Imagine Japan

Be enthralled by the vibrant energy of Tokyo as you gaze up at the towering, neon skyscrapers. Hike through the astonishingly beautiful forests and peaks of Hakone and Mount Fuji before plunging into serenity in an open-air hot spring. Feel the charm of Kyoto as you amble past age-old exquisite ryokans. Japan is a place of contrasts and this itinerary really highlights this in a relatively short and highly rewarding trip.

1. Fly to Tokyo

2. Days 1-4: Tokyo

   Delve into Tokyo, a city like no other. After settling into the Park Hotel, your base for the next 3 nights, your private guide will ease you into this mesmerizing city which is sure to give you a culture shock! 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’ll immerse yourself in this energetic city at your own pace; venture through Shinjuku, with high-rise skyscrapers and neon lights surrounding you. Be amazed by the iconic Shibuya Crossing, argued to be the busiest intersection in the world with around 1000 people crossing at any one time.

   Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo (3 nights)

3. Days 4-6: Miyajima

   Feel your excitement build as you board a bullet train to Hiroshima via Shin-Osaka, before taking the JR line to Miyajimaguchi, then hopping on the ferry to your next destination, Miyajima. From the ferry port, stroll through the blossoms and maple trees, passing the river and arrive at Iwaso, an elegant ryokan that you will have the pleasure of calling home for the next 2 nights. Enjoy the astonishingly beautiful area and the peaceful shrines encased by the forests surrounding you.  At high tide, gaze out across the river as the spectacular torri gates of the Itsukushima Shrine appear to be floating out to sea. Spend an afternoon sinking into serenity at Iwaso’s hot spring looking onto the forest, and if you’re lucky catch a glimpse of the adorable deer that have become habituated in this area.

   Accommodation: Iwaso (2 nights)

4. Days 6-9: Kyoto

   Today you’ll board a bullet train from Hiroshima to Kyoto, the undisputed cultural hot spot of Japan. Settle in at Celestine Gion Hotel, your base for the next 3 nights. This captivating city is brimming with nature trails leading to intricate shrines, and age-old exquisite buildings that managed to miss the World War Two bombings. Spend the next 3 days enjoying Kyoto at your own pace. Stand amid the towering Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and take one of the paths leading to secluded views of the forested valleys surrounding you. Amble through the thousands of vibrant orange torii gates encasing a network of trails in the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Join an acclaimed expert in Geisha culture to explore the beautiful streets of Kyoto before enjoying a private tea ceremony through the eyes of a Geisha.

   Accommodation: The Celestine Kyoto Gion (3 nights)

5. Days 9-10: Hakone

   Now for a change of scenery as you journey to Hakone, soon finding yourself encompassed by verdant forests and volcanic peaks. Crossing over a suspension bridge, you’ll arrive at the remarkable Yama No Chaya inn, standing amongst a bamboo thicket. Feel overcome with contentment as you enjoy the open-air hot springs after a hike through the stunningly beautiful Mt Fuji National Park area. To end your day, relish in the mouth-watering cuisine, sourced from the mountains and ocean.

   Accommodation: Yama No Chaya (1 night)

6. Days 10-11: Tokyo

   This morning after a traditional Japanese breakfast, you will board your final bullet train back to Tokyo. Spend your day exploring more of this captivating city. If you are a tech lover, delve into the streets and arcades of Akihabara, the anime and games district of Tokyo. Learn the process of making Japan’s much-loved drink, sake, and explore one of Tokyo’s older breweries. You’ll spend the night at the Park Hotel before catching your flight home tomorrow morning.

   Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo (1 night)

7. Fly home from Tokyo

Tokyo, Miyajima, Kyoto, Hakone, Tokyo