Highlight of Japan: Visiting Tokyo, Hakone, Mt Fuji, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kyoto & Nara

The country is made up from over 6800 islands covering a staggering 378,000 square kilometres, Japan is a big, very big, has a wonderful blend of modern society and traditional culture, friendly welcoming people and lovely natural landscapes called by many the “Land of the Rising Sun”.

Highlights of Japan starts in the megalopis that is Tokyo an experience to behold, from sky scrapers, shopping and bright neon lights to temples, shrines and old world culture even the odd spot of nature pops into the frame with lovely parks and greenery to get away from the madding crowd when required.

As we leave Tokyo Mt Fuji will come into view on the train during clear days, a wonderful experience to spot this majestic volcano as you come into the small town of Hakone up in the Japanese alps. Famous its hot springs (Japanese call them Onsen) relaxing with a hot soak after a tipple of Sake is an experience not to be missed, explore the area by rope way (cable car) foot or take a cruise on the lake in a pirate ship!

Take a Shinkansen (bullet train) up to 300km and hour to Takyama hurtling through mountainous regions and gorges as smooth as can be, visit a local brewery and sample Sake, the local markets and explore the towns workshops and a culture loaded town.

Back on the Shinkansen and a lovely sea side train ride to Kanazawa a charming town and probably one of the best preserved from the Edo period in Japan

Take the Shinkansen to Horishima another scenic train ride with the city rising from its tragic past and now boasts lovely wide boulevards, laid back friendly people, plenty of history and character, not to be missed peace dome and memorial museum, and the floating gate at Miyajima Island Torii Gate

The last time on a Shinkansen to Kyoto the culture capital of Japan, castles, shrines, temples, cultural activities like calligraphy, origami, pottery, don a kimono and dress up like a geisha or samurai it’s all here in Kyoto!

Lastly a regional train ride to Nara a short excursion from Kyoto the former capital of the 8th century and home to resident deer believed to be gods messengers!
Highlights of Japan – DAY 1 – TOKYO ARRIVAL
Arrive in Tokyo, where you will be welcomed by our airport representative who will also assist you with boarding the right train or airport limousine bus to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Tokyo

Highlights of Japan – DAY 2 – TOKYO (B)
Today you will spend a full day taking in some of the many highlights Tokyo has to offer with a local guide by public transport.
First stop is nearby Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s most famous shrine, dedicated to the spirit of the late Emperor Meiji. The shrine is a popular site for Japanese Weddings; if you are lucky you may see a bride and groom dressed in traditional Shinto wedding attire.
From old to new Tokyo as we then take a walk down Omotesando, commonly referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysee. This broad, tree lined avenue features a multitude of fashion flagship stores designed by internationally renowned architects within a short distance of each other.
A short subway ride will then take us to Asakusa, part of Tokyo’s Shitamachi, or old town. Asakusa is home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and is also the city’s oldest Geisha district. The streets around Sensoji have many traditional shops selling Japanese crafts and souvenirs and are a delight to wander through.
Note: The order of this itinerary may change according to the location of your hotel.
Overnight in Tokyo

Highlights of Japan – DAY 3 – TOKYO – OPTIONAL KAMAKURA DAY TRIP (B)
Today is a self-guided day.
This day is free for you to explore this amazing city. Make an early start to visit the world-famous Tsukji Fish Market; visit the electronics district of Akihabara or discover Tokyo’s world-class museums and art galleries or, you can make an excursion outside of Tokyo to one of the following:
Kamakura One of Japan’s former capitals, Kamakura is a delightful seaside town home to many ancient temples and the Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha.
Nikko Sitting high in the mountains of Nikko National Park, Nikko houses the Toshogu Shrine complex and mausoleum, Japan’s most extravagant display of religious architecture and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight in Tokyo
Note: Return train tickets to Kamakura or Nikko need to be arranged in advance at an additional cost.

Highlights of Japan – DAY 4 – TOKYO – HAKONE/MT FUJI (B,D)
Today is a self-guided day.
An early start today as you leave Tokyo behind and make the 2-hour journey to Hakone, the gateway to Mt. Fuji and surrounding national park. This small town is famous for its onsen (natural hot springs), and has natural beauty in abundance.
Armed with your included Hakone Transport Pass, you can take advantage of the numerous forms of transport on offer throughout the Park. You can ride the Guinness World Record-setting ropeway all the way up Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulphurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers in this volcanic area, where you can eat an egg hard boiled in the sulphuric hot springs which make Hakone famous. If you do, it will add seven years to your life!
A majestic replica pirate ship will sweep you across the Ashinoko, a lake formed by a volcanic eruption 3000 years ago, and the Hakone Tozan ‘switchback train’ zigzags though the mountains, giving amazing views of the surrounding valleys.
Throughout the day you will have the chance to get a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, however please keep in mind that she is a notoriously shy mountain and it needs to be a clear day.
Tonight you stay in a traditional Japanese-style ryokan accommodation, complete with tatami mats and onsen baths.
This evening, relax in your yukata (lightweight kimono), and dine on a sumptuous kaiseki multi course meal. An onsen after dinner is highly recommended before you bed down on your futon.

