Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival
You'll make your own way to the hotel where your Holiday Director will be waiting for you. Once you arrive, there's a welcome meeting that evening to get oriented and meet the rest of the group.
- Day 2
Tokyo
An included tour takes you through Tokyo's different sides, starting with Tokyo Tower's Observation Deck where you might catch a view of Mount Fuji if the weather cooperates. From there, you'll see the Imperial Palace area and the 7th-century Asakusa Sensoji Temple. Later you'll ride in an authentic rickshaw before heading to dinner aboard a traditional Yakatabune boat cruising the Sumida River with nice views.
- Meals
- Dinner (Yakatabune boat dinner cruise on Sumida River with city views)
Included Activities
- Tokyo city tour
- Tokyo Tower Observation Deck visit
- Imperial Palace area viewing
- Asakusa Sensoji Temple visit
- Authentic rickshaw ride
- Yakatabune boat dinner cruise on Sumida River
Landmarks Tokyo Tower Imperial Palace Asakusa Sensoji Temple Mount Fuji - Day 3
Atami
You're heading to Mount Fuji for a cruise on Lake Ashi to see the peak from the water. After that, a cable car takes you up to Owakudani in the volcanic valley where you can see active sulphur vents and hot springs. Then you'll visit the natural thermal springs at Atami Onsen before settling in for the night at the seaside spa resort there.
Included Activities
- Lake Ashi cruise
- Cable car travel to Owakudani
- Owakudani volcanic valley visit
- Atami Onsen thermal springs visit
Landmarks Mount Fuji Lake Ashi Owakudani Atami Onsen - Day 4
Atami to Kyoto
The Bullet Train carries you to Kyoto for a three-night stay in the 'city of ten thousand shrines'. You'll check out the Golden Pavilion, a temple covered entirely with pure gold leaf, and tour the Heian Shrine with its massive entrance gate and beautiful Japanese gardens. Later you can explore the Gion area, Kyoto's most famous Geisha district where teahouses line the streets.
Included Activities
- Bullet Train journey to Kyoto
- Golden Pavilion temple visit
- Heian Shrine tour
- Gion area sightseeing
Landmarks Golden Pavilion Heian Shrine Gion - Day 5
Kyoto
You'll continue exploring Kyoto by visiting Kiyomizu Temple, which sits on a mountainside and is supported by wooden pillars. After that, head to Fushimi, the traditional sake-brewing district, for a brewery tasting. Fushimi Inari shrine complex is next, with its winding mountain trails and countless stone fox statues. The day finishes with a traditional Uji Japanese tea ceremony.
Included Activities
- Kiyomizu Temple visit
- Fushimi Sake Brewery visit and tasting
- Fushimi Inari shrine visit
- Traditional Uji Japanese tea ceremony
Landmarks Kiyomizu Temple Fushimi Inari - Day 6
Osaka - Kyoto
You're off to Nara, the 'City of Temples', to see Todaiji Temple with its enormous bronze Buddha statue and the Deer Park where hundreds of deer roam freely. In the afternoon, head to Osaka to photograph Osaka Castle. The Umeda Floating Garden comes next, a striking building with an observatory on the 39th floor, followed by time exploring the shops and restaurants of Dontonbori before returning to Kyoto.
Included Activities
- Nara city visit
- Todaiji Temple visit
- Deer Park visit
- Osaka Castle photography stop
- Umeda Floating Garden visit
- Dontonbori shopping area visit
Landmarks Todaiji Temple Nara Deer Park Osaka Castle Umeda Floating Garden Dontonbori - Day 7
Kyoto to Hiroshima
The Bullet Train takes you to Hiroshima, a city with lots of interesting history and sights. You'll head to Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most scenic locations, known for its floating shrine of Itsukushima. Later in the day, you'll try your hand at making okonomiyaki, a unique Japanese savory dish that's often called a pancake or pizza but is really quite different.
Included Activities
- Bullet Train journey to Hiroshima
- Miyajima Island visit
- Itsukushima shrine visit
- Okonomiyaki-making experience
Landmarks Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine - Day 8
Hiroshima
This day focuses on Hiroshima's significant historical sights. You'll visit Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Museum, which document the city's nuclear bombing in World War II. The A-Bomb Dome, the skeletal remains of the old Industrial Promotion Hall, is left standing as a memorial. You'll also see the beautiful Shukkeien Garden, a miniature landscape garden that was restored after bombing damage. Then explore the well-preserved canal area of Kurashiki with its converted storehouses turned into boutiques and cafés.
Included Activities
- Peace Memorial Park visit
- A-Bomb Museum visit
- A-Bomb Dome viewing
- Shukkeien Garden visit
- Kurashiki canal area visit
Landmarks Peace Memorial Park A-Bomb Dome Shukkeien Garden Kurashiki - Day 9
Hiroshima to Kobe
You're heading to Kobe for an overnight stay. On the way, you'll pass by Himeji Castle, a fantastic hillside complex from 1333. Once in Kobe, you can explore at your own pace, visiting the Harbourland shopping complex or taking the Shin-Kobe Ropeway cable car for views over the city. By evening, you'll gather with everyone for an authentic farewell dinner together.
- Meals
- Dinner (Authentic farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Himeji Castle viewing
- Farewell dinner
Optional Activities
- Harbourland shopping and entertainment complex visit
- Shin-Kobe Ropeway cable car ride
Landmarks Himeji Castle Harbourland - Day 10
Departure
Your trip concludes in Kobe as you say goodbye to your fellow travelers and head home.
