| Valued At | Pay Only | Save |
|---|---|---|
| $8,620 per person | $8,448 per person | $344 per couple |
Includes:
× Return international flights
× All accommodation
× All meals
× All sightseeing and entrance fees
× All transportation and transfers
× English-speaking National Escort or Local Guides
Based on 6 October 2018 departure
Essential Japan Itinerary:
DAYS 1- 2: AUSTRALIA TO TOKYO
Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific Airways to Tokyo, the capital of Japan and transfer approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city until an informal welcome dinner tonight.
DAY 3: DISCOVER TOKYO
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore; today take a tour by coach of this fascinating city. Head to the top of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city before taking a wander through the district of Asakusa for an opportunity to pick up some souvenirs on Nakamise Shopping street and visit Senso-ji Temple. Explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum and Tokyo’s Imperial Palace East Garden.
DAY 4: MEJI SHRINE
Spend a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden and exploring the huge evergreen forest that encompasses the Shinto Meiji Shrine. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel, driving by the Shibuya “Scramble” Crossing on the way. Return to your hotel where your guide will let you know what time to meet for this evenings dinner cruise, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore independently or relax in the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to your boat and take a leisurely 1 hour dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for some excellent city vistas
DAY 5: FUJI FIVE LAKES
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mt Fuji to its base where you will find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Try your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles before tucking in to your creations for lunch. Continue to Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal clear spring water created by Fuji’s melting snow, where there is also a small museum. The museum is a traditional farmhouse with household items, samurai armour and weapons.
DAY 6: MT FUJI
Today is a full day of touring, start with a visit to the Fuji Visitor Centre where you can learn about the cultural and ecological history of Mt Fuji. Head up Fuji’s 5th Station for spectacular mountain vistas. After lunch, wander through Iyashi no Sato historical village, located on one of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Saiko, famous for its thatched-roofed houses.
Day 7: BULLET TRAIN TO KYOTO
Drive to Mishima to board your bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Visit a traditional teahouse where you will be joined by a Geisha or an apprentice Geisha, known as a Maiko. Next, take a visit to the Ryoan-ji Temple before heading to the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, due to its gold-like exterior. Continue on to your hotel to check in for a two-night stay
DAY 8: KYOTO
Start the day visiting the spectacular Kiyomizu Temple. After lunch learn traditional Japanese handicrafts such as origami and enjoy the art of a tea ceremony. Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 9: KYOTO TO HIROSHIMA
This morning transfer to Kyoto station and take the bullet train to Hiroshima, a modern and prosperous city that will be forever remembered as the world’s first atomic bomb target. Travel by coach to the famous Peace Park and Museum, please be aware that the museum may be confronting and upsetting for some group members and it is at your discretion if you wish to visit or enjoy time at leisure exploring the Peace Park. After lunch travel by coach and take a short ferry ride to Miyajima. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and explore the traditional market town at leisure. Later this afternoon return by ferry and then coach to Hiroshima for dinner before checking into your hotel.
DAY 10: HIROSHIMA TO OSAKA
Travel by coach to Himeji, with a rest stop along the way. On arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the beautiful castle and Kokoen Garden. Transfer to Osaka for your overnight stay.
DAY 11: DEPART OSAKA
This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home.
DAY 12: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA
Arrive home today.