Day 1 - Arrive in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan’s capital city
Day 2 - Tokyo
Hop on Tokyo’s subway system to explore this fascinating city with guided sightseeing, featuring the Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Kannon Temple, and Nakamise shopping arcade. Tonight, join your travel companions at a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director.
Day 3 - Tokyo - Nagoya - Kyoto
Fourth with a Bullet
Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya, Japan’s fourth-largest city. Visit Nagoya Castle, a proud symbol of the city, then enjoy a sake tasting. Later, continue to Kyoto by motorcoach.
Day 4 - Kyoto - Excursion to Amanohashidate
Travel outside the city to the stunning coastal region of Amanohashidate. Cruise on the tranquil waters surrounding this picturesque pine-covered sandbar, home to one of Japan’s three most scenic views. Return to Kyoto where your evening is at your leisure.
Day 5 - Kyoto
This morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly hued Torii Gates, and stunning Kinkakuji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Later, partake in a tea ceremony.
Day 6 - Kyoto - Himeji - Bizen - Okayama
Travel to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, then drive south to Bizen, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn more about Bizen-yaki, one of Japan’s six ancient pottery styles dating back over 1,000 years. Continue to Okayama.
Day 7 - Okayama - Excursion to Kurashiki
This morning, visit Koraku-en Garden. Journey to Kurashiki, to visit the Ohara Museum and Bikan Historical Quarter, once the political and commercial center of the city. The canal-lined, white-washed, stone streets reflect the Edo period (1603-1867) and are quintessentially Japanese.
Day 8 - Okayama - Matsue - Yonago
Drive northwest to Matsue and visit Matsue Castle on the shores of Lake Shinji. After lunch, continue to the Adachi Museum of Art to view the renowned work of artist, Yokoyama Taikan. Your hotel tonight is in the city of Yonago on the coast of the Sea of Japan.
Day 9 - Yonago - Hiroshima
Drive south to Hiroshima this morning. Upon arrival, visit the 400-year-old Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form. Also visit the moving Peace Memorial Park.
Day 10 - Hiroshima
Travel by ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and take cable-car ride to the top of Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Island Sea, and on a clear day, Hiroshima city. Participate in a Japanese cooking class for lunch. Return to Hiroshima for some time on your own. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a farewell dinner to celebrate your discovery of Japan.
Day 11 - Hiroshima
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.