Day 1 Tokyo [No Meal Arrangement]

After arriving at Tokyo airport and clearing customs you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to our luxury hotel and check in for 3 nights at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Take some time to settle in and perhaps go for a stroll towards nearby Ginza to shake off the cobwebs and take in the local atmosphere. Official check in time is 15:00.

Accommodation: The Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar for 2 nights

Day 2 Tokyo [B, L, Welcome Drinks]

After a relaxing breakfast (your choice of traditional Japanese or western style la carte, Viking (Japanese and western buffet) or Western a la carte) we start our first full day in Tokyo with a morning sightseeing tour of the city on a chartered coach, through Ginza streets, Imperial Palace and Asakusa Temple where we stroll down the colourful Nakamise shopping street, lined with tiny stalls and thronging with enchanted shoppers and temple visitors. For our first taste of the gourmet delights of Japan, we will enjoy lunch at one of the finest restaurants in Ginza. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure and we gather again in the evening for a Welcome Cocktail and a light dinner at a private lounge in the hotel overlooking the Imperial Palace at sunset. This is great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers a little more as you take in the view and chat about the day’s events.

Accommodation: The Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 3 Tokyo – Hakone Mt.Fuji – Kyoto [B, L]

This morning we travel to Mount Fuji and Hakone National Park. It is difficult to really get a feel for the massive mountain from pictures alone. Today (weather permitting) you will see Mt. Fuji from far enough away to appreciate its amazing symmetry and close enough to experience the awe its presence has instilled in the Japanese people and begin to understand its place in their culture. On our way to view the mountain from another vantage point, we will take a cruise across Lake Ashi in the Hakone National park and then board the ropeway (gondola) up the side of Mt Komagatake. After some time at the upper gondola station we return to the lakeside for casual lunch at a local restaurant. We then travel by Bullet Train to Kyoto, home to the finest art, crafts and culture in Japan. Check in for 3 nights of luxury accommodation at the Kyoto Hotel Okura

Accommodation: The Kyoto Hotel Okura or similar for 3 nights

Day 4 Kyoto [B, L]

Kyoto is the spiritual heart of Japan and is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was the main centre for the evolution of religious and secular architecture and of garden design for almost a thousand years. During our stay in Kyoto we will get to experience this first hand, beginning today with a morning sightseeing tour visiting two of its most famous UNESCO world heritage sites, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) and Nijo Castle. Kinkakuji is a beautiful Zen temple whose top two storeys are completely covered in gold leaf. Nijo castle, built in 1603, is one of the best surviving examples of feudal Japan’s castle palace architecture.                                                                                        

Accommodation: The Kyoto Hotel Okura or similar

Day 5 Kyoto [B, L, D]

We start the morning with a stroll along the famous Kiyomizu temple, nestled in a mountain on the east of the city and overlooking the town below. Part of the fun of visiting Kiyomizu temple is the approach to the temple along the steep and busy lanes of Kyoto’s old Atmospheric Higashiyama district as you share the narrow lanes with pilgrims and local Japanese. Enjoy a special lunch at fine dining restaurant as you share what you have seen and done this morning. Afternoon, we visit the south-west Sagano Arashiyama district, well known to the Japanese traveller but little visited by Western tourists. The area provides a taste of the Kyoto countryside and we will visit a private garden and a bamboo forest walkway, and will get to browse through specialty handcraft shops including pottery, Japanese rice paper, bamboo craft and handmade clay bell shops. This evening, we enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant. During dinner we will be accompanied by a Geisha, who will perform a traditional dance and join us for a conversation.

Accommodation Hotel: Okura Kyoto or similar

Day 6 Kyoto – Naoshima [B, L, D]

Travel to one of island in Inland Sea to Naoshima. An Island of art, blessed with nature and attracting worldwide attention for its many contemporary art museums, Naoshima was selected by sightseeing magazine Conde Naste as one of the “seven places in the world you should see next.” Visit the inspiring Chichu museum, both a museum and a work of art in its own right. Also take in Benesse House, the Art House Project and outdoor art exhibition. Check in at Benesse House Naoshima. Dinner at hotel.    Check in at Naoshima Ryokan Roka, luxury deluxe suite. Gourmet Dinner at Roka.                             .

