On arrival in Tokyo you will be transferred to your hotel. There will be a group briefing this evening with your guide at the hotel followed by a visit to a delicious local restaurant for your first true Japanese meal. Hotel accommodation in Tokyo.

Meals:  D

Today, we will visit the main highlights of the city. We start in Asakusa - an old part of the city, formerly an entertainment district, but now famous for the Sensoji Temple and the many shopping streets that line its surroundings, reminiscent of the old times (post war construction). Sensoji Temple is one of the most famous in Tokyo, tracing its origins back to the 7th century. We then head to Harajuku, the mecca for teenage fashion, some whacky and extreme styles on display, with many trendy shops, food stands and stores for the young. On the opposite side of the tracks is Meiji Shrine, one of the most important shrines in Japan, which provides a striking contrast to busy Harajuku, in its serenity, nestled within a park. Finally we visit Shibuya, which is famous for its iconic scramble crossing, one of the largest in the world, but also a popular neighbourhood for shopping and entertainment, especially among the youth. Hotel accommodation in Tokyo.

Meals:  B,D

Before we check-out, we will be shipping our main large piece of luggage to Kyoto. Please pack your daypack to carry your essentials for the 2 nights before you are reunited with your main luggage. Today, we will pay a visit to a local school for an exchange and take part in some activities together. We will then move on to the Miraikan Museum which is chock-full of exhibits on technology and interactive experiences. We then will leave Tokyo behind and move to Hakone, our next destination, a retreat in the mountains to the west, and our first Japanese accommodation style experience, with futon mattresses on Tatami floors, complete with a Japanese dinner. Accommodation in Japanese style inn.

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, we will explore this town (which is part of the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park), by taking a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashinoko. If the weather permits, you will be able to view Mt. Fuji in the distance. Our next stop will be the ropeway that will take us up to Owakudani or Hell’s Valley which is the site of many active sulfuric hot springs. After our fill of the scenic mountain views, in the afternoon, we will move on to our next destination and hop on the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Accommodation in hotel in Kyoto.

Meals:  B,D

We have a busy day ahead, filled with a variety of sites to visit. Our first stop is the district of Arashiyama that lies to the west of the city, a popular area set against the neighbouring hills and the Hozu River, historically a destination for nobles. The Bamboo Grove is a popular site, with a path that cuts through tall bamboo stalks. We will also enjoy the garden of the Tenryuji Temple (a Zen temple and a UNESCO site). Once we’ve had our fill of this neighbourhood, our next stop will be Nijo Castle, the home of the Shogun, where you can view the inside of the palace and the gardens within the castle grounds. We also have a Taiko lesson planned today, the traditional Japanese drum, where you will get an intense aural and physical workout. Accommodation in hotel in Kyoto.

Meals:  B,D

Before we depart today for Hiroshima, our next destination, we will once more send our main luggage ahead. Please prepare your essentials in your daypack for tonight. After breakfast, we will first travel to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, home to Todaiji Temple, one of the world’s largest wooden buildings and a huge statue of Buddha. You’ll also encounter the furry locals in this town, the Nara deer, that freely roam the city. We will then board the train and then the shinkansen to Hiroshima. Once we drop off our bags, we will take a short stroll in the city followed by dinner. Accommodation in hotel in Hiroshima.

Meals:  B,D

Today, we’ll take in the sites of Hiroshima starting with the Peace Park and Museum, the site of the center of the city before the bomb was dropped, now home to the A-Bomb Dome, and the museum that focuses on the bomb and the aftermath. We then will make our way to Miyajima Island just outside of the city, known for the Torii gate in the water. We will then hop on the Shinkansen and make our way to our final destination - Osaka, where we will visit the iconic Dotonbori district and have our farewell dinner. Accommodation, hotel in Osaka

Meals:  B,D

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

Meals:  B