Itinerary
- Day 1
Kyoto
You'll arrive in Kyoto and get settled into your accommodation. There's a welcome meeting at 6 pm, so if you land early, wander around the surrounding streets and get a feel for the city. Before the meeting, grab some traditional Japanese food if you're hungry and have time.
Optional Activities
- Explore Kyoto streets on foot
- Dine at traditional Japanese restaurant
Landmarks Kyoto 
- Day 2
Kyoto
Start at Nijo Castle to see the famous 'nightingale floors' and then visit the quiet Ryoan-ji Zen garden. Next, head to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Golden Pavilion with its striking reflection. In the evening, walk through Gion district where geisha still work. You can try a traditional tea ceremony or kaiseki dinner if that interests you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Nijo Castle
- Visit Ryoan-ji Zen Garden
- Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Walk through Gion District
Optional Activities
- Tea ceremony at Gion teahouse
- Kaiseki dinner at ryotei restaurant
Landmarks Nijo Castle Ryoan-ji Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Gion District 
- Day 3
Kyoto
This day is yours to explore Kyoto however you like. The Path of Philosophy takes you through eastern hills connecting several temples and ending at Kiyomizu-dera for nice views over the city. Or check out Higashi Honganji Temple or Sanjusangendo with its 1001 Kannon statues. If it's spring, catch the Miyako Odori performance. Later, browse shops or grab dinner in the Kawaramachi or Shijo Dori area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk Path of Philosophy through eastern hills
- Visit Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion) - JPY500
- Visit Nanzen-ji Temple - Free
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) - JPY400
- Attend Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom Dance) performance (spring)
- Visit Higashi Honganji Temple
- Visit Sanjusangendo
- Shop or dine in Kawaramachi or Shijo Dori
Landmarks Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion) Nanzen-ji Temple Kiyomizu-dera (Temple of Clear Water) Higashi Honganji Temple Sanjusangendo - Day 4
Kyoto to Koya-san
Take a train to Koya-san, a major Buddhist center with around 120 temples set high in the mountains at 915 m. You'll explore Okunoin cemetery with its 200,000 stone statues and memorials. Check into a shukubo temple lodging where you'll meet monks, learn about traditional Japanese customs, and have vegetarian monastic food for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Monastic vegetarian cuisine)
Included Activities
- Visit Okunoin Cemetery
- Stay at Shukubo Temple Lodging
Optional Activities
- Visit Kongobu-ji Temple - JPY1000
Landmarks Koya-san Okunoin Cemetery - Day 5
Koya-san to Hiroshima
Head down by cable railway and travel to Osaka, then board a shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Stop in Himeji to explore its famous samurai castle with impressive defensive features and a view from the seventh floor. Keep going to Hiroshima for dinner, trying okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) dinner together)
Included Activities
- Visit Himeji Castle
Landmarks Himeji Castle 
- Day 6
Hiroshima
Spend your morning at the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which honors those lost in the 1945 atomic bombing. The preserved dome is a symbol of peace and the museum has educational displays. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Miyajima island to see the bright orange torii gate rising from the water at Itsukushima shrine. Walk through Momiji Park and optionally take a cable car up Mt Misen. Head back to Hiroshima for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome
- Visit Peace Memorial Park
- Visit Peace Memorial Museum
- Visit Miyajima Island
- Visit Itsukushima Shrine
Optional Activities
- Explore Momiji Park (Maple Valley)
- Cable car to Mt Misen
Landmarks Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome Peace Memorial Park Miyajima Island Itsukushima Shrine Momiji Park Mt Misen - Day 7
Hiroshima to Tsumago
Take a bullet train to Nagoya, then switch to an express train heading north into the mountains. You'll arrive at Tsumago, a well-preserved medieval post town on the historic Nakasendo Highway. Walk a short section of the old highway from Magome through scenic valley views. Stay in a traditional ryokan and have authentic dinner cooked there.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional dinner cooked in the ryokan)
Included Activities
- Walk Nakasendo Highway from Magome to Tsumago
Optional Activities
- Explore Tsumago town
Landmarks Tsumago Nakasendo Highway Magome - Day 8
Tsumago to Matsumoto
Spend the morning in Tsumago checking out local shops and the town itself. Then board a train north to Matsumoto, a castle town that balances history with a modern feel. Wander Nakamachi, the old merchant district with preserved buildings, local crafts and restaurants. Optionally visit Matsumoto Castle, the oldest original castle in Japan. Try local soba noodles and wasabi treats for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Matsumoto Castle (Crow Castle) - JPY700
- Browse Nakamachi merchant district
- Sample local soba noodles
- Purchase wasabi-based treats
Landmarks Matsumoto Matsumoto Castle Nakamachi - Day 9
Matsumoto to Tokyo
Travel by express train to Tokyo. Check into your hotel and explore at your own pace. Walk around the Imperial Palace and its moat, find museums and historic temples tucked into unexpected spots, or wander neighborhood backstreets where locals hang out. The parks are particularly nice in spring with cherry trees and azaleas blooming. Pick dinner from Tokyo's many food options.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Imperial Palace grounds - Free
- Explore museums
- Shop in world-class shopping districts
- Visit temples and shrines
- Explore neighborhood backstreets
- Visit parks and gardens
- Dine at various restaurants
Landmarks Imperial Palace 
- Day 10
Tokyo
Start in Asakusa, the older and more traditional temple area, and visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. Browse the Nakamise shopping street for treats, crafts and souvenirs. After lunch, relax on a short Sumida River cruise passing Sky Tree Tower, the Asahi Beer Hall and the old Tsukiji Fish Market before arriving at Hama Rikyu gardens. Later, head to Ginza's shopping district for possible Kabuki performances or check out department store food basements.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Senso-ji Temple
- Browse Nakamise shopping street
- Cruise Sumida River
- Visit Hama Rikyu Garden
Optional Activities
- Watch Kabuki performance in Ginza (subject to theater schedule)
- Visit Ginza department store food depachika
Landmarks Senso-ji Temple Nakamise Sumida River Sky Tree Tower Asahi Beer Hall Sumo Stadium Hama Rikyu Garden Ginza 
- Day 11
Tokyo
Your Japan trip comes to an end. Check out of your accommodation whenever you're ready since there are no activities planned. Depart when it works for you, or contact your booking agent if you want to add more days to your stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
