Cultural Japan with Kyushu

Welcome to Tokyo. Be met on arrival and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner at your hotel, savouring Japanese flavours with a modern flair.

Following breakfast, meet your guide and head to Roppongi, where you’ll soak in the scenery at the Tokyo City View observation deck at Mori Tower, which on a clear day provides outstanding panoramic views of the vast capital city. Head to Tokyo’s old town of Asakusa, which is home to the city’s oldest temple, Sensoji. Visit the iconic Buddhist temple and stroll through the Namikase shopping street indulging in snacks and souvenirs. Following your Signature Experience, embark on your exciting Freedom of Choice activity. 

Signature Experience – Sumo Demonstration and Dining Experience

Enjoy an exhilarating sumo demonstration performed by former professional sumo wrestlers. Witness this renowned sport firsthand and soak in the atmosphere while savouring the specialty of chankonabe, a delicious stew with vegetables, meat, fish and tofu. Learn all about Japan’s most peculiar and fascinating sport in this exciting lunch experience.

Freedom of Choice – Shibuya and Harajuku Exploration

Experience the incredible energy and efficiency of Tokyo’s vast underground metro as you delve into the buzzing districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. 

Freedom of Choice – Futuristic Tokyo Tour (TeamLab Borderless)

Immerse yourself in a world of illusions in this engaging experience. Watch in awe as projection mapping melds with human interaction to create this new spectacular digital artform.

Freedom of Choice – Tokyo National Museum Visit

Learn more about the history of Japan at the Tokyo National Museum, which is home to a collection of approximately 110,000 objects. 

Visit Meiji Shrine this morning, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji. After your indulgent Signature Experience, head to Ginza, Tokyo’s renowned upscale shopping district, where you’ll be captivated by the stunning presentation and variety of food at a local department store. In the afternoon, explore the Kabukiza Gallery and the vibrant streets of Ginza before enjoying the rest of the day at your leisure.

Signature Experience – Sushi-Making Class

Take part in a sushi-making class and learn to prepare maki sushi (rolled sushi) and nigiri sushi (sushi rice topped with a slice of raw fish) before savouring your creations for lunch. 

Depart for the town of Hakone this morning by coach. Throughout the day, you may have the chance to glimpse the remarkable Mount Fuji on a clear day. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Sekishoato Port. Here, embark on a Hakone Yusen Cruise and take in exceptional views as you glide across the waters of Lake Ashinoko (Lake Ashi), a large volcanic crater lake formed 3,000 years ago. Arrive at Hakone-en Port and travel to Komagatake via the ropeway. From the ropeway’s upper station, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji in fine weather. At Komagatake’s peak, admire Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya—the original Hakone Shrine—before descending the mountain by ropeway. This evening, enjoy access to an onsen, traditional Japanese thermal baths, at your accommodation.

Board a bullet train bound for Nagoya. On arrival, drive to Nagoya Castle, stopping en route for lunch at Kinshachi Yokocho, a lively dining precinct filled with gourmet restaurants. After lunch at leisure, explore the majestic 17th‑century fortress of Nagoya Castle, built by the Tokugawa shogunate. Wander through the lavish interiors of Honmaru Palace, see the famous golden shachihoko, and stroll through the immaculate gardens framing the impressive castle exterior.

Then, discover the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, located in a former Toyota factory. Learn about the evolution of industrial technologies as you move through the Textile Machinery Pavilion and Automobile Pavilion. This evening, you’ll have the chance to sample the region’s renowned Hida beef at a local restaurant.

Depart for Inuyama Naritasan Daisho-ji Temple and on arrival, take part in a Signature Experience. Then, visit the castle town of Inuyama and join a guided tour of Karakuri Museum, admiring a range of Karakuri mechanical dolls, some used on floats during the Inuyama Festival. Enjoy live demonstrations of these mechanical dolls in motion. Admire the exceptional craftsmanship of these national treasures.

The next stop is Dondenkan, an exhibition showcasing Inuyama's famous spring festival parade floats. Gaze in awe at the intricate designs decorated with lacquer, gold leaf and carvings. Other exhibits include traditional costumes and displays of this vibrant centuries-old event. Next, enjoy lunch at your leisure in the castle town and choose from a selection of food stalls brimming with local specialties including miso katsu. Lighter snack or sweets are also available in surrounding cafes.

