12 day Aromas of Japan

Osaka – Arrival
Konichiwa and Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Kansai Airport, you are greeted and privately transferred to your hotel where you will then check in and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at your leisure exploring Osaka!

Accommodation: Miyako City Tennoji, Osaka (or similar)

Osaka – Fukuyama
This morning, we visit Himeji Castle, also known as the “White Heron Castle.” Known for its graceful architecture, this castle is also one of the few remaining original medieval castles in Japan. It is widely considered to be one of Japan’s most beautiful and historically significant castles.

We then travel on to Kurashiki, a historic merchant town famous for its picturesque Bikan Historical Quarter. Here, you can stroll along the old Edo-period streets and admire the traditional wooden warehouses. You will have time for some sightseeing before we travel on to Fukuyama to then check in at your hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy a buffet dinner at the hotel allowing you to relax while indulging in a variety of Japanese and international dishes. This provides a convenient and comfortable way to unwind after an eventful day.

Accommodation: Fukuyama New Castle Hotel, Fukuyama (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Group Welcome Dinner

Fukuyama – Hiroshima
The day begins with a two-hour journey to Hiroshima, a city known for its historical significance and resilience. Upon arrival, you will participate in an Okonomiyaki Cooking Class and learn to make Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki — a savory Japanese pancake layered with noodles, cabbage and various other toppings.

After lunch, you will visit Miyajima Island which is home to the world-famous floating Torii Gate of the Itsukushima Shrine. This sacred island is known for its mystical atmosphere, lush forests and friendly wild deer. You will have time to explore the shrine, and stroll through traditional streets filled with souvenir shops. We hope you enjoy the serene coastal views that Hiroshima offers.

Accommodation: Oriental Hotel Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki Lunch

Hiroshima
This morning you will take a poignant visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum. The museum tells the powerful story of the 1945 atomic bombing while displaying artifacts, survivor testimonies and exhibits dedicated to promoting world peace. Outside you will see the Atomic Bomb Dome, one of the few structures that survived the explosion and stands as a memorial to those who lost their lives.

For lunch, you will enjoy fresh Hiroshima oysters, a must-try local specialty known for its rich and creamy flavor. Following this, we visit the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower which offers a panoramic view of Hiroshima’s skyline and the Peace Memorial Park. It is here that can participate in the folding of an Orizuru (origami crane), a symbol of peace that you can then drop down the glass-walled, Orizuru Wall.

Accommodation: Oriental Hotel Hiroshima (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Hiroshima Oyster Lunch

Hiroshima – Okayama
This morning you will board the Setouchi Shimatabi Line, a cruise that navigates through the Seto Inland Sea, offering stunning coastal views while passing by picturesque islands and quaint fishing villages. This relaxing ride, lasting approximately 4.5 hours is a perfect opportunity to take in the tranquil beauty of Japan’s maritime landscapes. As you relax onboard, you will enjoy a delicious bento box lunch, featuring a variety of traditional Japanese delicacies!

Important information:
In the event that the Setouchi Shimatabi Line cruise is not operating due to unforeseen circumstances (such as weather conditions or maintenance issues), a replacement visit to another scenic or cultural attraction in the region will be arranged. This could include a guided visit to a historical site, a traditional town, or an alternative transportation route to ensure you still enjoy a memorable experience.

Accommodation: Hotel Granvia Okayama (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Traditional Bento Box Lunch

Okayama – Osaka
Your day begins with a journey to the Ritsurin Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens, featuring koi-filled ponds, tea houses, and walking paths with breathtaking seasonal scenery. Next, you will participate in an Udon Making Workshop, where you’ll learn to prepare Sanuki Udon, a specialty of the Kagawa region. After enjoying your handmade Udon for lunch, you will then return to Osaka to enjoy some free time at Dotonbori, a lively district famous for its neon lights, street food, and shopping!

Accommodation: Miyako City Tennoji (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Udon Lunch

Osaka – Kyoto
Today, we make our way to Nara, Japan’s first capital and home to the beautiful Nara Park, which is where you will see friendly deer roaming freely! Visit the Todaiji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue and then travel on to Uji, where you will enjoy a scenic lunch on a boat along the Uji River. Afterwards, we explore the stunning Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO-listed site featured on the Japanese 10-yen coin. End your visit with a Uji Green Tea Matcha Tasting before heading to your hotel in Kyoto.

Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (or similar)
Meal: Breakfast, Bento Box (on boat) & Uji Green Tea Matcha Tasting

Kyoto
Your Kyoto exploration begins at Kinkakuji, the famous Golden Pavilion with its stunning gold-leaf exterior. We then travel to Arashiyama to explore the Bamboo Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge. A highlight of your day will be an exclusive Geisha performance and Kaiseki Ryori lunch which is a refined, multi-course, fine dining meal made with seasonal ingredients. The day will then conclude with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion Torii Gates.

Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Traditional Kaiseki Ryori Lunch

Kyoto – Mt Fuji
Our journey to Mount Fuji begins with a ride on the famous Bullet Train to Mishima Station. Upon arrival, enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a variety of local Japanese and international dishes. The afternoon is dedicated to time at Mount Fuji’s 5th Station, located halfway up the mountain at 7,546 feet above sea level. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Komitake Shrine, and explore the shops selling Fuji-themed souvenirs.

Important information:
The visibility of Mount Fuji can vary greatly depending on the weather. On beautiful, clear days with low humidity and minimal cloud cover, you can see the majestic mountain from afar. However, when the weather turns unfavorable, with conditions like fog, haze, rain, or snow, Mount Fuji may disappear from sight completely. On average, Mount Fuji is visible on approximately 80 to 120 days a year.

Accommodation: Motosu Phoenix Hotel, Fujikawaguchiko (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Mt Fuji – Tokyo
Start your day at the lakeside Oishi Park, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji and seasonal flowers. We will then travel to the Yokohama Ramen Museum, where you can explore Japan’s diverse ramen culture and enjoy lunch at your
own pace. In the afternoon, you will travel to Tokyo to enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at your leisure exploring this bustling city!

Accommodation: Asakusa View Hotel, Tokyo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Tokyo
Begin with a visit to Tokyo Tower for amazing, panoramic views of the city. We then explore Shibuya which is famous for its bustling, busy crossing and trendy shops. After lunch, we head to Asakusa to visit the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The evening concludes with a group farewell dinner called Chanko Nabe, which is also known as a Sumo Wrestler’s Hot Pot! Enjoy your final night, reflecting on your amazing journey with your fellow travelers.

Accommodation: Asakusa View Hotel, Tokyo (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast & Group Farewell Dinner of Traditional Chanko Nabe

Tokyo – Departure
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and meet your driver to be privately transferred to the airport for your flight home or to continue on with further travels. We hope you enjoyed your trip to Japan!

Meals: Breakfast