Highlights of Japan

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo, Japan

Arrive at Haneda, Tokyo International Airport at 14:55 and transfer to your hotel by pre-booked taxi (no guide).  The remainder of your day is spent at your leisure to relax after your flight, or perhaps venture out to explore the city by night.

Japan’s capital is a modern city built on tradition, with soaring skyscrapers and preserved historical shrines and temples. Tokyo’s traditions are displayed through food and festivals with around-the-clock activity and no shortage of adventures. There are 23 districts, 26 cities, 5 towns and 8 villages in Tokyo, each their own tiny world with unique charms and attractions.

This foodie paradise boasts more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants! Essential must-taste dishes include sushi, yakitori and ramen to get started.  You can find all of these down alleys (yokocho), under train stations and in exclusive restaurants that require reservations.

Overnight: Tokyo, Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 2: Tokyo

Spend today discovering Tokyo, using public transport and services of aguide. Includes Tsukiji Market, famous for fresh seafood and vibrat atmosphere, a traditional Japanese theater Kabuki Show (subject to availability), Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji), Nakamise Arcade, and lively shopping street filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs and crafts and a Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Overnight: Tokyo, Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Tokyo

Continue your Tokyo sightseeing today, using public transport and and the services of a guide. Includes a photo stop at the Imperial Palace, residence of Japan’s Emperor that is surrounded by beautiful gardens and moats. Ueno Park, the iconic landmark of Tokyo Tower Observatory with panoramic skyline views, Shibuya Crossing the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing and Hachiko Statue honouring a loyal Akita dog.

Overnight: Tokyo, Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Tokyo – Nikko

Travel from Tokyo to Nikko today, first by taking a local train to Asakusa Station followed by an express train to Tobu Station (Nikko).  On arrival, transfer to your hotel by shuttle bus. Tonight you will have dinner at your hotel.

Nikko gives a taste of ‘the real Japan’. Known for its history, culture, scenic national parks, hot springs, and a spiritual place of mountain worship with many shrines and temples. Here you will stay in a Japanese-style hotel (ryokan) for a unique authentic experience.

Overnight: Nikko, Senhime Monogatari or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Nikko

Continue exploring Nikko today, including van transport and guide services. Visit Lake Chuzenji, a crater lake formed by volcanic activity, Kegon Waterfall on of Japan’s most famous waterfalls (with lift to the best viewing point), lavishly decorated Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Buddhist Temple with beautiful gardens and the iconic Three Buddha Hall and Shinkyo Bridge, a red-lacquered bridge considered a symbol of Nikko’s rich spiritual heritage. Dinner tonight is at your hotel.

Overnight: Nikko, Senhime Monogatari or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Nikko – Hakone

Travel by shuttle bus to Tobu Station where you will join a train from Tobu (Nikko) to Asakusa (Tokyo) and then Bullet train from Tokyo to Odawara. Hakone is nestled in the mountains surround iconic Mount Fuji. The area is filled with tranquil forests and lake Ashi, known for its hot springs (Onsen), incredible nature and insight into Japanese culture.

On arrival you will explore local slights by van accompanied by a guide. This includes Odawara Castle, a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ashi that has views of Mount Fuji on clear days, a thrilling aerial ride over volcanic landscapes with steaming vents and hot springs on the Owakudani Ropeway. Dinner included at your hotel this evening.

Overnight: Hakone, Hotel Okada or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: Hakone

Explore more today on a guided walking tour in the Hakone-Yumoto area discovering the culture and history of the area. This is one of Japan’s most well known hot spring (onsen) towns in the heart of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park with traditional shops and a serene atmosphere. This evening dinner is included at your hotel.

Overnight: Hakone, Hotel Okada or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Hakone – Kyoto

Transfer by shuttle bus to Hakone Yumoto station and join a local train to Odawara, then a Bullet Train from Odawara to Kyoto. On arrival in Kyoto, walk to your hotel where check in is after 3pm. The remainder of your day is spent at your leisure.

Kyoto is the last historical capital of Japan, packed with over 2000 temples in a valley interwoven with beautiful natural scenery. It is a bustling city with modern conveniences, gorgeous gardens and a treasure trove of history and culture. Kyoto also has one of the largest collections of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Most famous attractions include colourful shrines, the maiko and geisha culture. We recommend sampling a traditional multi-course Kaiseki ryori meal during your time in Kyoto. Dating back centuries, this has become an elaborate dining style and is a treat for visitors wanting to experience something special.

Overnight: Kyoto, Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9: Kyoto

Explore Kyoto today using public transportation, accompanied by a guide. Your day includes a scenic bamboo forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World-Heritage listed site and Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district. Your day ends with a special dinner with Maiko, a unique cultural experience including traditional Kyoto cuisine and entertainment by a Maiko (apprentice geisha).

Overnight: Kyoto, Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: Kyoto – Osaka – Kyoto

Spend the day visiting Osaka on an excursion using public transportation. Your guided sightseeing includes Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building Observatory, Shinsekai District, Doutonbori & Shinsaibashi districts.

Osaka is often referred to as ‘Japan’s friendliest city’ and this charming, relaxed city best known for its food, fun and nightlife.

Overnight: Kyoto, Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto

Today you will discover Nara on an excursion using a van and with the services of a guide. Your day includes Horyuji Temple, Todaiji Temple & Nara Deer Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Nara is a picturesque, peaceful and welcoming city with an impressive number of historic and cultural sites.

Overnight: Kyoto, Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Kyoto – Hiroshima

Today is a travel day, walk to Kyoto station and join a Bullet Train to Hiroshima. On arrival, walk to your hotel where check in is available after 3pm. The remainder of your day is at your leisure.

Overnight: Hiroshima, Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Hiroshima

Today you will explore Hiroshima and surrounds by van with guide services including Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine, the Atomic Bomb Museum & Peace Park and Orizuru Tower.

Overnight: Hiroshima, Hotel Granvia Hiroshima or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 14: Depart Hiroshima, Japan

Your Japan adventure comes to an end today. ransfer from your hotel to Hiroshima Airport by prebooked vehicle with English speaking driver (no guide) for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

There are many options on ways to fly to Japan, depending on your Canadian departure point. You may also want to consider adding a stopover in another city in Asia such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket, Bali or others.

Contact our team to discuss options, and add international flights to this trip.