This afternoon, visit the Seki Hamono (blade) Museum dedicated to Japan's long history of traditional blade-making. Delight in a live demonstration of a master swordsmith and their apprentices at work. See what it takes to hammer steel in an authentic hammering experience.

Signature Experience — Goma Fire Ritual

Observe a Goma Fire Ritual, a traditional Buddhist Ceremony enacted to optimise good fortune and eradicate negative influences. See the sacred burning of wooden prayer tablets accompanied by the mesmerising chanting of monks. Immerse yourself in this atmospheric ritual as you gain insight into this Shingon Buddhist tradition.

Today you’ll visit the World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go en route to Kanazawa. Some of the village’s famous gassho-zukuri farmhouses date back more than 250 years, and you’ll stop at Nagase House to gain a deeper insight into the traditional homes before strolling around the peaceful village. Continue to Kanazawa and the marvellous Kenroku-en garden, ranked one of the top three gardens of Japan. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Enjoy your choice of restaurant for dinner. 

Freedom of Choice Dining – Benkay

Enjoy Kanazawa’s best seasonal produce in a relaxing setting at Japanese restaurant Benkei. This traditional sushi, grill and tempura counter presents an incredible range of dishes that offer a true taste of Japan. 

Freedom of Choice Dining – La PLAGE

Indulge in an elegant European dinner at La PLAGE, nestled on the top floor of your luxury hotel in Kanazawa. 

Start your day in the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa’s largest geisha district. Enjoy some free time to explore the area, before visiting the traditional Shima teahouse. Following lunch, be transferred to the train station to board a bullet train to Tsuruga, then change to a limited express train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, walk to your nearby accommodation and settle in before savouring a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

An exciting day of sightseeing lies ahead. Set out for Arashiyama this morning, climbing aboard a rickshaw for a ride past Nonomiya Shrine and the spectacular Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the famous Kinkakuji temple, commonly known as the Golden Pavilion for its gold-leaf-covered upper floors. You’ll then visit historic Nijo Castle before returning to your hotel and spending the evening at your leisure.

Begin your day with a special Signature Experience. In the afternoon, head out on your chosen Freedom of Choice activity before returning to your hotel.  

Signature Experience – Japanese Tea Ceremony

Delve into traditional Japanese culture with a special tea ceremony experience. Learn all about tea varieties and the importance and process of serving tea to guests in Japan. Enhance your experience by taking part in the ceremony wearing a festive kimono and gain a better understanding of the variety of kimonos used across different occasions. 

Freedom of Choice – E-Bike Cycling Tour

Cycle through the Miyagawacho and Gion geisha districts and spot a geisha or maiko as they dash between appointments. Admire the weeping willow trees that line the Shirakawa canal, passing beautiful Kyoto-style tea houses. Then head to the Imperial Palace Park and immerse yourself in their immaculate gardens. Cycle back to Kyoto station via the Kamogawa River. Ride beneath the cherry blossoms as they bloom in spring and in summer, see restaurant balconies buzzing as patrons look onto the river.

Freedom of Choice – Nishiki Market and Japanese Sweets Workshop

Delve into Kyoto's rich culinary heritage and culture on a visit to Nishiki Market, a bustling strip lined with more than one hundred eateries and businesses. Indulge in the world of gastronomy including fresh seafood, produce, cookware and regional specialties. Learn how to make Kyoto-style wagashi (sweets) and savour the taste of your creations over a cup of green tea. Then, head to a historic confectionary shop known for selling exquisite sweets and once serving the Imperial household.

Freedom of Choice – Adventurous River Ride Tour (Hozu River Boat Ride)

Cruise along the Hozu River on a scenic boat ride and soak in panoramic views of valleys and mountains as skilled boatmen navigate the currents using centuries‑old techniques. Enjoy the seasonal highlights of the surrounding wilderness as you wind through the dramatic landscapes.

