18 Day Treasures of Japan Small Group Tour

Welcome to Japan! Your incredible journey begins in Sapporo. Please make your own way to the hotel, where you will check in and have the rest of the day to settle in and explore your surroundings. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. Arrival & Check-in informationThe easiest and most convenient way to travel from Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) is to book airport transfers using your Traveller Hub (booked 7+ days in advance). Alternatively, the airport has reliable public transport services into central Sapporo as well as the Limousine Bus which services many hotels in the central Sapporo area. For more information or assistance with these services, please check with the Passenger Information Desk after leaving the Baggage Claim area. 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.

After breakfast, you'll begin a full day of sightseeing in Sapporo. We'll start with a visit to the Historical Village of Hokkaido, a fantastic open-air museum that showcases buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Next, we will visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can learn about the history of beer in Japan and sample some local brews. The day concludes with free time to explore the bustling Susukino District, known for its lively entertainment and dining scene. Inspiring Highlights Historical Village of Hokkaido Sapporo Beer Museum Susukino District

After breakfast, we have an exciting travel day ahead of us. We'll begin by sending our main luggage ahead Aomori, so you'll only need to carry a small overnight bag for the next two nights. Then, we will travel by train to Shiraoi to visit the Upopoy Ainu Museum and Park. This beautiful site is dedicated to the history and culture of the Ainu people, Japan's indigenous population. Afterwards, we will continue our train journey to the city of Hakodate. This evening is yours to explore Hakodate. Inspiring Highlights Upopoy Ainu Museum and Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, our day of exploration in Hakodate begins. We will visit the iconic Goryokaku Tower, offering stunning panoramic views of the star-shaped fortress below. Next, we'll head to the charming Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse complex, filled with shops and restaurants. Our journey continues through the beautiful Motomachi Neighbourhood, famous for its Western-style architecture and sloping streets. In the afternoon, we will take the Mt Hakodate Ropeway for breathtaking views of the city. This evening is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Goryokaku Tower Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse Motomachi Neighbourhood Mt Hakodate Ropeway

After breakfast, we will travel to Aomori by bullet train. Upon arrival, we will begin our sightseeing, starting with a visit to the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, which is dedicated to the famous Nebuta Festival. We will then visit the Aomori Museum of Art, which showcases works by local artists. Our day concludes at the Sannai Maruyama Site, a fascinating archaeological site of a large Jomon-period settlement. Tonight, you have free time to explore Aomori Inspiring Highlights Nebuta Museum WA RASSE Aomori Museum of Art Sannai Maruyama Site Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours Your luggage will be available upon check in

After breakfast, we'll leave Aomori and travel to Hachinohe, where we'll visit the Towada Art Center, a contemporary art museum. After our visit, we'll experience a hands-on Japanese cooking class where we will hand-pick fresh ingredients and learn how to create some local cuisine. We will then continue to Appi Kogen for our overnight stay, where you will have the evening to explore this ski-town. Inspiring Highlights Japanese Cooking Experience Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, we'll continue our journey to Matsushima. Here, we'll embark on a serene Matsushima Bay cruise to admire the hundreds of pine-covered islands scattered across the water. We'll also visit Zuiganji Temple, a historically significant Zen Buddhist temple. Our day concludes with a bus ride to Sendai, where we will check into our hotel for the evening. Evening is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Matsushima Bay cruise Zuiganji Temple Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

Today after breakfast, we'll travel to the beautiful Aizu Wakamatsu. Our first stop is Ouchijuku, a beautifully preserved Edo period post town. Next, we'll visit the Suehiro Sake Brewery, where you will learn about the sake-making process and enjoy a tasting. The day concludes with a visit to the magnificent Tsuruga Castle, a symbol of the city's rich history. We'll then settle into our traditional ryokan for the night. Inspiring Highlights Ouchijuku Suehiro Sake Brewery Tsuruga Castle Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast, we'll begin our scenic travel day to Kanazawa, stopping along the way in Niigata and Toyama for a chance to stretch our legs and take in the local surroundings. We will then arrive in Kanazawa and check in to our hotel for the evening.You will have the evening to yourself, to explore this beautiful traditional city. Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, we will spend the day exploring the highlights of Kanazawa. We'll visit the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens. Next, we'll explore the historic Samurai Residence, offering a glimpse into the lives of the samurai. Our day concludes with a visit to the charming Higashi Chaya District, a well-preserved geisha district. This evening is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Kenrokuen Garden Samurai Residence Higashi Chaya District

After breakfast, we'll take the Thunderbird train to Osaka. Upon arrival, we will head to the hotel to drop off our bags and then head out to explore the vibrant Dotonbori Area, famous for its bright neon lights, entertainment and culinary scene. Tonight is yours for free time. Continue to explore the vibrant Dotonbori area or try some Okonomiyaki, the signature dish of the Kansai region. Inspiring Highlights Dotonbori Area Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast, we will travel by bullet train to Hiroshima. You will need to bring an overnight bag with you for the next two nights, as our main luggage will be left at the hotel in Osaka. Upon arrival, we will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing. We will then check into our hotel and you will have the rest of the day at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, we will take a ferry to the island of Miyajima, famous for its iconic 'floating' Itsukushima Shrine. We'll spend the day exploring the island before taking the ferry back to Hiroshima in the afternoon. You'll have a free evening to enjoy at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Itsukushima Shrine Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour

After breakfast, we'll take the bullet train to Himeji, where we will visit the spectacular Himeji Castle, widely considered to be Japan's finest surviving example of a feudal castle. We will then continue on to Osaka by bullet train, arriving in the afternoon. You'll have a free evening to enjoy at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Itsukushima Shrine Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hour

After breakfast, we will take the train to the beautiful city of Kyoto for a day of sightseeing. Our day will begin at the famous Arashiyama, known for its stunning bamboo grove and the Tenryuji Temple. We'll then visit Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous rock garden. We will then visit the Nishiki Market, a vibrant and bustling food market where you can explore and purchase local delicacies. Afterwards, we will travel back to Osaka by train for the evening. You'll have a free evening to enjoy at your leisure. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, we will travel by bullet train to the magnificent city of Tokyo. In the afternoon, we will embark on a half-day tour of Tokyo, exploring some of the city's highlights. Afterwards, we will check into our hotel for the evening. Enjoy an evening of leisure in this exciting city. Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

Today is a free day for you to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Perhaps you'd like to visit the serene Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple, or stroll through the beautiful Imperial Palace East Garden. Another option is to explore the trendy Harajuku district, where you can see the latest in Japanese fashion and youth culture. You might also like to visit the Tsukiji Outer Market for some delicious fresh seafood. Enjoy an evening of leisure.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Japan. Today, your incredible journey through Japan comes to an end. It's time to say goodbye to this incredible country and all the new friends you've made along the way. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Check-out and Departure InformationTravellers 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.