Japan Unveiled

From electric futuristic metropolises, incandescent and thrilling, to ancient shrines and gardens, hushed and serene, it’s the extremes and the in-betweens that will enthral and amaze. 


Whether cloaked in cherry blossoms and drapes of wisteria, or enveloped in rich autumnal shades, this country exudes its spectacular charm throughout every season. Embarking on a thoughtfully paced journey commencing in Tokyo, a guided tour delves into the vibrant core, aglow with neon signs. Discover solace in the historic downtown district, where behind shrouds of incense, pagodas, palaces and the art of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony can be observed.   


Transitioning to the shadow of Mount Fuji, a cruise across Hakone's Lake Ashinoko is followed by a cable car ascent to the sulphuric pools of Owakudani, aptly named the 'Boiling Valley.' The pilgrimage then continues to the sacred springs of Oshino and the tranquil expanse of Lake Kawaguchi. Matsumoto, an artistic haven, invites exploration, with its galleries and Japan’s oldest wooden castle while Takayama's markets and Shirakawa-go's time-honoured thatched farmhouses offer a glimpse into the past. 


Ambling across Kanazawa's meticulous gardens and lantern-lit cobblestone streets precedes an immersion into Kyoto's allure. Gaze upon gilded temples, the weathered facades of former merchant dwellings, and the graceful performances of geishas. A pause in serene Nara, inhabited by over 1,000 revered deer and home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, leads to a lesson in crafting wagashi sweets.


High-speed bullet train rides offer an additional authentic Japanese experience, and a stay in Hiroshima encompasses the wooded Miyajima Island and a ‘floating’ 12th-century shrine, along with the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and its accompanying memorial park. The grand finale unfolds in Osaka, where the dynamic neighbourhoods of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi-suji ensure you get your fill of the destination’s profusion of offerings.