Jewels Of Japan

Day 1

Brisbane - Tokyo
Your tour begins with a transfer to Brisbane Airport where our staff will assist with checkin for your flight to Tokyo.

Day 2

Arrive Tokyo
Fly overnight to Tokyo, the capital of Japan. On arrival, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and travel to your hotel.

Day 3

Discover Tokyo
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you'll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore; today take a tour by coach of this fascinating city. Begin with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Garden (you will not enter the palace itself) before exploring the Tokyo National Museum. After lunch, head to the Asakusa district, stopping at the atmospheric Sensoji Temple and wandering down Nakamise shopping street, followed by a visit to the observation deck of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city. Please note that you will be on your feet for 4-5 hours during your touring in Tokyo today. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant within walking distance of your hotel.

Day 4

Meiji Shrine
Spend a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens and exploring the Shinto Meiji Shrine, located in a green forest within the city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel, driving by the Shibuya "Scramble" Crossing on the way. Return to your hotel where your guide will let you know what time to meet for this evenings dinner cruise. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore independently or relax in the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to your boat and take a leisurely 1-hour dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for some excellent city vistas.

Day 5

Mount Fuji & Five Lakes
Today we journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base, where you will find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Fuji's picture-perfect cone. Head up Fuji's 5th Station for spectacular mountain vistas. (Please note it is only possible to reach the 5th station if weather permits.) After lunch, visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the elaborate dyed silk creations before exploring the Iyashi no Sato historical village, located on the western shores of Lake Saiko, famous for its thatched-roofed houses. Continue on to Mishima and check into our hotel and make use of the onsen facilities.

Day 6

Bullet Train to Kyoto
Travel to Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal-clear spring water created by Fuji's melting snow. Stroll around the area before trying your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles, which you will then enjoy for lunch. Continue to Mishima Station to board a bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years. Today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Check in to your hotel before dinner at a local restaurant.
Please note: your luggage will be transferred separately to your hotel in Kyoto and arrive later the same day. You will need to pack a separate overnight bag to carry on the train in case of any delays.

Day 7

Explore Kyoto
Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto, starting with a visit to the spectacular Kiyomizu Temple. You will spend 1.5 hours on foot exploring the temple. Next, immerse yourself in the culture, learning the traditional Japanese handicraft of origami and enjoying the art of a tea ceremony. After lunch, visit a traditional teahouse where you will be joined by a Tea Master. Due to the nature of the cultural experience, you will be required to remove your shoes before entering the venue. Next, visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. You will walk up part of the mountain and the incline allows a steady-paced walk around 15 minutes with flat road and steps to reach tori gates. Please note: due to the limited space of Fushimi Inari Shrine coach parking, you may need to walk from coach parking for 15 minutes.

Day 8

Journey to Hiroshima
Begin the day with a visit to Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous zen garden, and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion due to its golden exterior. You will need to remove your shoes at both temples. Continue by coach to Osaka to have lunch in the vibrant Dotonbori district. Transfer to the train station and take the bullet train to Hiroshima, a modern and prosperous city.
Please note: you will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for tonight as your main luggage will be transferred separately to your Hiroshima hotel and will not arrinve until the following day.

Day 9

Hiroshima & Miyajima
Hop on the ferry to Miyajima Island, where sightseeing will be at a leisurely pace on foot. Visit Itsukushima Shrine and explore the traditional market town at leisure. Return by ferry and then coach to Hiroshima to have lunch. Later, visit the famous Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Please be aware that the museum may be confronting and upsetting for some group members and it is at your discretion if you wish to visit or enjoy time at leisure exploring the Peace Memorial Park. Later visit the Orizuru Tower, Itsukushima shrine and enjoy free time on Miyajima Island to explore the local streets or make the walk up to Daisho-in Temple.

Day 10

Himeji Castle
Travel by coach to Himeji, with a rest stop along the way. On arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the beautiful Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden. Himeji Castle is largely in its original condition, so please be mindful of your step when walking around. You will have to remove your shoes before walking along some of the wooden floors and there are some steep wooden steps to reach certain areas. After the reopening in March 2015, Himeji Castle has welcomed a large number of visitors. As such, they now issue numbered tickets to enter the Main Keep in order to limit the number of people who can enter, reducing congestion, waiting time and to protect the cultural properties. This may mean that some visitors are not allowed to enter the Main Keep, however, there are many other parts of the castle to explore. Later, transfer to Osaka for your overnight stay.
Please note: There will be a substantial amount of walking today, including a large number of steps.

Day 11

Depart Osaka
This morning is free at your leisure before you transfer to Osaka airport for your return flight home.

Day 12

Arrive Brisbane
On our arrival back into Brisbane and after clearing customs, you will be met by our staff who will have your transfers arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner