Japan Discovered
Trip Details
- Duration: 13 day(s) days
- Visited Areas: Asia
This Japan Tour is an exciting journey through the bright light cities, the mountainous terrains and paddy field plains, the spiritual temples, and the deep culture of this ancient nation. If you are a first timer or indeed a return visitor you will see parts of Japan that would simply not be possible to find on your own, without the knowledge and language behind you. You will take part in various cultural activities such as an Authentic Tea Ceremony, Soba Noodle Making, Rice Paper Making, and even stay in a Temple with the chance to meditate alongside the local monks of Mt Koya and more. Places visited include the neon metropolitan cities of Tokyo and Osaka, the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, the spiritually rich Koyasan, the traditional Takayama, the timeless Gokayama, the gardens of Kanazawa and the deep valleys of Matsumoto. English is not widely spoken in Japan, especially in the rural parts, and so our inclusion of a tour buddy will enhance the opportunities to meet with locals and join in the Japanese way of life along the way.
Please note: We have timed certain departures to coincide with some Japanese festivals. Please see departure dates for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1
Join Osaka - Welcome Dinner & Orientation Tour
Day 2
Koyasan - World Heritage Koyasan. Overnight at Temple Lodge
Day 3
Kyoto - Walking Tour of Kiyomizu Temple, Tea Ceremony and Gion District with Geisha Expert
Day 4
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour - Nijo Castle, Golden Pavillion, Todaiji Temple, Giant Buddha, Kasuga Shrine, Nara Park
Day 5
Kyoto - Full Day Trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Day 6
Kanazawa - Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District, Walking City Tour.
Day 7
Gokayama - Japanese Soba (Noodle) Making, Japanese Paper (Washi) Making, Suganuma Gassho Zukkuri Folk Park. Overnight Takayama
Day 8
Takayama - Free day. Morning Market, Yatai Kaikan Hall, Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum, Hot Springs
Day 9
Matsumoto - Matsumoto Castle, Overnight at Ryokan and Geisha Evening
Day 10
Tokyo - Snow Monkey Park, Evening Walking Tour of Shinjuku
Day 11
Tokyo - Tsukiji Fish Market, Hamarakyu Gardens, National Science & Innovation Museum, Harajuku and Omotesando Districts, Meji Jingu Shrine
Day 12
Tokyo - Free Day. Optional Tour to Hakone - Owakudani Ropeway, Ashino-ko Lake Cruise, Mt Fuji Views, Souzan Cable Car, Hakone Town, Hot Springs (Japanese Style)
Day 13
Tokyo - Tour Ends After Breakfast