Hidden Treasures of Japan

• Narita Int’l Airport is located approximately 2.5-3 hours from airport arrival terminal to your hotel lobby.
• Haneda Int’l Airport will take you approx. 1.5 hours from airport arrival terminal to your hotel lobby.

• Tsukuji Wholesale Outer Market
• Hamarikyu Garden
• Sumida River Cruise to Asakusa Area
• Lunch in Asakusa
• Sensouji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street 
• Edo Museum Or Tokyo Skytree (if museum is closed)
  

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Today will be a free day in Tokyo. Rest assured we will provide you with lots of suggestions in advance. You can continue to explore Tokyo on your own, take a trip out to Kamakura or Yokohama, or have a fun day out at amusement parks such as Tokyo Disney Resort, Studio Ghibli, etc. (tickets available upon request). So be sure to inform us in advance if you have something particular you would like to see or do. Your tour leader will be ready to assist you in making this plan.

After three nights among Tokyo’s glittering skyscrapers and winding back streets, we begin our journey into the country itself in search of Japan’s glorious hidden treasures, traveling by bullet train (shinkansen).

After a visit to the museums on Mikimoto Pearl Island to see some of the priceless crown jewels (featuring over 18,000 pearls and many other precious stones), watch the “Ama Divers” (women pearl divers) demonstrate this long-held traditional occupation and way of life, searching  daily for hard won treasures from the sea. After this, enjoy a visit to the Ise Grand Shrine.

From Ise and after a scenic two-hour journey, we will arrive at Mt Koya (Koyasan), a sacred site established 1,200 years ago. Our local Koyasan guide will take us on a spiritual walk around this mystical setting. Tonight, we will sleep in an authentic temple lodges. If you’re feeling up to it, you can take part in an evening calligraphy session and/or an early morning chanted prayer with the monks before breakfast. You will enjoy beautifully presented shojin ryori (highly stylised traditional Buddhist cuisine) for dinner and breakfast.

After breakfast, you will sail from Wakayama port to Japan’s fourth largest island, Shikoku. Stopping briefly in Tokushima before moving on to Iya Valley.

In Takamatsu, you will see the famous and stunning Ritsurin Garden. En-route you will stop-off at Kotohira; a small village most famous for serving sanuki udon noodles.

Before reaching Kyoto we will island hop from Takamatsu to a small island Naoshima, best known for its art museums. Built into the hillside, Chichu Art Museum has paintings from Monet’s “Water Lilies” series. Benesse House Museum shows contemporary sculpture and installations. One of Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculptures stands by Miyanoura Port. On the east coast, the Art House Project is a collection of architectural art pieces.

After breakfast, our local tour guide will meet and guide you on a tour around this magnificent city, narrating the history and cultural heritage of this ancient capital. Then wet your whistle with Japanese tea at a ceremony in one of Kyoto’s traditional machi-ya tea houses.

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu is probably best known for its location – literally on the most famous crossing in the world at Shibuya Crossing. No matter what your tastes or styles, Shibuya area will not disappoint. Your hotel is connected to the train station so access while on your own in Tokyo is second to none. If you want to be in the middle of it all, then Shibuya is the best place! 

Toba International Hotel – Two nights stay in a luxurious 4 star hotel located right on the water with harbour and island views from your room.

Your overnight in Koyasan will be your first real introduction to Japanese Buddhism and spirituality. You will live like a monk for one night – sleeping on futon tatami mats, traditional accommodation in a real temple, enjoying the vegetarian masterpieces presented to you for breakfast and dinner. Embrace this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Iya Onsen

Nestled in the hidden Iya Valley in Shikoku Island, after a long day traveling, relax and unwind in a unique onsen resort. The onsen water in this region is very famous for being soft quality with the characteristic of alkaline hot spring water.  Descend to the onsen open-air baths by cable car. Baths are not mixed so females/males bath separately. This is considered one of the best onsen experiences in the whole of Japan – overlooking the river with gushing water streaming by while you bath outside.

The Iya Valley’s steep mountain surroundings, holy atmosphere, and significance in Japanese history have caused the area to be known as ‘Tibet of Japan’.

During Awa Odori Festival Season (August tour), you will be given the accommodation name at time of booking. 

ANA Clement Hotel Takamatsu (or similar 4*)

R Hotel Clement Takamatsu features 7 dining options, free WiFi while certain rooms feature panoramic sea and city views, a 1-minute stroll from JR Takamatsu Station. It offers massages and a hairdresser, and it boasts a fresh bakery. The 24-hour reception provides currency exchange.

Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea (Seto Naikai), Western and Japanese rooms are all air-conditioned and soundproof, each fitted with a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. They have a seating area and a bathroom including a bathtub and toiletries.

Facilities at the Takamatsu Clement include a souvenir shop and a flower shop. Dry cleaning service and luggage storage are available. Bar Astro offers original and popular cocktails, as well as snacks, with panoramic views from the 21st floor.

Kyoto Okura Hotel (or similar 5*)

One of Kyoto’s finest 5* hotels in a fantastic location with a very famous restaurant serving Kyoto cuisine called Awato Sanso. You can also choose from Italian, Steakhouse, or Chinese, in case you’ve had enough Japanese! Breakfast in these 5* hotels is always a real treat with plenty of options to choose from – both Western & Japanese.

The tour will end in Kyoto. If you prefer to continue on to another city, we will add post-tour nights on to your schedule. Discuss with your travel Japan travel expert for options available.