Splendours of Japan

breakfast and lunch

In the morning, soar to the summit of the world's tallest structure, Tokyo Skytree, and witness the city's breathtaking panorama unfold beneath you. Marvel at the iconic landmarks that dot the landscape, from the Imperial Palace to the Tokyo Tower, and capture unforgettable memories from this unparalleled vantage point. On a clear day, you should be able to see the peak of Mount Fuji, which is located about 84 km to the west.

Today is yours to explore this charming city at your own pace. Apart from numerous historic spots, you can step into some popular neighborhoods for a glimpse of Japanese daily life.

Tokyo Skytree

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Go to Shinjuku station to activate your Hakone Free Pass and board a train to Hakone Yumoto (1.5 hours journey). The train will gradually leave the Japanese megalopolis behind and head deeper into the valleys of the Mount Fuji region.

Your home here is a classic ryokan (inn) where you will have a chance to soak in the open-air bath and hot spring.

Check in to your accommodation and either head to a hot spring to relax for the rest of the day.

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A day at leisure for further explore Hakone by using your pass. The Hakone Free Pass allows you to get on and off freely within a specified area, as well as providing discount admission to various attractions in the area. It covers eight forms of transport including trains, buses, cable cars, cableway and boat.

Recommended Activities:

Board the world's second longest cable car above the wooded slopes, sulfurous fumes and hot springs for inspiring views of Mount Fuji.

A visiting for cruise on Lake Ashinoko, admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji from aboard a ship. And The Gora Park, a western-style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station. It is a relaxing place for unwinding and enjoying the scenery and views of Hakone.

Hakone cable car

Lake Ashi

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Board the train for a smooth journey to Nagoya.

Upon arrival at Nagoya Station, your private transfer would be ready to whisk you away to the charming town of Takayama, a charming castle town in the mountainous Hida region. Here quaint shops, Edo-era buildings and tea-houses line narrow streets.

Settle into your traditional Japanese accommodation, get a glimpse of a beautifully preserved sample of the Japanese culture, strolling along traditional streets and old houses.

Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji)

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The mountainous city of Takayama is famous for its well-preserved old town dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). You'll visit Takayama morning market first to soak up a pleasant atmosphere around the market. Then, make a short photo stop at Nakabashi Bridge. The red bridge blending in great harmony with the surrounding cherry blossoms is a famous landmark of Takayama.

Step into the past at Takayama Jinya, a former government office that has been meticulously preserved since the Edo period (1603–1868). Wander through the halls and chambers, imagining the bustling administrative life that once thrived within these walls. Admire the intricate architecture and artifacts on display, gaining a deeper understanding of the town's rich history.

You'll spend the rest of the day wandering around Kami Sannomachi Street. The narrow lane lined with beautifully preserved merchant houses, sake breweries, shops, and cafes will bring you back to the ancient time of this place.

Nakabashi Bridge

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A 1-hour drive will take you to Shirakawa-go, the fairy tale world made of traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses hidden in picturesque river valley. Marvel at the traditional gassho-style farmhouses, their distinctive thatched roofs forming a harmonious landscape against the backdrop of the Japanese Alps.

Take off the shoes and explore the living room, guest room, butsuma, and so on inside Wada House to get an idea of how people lived back then. Thereafter, check out the great view of this area at Shirakawa-go Observation Deck.

We’ll travel northbound in the direction of Kanazawa and stay there tonight.

Ogimachi Village

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Explore Kanazawa, a city of rich cultural heritage from the Edo Period, once the stronghold of the influential Maeda Clan. Renowned for its cultural achievements, it rivaled the grandeur of Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).

Visit Kanazawa Castle Park, the former seat of the Maeda clan. Explore the park's reconstructed structures, including the impressive Ishikawa Gate, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this once thriving castle town.

Discover the historic Nagamachi Samurai district. Wander through the tranquil streets, admire the intricate architecture, and imagine the lives of the samurai who once resided there.

Stroll along the serene pathways of Kenrokuen Garden, admire the meticulously manicured landscapes, and find tranquility amid the picturesque ponds and waterfalls.

