Classic Japan

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you have some free time, step out onto the streets for your first taste of this beautiful city. Bursting with urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, including its historical museums, world-class shopping (there’s some great vintage finds here!), bustling energy and futuristic architecture. You might like to visit the expansive grounds and moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, or one of the many parks and gardens that are particularly exquisite in spring when the cherry trees and azaleas are in bloom. After the meeting tonight, perhaps head out for your first taste of traditional Japanese food.

Take a full-day tour of the city today, beginning in the historic Asakusa area. This is one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo – it’s often called the temple district. Here, you’ll stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple. At Nakamise shopping street, browse the many interesting stalls filled with tasty treats, crafts and souvenirs. You’ll also experience a different view of Tokyo as you relax on a short cruise down the Sumida River. You’ll pass the Skytree Tower, Asahi Beer Hall, Sumo Stadium and the former Tsukiji Fish Market complex. Disembark at the Hama Rikyu gardens and stroll along paths where the Shoguns once hunted ducks in the feudal era. Later, make your way to the luxurious shopping district of Ginza. Depending on the theatre schedule, you may have the chance to see a short performance of Kabuki. Or, visit the depachika (basement-level food hall) of a department store to see the huge range of produce on display.

Wave goodbye to frenetic Tokyo and slip into the quieter pace of Minobu today. You’ll take a train to this small town near Mt Fuji, arriving around midday. Settle into your shukubo (temple stay) for the night – a sub-temple of Minobu’s main temple, Kuon-ji. More than 500 years old, Kuon-ji has a serene garden and hosts a range of activities like sutra copying (a Buddhist practice involving Japanese calligraphy) and meditation – speak to your leader if you’d like to opt into any of these activities during your free afternoon today. Or you could get out and about to start exploring this small yet charming town. Maybe climb the 287 steps to reach Kuon-ji or take the Minobusan Ropeway for a great view of the town and an unobstructed view of Mt Fuji on a clear day. For dinner at the temple tonight, you’ll tuck into traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine called shojin ryori.

If you’re up for an early start today, you can opt to observe the morning prayer ceremony at the temple. After breakfast, leave Minobu and travel to Gero, a centuries-old onsen town. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and head out on an orientation walk with your leader. For the next two nights, you’ll be staying in a ryokan hotel with both indoor and outdoor onsens. This is the perfect opportunity to experience the much-loved Japanese tradition of soaking your worries away in these steaming pools. Your leader will teach you about wearing a yukata and other etiquette for using the onsen. In the evening, enjoy a kaiseki feast (a traditional, multi-course meal featuring soup, sashimi, steamed and grilled courses, sides and freshly steamed rice).

This morning, visit the market, where you’ll learn about local ingredients and produce. You might also like to browse the stalls selling handcrafted ceramics and locally made specialties like sake. Next, head to Gassho Village – an open-air museum showcasing 10 preserved thatched-roof houses, including the historic Odo House. Recognised as an Important Cultural Property, this house displays agricultural tools used in silk production, giving you a glimpse at what agricultural life was like here in the mountains. You might also visit the Iwasaki House to see a collection of folkloric crafts or the Enkukan, which contains carved statues of Buddha. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Your leader will be ready with some great suggestions if you need help planning your day.

Travel to Kyoto by train. Originally called Heian-kyo (literally 'peaceful and tranquil capital'), Kyoto was named the national capital by Emperor Kammu in AD794. The city had its golden age as Japan’s capital for over 1000 years before the emperor and government were moved to the new capital of Tokyo. When you arrive, drop off your luggage and head straight to the famous red torii (gates) of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Thousands of these gates line a path up Mt Inari – make sure your phone or camera is charged for this classic Kyoto photo op! Return to your hotel in the afternoon, then set off on an orientation walk with your leader. Early this evening, regroup and take a step back in time on a walk through the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district. An entertainment district and the centre of geiko culture, Gion comes alive at night. If you’re lucky, you might spot geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) in their elaborate dress and make up.

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, immortalised in Yukio Mishima’s novel 'The Temple of the Golden Pavilion'. This temple is partially covered in gold leaf and has features of both the Shinden and Bukke architectural styles. Next, take part in a quintessential Kyoto experience – a tea ceremony. Learn about the rituals and tools involved in this ancient tradition and immerse your senses in the sounds, smells as flavours of the art form. Enjoy a free afternoon. Kyoto is a city that lends itself to walking – it’s highly recommended you take a gentle stroll through the nearby eastern hills along the Philosopher’s Path that links Ginkaku-ji (the Temple of the Silver Pavilion) with Nanzen-ji Temple. This walk can be extended south through well-preserved Old Town areas to Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Pure Water) from which there’s an acclaimed view across a wooded gorge toward Kyoto.