After all the preparations, your departure day has arrived! On arrival you will be met by your English speaking Guide and transferred to your hotel by private coach. You will have a welcome and safety briefing with your Guide where the upcoming tour is explained and any questions can be answered. In the evening you will head out on foot to a local restaurant for dinner. Accommodation, Hotel in Tokyo

Meals:  D

An exciting an engaging day is planned to discover Tokyo today and later this afternoon experience first hand some unique Japanese crafts. This morning you head out to visit the famous Meiji Shrine. You will then have some time to be fully immersed in the subcultures of Tokyo in the ecclectic Harajuku District. Following your immersion in the Harajuku District, we then head to the world famous and iconic intersection in Shibuya, Tokyo. The scramble is famous for being the busiest crossing in the world, and has to be seen and experienced to be believed! (Optional visit to Shibuya Sky - a full 360 degree observatory overlooking Shibuya and the greater Tokyo skyline and one of the most futuristic places in Tokyo - must be requested and booked in advance). The group will then head to Tokyo's oldest, and most colourful, Asakusa Kannon Temple. A shopping street of over 200m, called Nakamise, leads from the outer gate to the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Alongside typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukata and folding fans, various traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area are sold along the Nakamise. The shopping street has a history of several centuries. In the late afternoon students will join a fun and popular “fake food” workshop. Usually made by hand, this elaborate and delicate craft is a part of Japan’s culture. Students have the opportunity to participate in a workshop, crafting 'fake food' out of wax, and taking home a very unique souvenir (students may be broken into smaller groups to complete this activity). You will then return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant, returning to the hotel on foot or by public transport. Accommodation, Hotel in Tokyo

Meals:  B,D

(This morning you will need to pack an overnight carry bag/daypack for your next stop as large suitcases cannot be taken to the Ryokan). This morning you students will experience a visit to a local Japanese School. A fantastic engagement and exchange opportunity for students. We then travel to the Odaiba District, the high-tech entertainment hub on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay and is where students will visit the Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Lunch is on own account before transferring by private coach to Hakone (approx 2.5 hours). Hakone is a mountainous town known for its hot springs resorts and views of the iconic volcano, Mount Fuji. This evening you will have a full ryokan experience including learning how to wear Yukata, enjoying a "Kaiseki" (full course Japanese dinner), and sleeping on a futon mattress on a tatami floor. Accommodation - Ryokan, multi-share Japanese-style room

Meals:  B,D

After a traditional ryokan breakfast you will explore Hakone and discover the Owakudani Boiling Valley via Hakone Ropeway (if conditions permit) - an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced. You'll head out for a short cruise on Lake Ashi, a crater lake with Mount Fuji as it's backdrop, and discover the Hakone Shrine, a Japanese Shinto shrine on the shores of Lake Ashi. Around mid-afternoon we will transfer to Mishima by coach to board the Super Express Shinkansen for Kyoto. On arraival in Kyoto, transfer to the hotel on public transport with your Guide. Accommodation, hotel in Kyoto

Meals:  B,D

Full day exploration/sightseeing of Kyoto including Arashiyama District with Bamboo Grove, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and Nijo Castle. In the late afternoon enjoy an Japanese Calligraphy Class or Japanese Taiko Class Return to hotel to freshen up before dinner. Accommodation, hotel in Kyoto

Meals:  B,D

Large luggage will be sent from Kyoto to Osaka by courier service. Depart 0800 and drive to Nara (approx 1.5 hours) for a half-day sightseeing tour in Nara with visits to Todai-ji Temple (with Great Buddha), Nara Deer Park and Kasuga Grand Shrine. Around mid-afternoon, leave Kyoto for Hiroshima by Super Express Shinkansen. On arrival tranfsre to hotel by foot/public transport. In the evening experience Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) cooking, and enjoy the fruits of your cooking for dinner. Accommodation, hotel in Hiroshima

Meals:  B,D

This morning catch the ferry to Miyajama Island and visit Itsukushima Shrine with Torii Gate on the ocean (if conditions permits). Return to Hiroshima and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Later in the afternoon, depart Hiroshima for Shin Osaka by Super Express Shinkansen. Arrive and make your way to the hotel with your Guide by public transportation. In the evening, dinner at a local restaurant with short walking tour in Dotombori District. Accommodation, hotel in Osaka

Meals:  B,D

Your program concludes today. Transfer by coach to the airport for your onward flihts.

Meals:  B