Ultimate Japan

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping, to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole in the wall eateries and bars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. You can arrive at any time during the day, as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. After, join your new travel companions for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a free morning in Tokyo. This afternoon, you’ll catch a local train to Nikko. Japanese trains are a quintessential experience and one of the best insights into culture (and efficiency!) of the country. Go shopping for some snacks or a bento box at the train station and watch the scenery pass you by. Arrive in Nikko in the late afternoon – tonight, you'll stay in a small inn with shared facilities.

You have a full day to explore Nikko today – this ancient town is overflowing with shrines and temples, some a UNESCO World Heritage site! You'll visit Toshugu Shrine – the resting place of a Tokugawa shogun who was one of the most powerful rulers of the country. The opulent shrine contrasts with the traditional minimalist style commonly used throughout Japan. Every corner of this monument is covered in intricate gold leaf, lacquer work, paintings and patterns. Here, you can also visit the Nikko Toshogu Museum of Art at the back of the temple complex (for an extra fee). In your free time, maybe visit the red-lacquered Shin-kyo bridge and the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji. Or you may prefer time exploring Nikko’s beautiful natural setting with a visit to Chuzenji Lake and Kegon Falls. Kanmangafuchi Abyss is another highlight in Nikko that your leader will take you to visit, where you'll see about 70 Jizo Buddhas looking out to the river.

Say goodbye to Nikko and set out for a bit of a travel day to Hakone. Hop on a local train, followed by two shinkansen bullet trains and finally a bus. The journey is certainly worth it, as Hakone is a scenic hot spring resort in the foothills of Mt Fuji. You’ll be staying at a family-run ryokan tonight, with tatami-mat rooms, shared bathroom facilities and a lovely outdoor hot-spring onsen.

This morning, hop on a boat across Ashinoko Lake, then ride the Hakone ropeway cable car to the top of the surrounding mountains. The area around the lake offers plenty of stunning views, and you may even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance if weather conditions are clear. The afternoon is free to further explore Hakone’s mountain scenery and volcanic sites. Perhaps visit the boiling sulphur springs of Owakudani or Hakone Jinja Shrine with its red torii gate rising from the shore of Ashinoko Lake. Or, go for a walk through the hills of the famed grassland ecosystem of Sengokuhara. There’s also a great collection of art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Pola Museum of Art – an eclectic mix that includes work by Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Cezanne and Galle. Not what you would expect to find in a small Japanese town, right?

Travel by a local train, then a shinkansen towards Takayama – a charming Edo period town in the Japanese Alps, famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the Hida Folk Village. The village is your first stop – an outdoor museum where the traditional thatched-roof architecture unique to the area has been relocated to a mountain setting to preserve traditional Japanese culture. Discover the techniques used to build farmhouses that could withstand fierce winters and long periods of isolation due to snow-closed roads. The thick thatching kept in warmth, and the roofs were angled to minimise snow build-up. Each house is like its own self-contained museum, with displays of personal items and traditional tools. Your included dinner tonight will give you the chance to taste some of Takayama’s famous signature dishes.

This morning, you’ll head to the markets in Gifu prefecture – these markets have been held for over 600 years and are known for their array of high-altitude vegetables. Browse the stalls of seasonal produce that’s brought in from the surrounding countryside and set up by local farm women from 6 am every morning. Look out for the unique local style of pickles, the bags of miso wrapped in leaves, Genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices and the delicious marshmallow treat owara tamaten. The alpine climate and mountain waters are perfect for creating sake, so you'll also visit a local brewery for a taste of the region's prized signature drop. The rest of the day is free. Takayama is also very famous for Hida beef, so don't miss the opportunity to try some of the country’s best while you're in town for lunch or today!

Travel by express train and shinkansen to Hiroshima today. Depending on what time you arrive today, you may visit Hiroshima’s Peace Park this afternoon or tomorrow morning. The Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and Peace Memorial Museum stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated so it was able to retain its shape and the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing has made it an enduring symbol of peace. The memorial park serves the same purpose and has museums, memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of victims. This evening, maybe try one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood).

Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. You might like to further explore the island by climbing to the top of Mt Miyajima (or hopping on the cable car instead) for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Keep your eyes out for inquisitive and hungry deer that roam the streets. You have the rest of the day free to enjoy some of the other sites. You could stop by the five-storied Hiroshima Castle, which originally dates to the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but reconstructed in all its glory in the 1950s, and now holds an informative museum. The wonderful Shukkeien Garden, with teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress.

Leave Hiroshima today and take the train to Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji. The building, which has survived earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, was restored to its full glory in 2015. The moats, baileys, towers and walled alleyways were ingeniously designed to trick attackers – perhaps so intimidatingly that they were never in fact tested! Explore the castle that was once home to over 10,000 samurai families and look out over the castle grounds and the city below from the seventh floor. Hop back on the shinkansen for the trip to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (‘tranquillity and peace capital’) by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, but the emperor and government are now in Tokyo. With over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there’s plenty to explore. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk to get your bearings, then you might like to wander through the historical streets at your own pace.

Today, visit two of the best temples in Kyoto. Then, you have a free two days to explore the charming ancient capital at your own pace – Fushimi Inari is one of the most photographed shrines in Japan, so maybe check that out. For the more active, hiking up the mountain following the red torii gates is a great way to enjoy the forest and the views over the city. Maybe head off to Arashiyama to wander through the Sagano bamboo forest, or cycle along the Kamo River. Stroll through Kyoto's eastern hills along the ‘Path of Philosophy’ that links Ginkaku-ji, the Temple of the Silver Pavilion, with Nanzen-ji Temple. This walk can be extended south through the well-preserved ‘old town’ areas to Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water). For those visiting in spring, maybe visit the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha), or see the extravagantly decorated Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel ‘The Golden Pavilion. On one of the evenings, your leader will take you on a walk through Gion – Kyoto's famous Geisha district. Even today, you can observe the age-old tradition of geisha as they head out to perform dances and song for members of the wealthy elite in small teahouses tucked away in tiny back streets.

This morning, say goodbye to the members of your group who are leaving and hop on a train to Osaka – the ever-vibrant unofficial culinary capital, whose motto is 'Kuidaore' (eat until you drop). When you arrive, you’ll have free time to wander the trendy streets or pick up some lunch, before another welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, perhaps join your new travel companions for an optional dinner at a local restaurant. 

Depart Osaka this morning and begin the journey west. Take the train across the bridge spanning the stunning Inland Sea and onto Takamatsu. This may be the largest city on the island of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s four main islands), but it's a beautifully unpretentious town full of history, top-notch food and interesting local art. Here, you'll visit Ritsurin Garden – one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Dating back to the Edo period, it comprises several ponds and arched bridges designed around strolling paths, tea pavilions and historic trees, with a western garden in addition to the Japanese one. The garden also houses the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum, which displays a variety of ceramics and basketwork dating from the time of the Tokugawa shoguns.

Take the ferry this morning for a daytrip to the island of Naoshima, in the Inland Sea between Takamatsu and the mainland – famous worldwide for its modern art galleries, museums, avant-garde architecture and lovely natural setting. Explore the island by public bus or bicycle to take you between the galleries and installations. Wander between artworks, hear the sound of waves lapping at quiet coves and stumble upon the wonderful outdoor sculptures. Return to Takayama after a full day on the island, where you’ll have a free night.

This morning, take the train and head west to Matsuyama – one of Japan’s least discovered prefectures coined ‘the citrus state’ by the locals. When you arrive and have maybe picked up a mikan (mandarin) or two, visit the hill-top Matsuyama Castle with your group. This is one of Japan's most impressive surviving castles, sitting right in the middle of the city. Unlike most castles in Japan, this one has an exciting collection of artefacts inside, so take the chance to check them out and learn a little more about Matsuyama's feudal history while you’re there. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax and unwind at the Dogo Onsen – one of the oldest bath houses in Japan – or if you’d prefer more exploration, maybe visit Ishiteji Temple – the 51st of the 88 temples that make up Shikoku’s 88 Sacred Temples circuit (Japan’s most famous pilgrimage route).

