Most famous spots in Japan

Arrive in Tokyo and meet your trip leader and your group.

Head up to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic views of the city.

Grab some lunch in Shinjuku

Check out the beautiful Asakusa temple and the surrounding area.

Morning – Try some of the best sashimi you will ever eat at the world famous Tsukiji Market and take a sushi making lesson with a local master. Yes, you get to eat what you make!

Afternoon – Head over to Manga and Anime central – Akihabara’s “electric town”, which is also home of the J-pop group, AKB48.

Finish the day’s activities in one of Tokyo’s famous maid cafes.

Hop over to the Sumo district, where you may have the opportunity to watch the wrestlers train. Then eat like a pro; try a traditional sumo wrestler’s meal for lunch.

Learn more about Tokyo’s history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Head over to the Samurai Museum where you will get to learn more about the ancient art with a sword demonstration.

Start the day with a trip over to the Imperial Palace, and marvel at the beautiful surroundings.

Wander around the traditional Shinto Shrine to Emperor Meiji, who was responsible for Japan’s transformation from feudal to modern society, and Empress Shoken and surrounding forest area.

Then head down to see the crazy Harajuku fashion in all its glory – maids, punks, goths, lolitas… your imagination is your only limit to what you can find here. Even grab a costume or some makeup and join the fun.

Walk down to Shibuya to see the famous crosswalk (featured in Lost in Translation & Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift).

From fast paced Tokyo to the beach town of Kamakura, on Day 5 we will will be checking out Japan’s medieval capital. Check out the Great Buddha statue at Kotoku-in temple, ancient shrines, chill out by on the beach or in one of the city’s waterfront bars, and even go surfing!

Brunch in Tokyo then take a train to the medieval capital of Japan -Kamakura, home of the first shoguns.

Check out some of the numerous ancient shrines around town.

Hike over to Kotoku-in temple to check out the 45 ft tall, solid bronze Great Buddha statue.

There are lots of beachside bars where you can watch the sun go down.

Next, we will be heading to see one of the world’s most famous sites: Mount Fuji. Starting the day with a cable car ride up to the view point. On a clear day, you can get some great shots of Fuji. Try some Fuji-style cooking – eggs cooked in sulphuric water. Finish the day with a pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi. Today is all about the spectacular views.

Begin the day with a cable car ride on the Hakone Ropeway – an incredible journey that drops you off at Owakudani. On a clear day, you can get some spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

At Owakudani you can try the local specialty – black eggs. Eggs cooked in sulphuric water.

Beautiful Lake Ashi is where you’re headed. Hop on board a pirate ship to cross the lake’s clear-blue waters.

In the evening head over to the Onsen, traditional Japanese baths and take a relaxing dip in the sulphuric waters. (Please note: those with tattoos cannot enter the onsen.)

Hop on your first bullet train of the trip – bound for the beautiful city of Kyoto. You’ll race across the country, covering around 440 km in about two hours.

In the afternoon, wander the hillside streets to the incredible Kiyomizu temple.

Kyoto famous for its history, temples, shrines and geishas.

There is a large student population and great music scene, making the city a great place for entertainment and fun… Start at Kawaramachi, where you will find bars, jazz clubs and Izakaya pubs.

Then head over to see a live geisha performance, which includes a tea ceremony, puppet show, traditional music, flower arranging, and other activities.

For something quintessentially Kyoto, head over to Pontocho alley, and wander through the lantern filled streets and intimate wood-panelled restaurants. Quietly sip on sake and watch for Geishas passing by.

2 hour traditional wooden raft trip along the Hozugawa River through the Arashiyama Hills. Your guides will navigate the boat through rocky ravines and rapids. (weather dependent)

Take a morning hike through the quaint paths and shrines in the Arashiyama bamboo forest near Kyoto.

Head over to Arashiyama Monkey Park. It’s a tough climb to the top, but after you conquer the trails you can feed monkeys or just enjoy the panoramic view of of Kyoto.

Next we will go to the Tenryu-ji temple. The most important of the five great zen temples in the area. It’s incredible gardens were designed in the 14th century and have remained in pristine condition for centuries, surviving the fires and wars that damaged the buildings.

A visit to Dharma Hall is a must. Be sure to look up. The dragon’s eyes in the mural on the ceiling will follow you as you walk through!

KARAOKE time!! In the evening, sing your heart out like a local at a karaoke bar, one of Japan’s favourite past times! This one is with a twist, but you’ll have to join the tour to find out what it is! 😉

In the morning to chill out or check out the majestic temples along the Philosopher’s path.

Visit Eikando and Nanzenji temples, tranquility at its best.

In the afternoon, we will head to Fushimi – shrines, shrines, and more shrines. An extraordinary place. Then take the hiking trails behind, and pass through thousands of bright red gates.

After this, we tour the sake breweries, followed by a tasting experience.

Morning -visit the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji temple.

Begin the day with some meditation and tranquility after the packed last few days. A Buddhist monk will guide you on a journey of tranquility in a city temple.

Then walk around the lake and gaze at the beautiful shimmering reflection of the Golden Pavilion on the water.

Time for a bike ride – Cycle over to the Imperial Palace, before bidding farewell to this phenomenal city.

Hop on another bullet train – heading for Hiroshima.

In contrast to Kyoto’s ancient past, we will be spending Day 11 learning more about Hiroshima’s more recent history, including the events of its tragic past, its recovery, and its mission for peace at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and then, boarding a ferry to visit the Itsukushima shrine, built on stilts above the water.

At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, learn more about how Hiroshima was made to suffer the consequences of the world’s first atomic bomb. You will also learn about the city’s pacifist agenda as the standard bearer for a peaceful and nuclear-free world.

Short ferry trip to Miyajima Island where you will find the Itsukushima shrine.

The main temple buildings were built on stilts on the shores of the island to avoid angering the gods. Wander through the passages and look down at the ocean beneath.

A gigantic torii gate stands just off shore. Wait for low tide to take a walk over to get a closer look.

Take a walk along the forested route atop this beautiful island complete with incredible views of the water and city.

Hop in another bullet train to Osaka.

Lunch in Nanba or Shinsaibashi area of Osaka, where you will be able to enjoy a wide variety of choices – yakitori, ramen, sushi, and more.

Take a short train ride over to Osaka Castle, and check out Osaka’s iconic 9 level donjon.

Next, Shinsaibashi covered shopping arcade awaits – epic Japanese experience. Will you be the winner of the Arcade Challenge competition? Take a walk through Dotonbori and bask in the neon lights. And finish off the day and start the night with a beer in the city’s most famous Kamikaze bar.

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers with a final farewell ride up the Umeda Sky Tower.

Brunch in Osaka before catching your bullet train back to Tokyo.