11 Day Authentic Japan

Welcome to Japan! On arrival, please make your own way from the airport to your hotel. Your journey through this magical land of contrasts begins in Tokyo, a bustling metropolis known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. As Japan's capital, Tokyo offers an endless array of culinary delights. Indulge in its renowned street food such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), tempura (battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables), or Tokyo-style ramen (rich and flavorful noodle soup). Explore the vibrant neighbourhoods and savour the diverse food culture that makes Tokyo a paradise for food enthusiasts. With friendly locals, it's the perfect welcome to this lovely country. Arrival & Check-in information The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively, both airports have reliable public transport services into central Tokyo as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Tokyo area. For more information or assistance with these services, please check with the Passenger Information Desk after leaving the Baggage Claim area. Special information There are no scheduled activities today. If arriving prior to check-in time, which is usually from 2-3 pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the hotel and rest before touring commences tomorrow. Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Please meet in the hotel lobby for your welcome meeting this morning to discuss tour logistics and to give you a chance to meet your fellow travellers. A Welcome Letter with the meeting time will be provided upon arrival Following the meeting, you will begin your full-day coach tour of Japan's ultramodern capital - Tokyo! Our exploration of Tokyo begins with a visit to Asakusa Sensoji temple–the oldest temple in Tokyo–famous for its huge lantern hung at the Kaminarimon gate (Thunder Gate). We'll drive-by the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Previously home to samurai warriors, it's a sprawling complex with beautiful 17th-century parks in the heart of the city. Next, we'll venture into the vibrant neighbourhood of Shibuya, allowing you some time to explore at your leisure and discover a delightful local eatery for lunch (at your own expense). Nearby, we will visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Surrounded by green trees it's a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time exploring before retiring to our hotel for an evening at leisure.Inspiring Highlights Asakusa Sensoji temple Imperial Palace Shibuya Meiji Jingu Shrine

Today is a full free day in Tokyo. There is no end to the spectacular sightseeing and activities available to you, as Tokyo truly has something for everyone. Take as much time as you like to relax at your leisure, explore the city, shop for souvenirs and eat the delectable cuisine. Be sure to ask your tour leader for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.

After breakfast today we depart Tokyo and travel to Hakone. Away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone offers tranquillity among stunning natural scenery. Upon arrival at Hakone, enjoy a boat trip across the serene Ashinoko Lake, followed by taking a cable car up the mountains to the sulphur vents of Owakudani. You'll have spectacular views, and on a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji in the distance. Here we will enjoy lunch and make our way to the hotel in Hakone.Inspiring Highlights Ashinoko Lake Owakudani Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast we'll travel to Takayama, a charming Edo period town located in the Japanese alps. Upon arrival in Takayama, take a walk with your tour leader who will point out examples of beautiful traditional architecture as you explore the old part of town. During the walk, you will visit a local sake brewery and try different kinds of sake. You also learn how the town's isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene. The area is particularly famous for Hida beef, which comes from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed that has been raised in the Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. Stop off on your tour to sample delicious Hida beef sushi or skewers (own expense).Inspiring Highlights Sake brewery Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Before leaving Takayama this morning after breakfast we'll visit the Hida Folk Village, also known as Hida no Sato, which serves as an open-air museum that showcases over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region. Creating a charming village-like ambiance, the museum encompasses various structures including a former village leader's residence, logging huts, storage buildings, and numerous gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The term "gassho-zukuri" translates to "hands folded in prayer," aptly describing the steep thatched roofs resembling hands joined in prayer. These distinctive farmhouses were transported from nearby Shirakawago, a location renowned for its gassho-zukuri houses, which contributed to the region's recognition as a World Heritage site. Today's lunch will be at highway service stop, but in Japan, these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food, and then we continue to travel to Kyoto where the afternoon is at leisure.Inspiring Highlights Hida Folk Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

We'll see the sights of ancient Kyoto this morning after breakfast, starting with Kyoto's famed Fushimi Inari Shrine – known throughout the world as the ‘Path of the Red Gates.' Take time to appreciate the quieter corners of the shrine, and if you're feeling fit, a walk to the halfway point provides stunning city views. We'll continue onto some of Kyoto's most iconic sites, like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). This is a Zen temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold, set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. This afternoon, you have free time to explore the city on your own.Inspiring Highlights Fushimi Inari Shrine Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

After breakfast this morning, we spend the day travelling to Hiroshima. Upon arrival in Hiroshima, visit Miyajima, an island known for its forests and ancient temples. Just offshore, there's a 'floating' torii, which becomes partially submerged at high tide. It marks the entrance to the Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in the 12th century. Later, check in your hotel and relax in the evening. You might want to try a local famous dish okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat or seafood.Inspiring Highlights Floating torii gate Itsukushima Shrine Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

This morning after breakfast we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum. A shell of a building that was one of very few left standing after the United States bombed Hiroshima in 1945. In Hiroshima today, locals have mixed feelings about the UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure: some see it as a reminder of war, while others consider it a tribute to the lost that ensures we'll never forget the tragic events that took place here. Today's lunch will be at a highway service stop, but in Japan, these stops are renowned for offering high-quality food, After lunch, we continue our Japan adventure to Osaka. Upon arrival, you have free time to explore Osaka.Inspiring Highlights Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Museum Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. For those of you who would like to experience the Shinkansen bullet train, there is an option to take the train back to Osaka. Please discuss with your tour leader and they can arrange a ticket for you (own expense).

This morning after breakfast we'll enjoy a coach tour with our tour leader, with our destination beingNara. Enroute to Nara, we will stop at the impressive Todaji Temple, which holds a world record as the largest wooden building in the world, and houses one of Japan's largest buddha statues. You'll then have some time to stroll Nara Park amongst the wild roaming holy deers, where you'll then have some time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense). We'll also enjoy a walking tour of the Dōtonbori area. One of Osaka's most popular tourist destinations, this street runs parallel to the Dōtonbori canal and is a hugely popular destination for shopping, street food, bars and entertainment. At night the streets here are illuminated by hundreds of colourful neon lights and mechanised signs, including the famous running Glico Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab sign.Inspiring Highlights Todaiji Temple Nara Park Dōtonbori area

Today marks the end of your spectacular journey through Japan. At the appropriate time please make your own way to the airport for your flight home or embark on your own independent onward journey. Check-out and Departure Information Travellers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out is from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. The easiest and most convenient way to travel from your hotel to Osaka (Itami) International Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively both airports have reliable public transport services from central Osaka as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Osaka area. For more information or assistance with these services, please speak with your hotel reception or tour leader. Special information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.