                    Accommodation: 1 night at Naoshima Ryokan Roka or similar

On the secluded island of Naoshima one can find the Chichu Art Museum, itself a work of art, which was designed by the world renowned Tadao Ando. Built into a hill on the southern side of the island, the unique design creates a remarkable sense of space and light. The museum houses a large mural of  “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet, and works by James Turrell and Walter De Maria, contemporary artists long involved with Naoshima Is. are displayed in its permanent collections. The museum has a beautiful garden featuring plants that were cherished by Monet, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of his works. Naoshima is an island dedicated to art, peppered with sculptures and contemporary innovative displays and art projects

Day 7 Naoshima – Hiroshima [B, Club Lounge Access]

After a leisurely morning we travel to Hiroshima.. We check in at the Sheraton Hotel in Hiroshima for 2 nights. This evening no group dinner is organised, but why not enjoy quiet drinks and nibblies at your own pace in the executive lounge.

Accommodation The Hiroshima Sheraton Hotel or similar for 2 nights

Day 8 Hiroshima [B, L, Club Lounge Access]

Breakfast today is in the Club Lounge and, after another relaxed start we will visit Miyajima Island in The Inland Sea, to enjoy sightseeing around the Sacred Goddess Miyajima Floating Shrine and the world famous Torii gate. The shrine itself is built over the water on pylons, to give the impression of floating on the water. As with many other structures in Japan it has been rebuilt after storm or fire damage many times and in fact this constant renewal is characteristic of the Japanese psyche. The image of the large bright vermillion Torii gate at high tide against the mountain behind is one of the best known in Japan. Midafternoon, we return to Hiroshima, for a guided tour of the Peace Memorial Park and visit the poignant Hiroshima Peace Museum. The museum is dedicated to those who lost their lives or loved ones and has displays on life before and after the atomic bomb. We will make our way back to the hotel where tonight you will have the opportunity for drinks at the club lounge and for a buffet dinner

Accommodation The Hiroshima Sheraton Hotel or similar

Day 9 Hiroshima – Osaka [B, D]

After checking out from the hotel, we travel to Himeji by Bullet Train and then on to Osaka. We will visit the famous majestic Himeji Castle, considered Japan’s most spectacular. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars or fires and survives in its original form. It is both a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then travel on to Osaka and upon arrival check in for 2 nights at the Hotel Nikko Osaka.  For dinner this evening, we will enjoy some Osaka soul food at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel Niko Osaka or similar for 2 nights

Day 10 Osaka – Nara – Osaka [B]

Today we visit Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital which was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. Prior to that, the capital was moved to a new location whenever a new emperor ascended to the throne. After visiting Todaiji temple, housing one of Japan’s largest Bronze Buddha statues we traverse Nara dear park, meeting the sometimes all too amorous holy deer. Return to hotel. Remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Niko Osaka or similar

Day 11 Osaka – Ise/Kashikojima [B, L, D]

Midmorning we travel Osaka to visit the Ise Shima Peninsula which  is home to Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrines, the Ise Shrines, and is a popular leisure resort area. We cross the Ujibashi bridge over the Isuzugawa River at the entrance of Naiku which is said to separate a sacred realm from the daily world. You will also enjoy visiting the old town of Okage yokocho with its historic streets, and experience delicious local food. We stay tonight in an Onsen (hot spring) resort ryokan (traditional style) accommodation. Enjoy a traditional feast this evening

Accommodation: Kashikojima Shin Hojoan or similar 

Day 12 Ise/Kashikojima – Tokyo [B]

After breakfast we check out from the hotel. On the way to Tokyo we stop by a Katsuo Smoking Hut. Learn about Katsuobushi, an essential Japanese culinary ingredient and enjoy tasting some samples. Travel to Nagoya to catch the Bullet Train back to Tokyo.  We end our trip with 2 nights’ stay in a 5 star hotel, checking in at The Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. If you wish to experience a special restaurant JANESCO is happy to assist you to make reservations.

Accommodation: 2 nights at Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 13 Tokyo [B, Farewell Drinks]

Guests will have today at leisure.

Perhaps follow your tour coordinator and enjoy a walking tour of the Imperial Palace Garden. Relax this evening with farewell drinks

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Tokyo or similar

Day 14 Tokyo [B]

Today is our last day in Japan, so you might wish to do some last minute souvenir hunting or an optional half day activity. The morning is free to either relax or explore a bit of Ginza. Your tour coordinator will help you organise your activities.12:00 Check out from hotel. ~ Tour concludes here ~

Please note: Airport transfer is not included. Please check with JANESCO for your options for transfers to Haneda Tokyo airport or Narita airport.

~ Tour Concludes here ~