This morning, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to more than 10,000 red torii gates. Dedicated to Inari, this is the most important of the many shrines honouring the Shinto god of rice. Fox statues adorn the grounds, as foxes are believed to be the deity’s messengers. The shrine predates the capital’s relocation to Kyoto in AD 794.

Then, visit Nara, Japan’s former capital for 74 years. Admire the temples and shrines built during this era, including Tōdai-ji temple, one of the world’s largest wooden structures and home to Japan’s largest Buddha statue. Explore Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely and bow their heads to visitors.

Your next stop is Naramachi, Nara’s beautifully preserved former merchant district. Wooden townhouses dating back to the Edo period line the narrow streets. Soak up the elegant simplicity of traditional Japanese architecture, and discover hidden temples and local shops selling handicrafts as you wander through the lanes.

Enjoy a Signature Experience tonight.

Signature Experience – Dinner with a Maiko or Geisha

A special night of private entertainment with a maiko or geisha awaits. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and drinks and have the chance to learn more about geisha and their daily life, all accompanied by music played on a shamisen, a traditional stringed instrument. 

Today, walk to Kyoto Station to board a First Class Shinkansen bound for Himeji. On arrival, visit World Heritage-listed Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic and architecturally significant castles. Explore this remarkable historic site, which has survived war, fire and multiple natural disasters.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, journey on to a sake brewery for a Signature Experience. Return to the train station for another first-class bullet train journey to Okayama. Discover the city at leisure in the afternoon and evening after checking into your hotel. Tonight, savour a French dinner at your hotel.

Signature Experience – Sake Tasting

Delight in a tour and delicious tasting at a traditional sake brewery in Himeji.

Head to Kurashiki this morning by coach and embark on a walking tour of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Immerse yourself in the town’s atmospheric streets, where 400‑year‑old traditional buildings contrast with contemporary riverside views along the Kurashiki River. White plaster walls, namako walls and graceful rows of willows line these picturesque lanes. Savour lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying time at leisure to explore Kurashiki at your own pace. You may choose to wander through art museums, visit cultural landmarks, relax in a cosy cafe or browse distinctive local fashion and crafts along Denim Street. Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

In the morning, explore the spacious and intricately designed Kōrakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Afterwards, board a First Class Shinkansen for a comfortable journey to the historic city of Hiroshima.

This afternoon, take time to reflect on the sombre atmosphere of the Peace Memorial Park, located at ground zero of the atomic bomb dropped on the city on 6 August 1945. Walk through the park and discover the various memorials and monuments before a moving visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Later, head to Hiroshima Orizuru Tower and take in the expansive views of the surrounding cityscape. Tonight, enjoy a buffet dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast, visit Shukkeien Garden, a beautifully landscaped retreat whose name means “shrunken‑scenery garden”. Designed to represent miniature landscapes, including mountains, valleys and forests, this serene setting offers a peaceful start to your morning. Afterwards, indulge in an okonomiyaki experience, savouring pancakes prepared in the traditional Hiroshima style.

Then, board a ferry to Miyajima Island and visit the World Heritage‑listed Itsukushima Shrine, a sacred site of Shintoism. This remarkable location is renowned for its partially submerged floating torii gate, an enduring symbol of Japan’s spiritual culture. Stroll around the island before enjoying an evening at leisure in Hiroshima.

After breakfast, walk to Hiroshima Station and board a First Class Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kurume, where you’ll have free time for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a special Signature Experience.

Tonight, soak up the atmosphere at a local izakaya, where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner to toast your incredible Japanese journey with your new‑found friends.

Signature Experience — Serene Boat Ride

Embark on a serene boat ride along the scenic canals of Yanagawa, passing traditional homes and arched stone bridges as the soft sounds of water lap gently against your charming boat.

This morning, depart for Yufuin where you'll stroll along Yunotsubo Kaido, a charming street lined with traditional shops, cafés, and local craft boutiques. Known for its nostalgic atmosphere, this lively area offers a chance to sample regional treats and browse handmade goods. Walk to peaceful Lake Kinrin, nestled at the base of Mount Yufu. Surrounded by trees and gentle walking paths, it offers a calm setting for a leisurely stroll, with clear water reflecting the changing seasons and koi swimming near the surface. Then, continue to Japan's premier hot spring destination, Beppu. Famous for its steaming vents, diverse baths, and the striking “Hells of Beppu,”, Beppu offers relaxation, scenic beauty, and unique cultural experiences.

