gate that creates the illusion of floating during high tide. The afternoon presents the opportunity to engage with the island's splendours independently.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kyoto

Kick off the morning with a visit to Himeji Castle, a World Heritage site celebrated as Japan's most spectacular and excellently preserved castle. Admire its white facade and intricate wooden roofs, and then continue by train to Kyoto, the heart of Japan's imperial heritage for over a millennium. The city's mesmerising temples, shrines, and gardens beckon exploration. This afternoon, saunter through the lamp-lit paths of Gion, Kyoto's esteemed geisha district.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kyoto

Embark on a journey to the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari shrine outside Kyoto, a monument to the Shinto god of rice. Wander under the temple’s iconic red gates, recognizable from Memoirs of a Geisha. Later, delve into the antiquity of Nara, home to Japan’s earliest capital. Stand before the immense bronze Buddha statue at Todaiji temple, and walk the sacred paths of Kasuga Taisha, one of Japan's most revered Shinto shrines.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kyoto

Kyoto

Japan. Interact with a monk, learning Zen meditation and calligraphy. Proceed to the radiant Kinkakuji, or the temple of the golden pavilion, a standout landmark in Kyoto. Experience the elegance of samurai etiquette and the discipline of kembu, traditional Japanese swordplay, under the guidance of experienced instructors and a captivating demonstration by kembu masters.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure KYOTO

The journey concludes today. You may depart at any time you find convenient, taking with you the unforgettable memories of your exploration through Japan.

Meals Included: Breakfast