Best of Japan
Starting in Japan's vibrant capital city, you will discover the remarkable sights and uncover the wonderful culture this country has to offer, on a trip that comprises travel on the famous Bullet Train. Day 1 - Arrive Tokyo
Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Tonight, meet your APT Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Accommodation: Four Nights: Tokyo, Shangri La Hotel
Meals:
Day 2 - Tokyo
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Tokyo. Located in the heart of the city, the pristine Hamarikyu Gardens offer an oasis from the hustle and bustle. Afterwards, take a step back in time in Asakusa and wander through old Tokyo. Pass through the iconic Thunder Gate entrance to the ancient Sensoji temple, Tokyo's most colourful and popular Buddhist temple. This afternoon, discover more of Tokyo with your chosen sightseeing experience. Tonight, indulge in a sumptuous Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 3 - Hakone, Tokyo
Today travel to Hakone, a city renowned for its natural beauty. En route to Hakone, stop at Honma Yosegi Museum and admire the exhibition of Edo-period artisan crafts. Following lunch, ride the Hakone Ropeway and, if the sky is clear, see Mt. Fuji. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and be immersed in a wonderland of art and nature.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Day 4 - Tokyo
This morning you will learn the art of sushi making. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5 - Tokyo, Kanazawa
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding the Bullet Train to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, visit the Kenroku-en garden. One of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens, the surrounds change with the seasons. Tour the old castle town including the Nagamachi Samurai district.
Accommodation: Two Nights, Kanazawa, ANA Crowne Plaza
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Day 6 - Kanazawa
Today, enjoy time at the Omicho Market, Kanazawa's largest fresh food market with over 200 stalls. After, explore the Higashi Chaya district, Kanazawa's largest geisha district. Later, visit the historic village of Shirakawa-go and wander the Gassho-style houses with their steeply-pitched thatched roofs, the only of their kind in Japan. Return to your hotel.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 7 - Kanazawa, Kyoto
Board the train this morning to Kyoto. Upon arrival, take part in a tea ceremony before strolling through Higashiyama district with a chance to see a geisha. Tonight, the rhythms of a taiko drum performance elevates your dining experience.
Accommodation: Three Nights, Kyoto, Brighton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 8 - Kyoto, Nara
In the former capital, Nara, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and receive a Shinto blessing by a priest. See the iconic Todaiji temple and the Kasuga Taisha shrine. Later, stop by at the Sake Brewery Museum and delight in the chance to sample the local brew.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9 - Kyoto
Today you will discover the incredible attractions of the cultural capital of Japan on a full day tour. Visit Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), the World Heritage-listed Tenryuji temple, and Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves. This evening, take in a unique and memorable Signature Experience.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10 - Kyoto, Hiroshima
After breakfast, take the Bullet Train to Hiroshima. Spend the afternoon at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Here, observe displays left by victims, photos and other materials that convey the horror of the event. Afterwards, visit the picturesque Shukkei-en Gardens. Tonight, choose where to dine.
Accommodation: Hiroshima, Sheraton Grand Hotel
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11 - Hiroshima, Osaka
Today, enjoy a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to view the spectacular 'Floating Torii Gate'. After lunch at a local restaurant, board a Bullet Train to Osaka.
Accommodation: Two Nights, Osaka, InterContinental
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Day 12 - Osaka
Enjoy a morning at leisure followed by an afternoon tour of Osaka where you will visit Osaka Castle, the Floating Observatory and the colourful district of Dotonbori. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Dinner
Day 13 - Depart Osaka
After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast
