Japan Uncovered

For those wanting to get under the skin of Japan and explore this captivating country in depth, this is the itinerary for you. Let us take you on a journey through Japan showcasing the traditional, contemporary, historical and rural delights of this enthralling country. This itinerary is ideal for those wanting some independence as you travel through Japan on high-speed bullet trains.

1. Fly to Tokyo

2. Days 1-4: Tokyo

   This action-packed itinerary begins in Tokyo. After settling into the Conrad Tokyo hotel, your base for the next 3 nights, your private guide will ease you into this enthralling city, first taking you to the station to activate your rail pass and pre-booking your train seats for your journey across Japan. Begin your tour this afternoon exploring Meiji Jingu, a very popular shrine and a sanctuary of calm, surrounded by lush green vegetation and towering trees. Stroll down the ancient Japanese gardens of Imperial Palace and then let your senses guide you down Takeshita Street in Harajuku, a fascinating melting pot of cultures, fashion and tastes. Your guide will take you to a traditional restaurant for the evening before you head back to your hotel. The following days you can explore this city at your own pace; embark on an anime or pop culture tour or spend an afternoon exploring Old Tokyo and meander down it’s cobble streets, observing preserved ancient shrines. 

   Accommodation: Conrad Tokyo (3 nights)

3. Days 4-5: Hakone

   Now for a change of pace to board a high-speed bullet train to the city of Odawara where you will change to the local Hakone-Yumoto line for a short 20-minute journey to Hakone. Arriving in Hakone, you will find yourself encompassed by verdant forests and be astonished at the spectacular views of the iconic, snow-capped Mount Fuji. Crossing over a suspension bridge, you’ll arrive at the remarkable Yama No Chaya inn, standing amongst bamboo thickets. This afternoon you can head up to Mt Owakudani by cable car, and as you glide up you can observe the sulfuric hot springs beneath you. Take to the water on Lake Ashinoko onboard a pirate ship, a very quirky experience cruising through this stunning lake. In the evening head back to your hotel and plunge into tranquillity in the open-air hot springs and then relish on mouth-watering cuisine.

   Accommodation: Yama No Chaya (1 night)

4. Days 5-7: Takayama

   Today you will make your way back to Odawara where you will take your bullet train to Takayama via Nagoya, arriving in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Takayama is nestled in the verdant mountains and has a wonderfully preserved old town that you can explore. You’ll also get the chance to visit the World Cultural Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, an astonishing Japanese mountain settlement made up of traditional style houses, designed with steep thatched roofs. Visit a local brewery and sip on sake, which is highly regarded in this region due to the pristine waters from the mountains. 

   Accommodation: Hotel Associa Takayama (2 nights)

5. Days 7-9: Kanazawa

   This morning you will take a direct coach to Kanazawa, passing beautiful, remote scenery on the way. For the next two nights you will stay in Kanazawa on Honshu’s northern coast, otherwise known as “little Kyoto”. Famed for delectable sushi, charming geisha and samurai districts and a distinctive arts and craft scene, Kanazawa is one of our favourite cities in Japan. Don’t miss a stroll through Kenrokuen; meander through these gardens, observing intricate structures and staggeringly beautiful scenery.

   Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel (2 nights)

6. Days 9-11: Hiroshima

   This morning you’ll take the bullet train across the country to Hiroshima via Kyoto and Shin-Kobe. Your base for the next two nights is the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima and during your time here you will explore the city and the captivating island of Miyajima. Take a ferry over to this island and enjoy this astonishingly beautiful area and the peaceful shrines encased by the forests surrounding you.  At high tide, gaze out across the river as the spectacular torii gates of the Itsukushima Shrine appear to be floating out to sea.  
   
   Amble down the treelined avenues of Hiroshima and go on an emotional journey through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, as you learn about the nuclear bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. 

   Accommodation: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel (2 nights)

7. Days 11-14: Kyoto

   This all-encompassing journey ends with three days in Japan’s cultural melting pot, Kyoto. Steeped in mystery, the city is brimming with traditional architecture, geisha districts and nature trails leading to intricate shrines. Enjoy your time in Kyoto at your own pace. Stand amid the towering Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and take one of the paths leading to secluded viewpoints of the forested valleys surrounding you. Meander through thousands of vibrant orange torii gates encasing a network of trails in the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Let us book you an expert guide in Geisha culture to explore the enthralling streets of Kyoto and top off your adventure in Japan enjoying a private tea ceremony through the eyes of a Geisha.

   Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kyoto (3 nights)

8. Fly home from Osaka

Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kyoto