Highlights

• Japan is a year round destination with something in store for every season: cherry blossoms in spring, stunning leaves in autumn and snow and ice in winter.
• This trip is a great balance of included activities in each destination and free time for your own choice of options, all backed by a helpful leader to steer you in the right direction of the best experiences.
• There’s no better way to get around Japan than the country’s famous railway system. Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra-modernity as you zip from place to place with your included 7-day Japan Rail Pass. Your leader will organise all the logistics so all you need to worry about is whether to choose ramen or yakitori for dinner.
• A visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park is a sobering but important experience for understanding the tragedies of Japan’s not so distant past.
• Trace the steps of the Geisha around the alleyways of Kyoto’s atmospheric Gion district and visit a Zen Buddhism temple and hear about its practice over sipping green tea.
• Stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and sample simple home-cooked fare in Edo-era Takayama, explore local markets, the Hida Folk Village and perhaps stop by a sake brewery.
• Culminate in Tokyo, one of the most extraordinary capital cities on the planet.

Trip Overview

Japan, a country steeped in mythical traditions and modern wonders. This journey uncovers the highlights of this fascinating country. Like the history, the country is varied and diverse: from the ancient cities like Kyoto to the historically relevant city of Hiroshima and on to the beautiful Edo era city of Takayama; countryside backdropped by mountains, lakes and waterfalls to the bustling futuristic city of Tokyo. This journey gradually reveals the rich variety of the country as you visit temples, castles, shrines and holy mountains while mixing with locals and experiencing the real Japan. Come on this magical journey and experience all that Japan has to offer.