Japan Unrivalled

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HIGHLIGHTS:

Tokyo - Tokyo - Tokyo To Isawa via Hakone - Isawa - Takayama - Hiroshima - Kyoto - Mount Koya - Osaka - End Osaka

Day 1 Tokyo.

Kon'nichiwa Tokyo! Welcome to this dazzling orchestra of light, sound and intersecting subway lines. This is the city where the future fuses with the past in the most fascinating way possible, and we'll have a free evening to bond, explore and soak it all in.

Day 2 Tokyo.

Today we'll bounce out of bed ready and raring to uncover Tokyo. The ancient Buddhist temple of Asakusa Senso-ji & the Meiji Jingu shrine are just some of the doors we will open to this city. If history and religion don't get you going, the wild fashion of Harajuku & the shopping district of Nakamise Street might see you more wide-eyed. Or perhaps your idea of fun is to take to the streets of Shibuya, attempting to cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

Day 3 Tokyo.

Today is yours to take on Tokyo your way. Check out the anime and electronics packed buildings of Akihabara or perhaps find a cat café and do some petting while you sip your tea, or check out the beautiful Ueno Park.

Day 4 Tokyo To Isawa via Hakone.

Before we leg it out of Japan's capital we have some very serious business to tend to - a guided tour of famous Tsukiji - the world's largest and busiest fish market. Here, why not opt to learn the art of sushi making, or just kick back in one of the markets sushi bars and soak in the atmosphere. Isawa It's time to pamper ourselves! Check-in at our super chill Ryokan special stay, soak in those healing hot springs, and chillax. Tonight's dinner is a feast of flavors - Japanese kaiseki style! Hakone Our first overland journey takes us south to Hakone, completely removing us from Tokyo's fast city pace. We will take in Japanese mountain vistas from the Hakone Ropeway & spend the night in a traditional guesthouse where we'll be treated to some local Japanese hospitality.

Day 5 Isawa to Takayama.

Isawa Waving our supremely hospitable hosts goodbye, we’ll hit the road in search of a long valley amidst the Japanese mountains. Romantic, right? Matsumoto Mountainside city escape. Welcome to Matsumoto, nestled beside Japan’s highest mountain range – the Hida Mountains. Famous for its samurai history and thriving foodie scene, this one will have you taking snaps at every turn. Takayama Relaxation stations. After a full day of exploring and ogling at the Japanese countryside, it’s perfectly acceptable to crash out in Takayama. Don’t worry about missing anything – we have all day tomorrow here to explore.

Day 6 Takayama.

Dark wooden buildings, Kanji signs & surrounding hillsides will see us totally taken by Takayama. Grab a bike and take a cycle, then unwind from it all with a Japanese footbath. There's not many places where relaxation feels quite like this. Tonight is yours to explore as you wish, but we have an inkling you won't want to miss the mouthwatering hida beef for dinner.

Day 7 Takayama to Hiroshima.

Takayama In usual circumstances we'd be quite sad to be leaving the soul-stirring town of Takayama, but with the bullet train experience whipping us to Hiroshima it's hard not to get excited. Hiroshima We did it! We travelled on land at a casual 320 kilometers per hour on the Shinkansen - the world's fastest train. That's a big old tick off the Japan bucket list. Hiroshima is yours this afternoon to explore your way.

Day 8 Hiroshima.

A morning of reflection. The site of the world’s first nuclear bombing, Hiroshima has now been declared a City of Peace. Our day here will be one of learning as we take in the tragic recounts of World War II at the Peace Memorial Museum. Miyajima A gateway island. We’ll take a detour to the tranquil isle of Miyajima, where you’ll get a spellbinding view of the giant orange Great Torii Gate (you know the one, even if you don’t.) Expect forests, temples, roaming deer and much more... Hiroshima We’ll end our day in Hiroshima with more excitement to follow tomorrow.

Day 9 Hiroshima to Kyoto.

Hiroshima With 3 more destinations left to uncover on the Japanese map, we hit the road this morning and leave the historical metropolis of Hiroshima behind. Kyoto Welcome to the culture hub of Japan. Geisha girls, artfully manicured gardens, shrines & temples aplenty - looks like we're in Kyoto! We won't waste a minute peeling back this city's layers, taking you to Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle & the Gion Area with our guide. You'll also have plenty of free time to check the place out any old way you please, and go on the lookout for glamorous geishas. If that means wearing a kimono and platforms, we're right here to applaud you.

Day 10 Kyoto.

So what's up next? How about checking out the Fushimi Inari Shrine? Approx 233 metres above sea level, the journey to the shrine begins at the base of the mountain. This afternoon is free for you to explore the sights of Kyoto.

Day 11 Kyoto to Mount Koya.

Kyoto Enjoy a slow and leisurely morning in Kyoto to get in the zen frame of mind for what lies ahead. On the train we make tracks for Mt Koya. Koyasan You would think that by this stage of the trip all the phenomenal moments might be behind us. Oh how wrong you would be. Tonight we stay in a Buddhist guesthouse, eating traditional food and savouring the mindfulness & beauty of this incredible experience. For those looking for a digital detox amongst nature, it doesn't get better than this.

Day 12 Mount Koya to Osaka.

Koyasan It's our last full day of the trip - make the most of it by rising early this morning and partaking in the tradition of an early morning Buddhist service. A Local Guide will then walk us through the beauty of the Koyasan area and centuries old cemetery before we move on to our last destination. Osaka For those who have stepped out of their quiet zone from the morning of serenity, it will be time to relish in Osaka and take on the traditional Japanese pastime of Karaoke. A couple of Asahis or Sakes - you know, for tradition - should stimulate your bravery.

Day 13 End Osaka.

Today our Japanese fairytale comes to an end. Whilst we'll be crying silent (or not so silent) tears, our life-lasting memories, army of new friends and deep appreciation for Japan will be enough to keep the smiles on our faces. Say?nara, globe trotters!

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