Japan Express

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with restaurants and karaoke bars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not head out for an optional dinner to try some local food and experience the nightlife in this amazing city? You might like to finish the night with a drink at a traditional Japanese izakaya (casual bar) – ask your leader for their favourites.

This morning, venture out with your small group to explore the buzzing Shibuya area, where you’ll check out one of the busiest intersections in the world. Next, visit Meiji Shrine – enter via a massive torii (gate) and notice the sights and sounds of the city fade away as you enter the tranquil forest. After, explore the Harajuku district, the home of quirky youth pop culture. In your free time this afternoon, maybe wander through the historic Asakusa area – one of the older and more traditional parts of Tokyo. Here you can stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, which was founded almost 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. This evening, you've got endless options for dinner – how about a steaming bowl of ramen, crispy tonkatsu (pork cutlet) or snacks and beer at (another) izakaya?

Today, it’s time to leave Tokyo and travel by shinkansen to Hiroshima and explore this city with a sobering but important history. You'll visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome, which stands testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was the target for the first ever wartime use of the atomic bomb. The dome was just metres from where the bomb detonated, so the fact that it looks almost exactly as it did after the bombing has made it an enduring symbol of peace. You could also visit the Peace Memorial Museum yourself, which displays items left behind by the victims and holds permanent exhibitions about both the history of Hiroshima and the horrors of nuclear warfare. This evening, maybe try one of the city’s signature dishes for dinner – okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake of egg, cabbage, soba noodles and meat or seafood.

Today you'll make your way to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' torii gate. While here, you might like to climb (or hop on the cable car) to the top of Mt Misen for 360-degree views of the Inland Sea. Then, you’ll return to Hiroshima for a free afternoon. You could stop by the five-storey Hiroshima Castle, which dates back to the 1590s. It was destroyed by the bomb but was reconstructed in the 1950s and is now a museum. Shukkeien Garden, with its graceful teahouses and waterfalls, is also a perfect place to decompress from sightseeing. Or, you could watch the local baseball and soccer teams in action if you’re lucky enough to be in town when there’s a match on. Ask your leader for other tips and suggestions – there’s plenty to see and do.

This morning, jump back on the shinkansen to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo ('tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in AD794, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years, and with over 2000 temples, shrines and gardens, there’s a lot to explore. When you arrive, you’ll visit the Kinkakuji Temple – also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’, the two top floors of this temple are covered in gold leaf. After, you’ll have some free time – maybe get acquainted with Kyoto by walking through its historic neighbourhoods. This evening, go on a guided walk through the Pontocho and Gion areas – the famous geiko (geisha) districts. Even today, you can observe the age-old tradition of geiko visiting members of the wealthy elite – this unfolds in small teahouses tucked away in tiny back streets. For those who are keen, you can also choose to attend the Gion Corner cultural centre, where you can watch some Japanese performing arts, like flower arranging and the Lion Dance.

Today is free for you to explore at your own pace. With its many landmarks and historical sites and an abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is also a city that lends itself to walking, and there are plenty of paths to follow – ask your leader for their recommendations. Maybe head out of the city to Fushimi Inari and hike up the mountain for a view of Kyoto city. If you’re visiting in spring, head to the theatre for a presentation of Miyako Odori (the Cherry Blossom Dance) performed by elaborately dressed maiko (apprentice geisha). Maybe check out the excellent local treats at Nishiki Market, or talk a walk on the Philosopher's Path with a visit to Ginkaku-ji. Kiyomizu-dera is fabulous to visit in the autumn.

Today, make the most of your last day in Kyoto. If you haven’t done so already, you may like to see Japan’s largest pagoda at Toji Temple, or you could visit the imposing and opulent Nijo Castle – former home to the Tokugawa Shoguns who had power over the country during the Edo period. You can also check out the ‘nightingale floors’ of Ninomaru Palace, which squeak to warn of intruders. From the castle, it’s a short bus ride to Ryoan-ji, perhaps Japan’s most acclaimed Zen garden, where carefully placed rocks sit in an immaculately raked sea of gravel. For some local shopping, there’s Kyoto’s Handicraft Centre – a great spot to pick up some souvenirs with a fine selection of woodblock prints, yukata (light cotton robes), jewellery and pottery. Tonight, why not head out for karaoke with your new friends, or maybe splash out on a kaiseki meal in a ryotei (small restaurants serving traditional multi-course cuisine).