Day : 1
Arrive Osaka (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival at Osaka Itami or Kansai International Airport, transfer by pre-booked airport shuttle service to your hotel. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with appetisers. Welcome Reception
Day : 2
Osaka and Nara Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Start your day with a cruise on the 'aqua-bus' along Osaka's Okawa River. See the sights of the city from a different perspective as you sail along the river including Osaka Castle, the Japan Mint, City Hall and Nakanoshima. Later enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area with a visit to the Floating Garden Observatory at the Umeda Sky Building. This open-air viewing platform links the two towers of this sky-high landmark together, offering views of the surrounding cityscape of Osaka, nearby Awaji Island and Mt.Ikoma. This afternoon travel to nearby Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan. Visit the Todaiji Temple which houses one of Japan's largest bronze statues of Buddha at 15 metres tall and Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer. Enjoy some free time at the Higashimuki Shopping Arcade before returning to Osaka. Buffet Breakfast
Day : 3
Kyoto Sightseeing – Osaka
Number of Days : 1
This morning travel to Kyoto and start your City Tour with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. See the tunnel of thousands of bright orange torii gates that snake through the forest up into the mountains. Then head to Sanjusangen-do Hall, a temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy followed by a walking tour of the Gion area. Enjoy some free time in Gion before continuing to the Kinkakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Golden Pavilion. The Kinkakuji history dates back to 1397, when the villa was purchased by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. When Yoshimitsu died, the building was converted into a Zen temple by his son. Later return to your hotel in Osaka for a relaxing evening. Buffet Breakfast
Day : 4
Osaka – Awaji
Number of Days : 1
Leave Japan's main island Honshu behind as you cross the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge, over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Visit the Water Temple, designed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando to be a sensory experience. The mountains, sky, rice paddies and bamboo groves are reflected in the stillness of the water, which has a meditative effect as you descend the steps to the Buddhist Temple below the water. Afterwards check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time for the remainder of the day. Perhaps take a dip in the hotel's indoor swimming pool, treat yourself to a massage or alternatively take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. Soil had been removed from the site in the early 1990s to cater to a huge landfill development in the Osaka Bay area which included the building of Kansai International Airport. One of the most striking features in the complex is the '100 Stepped Garden' - a group of 100 flower beds in small square gardens on an incline behind the hotel and arranged in grids spread over several levels. Buffet Breakfast
Day : 5
Awaji – Kotohira (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
This morning cross to Shikoku island and make a stop in Takamatsu to have some free time for lunch. Visit Ritsurin Garden, one of the most famous historical gardens in Japan which features many ponds, small hills, bridges and beautiful pavilions. The gardens are set against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Shiun at the western border of the garden. Later continue to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira for your dinner and overnight stay in your Authentic Accommodation, a Japanese ryokan. This evening perhaps have a relaxing soak in the hot spring (onsen) bath.Buffet Breakfast, Dinner
Day : 6
Kotohira
Number of Days : 1
This morning climb the steps which are adjacent to the hotel up to Kotohira-gu Shrine and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The shrine is also often referred to as 'Kompirasan' and is known as the 'guardian of the sea' dedicated to sailors. Over many centuries it was referred to as being a cross between a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple, until it was officially declared a shrine at the beginning of the Meiji Period during government efforts to separate the two religions. Later take part in an Udon Noodle Making cooking class with a Local Specialist. Udon is a type of thick wheat flour noodle featured often in Japanese cuisine. Eat your creations for lunch and afterwards make a visit to the Kinryo Sake Museum, a Cultural Insight. Enjoy some free time for the remainder of the day.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day : 7
Kotohira – Matsuyama
Number of Days : 1
Start the day with a visit to the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometres and was traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to complete. It is still done by many people today although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. Continue to Matsuyama, Shikoku's largest city and known for its hot springs (onsen) which are amongst the oldest in Japan. Take the cable car to visit Matsuyama Castle, located on Mt. Katsuyama, a steep hill in the city centre that provides a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. There are about 200 cherry trees in the castle grounds, making this a lovely cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at a local ryokan followed by a rikisha ride around Dogo Onsen and some free time for shopping.Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining
Day : 8
Matsuyama – Hiroshima (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometre highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Stop en route at Omishima Island for lunch in a local restaurant before continuing on to your hotel in Hiroshima. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day : 9
Hiroshima
Number of Days : 1
This morning catch a ferry over to Miyajima Island, otherwise known as Itsukushima, or Divine Island. On arrival visit the Itsukushima Shrine and admire the elaborate torii gate rising majestically out of the sea. Have some free time for lunch, strolling around and browsing in the small shops of this peaceful island. This afternoon return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. See the UNESCO listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area when the first atomic bomb exploded in 1945. Through the efforts of many people, including those of the city of Hiroshima, this ruin has been preserved in the same state as immediately after the bombing as an expression of hope for world peace. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell Dinner.Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day : 10
Hiroshima – Tokyo (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
This morning travel to Tokyo by high speed bullet train. On arrival check in to your centrally located hotel.Buffet Breakfast
Day : 11
Tokyo Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning your City Tour begins with an orientation drive. See the Tokyo Tower which opened in 1958 as a broadcasting mast and at the time was the tallest building in Tokyo. Make a stop at the Imperial Palace Plaza, a large park area in the centre of Tokyo from where the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed. It is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and built on the former site of Edo Castle. Continue to Asakusa and visit the Sensoji Buddhist temple. It is one of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples and has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site. Visit Nakamise, a shopping street over 200 metres long that stretches from the outer gate to the temple's second interior gate. Next drive through Akihabara which began its evolution into 'Electric Town' post WWII when the area became a black market for radio parts. Later make a stop at Ginza and take some free time for shopping and lunch. This afternoon perhaps take part in an Optional Experience. Buffet Breakfast
Day : 12
Mt. Fuji
Number of Days : 1
After breakfast depart Tokyo for the Five Lakes District, dominated by majestic UNESCO listed Mt. Fuji. At 3,776 metres it is Japan's highest mountain and most recognisable icon. Ascend by road to 2,300 metres at the 5th Station before taking a ride on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway, (both weather permitting) a cable car ride offering spectacular views on a clear day of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. Later return to your hotel for a relaxing evening. Buffet Breakfast
Day : 13
Depart Tokyo
Number of Days : 1
Transfer by airport shuttle service to Tokyo Narita or Haneda International Airport for your onward flight. Buffet Breakfast
