15 Days | Japan & Hiroshima Discovery

Osaka Kobe

 This morning, we start our jounery to Osaka Castle. a historic Japanese fortress, is an iconic symbol of Osaka.

 Constructed in the 16th century, it boasts a majestic five-story tower with a vibrant vermillion exterior and a gold-adorned

 roof.

 After we will visit Osaka's central food and entertainment centres Dotonbori. Enjoy wandering around trying the local

 foods, shopping districts and posing with one of Osaka's famous icons, Gurico! 

Then we travel to Kobe and visit Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum. It is a poignant institution dedicated to the 1995

 Great Hanshin Earthquake, which left a lasting impact on the city.

 A Welcome Dinner tonight to get to know your fellow travellers in the group.

Kobe Kurashiki [Bus} Hiroshima

 After breakfast we make the trip to Hiroshima. Largely destroyed when the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide for this unenviable distinction. Enroute, we stop in Kurashiki, is renowned for its well-preserved Edo-period (17th-19th century) merchant district. Its picturesque canals, white-walled warehouses, and cobbled streets create a nostalgic ambiance.

Hiroshima Okayama

Today, we begin with the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. Then visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb used in WWII. After we make our way to Okayama.

Okayama Nara Kyoto

We head north today. We stop in Himeji to visit the Himeji Castle. It was registered in 1993 as one of the country's first

 UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its stunning white fortress, epitomizing samurai-era architectural elegance and

 historical grandeur.

 We then visit Cup Noodles Museum, it celebrates the invention of instant ramen. This interactive museum offers visitors

 the chance to learn about the history of Cup Noodles

 Once you arrive in Nara, we take a short walk to the main attractions. We will visit Todaiji Temple and its Great Hall,

 which houses one of the world's most giant bronze Buddha statues. On your return to the station, wander back through

 Nara Deer Park, where you can see hundreds of deer roaming around. Nara's 1,200 deer have become the city's symbol

 as it comes from the Shinto idea that every creature, nature or object is a messenger of god. 

Enjoy a good rest in your Kyoto hotel tonight.

Kyoto

Today is a free day to explore Kyoto at your own pace.

Kyoto Kanazawa

 This morning we will visit the Kinkakuji Temple otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion. Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen temple and World Heritage site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold and detailed architecture incorporating three distinct architectural styles of Shinden, Samurai and Zen. Board the bus towards Togetsu Bridge and the Bamboo Grove, landmarks of Western Kyoto's Arashiyama District for over four hundred years. Standing amongst the Bamboo Grove is like being in another world and is nothing like any other forest you have seen before. It is mesmerizing and peaceful. We then continue to the city of Kanazawa.

Kanazawa

Today we will explore the castle town of Kanazawa. First up we will visit Buke Yashiki (a samurai house) and learn about how the high ranked samurais lived during the Edo period. Later we will make our way through the streets of Higashi Chaya, a district lined with quaint old buildings that were once teahouses used by the local geisha (traditional Japanese female entertainers) and their guests. Next, we will visit Kenrokuen Garden one of Japan's three best landscape gardens. Then we will go to Omicho Market to try the local foods and see the local crafts. Enjoy your stay in Kanazawa.

Kanazawa Shirakawa Go Takayama

Today we will go on a half day tour of Shirakawago to explore the small village and the gassho style houses. On this tour you will stop at the observation point so you can view the whole of Shirakawago and while you are there your English speaking tour guide will teach you about the history of this unique village. Enjoy your day in Shirakawago! After our tour in Shirakawago we will head towards Takayama for the night

Takayama Matsumoto

Today we will spend the day exploring Takayama city. Takayama is a city located in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture. While you are in Takayama visit the preserved Old Town, the former local government office, Takayama Jinya, an impressive museum called Matsuri no Mori. Upon finishing your tour in Takayama board the bus to Matsumoto area for the night

Matsumoto Mt Fuji - Farewell Dinner

 Ohayou-gozaimasu! (Good morning) Today we will visit one of Japan's most complete and original castles, Matsumoto Castle. Then we travel to Mount Fuji area, visit Oshino Hakkai. Oshino Hakkai is one of the eight ponds fed by melting snow filtering down from the slopes of Mount Fuji through porous layers of lava, resulting in very clear spring water that is well regarded by the locals. Afterwards we will visit Mount Fuji's 5th station, which is above the clouds and allows you to view its enormous summit (if the weather permits). Stay the night in Mt Fuji area and enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow tour members.

Mt Fuji Tokyo 

Today we will visit Gotemba Peace Park to capture another breathtaking view of Mt Fuji. Then we will take a Lake Ashi Cruise where you will be able to see the beautiful nature around you. Travel to Tokyo and enjoy your stay in Tokyo tonight.

Tokyo

 Today, we enjoy a full-day tour of Tokyo. You'll see some of Tokyo's most popular landmarks. Start the day at Tokyo Tower, one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks. Take in the panoramic views of the city from the observation deck, and learn about the tower's history and significance. Head to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Watch the crowds of people cross the street from the pedestrian overpass and explore the surrounding shopping and dining areas. Grab a quick lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market, the world's largest seafood market. Sample some of the freshest sushi in Tokyo and take in the sights and sounds of the bustling market. Visit Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple. Take a stroll through the Nakamise-dori shopping street and explore the temple grounds, including the Jokoro incense burner and the main hall of the temple. Take a break at a nearby café or tea shop to enjoy a traditional Japanese snack and relax for a bit. End the day at the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Take a guided tour of the palace grounds, including the Ninomaru Garden and the ruins of the old castle tower. Learn about Japan's imperial family's history and culture and witness their residence's grandeur.

Tokyo

Enjoy your free day in Japan's mega city, Tokyo!

Accommodaiton: HOTEL MYSTAYS PREMIER Omori or similar

Tokyo

Today you will check out from your hotel and make your own way to the airport for your homeward flight, or make your own way to your next destination in Japan.