Visit the Jigoku Onsen Museum, where you'll learn how a single raindrop transforms over decades into Beppu’s iconic hot spring water. Through immersive projection mapping and interactive exhibits, you’ll experience the hidden world beneath the volcanic landscape and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s geothermal wonders. Savour a lunch made from Jigokumushi, a traditional Beppu cooking method using natural hot steam from the springs. This afternoon, enjoy a Signature experience before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Signature Experience — Beppu's famous Jigoku Meguri

Explore Beppu’s famous Jigoku Meguri on a tour of its striking hot spring sites known as the “Hells.” On this visit, you’ll see three of the most iconic — Chinoike Jigoku, Umi Jigoku, and Kamado Jigoku — each showcasing dramatic colors and geothermal power.

Savour a delicious breakfast, then travel to Kumamoto. After lunch, explore Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive and historically significant castles. Originally built in the early 1600s by the feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa, it is renowned for its imposing stone walls, elegant black-and-white exterior, and ingenious defensive design.

Stroll through Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Known for its beautifully sculpted landscapes, peaceful ponds, and refined paths, the garden offers a serene escape into traditional Japanese aesthetics. As you walk the circular route, you’ll encounter graceful bridges, teahouses, and scenic viewpoints that showcase the garden’s timeless beauty.

Travel to Aso this morning, home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas and the active Mount Aso, set amid sweeping grasslands and dramatic peaks. This remarkable region reveals a landscape of striking contrasts, where vast open plains meet rugged volcanic terrain. Visit Kusasenrigahama, a sprawling grassland within the caldera, where gentle slopes and wide-open fields create a serene foreground to the surrounding peaks.

Savour lunch at a local restaurant before passing the iconic Komezuka, a perfectly formed volcanic cone. This afternoon, enjoy a special Signature Experience. Later, take in the view from Daikanbo, a spectacular vantage point overlooking Aso’s immense caldera and its ring of mountains. From here, the scale and beauty of this extraordinary landscape unfold in every direction.

Signature Experience — Tao no Oka / Japanese Taiko Drumming Performance

At Tao no Oka, experience the power and precision of a Japanese taiko drumming performance set against the scenic highlands of Aso. Dynamic rhythms, synchronised movement and centuries-old tradition come together in a stirring display of cultural expression, made all the more memorable by the sweeping natural backdrop.

Image: Japan Tourism Association

Travel to Shimabara Port by ferry before savouring a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Continue by coach to Dejima, a man-made island in the port of Nagasaki city, constructed in 1636 to segregate Portuguese residents from the Japanese population and control their missionary activities.

After breakfast, embark on your chosen Freedom of Choice activity. Later, stop at Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, a lively historic district where Chinese and Japanese cultures meet. Its colourful gates, lantern-lit streets, and inviting food stalls create a vibrant atmosphere as you experience one of Japan’s oldest international neighbourhoods. Continue to Fukuoka where you'll enjoy a special farewell dinner to reflect on your unforgettable journey through Japan.

Freedom of Choice — Nagasaki Peace Park Tour

Walk through the Nagasaki Peace Park, a tranquil memorial space honouring the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. Its thoughtful monuments and quiet pathways invite reflection on the city’s commitment to peace and the resilience of its people. Continue to the Atomic Bomb Museum, where powerful exhibits detail the events of 1945 and their lasting impact.

Freedom of Choice — Nagasaki’s Culture Tour

Visit Japan’s oldest surviving Christian church, Oura Church. Its graceful Gothic architecture and stained‑glass windows reflect a poignant history — this is where hidden Christians revealed their long‑preserved faith after centuries of secrecy. Stroll through Glover Garden, a peaceful hillside park where Western‑style residences overlook Nagasaki Harbour. Its historic homes offer a glimpse into the city’s early international ties.

Your journey finishes today after breakfast with a transfer to Fukuoka Airport for your onward flight.