Meander the slender lanes of Higashi Chaya District, known for its traditional geisha houses, an historic realm of geisha that maintains the enduring allure of Japan's geisha culture.

Nagamachi Samurai District

Kenrokuen Garden

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Travel comfortably from Kanazawa to Kyoto on the Shinkansen, a journey of approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes. Board the Thunderbird train, renowned for its speed and comfort, and enjoy the scenic ride as you traverse the picturesque countryside.

On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel with a private car and driver.

After lunch, we’ll visit one of Kyoto’s highlights – the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees which bloom in the springtime and its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically from season to season. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering Bamboo groves and see its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.

Bamboo groves in Arashiyama

Arashiyama Park

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Your day begins with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji Temple, which is covered in shimmering gold leafs and surrounded by green gardens and ponds. It's now one of Kyoto's most famous temples.

Nijo Castle is an ornamental castle built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate (1603-C1868) as his Kyoto residence. It is surrounded by stunning gardens and is famous for its architecture, decorated sliding doors and 'chirping' nightingale floors.

Take a walk down Nishiki Market for some free time. It is a traditional food market known by locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry” which is a great place for seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties.

Embark on a leisurely walk uphill to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for stunning views of Kyoto city from the 13-meter-high veranda of the Main Hall.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kinkakuji Temple

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This morning we leave Japan's main island Honshu behind, crossing the world's largest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Enjoy free time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. One of the most striking features is the ‘100 Stepped Garden' — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread over several levels.

Visit the Water Temple and admire the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters. Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira where our accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional Japanese ryokan.

We'll have some time this evening to climb the steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later perhaps take a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at our hotel.

Awaji Island

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This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi.

Continue to Omishima Island and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometre highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges.

Check into your hotel in Hiroshima for a relaxing evening.

Shimanami Kaido Expressway

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Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a somber reminder of the tragic past and a beacon of hope and peace. Pay tribute to the victims of the devastating atomic bomb and contemplate the call for world peace that resonates throughout the city.

Complete your insightful exploration at Shukkeien Garden. This manicured landscape, replete with miniature sceneries, traditional teahouses, and an idyllic pond, offers you perfect tranquility interspersed with bursts of vibrant seasonal colors.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Shukkeien Garden

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Enjoy a ferry ride to Miyajima Island. Begin your day by paying homage at Itsukushima Shrine. This history-laden Shinto shrine, with its grand 'floating' torii gate', is an iconic site set against the backdrop of scenic Miyajima Island.

Once you've completed your exploration, you will be transferred from your hotel in Hiroshima to the train station, marking the start of your return trip to Osaka aboard the Nozomi. Osaka, a city renowned for its delectable cuisine, captivating entertainment, and historical landmarks.

Itsukushima Shrine

Floating Torii Gate

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Start today's tour from the tranquil ambiance of Osaka Castle Park, a historical bastion amid the modern cityscape, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat.

Connect with the city's past at Osaka Museum of History where you can perceive Osaka's journey from ancient times through well-curated exhibits.

Then, absorb the artistry of Japanese woodblock prints known as Ukiyo-e at Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum. Embark on a hands-on ukiyo-e printing experience, where you would learn the traditional techniques of creating these iconic woodblock prints. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, create your own ukiyo-e masterpiece, taking with you a tangible piece of Japanese artistic tradition.

Dive into the energetic atmosphere of Dotonbori, known for its bright neon lights, culinary delights, and lively entertainment.

Set your sights on stunning city vistas from the Umeda Sky Building. The open-air observation platform offers panoramic views of the city that simply take your breath away.

Osaka Castle

Umeda Sky Building

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Depart for Nara in the morning, and drive to Nara. Nara is the capital city of Nara Prefecture and a former capital of Japan (710 – 794). Eight temples, shrines and ruins together with Kasugayama Primeval Forest collectively form “The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit Todaiji temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha.

Take a wander through Nara Park, called Deer Park by locals, due to the 1,200-plus tame deer living there. Here, get ready to encounter wild deer, considered the messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion, roaming freely under the cherry trees inside the Nara Park.

Afterwards we will drive back to Osaka.

Nara Park

breakfast

You will be picked up and taken to the airport for your return flights home.