Full Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
You will be met on arrival at Narita International Airport and a seat-sharing taxi will take you all the way to your hotel in the historic Asakusa district in Tokyo. With Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, at its heart, this is a chance enjoy a little of old style Tokyo.
Stay 3 nights: Asakusa Sunroute
Day 2: Full day guiding in Tokyo
Today you can begin to explore the sights and sounds of Tokyo, from the bustling, old-world atmosphere of Asakusa and its Senso-ji temple, to the bright lights and modern wonders of Shinjuku. Be sure to visit Hama Rikyu. Formerly the garden of a feudal lord’s residence and the Shogun’s duck hunting ground, this garden is now nestled amongst the towering skyscrapers of the Shiodome district, making for a dramatic backdrop! You will have the services of an English- speaking guide all day, to help you settle in and find your way around Tokyo.
Day 3: Full day in Tokyo
Today you might like to take a day trip to the nearby city of Mito, and visit Kairaku-en, one of Japan’s three most celebrated landscape gardens, noted for the spectacular spring blossoms of its three thousand plum tress. Back in Tokyo you can take in more of the capital’s essential sights, from the ancient to the ultra-modern, or start your taste buds on their gastronomic tour of Japan!
Day 4: Travel to Kamakura
Time to leave the capital and head off in search of beautiful gardens across the country. First stop is Kamakura, a fascinating complex of temples and shrines just south of Tokyo. Head for the temples to fi nd some fantastic varied gardens, such as the bamboo grove at Hokouji, and the Zen rock garden of Zuisenji. Kamakura is also home to the eleven metre tall Daibutsu (Great Buddha) who sits serenely surveying the stream of camera wielding tourists below him!
Stay 1 night: Ajisai
Day 5: Travel to Kanazawa
Travelling back through Tokyo, you will board the Shinkansen ‘Bullet Train’ heading north before changing to an express. The train which will take you through some of Japan’s most stunning countryside as you journey to Kanazawa. If you made it to Kairaku-en in Mito on Day 3, you will soon get the chance to visit your second of the “Big Three” landscape gardens of Japan, in the cul- tural centre of Kanazawa. The city was spared during the aerial bombardment of WWII and retains much of its old-world charm. Its star attraction is Kenroku-en garden, originally designed as the outer garden of Kanazawa’s castle, it grew in size over 200 years and incorporates ponds, waterfalls, bridges and teahouses. You will be staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan overlooking the river, with a fantastic evening meal included.
Stay 2 nights: Kiyokawa Ryokan
Day 6: Kanazawa sightseeing / Shirakawago
A full day to explore Kanazawa. Once you are finished with Kenroku-en, you might like to take a stroll down the winding streets through the city’s geisha district and samurai houses, or discover Kanzawa’s well-preserved textile and pottery industries. A day trip option is to the World Heritage site of Shirakawago with its old world Gassho Zukuri ‘praying hands’ style farm houses.
Day 7: Travel to Kyoto
An express train will take you in two hours to the ancient capital of Kyoto. A three night stay here will give you plenty of time to visit some of the city’s most beautiful gardens, as well as take in some of Kyoto’s remaining wealth of sights and attractions. From the austere mystery of Ryoan-ji’s famous rock garden, to discovering your own favourite garden tucked away in a quiet sub-temple, Kyoto is a fantastic experience and a highlight of any trip to Japan.
Stay 3 nights: Izuyasu
Day 8: Full day guiding in Kyoto
A full day with an expert guide will give you the chance to explore Kyoto’s most famous temples and gardens as well as some lesser known sights. The fully flexible itinerary allows you to choose those sights which interest you most.
Day 9: Full day Kyoto / Rail Pass excursion
Today is free to explore Kyoto further or to use the included Japan Rail Pass to take a day-trip. Nearby Nara, Japan’s first capital, boasts eight World Heritage Sights including the impressive Daibutsu, Japan’s largest Buddha. Kyoto is a good base for exploring the Kansai region and also a great place for experiencing arts and cultural activities. If you have something specific you would like to see or do, your stay in Kyoto will provide the opportunity.
Day 10: Travel to Takamatsu via Okayama
Kyoto fades into the distance as the Shinkansen speeds on to your next destination, Okayama. Here you can enjoy a stroll around Koraku-en, the last of the famous “Big Three” landscape gardens. This garden uses ‘borrowed scenery’ to good effect set against the backdrop of Okayama castle’s dark exterior. From Okayama, you will continue your journey, crossing the Seto Ohashi, the world’s longest combined road and rail bridge. Stretching over 9km, 6 bridge sections use the islands dotting the Inland Sea as stepping stones to join Honshu to Shikoku. You will stay in Takamatsu, where you can visit Ritsurin Koen, Japan’s largest and perhaps most beautiful classical Edo period garden.
Stay 2 nights: Tokyu Inn
Day 11: Full day Takamatsu area
Today you could explore some of the sights in and around Takamatsu. The nearby town of Kotohira and its Kompira-san shrine is one of Shikoku’s major attractions. After a long climb you are rewarded with fantastic views from the summit. Further afield is the beautiful Iya Valley with its vine bridges and traditional farmhouses.
Day 12: Travel to Himeji
Crossing back across the giant Seto Ohashi Bridge you will head for Himeji, site of Japan’s best preserved castle, dating back to 1580. Brilliantly combining ruthless strategic design with a keen awareness of space and beauty, the castle’s white outer walls tower above the city. Alongside the castle, take a look at the nine separate gardens of Koko-en, and enjoy a cup of green tea in the tea garden! Your evening meal at the hotel is included tonight, another chance to sample some fantastic local cuisine.
Stay 1 night: Clare Higasa
Day 13: Travel to Tokyo
The Shinkansen will whisk you through the countryside and back to Tokyo. Keep your eye on the view from the windows on the train’s left, as the perfect symmetry of Fuji-san, Japan’s most sacred mountain may peep through the clouds! Back in Tokyo you will have time to take in a few more sights, or perhaps do some last minute souvenir shopping and enjoy the sights and sounds of neon-lit Tokyo by night!
Stay 1 night: Kadoya
Day 14: Departure
