This 7 night, 8 day, tour explores three of Japans historic capitals — Tokyo, Kamakura and Kyoto, along with Miyajima near Hiroshima. Experience the contrasts of Japan from the ultra-modern urban scene to the traditional hospitality of Japanese ryokan inns. Dive into the busy metropolis of Tokyo with your tour leader and explore the history of what used to be the Tokugawa shogun's headquarters for more than 250 years and is now the capital of the second largest economy in the world. Discover the old and the ultra-modern in this fascinating city. Transfer to Kitakamakura where you can leave the urban hustle and bustle behind for a hike in the forest, re-emerging in Kamakura, the seat of the first military government in Japan dating back to the late 12th century. Visit the magnificent Daibutsu, or Big Buddha, that has sat in meditation for centuries. Stay in a traditional ryokan and experience an elegant and delicious multi-course Japanese dinner. Onwards to the cultural and religious heart of Japan, Kyoto, where we visit the must-see sights and wander the streets where geisha can still be seen walking to their appointments. We spend two nights in this captivating city that was Japan's imperial capital for over a thousand years. Our last stop on this tour is Miyajima, with Itsukushimajinja, a World Heritage site and one of the most scenic spots in Japan. There is also an opportunity to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Check into tour accommodation and meet your guide. A tour briefing will be followed by dinner at a Japanese restaurant in town.
Dinner at a local restaurant is included.
Accommodation: a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.
Guided tour of Tokyo. Walk through Nihonbashi district and the Tokyo Imperial Palace East Gardens and on to nearby Yasukuni shrine — a controversial and popular shrine built to commemorate Japan's war dead. In the afternoon, we visit the fascinating and informative Tokyo Edo Museum followed by a trip to Asakusa Sensoji Temple — Tokyo's oldest temple — and then a stroll through Harajuku, a fashion and shopping centre where young Japanese congregate, parading the latest street fashion.
A Western-style buffet breakfast is included.
Accommodation: a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.
Optional early morning visit to Tsukiji fish market. Today is a free day to explore Tokyo according to your interests. Your guide is available to advise on sightseeing options.
A Western-style buffet breakfast is included.
Accommodation: a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.
Take the train from Tokyo to Kitakamakura and hike through the hilly forest to Hase in Kamakura. Visit Kotokuin temple and Daibutsu (Big Buddha).
A Western-style buffet breakfast and a traditional Japanese dinner served at our inn are included.
After breakfast on day 4, our main luggage is sent ahead to the next accommodation on Day 5. We retain a day pack with overnight essentials to be carried on the hike.
Accommodation: a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan).
Early morning transfer to Kyoto on local and bullet train (approx. 3 hours). Check into tour accommodation and begin guided tour of Kyoto after lunch. Walking through the Gion district, we visit the popular Yasaka shrine and from there continue to Kiyomizu temple. This is one of the oldest temples in Kyoto, and a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views from its famous wooden terrace. After lunch, we visit the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts where we are introduced to the many splendid crafts of Japan, including lacquerware, textiles and stonework. Kyoto's Silver Pavilion — a World Heritage site with a famous rock garden — is our last stop of the day.
A traditional Japanese breakfast is included.
Accommodation: a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.
Continuing our tour of Kyoto, we visit two of the best known temples in Kyoto — Kinkakuji (the magnificent Golden Pavilion) and Ryoanji with its famous zen rock garden. On the way back to central Kyoto, we stop at Nijo castle. This luxurious palace was the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shogunate from 1603 to 1867 and is well known for its "nightingale floors" — so called because they squeak and sing at every move to deter intruders. After lunch, we take a walk through Nishiki koji food market. This bustling market dates back to the 1600s and is a delightful showcase of Japanese food and culture.
Breakfast is included.
Accommodation: a comfortable and centrally located Western-style hotel.
Today we travel on the bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima. Our destination is the sacred island of Miyajima. This island off the coast of Hiroshima has a long history and is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will stay at a Japanese ryokan.
Breakfast and traditional Japanese dinner are included.
Accommodation: a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan).
After breakfast, we visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Tour ends after the museum visit. Your guide will be available to assist you on your onward journey to your next destination.
We try to keep our pricing as competitive as possible. Please contact us for our most up to date rates.
This itinerary is subject to change.