Allure of Japan

Start your cultural adventure by flying to Fukuoka from a choice of UK airports with selected airports.

Enjoy your welcome reception at your luxury hotel in the centre of the city.

Visit Maizuru Park and the castle ruins located within. Relax in your Green (Business) Class seats on the Shinkansen train to Hiroshima. Check into the Sheraton Hiroshima hotel for two nights enjoying the view from your Deluxe Corner View rooms.

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Experience an emotional visit to the Peace Park and Museum before visiting Orizuru Tower to create your own special origami crane offering.

Tonight, sample Okonomiyaki, a delicious Japanese-style pancake, a specialty of the region. 

Sail by ferry to Miyajima Island to visit Daisho-in Temple and the floating Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine. This afternoon see the industrial robots perform at the Mazda car factory on your guided visit. 

En-route to Osaka on the Shinkansen train, stop at Himeji Castle and marvel at Japan’s most spectacular and one of the few remaining original feudal castles. This evening, admire the view of Osaka at night from the Floating Garden Observatory. Then settle in for a two night Special Stay in an Executive Room at your hotel.

Drive to the cradle of Japanese culture in Asuka. Wander through the Inabuchi terraced rice paddy fields, the ancient Tobiishi stone bridge and visit Ishibutai tumulus, the largest known megalithic structure in Japan. 

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Learn about the history, life and training routine of a sumo wrestler during a private visit to a Sumo Museum in Kehayaza, where Sumo originated. After your welcome ceremony, see a demonstration of Jinku and the wrestlers in action in
the dohyo.

This evening catch the Osaka Metro to wander around the lively entertainment area of Dotonbori and Hozenji Yokocho food alley.

Begin the day with a walking tour of Osaka’s Kitchen, the Kuromon Food Market. Drive to the culturally rich city of Kyoto for a memorable three night stay. This afternoon visit impressive Nijo Castle.

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Tonight’s dinner will allow you to interact with a Maiko who will host your meal presentation. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about what is involved in becoming a Geisha and the art of Japanese hospitality.

Begin your day with an early visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine then continue to Nara, where you’ll visit Todaiji Temple and see deer in Nara Park. You will have time this afternoon for some shopping or relaxation.

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After a short stroll through the Gion area be entertained at dinner with a Samurai Kembu show. After the show you can choose to learn the way of the Samurai yourself with a lesson in swordsmanship.

Explore the World Heritage listed Tenryu-ji Temple before gliding through the surreal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by traditional rickshaw. Visit the famous Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion before enjoying some free time this afternoon.

Freechoice: Revel in the atmosphere of the ancient preservation districts or visit the Silver Pavilion before strolling along the Philosopher’s Walk. 

Visit the Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion before travelling by the ‘Thunderbird’ to Kanazawa. Upon arrival wander around Kenroku–en Garden, one of Japan’s three great gardens located across from Kanazawa Castle Park. Then try your hand at making your own chopsticks at the Kanazawa Gold Leaf craft shop. Enjoy a two night stay.

This morning visit Omi-cho Market, commonly known as Ishikawa’s Kitchen with over 180 stalls.

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Explore the historic Higashi Chaya Teahouse district and partake in a Japanese tea ceremony while dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono, a great photo opportunity.

Later, catch a glimpse of life in Feudal Japan with a visit to former Kaga Clan Samurai houses in the Nagamachi district.

For a unique insight into Japanese culture, choose to stay tonight in a Ryokan (at additional cost, must be pre-booked before departure). This traditional Japanese Inn has tatami mat flooring with futon beds, sliding shoji paper doors, onsen hot spring baths and private facilities, and includes dinner and breakfast.

Drive to Takayama stopping en route at the historical farmhouses of nearby mountain villages in Shirakawa-go, now a World Cultural Heritage site. Continue to Takayama and partake in Sarubobo mascot-making at the Hida Folk Village before beginning a two night stay at your hotel with amazing views over the Takayama township.

Freechoice Dining: Choose between Le Midi, a French-inspired bistro in town famed for its Hida Beef, or Sakanaya, a fine Japanese restaurant set in a renovated former sake brewery near your hotel.

Begin the day wandering through Miyagawa morning markets before gaining unique insights into the region’s culture and history at the Festival Float Exhibition Hall. After lunch, try a tasting at a sake brewery before moving to Takayama’s old quarter to explore the small alleyways and shops on your own.

Drive to the Daio Wasabi Farm to learn how wasabi paste is made. Then continue to Matsumoto to visit one of Japan’s most beautiful and original castles, the unique ‘hirajiro’ style Matsumoto Castle. As you venture deep into the stunning scenery of Kawaguchiko Area via Suwa Lake, lookout for your first view of Mt Fuji. Check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Discover the incredible workmanship involved in creating kimonos at the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. After a photo opportunity of Mt Fuji, move to Hakone to cruise on Lake Ashinoko and a short walk along the heritage trail. This evening enjoy a Special Stay at your hotel overlooking Lake Ashinoko.

Freechoice Dining: Choose from Japanese or French menus at the hotel. 

Study the art works and sculptures at the Hakone Open Air Museum before continuing to Tokyo. Upon arrival in Tokyo, wander through Harajuku, the epicentre of Tokyo’s teenage youth. 

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Given by Taiko Masters, partake in an interactive, private group demonstration and lesson in playing the Taiko drums.

Check into your hotel in Tokyo, your home for the next three nights.

Freechoice Dining: Choose from dining at a ninja themed restaurant or culturally immerse yourself in the traditional Izakaya bar scene serving Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki. 

Visit the Asakusa district, paying your respects at Sensoji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple. 

Freechoice: Visit the Imperial Shinto Meiji Shrine, before walking across the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world in Shibuya. Alternatively, wander through picturesque Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens before witnessing the Shinjuku entertainment district come alive at dusk. 

Begin the day in the beautiful Imperial Palace’s East Gardens then dress up in your chefs clothes to make your own sushi lunch with the help of a local chef. This afternoon is yours at leisure. Tonight, relive your experiences at your farewell dinner.

Time to bid farewell and take many wonderful memories with you.

Welcome home.