Get ready for a bit of a travel day today. Jump on a train and then ferry for Usuki, on Kyushu Island – the third largest of Japan’s four main islands. When you arrive around midday, take a public bus to the village to visit the local sake brewery, where you’ll get to see how sake (the national drink of Japan, beloved by the locals) is made, followed by a tasting of the brewery’s finest. Then, carry on to your homestay. When you arrive, your hosts will be waiting for you to welcome you into their home. Your evening will be filled with collaborative dinner preparation, followed by a feast of delicious home-cooked dishes. Share stories with your hosts, get to know about their life here and learn a few things about Japanese cooking that you can bring home with you.

Say goodbye to your hosts after a traditional home-cooked breakfast. Then, head to Beppu, famous for its variety of hot springs and onsens in Kyushu. Have lunch at a specialty restaurant that offers a unique dining experience where you can select the food you’d like, put the dishes in a steamer and watch as they’re cooked by the steam of the hot springs! This means your food will be infused with all the healthy minerals of the baths. Then, you’ll visit Jigoku (which translates to 'hell') – a collection of differently coloured steaming hot spring pools with different benefits. After, head to a local onsen for a relaxing soak. The evening is yours to spend your way in this relaxing city.

Today is all about chasing stunning views! Hop in your private transfer this morning and head to Mt Aso, stopping at Ogi Rice Terrace along the way. Soak up the scenic landscape of Ogi, which locate between Mt. Aso and Kuju Mountains Range. When you’ve snapped some photos, head on to the Daikanbo Observatory for some pretty excellent views of the five central peaks of Mt Aso. This viewpoint is also known as the Nehan-zo, or Nirvana Buddha, referencing the image of Buddha in repose. Fuel up your energy with a lunch stop and then get ready for a hike on the moon-like Sunesenri trail to Nakadake Crater – the largest among the five craters of the mountain. After your hike, continue your journey to your accommodation for the next two nights – you’ll be staying in a traditional Japanese inn, right in the caldera formed from ancient volcano eruptions. Surrounded by rice fields, you’re in for a peaceful couple of days and nights here.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll head out and visit the stunning Takachiho Gorge – a narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. This gorgeous spot has sheer cliffs of volcanic basalt columns, which the locals say represent the scales of a dragon. Here, you’ll hop in rowing boats and head out on a serene paddle through the gorge, passing Minainotaki Waterfall against the backdrop of the green foliage (this area is especially colourful in autumn!). After, take a walk above the gorge for a different perspective, followed by a visit to Takachiho Shrine. Return to your guesthouse in the mid-afternoon.

This morning, say goodbye to your scenic guesthouse and hop back on the train to Nagasaki, arriving in the early afternoon. Nagasaki was the sole port in Japan to trade with Dutch and Portuguese back in the 16th century, so city has a fascinating mixture of traditional Japanese and western architectural influence. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to familiarize the city on arrival and then head over to Glover Garden. Glover Garden is an open air museum with the old foreign merchants houses open for visit. The center piece here is the Former Glover House, the oldest wooden western style building. Enjoy a casual stroll here and learn about an unique part of history in Nagasaki. Then enjoy some free time, so maybe ask your leader where to grab the best local fare.

Wake up in Nagasaki this morning – the coastal city set on a natural harbour, with the surrounding hills providing gorgeous viewpoints over the scenic hub. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum for a sobering reminder of what happened on that dreadful day – the 9th of August 1945. If you wish to reflect and explore further, there are some other interesting museums nearby worth visiting. You will have a day pass for the trams in the city so take the time to explore Nagasaki in your free afternoon. Consider heading over to Dejima – this fascinating artificial island was once a Dutch trading post in the 17th to the 19th centuries (and the sole foreign presence in the whole country at one point). The 26 Martyrs Memorial, Oura Catholic Church,and Dutch Slopes also give you a glimpse into the life of the early Christians and European traders in Japan. The Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This evening, maybe slurp up some champon noodles (ramen, Nagasaki-style)!

Say goodbye to Kyushu and jump on the shinkansen back to Osaka. When you arrive this afternoon, soak up some free time to relax or explore. Tonight, why not head out for dinner and drinks with your leader and fellow travellers, to celebrate an amazing trip in southern Japan?

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. That doesn’t mean your time in Japan has to end! There is plenty to do and explore in Osaka, so if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.