13 Day Japan Uncovered

Upon arrival into Tokyo, please make your own way to the starting point hotel. Take the evening to relax after your flight and prepare for your first full day of touring tomorrow. 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.

Ensure you allow enough time to enjoy your breakfast and to meet your dedicated tour leader in the lobby at 9am. Your dedicated tour leader will introduce themselves to you, confirm insurance information and highlight any essential information about the tour ahead. Our exploration of Tokyo begins with a visit to Asakusa Sensoji Temple – the oldest temple in Tokyo – famous for its huge hanging lantern at the Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate). Then, we'll explore the outer grounds of 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. Built on the site of the old Edo Castle, it is surrounded by a large park, moats and massive stone walls. Come cherry blossom season, it is blanketed in a sea of pink blooms. No visit to Tokyo is complete with a visit to the famous Shibuya Crossing – the famed icon of the district alongside the Hachiko statue. This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner with our group. Inspiring Highlights Asakusa Sensoji Temple Imperial Palace Grounds Meiji Shrine Shibuya Crossing Welcome Dinner

Leaving Tokyo this morning we head to the national park region of Hakone. Our first stop is the Hakone Open Air Museum, which features a vast collection of modern and contemporary sculptures displayed throughout its scenic grounds, blending art with the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. We then stop at a scenic viewpoint to take in the majestic beauty of Mt Fuji (weather permitting). After our day in the Mount Fuji area we continue to Hamamatsu. Enjoy an evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Hakone Open Air Museum Mt Fuji viewing Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast, we head to Nara, famous for its many temples and its free-roaming deer. First, we visit Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple), one of Japan's most famous temples. This massive building houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha (Daibutsu). We then wander through Nara Park, home to hundreds of friendly Sika deer. We then continue to Osaka, where we'll 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. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Osaka. Inspiring Highlights Nara Park and Deer Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple Dotonbori Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After breakfast we'll depart Osaka to visit the so-called 'White Heron Castle', Himeji – it's the largest surviving example of a traditional Japanese castle. Comprising 83 buildings, the white roof of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex is said to evoke the wings of a heron taking flight, hence the popular name Shirasagi-jō (White Heron Castle). This is the most visited castle in Japan and the site offers some wonderful views of surrounding Himeji city. After our visit here we'll transfer to our hotel in Hiroshima. Inspiring Highlights Himeji Castle Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours

After breakfast this morning our guide will meet us in the hotel lobby. Together we'll board a ferry for the short trip to 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. Nearby, the Museum of History and Folklore has cultural artefacts in a 19th-century merchant's home. We'll take a walk along Omotesando Shopping Street where you can grab some lunch before returning to Hiroshima by ferry. Once we're back in Hiroshima we'll visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, otherwise known as the Genbaku Dome, or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. 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. Later, we'll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which contains many poignant, yet important, exhibits. The flame in the cenotaph is intended to burn until the last nuclear weapon has been destroyed. Inspiring Highlights Miyajima Island Atomic Bomb Dome Peace Park & Museum

We leave Hiroshima and start our day with a visit to Takamatsu, where you'll experience the art of making traditional udon noodles. Enjoy the hands-on experience and taste the delicious results of your efforts. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan's most famous historical gardens, known for its picturesque landscapes and meticulously manicured features. We continue to Kobe for an evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Udon Noodle Making Class Ritsurin Garden Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

We start our day travelling to Kyoto, where we visit Uji, a charming town known for its historic temples, serene river views, and renowned green tea culture. Here, we can enjoy a stroll through the picturesque streets, perhaps stopping for a traditional tea ceremony. Afterwards we'll visit the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine. Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii (shrine gates), which straddle a network of trails behind its main temples, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is incredibly photogenic. The trails lead into the forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233m and belongs to the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. We then visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold. The site is set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture of Kinkaku-ji incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen. This evening will be at your leisure in beautiful Kyoto. Inspiring Highlights Fushimi Inari Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, we begin our journey to Fukui, where we can all enjoy exploring Nihonkai Sakana Machi, a vibrant local seafood market offering a variety of fresh catches and local delicacies. Next, we visit Echizen Washi Village to learn about the traditional art of Japanese paper-making, known as "washi." Here, we observe the intricate crafting process and even have the chance to try making our own washi paper. We will then journey onto the traditional town of Kanazawa for an evening of leisure. Inspiring Highlights Nihonkai Sakana Machi Seafood Market Echizen Washi Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours

After breakfast we'll travel to Shirakawa-gō Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has more than 100 'Gassho-style' houses, which feature steeply-pitched roofs. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. From the site's observation deck you can enjoy a panoramic view of this unique village, its thatched-roof houses sitting among gorgeous mountain scenery. Later, we continue to Takayama, where we visit Takayama Old Town, famous for its well-preserved Edo-period streets, traditional wooden houses, and vibrant local shops. After soaking in the atmosphere of this historic area, we check in to our hotel. Inspiring Highlights Shirakawa-gō Village Takayama Old Town Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours

Today, we journey from Takayama to Shizuoka, stopping along the way to visit the Seki Swordsmith Museum. Here, we delve into the rich tradition of Japanese sword-making, learning about the craftsmanship and techniques passed down through generations. We witness the intricate process of forging samurai swords and gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication of the master swordsmiths. After this fascinating cultural experience, we continue to Shizuoka Inspiring Highlights Seki Swordsmith Museum Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours

We begin our day in Shizuoka with a visit to the Mount Fuji World Heritage Center, where we learn about the cultural significance, natural beauty, and history of Japan's iconic mountain. The centre offers exhibits and interactive displays, providing an immersive experience into the majestic presence of Mount Fuji. Later, we travel to Tokyo, where we prepare for a memorable farewell dinner to celebrate our journey, reflect on the experiences we've shared, and enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine. Inspiring Highlights Mt Fuji Viewing Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre Farewell Dinner Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Japanese adventure comes to an end. At an appropriate time, make your way to the airport for your flight home or embark on your own independent onward journey. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. 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 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 from 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 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.