Day 1 : DAY 1: Start of tour in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo! This Highlights of Japan group tour begins in the country’s dazzling capital city. Arrive at the hotel, check in from 15:00 onwards and receive an Expat Explore information pack containing all of the info for the first day’s activities. Meet up with your tour leader and the rest of your group this evening. Tonight, get to know the group over a welcome dinner. Sample your first taste of Japanese cuisine at a Japanese-style pub known as an Izakaya!
Day 2 : DAY 2: Tokyo City Tour
Today, Tokyo awaits! After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing tour of the city. Stroll around Tokyo and see how tradition meets modernity with historic temples and neon skyscrapers lining the streets. The tour includes highlights such as the Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market and Takeshita Street - one of the brightest and busiest shopping areas in all of Tokyo! Spend the evening exploring more of this diverse city with free time tonight. Why not join the exciting Tokyo+ optional excursion? This includes a trip to the top of the Tokyo Skytree Tower for sweeping panoramic city views, free time for dinner in Omoide Yokocho and a walking tour of the buzzing Shinjuku City.
Day 3 : DAY 3: Kamakura - Hakone - Shizuoka
Today, it’s time to travel to the next stop in Japan. Board the coach to travel towards Shizuoka. En route, embark on sightseeing tours of the seaside town of Kamakura, home to the Great Buddha, as well as Hakone where you can see amazing views of Mount Fuji! There will be free time for lunch during the sightseeing tour - the perfect time to refuel your energy to see the rest of the amazing sights! Arrive in Shizuoka in the early evening. Check in, freshen up and head out to see more of the city. The evening is free to spend as you choose. You could explore nearby Shun Castle Park or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 : DAY 4: Nihondaira - Tea Farm - Miso Factory - Kusatsu
Another day filled with unique Japanese adventures awaits! Today’s first stop is Nihondaira which is famous for its views of Mount Fuji. Next up is a tea farm visit followed by a stop with free time for lunch en route. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to a miso factory before arriving in Kusatsu where the tour will be spending the night. Check into the hotel and then the evening is free to do some exploring! Why not enjoy a taste of one of Japan’s most famous dishes - Omibeef - on tonight’s mouthwatering optional excursion?
Day 5 : DAY 5: Iga - Nara - Himeji
Look forward to unique experiences in Iga and Nara today! Visit the Iga Ninja Museum and look forward to a demonstration of Ninja skills and weaponry! Then, visit the Kehaya Sumo Museum and learn about this fascinating form of wrestling. Next, visit the Todai Temple which houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana (Daibutsu in Japanese). Then, explore Nara Park and see free-roaming herds of deer. Arrive in Himeji and enjoy a free evening. Why not visit Otokoyama Hill for amazing views of the city or Egret Himeji, which is a great spot for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat? Its rooftop offers views of Himeji Castle and is open for free to the public.
Day 6 : DAY 6: Himeji - Okayama - Hiroshima
Experience a full day of sightseeing in Himeji and Okayama. Travel by coach and on foot to discover more about these intriguing destinations. Visit the magnificent Himeji Castle to see a great example of Japanese architecture, wander through the stunning Korakuen Garden in Okayama and enjoy free time for lunch during the sightseeing tour. After a day filled with beautiful Japanese sights, it's time to head to Hiroshima. Arrive and check in at the hotel where the tour will be based for the next three nights. Enjoy an included Okonomiyaki dinner with the group tonight!
Day 7 : DAY 7: Hiroshima
Explore the highlights of Hiroshima on a city sightseeing tour after breakfast. Hiroshima’s history stretches back centuries. Today, it is widely remembered for being the target of an atomic bomb attack during WW2. Learn all about the city’s history and the impact of the war during the guided city tour. Embark by coach and travel on foot to see some of the city’s highlights including the impressive Kintaikyo Bridge, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island as well as the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Tonight is free to spend as you wish. Nagarekawa is a hub for food and entertainment. Why not visit Okonomimura? This food hall in Hiroshima is famous for its Okonomiyaki!
Day 8 : DAY 8: Hiroshima: Free Day
Enjoy a free day to explore more of Hiroshima. Choose to see a whole new side to the city on the Hidden Hiroshima optional excursion which includes a visit to the historic Mitaki Temple, a visit to a local oyster farm where the group will enjoy lunch, and time to explore the serene Shukkeien Garden. The optional excursion finishes up mid-afternoon and the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. There are a number of exciting things to see and do around the city. You could pay a visit to the Hiroshima Castle or wander through Hijiyama Park, which offers beautiful views and is home to the Hiroshima MOCA.
Day 9 : DAY 9: Hiroshima - Okayama - Kurashiki - Osaka
Travel onwards to Osaka and explore a little more of what Okayama has to offer today. Board the coach after breakfast for more sightseeing adventures! Enjoy city tours of Okayama and Kurashiki where you will have free time to enjoy lunch. Once the group has fueled up on some delicious Japanese food, it’s time to continue onwards and enjoy an included sake tasting and museum tour! Later, arrive in Osaka and check into the hotel where the group will spend the next two nights. Tonight you have the option to explore Osaka on a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the vibrant Dotonbori area!
Day 10 : DAY 10: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Kyoto - Osaka
Escape into nature this morning on a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling to the forest which is one of Kyoto’s top attractions. Next up, spend time wandering through Kinkakuji (also known as the Golden Pavilion) before visiting the Kiyomizu Temple for some exploring and free time to have lunch. This afternoon, visit Gion - Kyoto’s historic geisha district and browse the many shops. Keep an eye out for geishas strolling through the streets! It’s the last night of this incredible tour and the group will be celebrating with an included farewell dinner. Toast to your favourite memories over a delicious meal tonight!
Day 11 : DAY 11: End of tour in Tokyo
After ten experience-filled days, the Highlights of Japan tour comes to an end today. Enjoy a final breakfast with the group before travelling back to Tokyo. The transfer will be by coach and will last approximately 10 hours, with Tokyo Station being the final stop. Alternatively, choose to end the tour in Osaka and transfer to Kansai Int ’l Airport by airport shuttle bus or transfer to Shin-Osaka and take a bullet train to Tokyo at an additional cost. Arrive in Tokyo where the tour ends. Reminisce about your time on this Japan trip. Swap memories and contact details with your newly made travel friends before saying goodbye and heading home.