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Next: 21 JunThe adventure
From the towers and gadgets of Tokyo to the serenity of sacred shrines, this trip provides the perfect blend of guided excursions and free time to explore this fascinating region at your own pace. Linger in the gardens of Kyoto, shoot through the mountain air on a Shinkansen bullet train, and stay in a traditional ryokan for the ultimate in Japanese luxury. The adventure culminates with a two-day ascent of sacred Mt Fuji – reaching the nation's tallest peak just in time for an unforgettable sunrise.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Japan
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalWe highly recommend booking pre- or post-accommodation in Tokyo to take full advantage of this spectacular city.
We highly recommend booking pre- or post-accommodation in Tokyo to take full advantage of this spectacular city.
Day 2Arrive in Kanazawa and explore the city's well-preserved…Take a short train ride to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest, and it became a thriving center for culture and arts.
Take a short train ride to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town was Japan's wealthiest, and it became a thriving center for culture and arts.
Day 3Stroll through Keroku-enAfter strolling through the expansive gardens of Kenrokuen, opt to stop at the massive Kanazawa castle next door. Kanazawa is also home to many interesting museums, opt to visit one or learn more about local crafts. Loving the food in the city? Take a trip to the local seafood market to see where some of the fresh, tasty ingredients come from.
After strolling through the expansive gardens of Kenrokuen, opt to stop at the massive Kanazawa castle next door. Kanazawa is also home to many interesting museums, opt to visit one or learn more about local crafts. Loving the food in the city? Take a trip to the local seafood market to see where some of the fresh, tasty ingredients come from.
Day 4Arrive in picturesque Takayama and relax…Arrive in Takayama in the afternoon and begin taking in the beautiful scenery of this traditional city.
Arrive in Takayama in the afternoon and begin taking in the beautiful scenery of this traditional city.
Day 5Explore the Hida No Sato traditional folk villageEnjoy free time to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past in the thatched houses and rice fields. Opt to visit one of the markets or rent a bike and cycle out of the town centre and into the countryside.
Enjoy free time to explore this beautiful landscape. Discover traces of a feudal past in the thatched houses and rice fields. Opt to visit one of the markets or rent a bike and cycle out of the town centre and into the countryside.
Day 6Arrive in Hiroshima and visit the Peace Park…The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.
The large Peace Park in the centre of the city is an extremely moving place dotted with memorials of those killed by the atomic bomb and others who subsequently died. The burning flame in the park will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world have been destroyed. Take a tram ride through the city to reach Peace Park.
Day 7Take a ferry to the sacred island…Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating Torii Gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure. Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Here, view one of the most photographed sights in Japan— the floating Torii Gate. The shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier-like structure. Enjoy time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples. Sample local treats like maple leaf shaped cakes, and opt to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Day 8Travel to historic KyotoContinue on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse.
Continue on to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Walk around Gion and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha going from teahouse to teahouse.
Day 9Wander the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens before…
Wander the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens before visiting Kyoto's iconic Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion.
Day 10Spend a full free day discovering the Zen gardens
Spend a full free day discovering the Zen gardens, huge wooden temples, pagodas and shrines of Kyoto. Opt to enjoy the Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the Silver Pavilion, and take a leisurely stroll down the lovely Philosopher’s path to Nanzen-ji.
Day 11Visit Lake Kawaguchi and go for some optional walks
Visit Lake Kawaguchi and go for some optional walks. Enjoy an amazing multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinner and prepare for the next day's hike.
Day 12Arrive at Station 5 and begin your ascent…
Arrive at Station 5 and begin your ascent of this sacred mountain. To slow the pace and help with acclimatization, overnight at Station 8 and rest up before the final push to the summit in the morning.
Day 13Wake up early for the final stretch…TokyoAfter the arduous push to the summit, enjoy sunrise before hiking back down. Pick up your bags and travel by van to Kawaguchiko before a train to Tokyo. Today you can take in some more sights, visit the museums and gardens or do some shopping. Meet with the group later tonight for our last dinner together.
TokyoAfter the arduous push to the summit, enjoy sunrise before hiking back down. Pick up your bags and travel by van to Kawaguchiko before a train to Tokyo. Today you can take in some more sights, visit the museums and gardens or do some shopping. Meet with the group later tonight for our last dinner together.
Day 14Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.
Discover Japan
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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