14 Day Inspired Japan - A Premium Solo Small Group Journey

Welcome to Japan! On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Your journey through this magical land of contrasts begins in Osaka, a vibrant city renowned for its food culture. Known as tenka no daidokoro (the nation's kitchen), it's a dream for foodies. Try some of its famed street food like takoyaki (octopus and pickled ginger in batter), kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers) or Osaka-style okonomiyaki (a delicious savoury pancake). With friendly locals, it's the perfect welcome to this lovely country. 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.

Have an early breakfast this morning as we are expected to meet the group in the lobby at approximately 8:15am (confirm on arrival). We'lll then depart around 8:30am to travel the short distance to Nara. Visit Tōdai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), famed for its Great Buddha Hall, which remains one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. This impressive building houses a 15m-tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. Following this we'll wander through gorgeous Nara Park, where more than 1200 tame sika deer roam freely. We will then head back to Osaka and stop at Osaka Castle. We will then finish our day with a tour of Osaka's central food and entertainment area, Dotonbori, where we will also enjoy a welcome dinner together. Inspiring Highlights Tōdai-ji Osaka Castle Nara Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

This morning after breakfast we will take the super fast shinkansen bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto. Upon reaching Kyoto, we will first visit Kinkakuji, 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. Next 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. Return to the hotel this evening and find a local eatery for dinner. Inspiring Highlights Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion Fushimi Inari Shrine Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour

Today is a full free day to spend in Kyoto. This golden city was once the capital of Japan and sits on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Beautiful Geisha are often found in the Gion district. Some places you may want to visit are Heian Jingu (Heian Shrine), a magnificent green and red shrine with a massive torii gate at its entrnace; Sanjyusangendo (also known as Rengeo-in), a temple housing 1001 life size Buddhist Kannon deities dating back to the 13th century; Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage site; and Nanzenji, an important Zen temple with a turbulent history; or Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant vermillion torii gates.

This morning after breakfast we will visit Nijo Castle, the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, and a designated UNESCO world heritage site. Then we will make our way to Arashiyama to see Togetsu Bridge and the Bamboo Grove, iconic sights of Western Kyoto. We then continue to the city of Kanazawa on the northwestern shore of Honshu, once the base for the powerful Maeda clan. During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan's second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. This means that parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived. Inspiring Highlights Nijo Castle Arashiyama Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast we will explore the castle town of Kanazawa. First up is a visit to Omicho Market, where you can try some local favorites, such as fresh seafood and gold leaf ice cream. Next, we visit Kenrokuen Garden. This is one of Japan's three best landscape gardens, and is considered the most beautiful of them all. Finish up your day by taking a stroll down the streets of Higashi Chaya, a geisha district in Kanazawa known for its quaint old buildings and teahouses. Tonight, enjoy an included group dinner Inspiring Highlights Kanazawa castle Omicho Market Kenrokuen garden

This morning after breakfast we will 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. Afterwards, we continue to Takayama. You'll arrive at your hotel after a fulfilling day of sightseeing with the rest of your evening at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Shirakawa-gō Village Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

We depart for Nagano after breakfast, but first we'll stop at Kamisannomachi Street in Takayama's Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan. With houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868), as well as the charming architecture, there are several quaint cafés and a number of old saké breweries to explore. Then we will visit the open air museum of Hida Folk Village, followed by Takayama Jinya, the former local government office which was in use from 1692 right up until 1969. Next, we visit Matsuri no Mori (Festival Museum), an impressive museum about the famous Takayama Matsuri (festival) that is held twice a year in the town. Before leaving Takayama, we visit Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Exhibition Hall) where some of the centuries old festival floats are on display to the public. Upon finishing your tour in Takayama we travel to Nagano, home to nature walks, natural hot springs and never ending mountains. Inspiring Highlights Takayama's Old Town Nagano Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

This morning after breakfast we will head to Hokusai Museum to discover the great artworks of Katsuhika Hokusai (1760-1849), one of Japan's leading Edo period ukiyo-e painters. Then, we will depart for Zenkoji Temple, which was founded over 1,400 years ago. Continue on to Matsumoto, where you will have the opportunity to see one of Japan's last remaining original castles, Matsumoto Castle. Not far from the castle is Nakamachi Street, where you can see preserved shops, houses and warehouses. Inspiring Highlights Zenkoji Temple Matsumoto castle Special information Winter departures (January and February): You will visit the famous Snow Monkey Park in lieu of the Hokusai Museum. Witness Japanese macaque monkeys soaking in the onsen during the cold winter months. It's an adorable sight. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast we depart Matsumoto for the Mount Fuji area. Our first stop is at Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, well known for its serene, flower-lined walking path and its spectacular view of Mount Fuji. Then, stop by the eight ponds at Oshino Hakkai, a small village in the Fuji Five Lake region fed by the snow melt from the nearby mountains. See traditional thatched roof farmhouses and try some of the local delicacies. Stay the night in the Mount Fuji area and enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers. Inspiring Highlights Oishi Park Mount Fuji Oshino Hakkai Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

Today, after breakfast we depart Kawaguchiko. We travel by coach to visit Mount Fuji's 5th Station, which is halfway up the active volcano. Mount Fuji is the country's tallest peak and it is considered one of Japan's three holy mountains. Here, above the clouds, we'll view the mountain's enormous summit if weather permits. Then we will visit Gotemba Peace Park to capture another breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. Tonight, we will make our way to Tokyo, Japan's largest city and the nation's capital. Inspiring Highlights Mount Fuji Special information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

This morning after breakfast we will head to Tokyo Tower, which offers wonderful views of the surrounding city from its observation deck. Later, we visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, a shopping district adjacent to the enormous former wholesale fish market. This lively area is home to everything food-related – fresh ingredients, street food vendors, kitchen utensils. There's great sushi and other restaurants around here, too. This afternoon, a quick stop at Imperial Palace to see the famous Nijubashi Bridge before we will finish our day in the Shibuya Crossing, the incredible scramble that occurs every time the traffic lights turn red. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. Inspiring Highlights Tokyo Tower Tsukiji Outer Market Shibuya Crossing Imperial Palace

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 guide for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.

Today marks the end of your spectacular journey through Japan. At the appropriate time you will be transfererd 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.