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Day 1
DEPART USA
Depart from your home gateway city, bound for Tokyo.
Day 2
ARRIVE TOKYO (3 NIGHTS)
Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at Narita New Tokyo Airport, transfer to your luxurious hotel. Enjoy some free time this evening to begin your exploration or take time to relax and recharge. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers and 8 p.m.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 3
TOKYO SIGHTSEEING
For the early risers, enjoy an optional excursion to the Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest fish market in the world before embarking on a full day of sightseeing in this bustling city. Explore the Imperial Palace, formally known as Edo Castle, surrounded by its original innermost moat and star attraction, the Meiji Shrine, a picturesque Shinto shrine set in a beautiful tree-lined avenue where cherry blossoms bloom in springtime. During lunch, enjoy a cooking class where you will learn how to make sushi, a Local Speciality, in the famous Ginza district. Continue to the Edo Tokyo Museum in the Asakusa district for a glimpse into Tokyo’s past. Visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple and Buddhist temple called Sensoji. This evening, enjoy a Japanese-style dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Day 4
TOKYO FREE TIME
Enjoy a full day of free time to explore the city at your own pace or choose to take an optional full-day excursion to view Kamakura. Absorb scenic views of the Pacific Ocean before reaching the town of Kamakura to view its most famous attraction, the giant bronze Great Buddha “Daibutsu.”
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Day 5
TOKYO - MT. FUJI - KATSUNUMA - LAKE SUWA
Bid farewell to Tokyo and drive to the Five Lakes District dominated by majestic Mt Fuji. At 3776m, it is Japan’s tallest mountain and most recognisable icon. Ascend to the 5th Station of Mount Fuji to enjoy some spectacular views at 2,300m (weather permitting). Continue to Katsunuma, famous for production of wine in Japan where you indulge in a Highlight Lunch at one of the wineries before continuing to Lake Suwa. Settle in at your traditional Japanese Ryokan in time for a hot spring bath! This evening, dine in authentic Japanese style, during a Kaiseki Highlight Dinner.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 6
LAKE SUWA - MATSUMOTO - TAKAYAMA (2 NIGHTS)
Drive north this morning to visit Matsumoto Castle with its unique timber and stone structure before heading to the Matsumoto Folkcraft Museum. Matsumoto is also famous for its wasabi cultivation, a Unique Insight, and today you learn all about the production before enjoying a lunch of soba noodles with wasabi. Continue your journey through the breathtaking Japanese Alps and to your hotel in the beautiful hill town of Takayama.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 7
TAKAYAMA SIGHTSEEING
Begin your walking tour of Takayama, known as ‘little Kyoto’, filled with amazing attractions. Explore the Old Town, stopping at some of the traditional houses and delightful local museums and wander through a vibrant Asaichi open-air flower and fruit market. After a Highlight Lunch of Japanese Hida beef at a local restaurant, continue to Takayama Jinya, Kami Sannomachisu District with its skillfully renowned local artisans and take time to sample Sake, a Local Speciality. This evening is free for you to explore the many restaurants in this picturesque town.
Day 8
TAKAYAMA - SHIRAKAWAGO - KANAZAWA
Grab an overnight bag for the trip from Kanazawa to Kyoto by train. Your main luggage will be transported to Kyoto separately. Take a step back in time with a Local Expert during a visit to the peaceful mountain village of Shirakawago in Gashozukuri, an outdoor exhibition of over 30 farmhouses and other traditional buildings typical of the region. Continue on to coastal Kanazawa, a historic castle town which boasts beautifully preserved samurai districts. This evening is free to relax at the hotel, after a busy day of sightseeing.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 9
KANAZAWA - KYOTO (2 NIGHTS)
Begin the day with a visit to the Normura house, an elegant Samurai mansion with beautiful small gardens belonging to a high-ranked samurai family. Also see the gardens of Kenrokuen, rated as one of the top 3 most beautiful landscaped gardens in Japan. Discover the secrets of golf leaf painting, a Local Speciality, during a visit with a local artist before travelling to Kyoto by train. Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most important works of art, its richest culture and most refined cuisine. Enjoy a sumptuous boxed lunch during the train journey. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, head to the hotel and enjoy some free time or explore this traditional town.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 10
KYOTO SIGHTSEEING
Explore Kyoto today. This delightful capital has an abundance of fine architecture in its shrines and temples, gardens, and variety of art and craft shops. See Nijo Castle, the old Shogun residence, the Kinkakuji Temple famous for its Golden Pavilion. This afternoon, enjoy a special Be My Guest lunch at a traditional Ryokan hosted by the land lady, and learn about the Japanese custom of Omotenashi Hospitality. Continue on to Heian Shinto Shrine with its beautiful inner garden and Nishikikoji Market to purchase last minute souvenirs with hundreds of local shops to explore. The afternoon is free to relax before gathering with your fellow travellers for a Japanese Kaiseki Farewell Dinner featuring a dance performance by Geisha and Maiko ladies.
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Day 11
DEPART KYOTO
Your holiday ends with a transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue to Hiroshima & Osaka by choosing the 13-Day Itinerary.