Japan Discovery - OLD Itinerary

Day 1 Depart Australia
Depart Australia for Tokyo.

Day 2 Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo: it’s big, it’s bright and it’s our home for the next three nights. On our arrival we will be met by our friendly Japanese guide and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and unwind after your flight.

Day 3 Tokyo - Nikko - Tokyo
Our tour today is to the historic town of Nikko, home to some of Japan’s most magnificent shrines and temples. We travel back to Tokyo via the beautiful Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenji. Lake Chuzenju is a scenic lake in Nikkō National Park. It was created 20,000 years ago when Mount Nantai erupted and blocked the river. [B,L]

Day 4 Tokyo
Today we explore Tokyo - one of the world’s largest and most vibrant cities! Our tour includes the Edo-Tokyo Museum; opened in 1993, it is a great place to learn about the history and culture of this amazing city. Other highlights include the Asakusa Kannon Temple, Nakamise shopping arcade, Kappabashi, Ginza Shopping District and the artificial island of Odaiba. [B,D]

Day 5 Tokyo - Hakone
This morning is free to explore Tokyo before we travel by train towards Mt Fuji, Japan’s most famous landmark. Upon arrival we visit Hamamatsuya, a parquet wood craft store. Tonight we stay in traditional ryokan accommodation where we have the chance to try a hot springs bath before enjoying a traditional Japanese dinner. [B,D]

Day 6 Hakone - Mt Fuji - Hakone
Today we tour Mt Fuji and Hakone. Mt Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and an active volcano which last erupted in 1707-08. We enjoy a scenic gondola ride and visit the Owakudani Valley, alive with sulphurous fumes, hot rivers and hot springs. [B,D]

Day 7 Hakone - Takayama
Our journey continues by train to the town of Takayama where we take a wonderful walking tour. A highlight today is our visit to the Takayama Jinya, which once served as the local government office. The present building complex includes various rooms for administrative purposes, offices, kitchens, toilets, bath rooms, residential space, a court room and storehouses. It was in official use until 1969, and is now open to the public as a museum. [B]

Day 8 Takayama
Today we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Shirakawago, famous for its gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses with their distinctive and - at nearly 60 degrees - steep roofs! This whole area is wonderfully scenic, with picturesque mountains, rice fields and a river. Here we also see the traditional art of Japanese rice paper making. [B]

Day 9 Takayama - Hiroshima
This morning we visit the local market in Takayama old town. This is a great opportunity to buy local arts and crafts and sample some of the local delicacies. We then travel by train to the historic city of Hiroshima which has risen from the ashes of World War II. [B]

Day 10 Hiroshima - Miyajima - Hiroshima
This morning we visit Miyajima Island, a stunningly beautiful island which is home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine. The first shrine buildings were probably erected in the 6th century, and the shrine has been destroyed many times. The present shrine dates from the mid-16th century, having been rebuilt in keeping with its earlier 12th century design. We then return to Hiroshima where we visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the excellent, but very moving, Peace Memorial Museum. [B,L]

Day 11 Hiroshima - Kyoto
Today we continue on by bullet train to Kyoto. The bullet train was the world’s first high speed train and really helped to put Japan on the technological map. On our arrival in the city we enjoy a tour including a visit to the stunning Heian Shrine and Golden Pavilion Temple. The Golden Pavillion Temple is literally covered in gold leaf and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. [B]

Day 12 Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto
This morning we visit Nara’s beautiful Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple) and the famous deer park where more than 1,000 deer roam freely and are considered to be messengers of the gods. Next we visit one of the most celebrated temples of Japan, the Kiyomizudera (Pure Water Temple). This amazing temple was built in 780AD and is still a functioning temple today. Our day ends with a visit to the Fureai-kan Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts. [B]

Day 13 Kyoto
A full day at leisure to enjoy the sights of Kyoto. [B]

Day 14 Kyoto - Mt Hiei - Kyoto
An amazing day as we enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony and a visit to the Buddhist sanctuary at Mt Hiei where we enjoy a traditional vegetarian Buddhist lunch. Tonight we savour a delicious traditional Japanese farewell dinner. [B,L,D]

Day 15 Depart Kyoto
The morning is at leisure before we travel to the airport for our journey home. [B]

Day 16 Arrive in Australia

Back to Japan Discovery - OLD Tour Home