Gardens of Japan

Itinerary

Day 1 Osaka

Konnichiwa! Our sensory journey of Japan will begin in the spirited city of Osaka. Tonight, well meet the group and get to know each other better over an included welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2 Osaka – Himeji – Kurashiki

After breakfast at the hotel, well take a private vehicle to the beautiful Himeji Castle Japans biggest and best-preserved feudal-era castle where well take some time to stroll the 400-year-old complex and learn more about the buildings fascinating history. Then: well make the short journey to Koraku-en Garden, one of Japans most famous landscape gardens. Here, well wander expansive lawns broken up by large, glinting ponds and groves of plum, cherry and maple trees before moving on to Kurashiki where well have the evening to stroll the historic laneways and lamp-lit canals at our leisure.

Day 3 Kurashiki – Matsue

Once a buzzing centre for rice distribution, Kurashikis former merchant history is most evident in the towns well-preserved canal area. Well spend the morning exploring the wooden storehouses-turned-museums and old willow-edged canals before being escorted to the opulent Ohashi House where well stroll through the houses tatami floored rooms and elegant sliding doors, and admire the samurai-style architecture reflecting the Ohashi familys wealth and importance. Later, well move on to the Water City of Matsue and enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4 Matsue – Izumo – Matsue

After breakfast, our guide will take us to picturesque Matsue Castle one of only 12 original castles left in Japan. Perched atop a network of pine-lined waterways and charming bridges, the 16th century keep is something to behold! After, well spend the afternoon wandering the beautifully landscaped gardens and carefully curated art collection at the Adachi Museum of Art where well enjoy lunch overlooking the lush pond garden. Later, well make our way to mythological Izumo to pay a visit to the countrys oldest and most sacred Shinto shrine: Izumo Taisha. Back in Matsue, the evening will be yours to spend at your leisure.

Day 5 Matsue – Kyoto

Today well take the bullet train to Japans spiritual heart: Kyoto. Our first stop? Nishiki Market, where well spend some time browsing the lively market stalls and sampling delicious sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Later, well discover Kyotos atmospheric dining district of Pontocho. Best explored at night, this narrow pedestrian-only walkway is lined with old wooden faades, glowing lanterns and buzzing restaurants serving up tantalising dishes from inexpensive yakitori to modern Kyoto cuisine. Take some time to explore at your leisure, keeping your eyes peeled for the occasional geisha making their way between appointments.

Day 6 Kyoto – Arashiyama – Kyoto

Nestled at the base of Kyoto’s western mountains, the tranquil district of Arashiyama is best known for its scenic temples and peaceful bamboo grove. We’ll begin our day with a visit to Gio-Ji Temple, which is known for its mossy gardens, simple thatched hall and tall maple trees. Next, we’ll wander the awe-inspiring gardens of Okochi Mountain Villa – the former estate of famed film actor Okochi Denjiro. Here, we’ll take some time to admire the grand residential architecture and impressive viewpoints before enjoying a complimentary matcha green tea and traditional sweets in this charming setting. We’ll have time to take a serene stroll through Arashiyama’s dense bamboo grove before heading to today’s highlight – the Tenryuji Temple. And later, we’ll make tracks to Higashiyama to partake in a traditional chanoyu tea ceremony. Back in Kyoto, you’ll have some free time to explore the gently sloping lanes and traditional shophouses of the Ninenzaka district.

Day 7 Kyoto – Kanazawa

This morning well travel by express train to the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture: Kanazawa. Here, well meet our guide for a tour of the historic Omicho market a network of buzzing restaurants and market stalls filled with fresh local seafood and colourful produce. Well have some free time to immerse ourselves in the markets hustle and bustle before moving on to the tranquil Kenrokuen Garden. Drawing inspiration from the six attributes of perfection (seclusion, spaciousness, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broad views), its easy to see why this Edo period garden is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Well round off our day in the Higashi Chaya District, where well
stop in at a local store to learn the art of gold leaf decorating.

Day 8 Kanazawa – Tokyo

After breakfast, well ride the bullet train to Tokyo. Upon arrival, well be escorted to Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, the largest fish and seafood market in the world. Well have time to browse over 400 shops selling fresh ingredients and cooking utensils before we make tracks to the famous Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace the official residence of Japans Imperial Family. Well take some time to wander the large grounds, moats and imposing stone walls before returning to our hotel where well clink glasses over a farewell dinner later tonight.

Day 9 Tokyo

After one last breakfast with the group, our tour will come to a close.