Highlights of Japan – DAY 5 – HAKONE/MT FUJI – TAKAYAMA (B,D)
Today is a self-guided day.
Time for one last soak in the onsen before undertaking the 4.5 hour train journey to Takayama. The first leg will be on the world famous Shinkansen bullet train, which reaches speeds of up to 230km/h. You will then change onto the Limited Express Hida Wideview for the one of the most scenic train journeys in Japan, winding your way through tall mountains and stunning gorges.
Due to its previously inaccessible location nestled high in the mountainous Hida alpine region, this beautifully preserved old town was cut off from the rest of Japan, allowing it to develop its own unique culture.
This afternoon we recommend visiting one of the town’s many sake breweries for a taste of the local drop, its high quality due to the area’s clean water sources.
Tonight you will stay in Japanese style ryokan accommodation with hot spring onsen bath.
Overnight in Takayama

Highlights of Japan – DAY 6 – TAKAYAMA – SHIRAKAWAGO (B,D)
Today is a self-guided day.
After breakfast, head up to the Miyagawa morning market, where locals come to sell crafts and produce. It’s also a good opportunity to try some of the region’s delicious fruit and vegetables. A short ride from the market will take you to the Takayama Festival Floats Museum, which displays the beautiful floats that parade during the famous Takayama Festival. The museum is a bit separated from all other main sightseeing spots in Takayama.
Shortly after lunch, get back on the road as you take the bus to your next destination, Shirakawago. Shirakawago, and its neighboring Gokayama region, lines the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains that stretch from Gifu all the way to Toyama Prefecture. Both of these prefectures are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. They were also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer,” as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations, intricately designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, which were constructed without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.
Tonight, you will stay in one of these farmhouses, a great way to experience a traditional Japanese family home or minshuku, and get the chance to become more intimate with gassho-zukuri buildings.
Tonight’s dinner will be served in your accommodation.
Overnight in Shirakawago

Highlights of Japan – DAY 7 – SHIRAKAWAGO – KANAZAWA (B)
Today is a self-guided day.
Rise up early today as you continue on with your journey by bus, heading all the way down to Kanazawa. In the 17th century, this beautifully preserved castle town used to be Japan’s wealthiest area and a thriving centre for culture and the arts.
Our suggestion for the day is to take the Kanazawa Sightseeing Bus to visit some of the major highlights in the city. Start with the pristine Kenroku Garden, which is ranked as one of Japan’s top 3 gardens. The name ‘kenroku-en’ literally means ‘Six Attributes Garden,’ and it has been said that a perfect garden comprises of these six attributes – spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water-courses, and panoramas.
Located adjacent to Kenroku-en is Kanazawa Castle, which can be easily accessed through Ishikawa Gate, one of the major gates of the castle. One unique characteristic of Kanazawa-jo is that its whitish roof tiles are made out of lead.
Make your way to the final suggest stop of the day which is in the Higashi Chaya District, one of the three, well-preserved chaya districts in Kanazawa. A cha-ya, which means ‘tea house’ in Japanese, was where geisha used to entertain her guests with a song or a dance. Here you will find Hakuza, the shop that sells Kanazawa’s specialty – gold leaf products. The tearoom inside the shop is totally covered with gold!
Overnight in Kanazawa

Highlights of Japan – DAY 8 – KANAZAWA (B)
Today is a self-guided day.
Today is at your leisure to explore more of this amazing city.
We suggest starting with Nagamachi, the old samurai district of Kanazawa. Here you will find Nomura-ke, a restored samurai house that showcases the artifacts during the golden era of the Japanese warriors.
Across town is the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, which is known for its progressive architecture and ever-changing exhibits. Also in the area is the D.T. Suzuki Museum, an homage to the man who helped bring zen buddhism to the west.
Kanazawa is also home to many interesting temples as well as a bustling seafood market that you may want to explore.
Overnight in Kanazawa

Highlights of Japan – DAY 9 – KANAZAWA – HIROSHIMA (B)
Today is a self-guided day.
Back on the train for the 4.5 hour journey to Hiroshima.
Perhaps more than any city in the world, Hiroshima is famous for one moment in history. On 6 August 1945, it became the first target of an atomic bomb. However, Hiroshima has risen phoenix-like from the ashes, and rebuilt itself as one of Japan’s most laid back, vibrant cities full of wide boulevards and Art Museums, great food and friendly, welcoming people.
This afternoon head to the Peace Park and Museum for a sobering reminder of the events 65 years ago.
However, far from being a depressing experience the overriding theme of the Museum is one of hope and peace.
Overnight in Hiroshima
Note: The Peace Memorial Museum is currently undergoing renovations, and the east building will be closed from September 2014 to spring 2016.

Distances and journey time:
Kanazawa Station to Hiroshima Station (605 km): 4 hr 30 mins

Highlights of Japan – DAY 10 – HIROSHIMA – MIYAJIMA (B)
Today is a self-guided day.
Today take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, a famous wooded island located in the Inland Sea near Hiroshima. Here you will find perhaps the most photographed site in Japan – The Floating Torii Gate.
Designated as one of Japan’s ‘3 Most Beautiful Views’, the shrine itself dates back to the 6th century and is designed in a pier like structure. Mere ‘commoners’ were not allowed to set foot on this holy place.
You will have time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples, sample local goodies like maple leaf shaped cakes, and have the option to hike up to the peak of the island, Mt. Misen, to see spectacular views of the surrounding islands.
Overnight in Hiroshima

Highlights of Japan – DAY 11 -HIROSHIMA – KYOTO (B)
Today is a self-guided day.
Time for one last ride on the Shinkansen as you undertake the 2 hour journey by Shinkansen to Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto.
Kyoto is home to an astonishing 2000 Shrines and Temples, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Kyoto

Highlights of Japan – DAY 12 – KYOTO (B)
Today, you will explore the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, utilizing Kyoto’s comprehensive bus and subway system to visit some of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites.
You will start your day with a visit to Nijo Castle. This ornamental castle, surrounded by stunning gardens, was built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate as his Kyoto residence. The main building was completed in 1603 and is well-known for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors, and ‘chirping’ nightingale floors.
Continue on to Ryoan-ji, the site of Japan’s most famous rock garden. Originally served as an aristocrat’s villa during the Heian Period, the site was later on converted into a Zen Buddhist temple in the year 1450. Now, it belongs to the Myoshinji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and serves as a perfect spot for a zazen meditation.
You will also visit Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavilion, which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun. After his death, it became a Buddhist Temple at his request and is now one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
Next in the list is Kiyomizu, or “pure water,” Temple. From the 13-meter high veranda jutting out from the main hall, you can enjoy amazing views of the whole of Kyoto, whilst pondering the fact that both the main hall and the veranda were built without the use of nails or any kind of joiners.
Before the tour ends, stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama district, wherein busy lanes lead up to Kiyomizu and are filled with quaint shops selling souvenirs including Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets, and pickles.
Overnight in Kyoto
Note: Kiyomizu Temple has been undergoing renovation since 2008, with some of its halls and structures wrapped up with covers. The construction has a certain but not overwhelming impact on a visit.

Highlights of Japan – DAY 13 – KYOTO – CULTURAL EXPERIENCE, OPTIONAL AFTERNOON TRIP TO NARA (B)
Today is a self-guided day.
This morning, we have in store for you a truly amazing experience, as you learn more about the Japanese culture in a machiya, a beautifully restored wooden town house that is typical for Kyoto. You will first get a short tour of the house and an explanation of the architecture before trying on a kimono, the traditional Japanese garment. This is followed by an induction to the tea ceremony, a quintessential part of the Japanese culture. The tea master will teach you every movement that is crucial in preparing and serving the tea.
The cultural experience will end with a stroll around the old neighbourhood and a visit to a nearby sake brewery to try some of the local brew.
In the afternoon, you have the option to go out of town and take that short train ride to Nara. For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain.
We recommend visiting Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha; or Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine.
You will also have time to wander through Nara Park, which is called “deer park” by the locals due to the large population of tamed deer living there.
Overnight in Kyoto

Note: Return train tickets to Nara need to be arranged in advance at an additional cost.

Highlights of Japan – DAY 14 – DEPARTURE FROM KYOTO (B)

Departure day. At leisure until your included transfer by shuttle bus to Kansai Airport.
Highlights of Japan – TOUR DURATION: 14 Days / 13 Nights
Highlights of Japan – TOUR OPERATES: Year Round / On Demand
Highlights of Japan – TOUR PRICE: Available upon Request
Rates vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Highlights of Japan – Our Services Include:
Hotel accommodation in twin room with daily breakfast.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Meet and greet at the airport and return transfers to the airport.
PASMO Tokyo transport pass at a value of 1,500 JPY.
2-Day Hakone Free Pass.
7-Day Japan Rail Pass for Ordinary Class (valid from Day 5).
One-way bus ticket to Shirakawago.
One-way bus ticket to Kanazawa.
1-Day Hiroden Trip Card on Day 9.
2-Day Kyoto Bus and Subway Pass on Days 12 and 13.
English-speaking local guide in Tokyo (Day 2) and Kyoto (Day 12).
All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary on Days 2 and 12.
All public transportation fees as mentioned in the itinerary on Days 2 and 12.
Cultural experience in Kyoto on Day 13.
Information Pack.

Highlights of Japan – Our Services Do Not Include:
International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
Some local transport (e.g. ropeway to Mt. Misen, etc.).
Meals other than mentioned above.
Personal expenses (e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone, and other expenditures of a personal nature).
Travel insurance (please see below).
Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.

Highlights of Japan – Creating Unique Touring Experiences
All the touring itineraries on this website have been carefully crafted by our in-country management teams and represent a series of experiences we can certainly recommend. However, we understand that every travel experience should be as unique and individual as each traveler. Our consultants are waiting to hear from you so that we can tailor or custom design a Japan tour to your individual specifications.