Days 1 – 2 – Fly to Tokyo

Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 – Discover Tokyo

Stroll through the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambiance of Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Next, walk along the famous Nakamise Street which is lined with souvenir shops on both sides. In the afternoon, ascend to the observation deck of the 634-metre Tokyo Skytree. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.

Day 4 – Further Explore Tokyo

Begin today with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden. You will later go to Shukaen Bonsai Museum, a bonsai garden and museum opened by bonsai artist and master Kunio Kobayashi, before heading to the trendy district of Shibuya where you will have the opportunity to walk on the world’s most famous pedestrian crossing. End the day with a dinner cruise onboard a traditional yakata on Tokyo Bay and witness the city lit up at night.

Day 5 – Fuji Five Lakes

Journey by road through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacularly dotted by the calm waters of five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Mount Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ashi for spectacular panoramas of this beautiful area before venturing up the Hakone Ropeway to the volcanic Owakudani Valley.

Day 6 – Mount Fuji – Nagano

En route to Nagano take in more views of Mount Fuji. Also visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations of artist Kubota Itchiku. Take part in some fruit picking in the Yamanashi area. Continue by road to Nagano.

Day 7 – Jigokudani Monkey Park

Travel deeper into the Japanese Alps, to the small town of Yudanaka. Here, enjoy a light hike through the forest to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where if you’re lucky, you may see the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathe and play in their hot spring pool at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. After lunch, visit Zenkoji, one of Japan’s most prolific Buddhist temples.

Day 8 – Explore Matsumoto

Travel to the town of Matsumoto. Stop first at a wasabi farm before heading to explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. Later, visit the Ishii Miso House to learn all about this essential Japanese seasoning, In the afternoon continue by road to Takayama and relax in the hotsprings at your hotel.

Day 9 – Discover Takayama

Spend the day exploring the town of Takayama. Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa Open Air Market and wander past some of the lovely traditional houses. Also visit several of the excellent local museums, including the Yatai Kaikan – a museum which displays traditional Japanese floats used in many festivals and Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum. Your last stop today is and Takayama Jinya, a former Government office for 300 years.

Day 10 – Scenic Shirakawago

Begin the day travelling by road to the rural village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site, renowned for its thatched roof houses. Here, explore a 300-year-old Gassho-style Wada House. Next, it’s off to Gokayama for a hands-on washi paper making experience before continuing by road to Kanazawa, stopping enroute at the Nomura Samurai House.

Day 11 – Explore Kanazawa

Begin the day strolling through Kenrokuen, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’, which is dotted with waterfalls, ponds and charming tea houses. Next, continue by road to Kyoto. Capital for 1,000 years, Kyoto is an enchanting city is the epitome of traditional Japan with over 2000 temples and shrines and exceptionally preserved wooden buildings.

Day 12 – Japanese Tea Ceremony

Spend the day exploring some of the city’s highlights Enjoy one of Kyoto’s most delightful spots, beginning with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates. End the day with Kiyomizu, a 8th-century Buddhist temple. Also experience the age-old rituals of a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master.

Day 13 – Kyoto’s Temples

This morning, visit Togetsukyo Bridge in the heart of the vibrant Arashiyama district and walk through the bamboo forest. Continue with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as ‘Golden Pavilion’. Continue to Ryoanji, the ‘Peaceful Dragon Temple’, which boasts the most famous rock garden in Japan. End the day with a journey on the impressive bullet train to Hiroshima.

Day 14 – Hiroshima Highlights

Hiroshima is a vibrant, forward-thinking city that is a pleasure to explore. Reflect on the city’s tragic past at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum paying homage to the victims of the 1945 atomic bomb. Next, take the ferry to the holy island of Miyajima to visit the Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy some time at leisure.

Day 15 – Himeji Castle

Depart Hiroshima, stopping en route to explore the magnificent 17th-century Himeji Castle, also known as the ‘White Heron Castle’ due to white exterior and elegant appearance. Also take a stroll through Kokoen, a traditional-style garden. Continue by road to Osaka.

Day 16 – Explore Nara & Osaka

Today we will start early and stroll the village of Wazuka Town, an area known for its long history of tea cultivation and production of Uji Tea. Later, spend some time in Nara, the small, history-filled city that was Japan’s first capital. Stroll through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple and admire the traditional Isuien Garden. Return to Osaka for a short walking tour of central Osaka. Farewell dinner at the hotel

Day 17 – 18 – Depart Osaka

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.