Prepare to immerse yourself in the wacky and wonderful in this fascinating land. Get off the beaten track on our most culturally immersive Japan holiday and: – Trek at the foot of Mount Fuji– Meet the Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka– Take a rickshaw ride through a bamboo forest
You’ll see all the classic highlights too in Tokyo and Kyoto. Tour Includes: – Meals: Breakfasts: 11, Dinners: 4– Flights: International flights and current taxes– Accommodation: 11 nights in 3+/4 star accommodation– Group Tour: Max Group Size – 18– Physical Rating: 3 – Longer walking and gentle-paced physical activities.
ItineraryDAYS 1-2 Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, Japan’s capital city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3 Japanese Drumming
Begin your tour of Tokyo by immersing yourself into the local culture by spending the morning trying your hand at traditional Japanese drumming with a Taiko class. Later, stop by Meiji Shrine and continue to the vibrant district of Harajuku before stopping by the famous Shibuya Crossing. (B) Breakfast
DAY 4 Discover Tokyo
Sightseeing today begins with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden and a visit to the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree for views over the sprawling city below. You’ll also stop by Sensoji Temple Tokyo’s oldest, and stroll along Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, explore the Tokyo National Museum. Housed in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo, the museum powerfully illustrates Tokyo’s past (known as Edo until 1869) right up to recent decades. (B) Breakfast
DAY 5 Mount Fuji
Journey out of Tokyo to the foot of mighty Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes area. Pick up a walking trail and make your way through lush alpine forest at Fuji’s base, pausing often to admire the landscapes around you. (B,D) Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 Search for Snow Monkeys
Travel to Matsumoto and explore its magnificent 16th-century castle. Continue to Nagano, stopping in Yudanaka to search for the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) at Jigokudani Monkey Park – sighting not guaranteed. (B) Breakfast
DAY 7 Japanese Alps
Travel to Hotaka and ride up into the Japanese Alps on the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway for breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains (weather permitting). Drive to Takayama where you will spend the night at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with onsen facilities. Here you can relax and bathe in the natural hot spring pools and experience this most traditional pastime. This afternoon you will have time to explore Kamisannomachi Street and sample the street food on offer. This evening, enjoy dinner in your ryokan. (B,D) Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 Bullet Train to Kyoto
Take the limited express train to Nagoya, then board a super-fast bullet train to whizz your way through the countryside to Kyoto. Start discovering the city’s rich heritage with visits to the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple. Stroll around Higashiyama and Gion, the geisha district, with a stop at Gion Corner, which showcases the seven professional performing arts. (B) Breakfast
DAY 9 Japanese Tea Ceremony
Start today by visiting Kinkakuji, known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ and Ryoanji. Continue to Arashiyama district to explore the striking bamboo forest and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Later, witness the rituals involved in the preparation and pouring of matcha tea in a traditional tea ceremony. (B) Breakfast
DAY 10 Kyoto culture & Koyasan
Discover the complicated process of dressing in a traditional kimono at Nishijin Textile Centre, then try your hand at the art of origami. This afternoon, travel by road to Koyasan, where you will spend the night in a 13th-century temple guesthouse sleeping on a traditional futon on a tatami mat floor. (B,D) Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11 Morning Prayers in Koyasan
Rise early to join the monks for their daily morning service hearing the recitation and chanting is a magical experience. After breakfast, take a walking tour of Koyasan. One of Japan’s holiest sites, this mountaintop sanctuary is full of temples and pagodas. Also visit Kongobuji Temple and Okunoin Cemetery before traveling to Osaka. (B) Breakfast
DAY 12 Himeji Castle & Sake Brewery
Take a day tour to Himeji to visit the 17th-century castle which is considered a prime example of Japanese feudal period architecture. Continue to a sake brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy some tasters. Return to Osaka and enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D) Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13 Fly Osaka to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day. (B) Breakfast | 
