Wonders of Japan

On arrival into Japan’s metropolitan capital, we transfer to our centrally-located hotel, the Hilton Tokyo, our base for the next four nights.

After breakfast, we visit the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, a sacred Shinto site surrounded by a peaceful forest, planted in memory of the Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken. We head to the Imperial Palace Plaza for a photo stop before continuing to Tokyo Tower, where the panoramic city views offer a breathtaking perspective. Afterwards, experience the excitement of Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections – a spot not to be missed on a trip to Tokyo! There is time to relax before joining our Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.

Today, we head out of the city on a day trip to Hakone, a region renowned for its natural beauty, geothermal activity and of course, Mount Fuji. Our day begins with a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway, offering stunning views of Owakudani’s geothermal hot springs from our gondola high up above the valley. Next, we enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi and absorb the picturesque landscapes, before visiting Hakone Shrine. Mount Fuji can be a little shy, but fingers crossed a clear sky will reward us with some impressive views of this iconic peak, the famous red torii gate of the shrine providing the perfect frame for this stunning sight.

We continue to explore Tokyo’s cultural and historic heart today. Starting in the district of Asakusa, we visit the city’s oldest temple, Sensoji, which was built in AD645, where we take in the detailed design and bustling atmosphere. Take time to wander through Nakamise shopping street, lined with stalls that have been selling traditional snacks, souvenirs and handicrafts to temple-goers for centuries. We finish our morning with an immersive drumming experience, learning the art of traditional Japanese percussion, at the Taiko Drum Museum. Having worked up an appetite, we head to Ameyoko Street, a bustling market area filled with food stalls, where we have a chance to taste some local specialities. We return to our hotel, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

This morning, we board the bullet train to Nagano, a city known for its rich history and natural beauty. Our first stop is the historic Zenkoji Temple, a revered pilgrimage site that dates back over 1,400 years and one of Japan’s most important and popular temples. Zenkoji boasts stunning traditional architecture, with its massive wooden gate and the main hall housing a hidden Buddha statue said to have been the first Buddhist image brought into Japan. Later, stroll through the charming streets of Obuse, before continuing to Yudanaka onsen town. On arrival, we check into our traditional accommodation, Ryokan Biyunoyado, with tatami-matted rooms, soothing onsen baths and views over the surrounding mountains. In the evening, we come together to enjoy a kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal made using local seasonal ingredients.

Today, we delve into the cultural richness of Kanazawa, beginning with a visit to Wakatsuru Shozo, a rare combination of both sake brewery and whisky distillery. Here, we learn about the intricate processes involved in crafting these traditional Japanese beverages before enjoying a delicious lunch at the brewery’s restaurant, featuring local specialties paired perfectly with the drinks they produce. Our next stop is the stunning Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscaped gardens, known for its plentiful flowers, trees, stone bridges and tranquil ponds. Finally, we explore the Nomura Samurai House, a restored samurai residence with a small but beautiful garden.

This morning, we set off for picturesque Takayama, famed for its vibrant cultural heritage. Our first stop is Miyagawa morning market, a bustling open-air market sitting along the riverbanks and offering a variety of local produce, handmade crafts and traditional snacks. We head to the Takayama Float Museum to marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the ornate floats used in the region’s famous festivals. There’s time to explore Kamisano Machi, the old town district of Takayama, with its beautifully preserved wooden merchant houses and atmospheric streets. This afternoon, we discover Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserved for its unique Gassho-Zukuri thatched-roof houses, set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

Our first stop this morning is Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates that weave an enchanting pathway up the mountainside. We continue to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital from AD710 to 794, to visit Todai-ji Temple, home to one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, which sits proudly in its Great Hall. We take a stroll through Nara Park, famous for its friendly free-roaming deer who are revered as messengers of the gods. Travelling on to Osaka, we enjoy time to explore vibrant Dotonbori Street, renowned for its lively atmosphere, with a chance to try its delicious street food for lunch. Later, we check into our hotel, the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, for our two-night stay and enjoy dinner together this evening.

We begin our final day with a visit to the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s rich history and resilience. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and a wide moat, the castle provides panoramic views of the city from its top floor, along with an informative museum showcasing the castle’s dramatic past and role in Japan’s unification. Next, we travel to the Hakushika Memorial Museum of Sake in nearby Nishinomiya, where we delve into the art of sake brewing, learning about the traditional methods that have been perfected over centuries. Here, we enjoy a lunch and taste the delicate flavours of different sake varieties. Returning to Osaka, our afternoon has been left free to relax or possibly purchase some last-minute souvenirs.

Our day is at leisure until we travel to Osaka Airport for our flight to the UK. All flights with Cathay Pacific travel via Hong Kong, and with Emirates will travel via Dubai. Alternatively, if choosing Japan Airlines, you will fly to the UK via Tokyo.

After an incredible 15 days exploring the Wonders of Japan, we arrive back in the UK, bringing our memorable journey to an end.