9 day Japan Explorer: Cities, Culture & History

Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan! Upon arrival, make your way to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the night at your leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Mystays Premier Narita (or similar) 

Meals included: None

*Airport to hotel transfer is available for purchase at check out

Tokyo
Today you explore some of the highlights of Tokyo. Your first stop is Odaiba, an island in Tokyo Harbour where you will see the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty replica. From here, you will head to the iconic Tsukiji Fish Outer Market, a bustling street market selling a variety of seafood, produce, and other goods. Visitors can enjoy fresh sushi, sashimi, and other seafood delicacies in the many restaurants and food stalls around the area. Your exploration of Tokyo continues at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you will ascend to the 200m high observation deck for sweeping views of the endless metropolis. Later, stroll through Sensoji, otherwise known as Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Overnight: New Otani Inn Tokyo (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Tokyo – Mt.Fuji – Hamamatsu
This morning you will make your way towards the Mount Fuji area. First visit, Gotemba Peace Park, known for its majestic views of Mt Fuji. Then, visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre. The center was designed by the world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban and features unique architecture that blends into the natural environment of Mt. Fuji. You then continue to Hamamatsu.

Overnight: Hotel Associa Toyohashi (or similar) 

Meals included: Breakfast

Hamamatsu – Osaka
Today, you will visit the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the ninja. Afterwards, you continue to one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle. Finally, continue to the Dotonbori district. Dotonbori is a lively entertainment and shopping district located in the heart of Osaka, known for its vibrant atmosphere, and colorful neon lights.

Overnight: Hotel it Osaka Shinmachi (or similar) 

Meals included: Breakfast

Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka
This morning, board the technological marvel, the Shinkansen bullet train, from Osaka to Kyoto. Traveling at speeds up to 174 mph, the Shinkansen offers passengers a supercut of the beautiful Japanese countryside. Your first stop in Kyoto is Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of the most iconic sights in Japan with thousands of red Shinto shrine gates.  Afterwards, you will continue to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, for an enchanting walk through the towering bamboo forest. Your last stop in Kyoto is the World Heritage-list Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji.

Overnight: Hotel it Osaka Shinmachi (or similar) 

Meals included: Breakfast

Osaka
Today you are free to explore Osaka or surrounding places at your own pace.

Overnight: Hotel it Osaka Shinmachi (or similar) 

Meals included: Breakfast

Osaka – Himeji – Hiroshima

After breakfast, we make our way to Hiroshima. On route, we stop at Himeji Castle, often called the White Heron Castle, due to its elegant design. Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s last remaining original medieval castles. This, as well as its imposing size and artistic design, make it one of the most spectacular sights in Japan. Enjoy your time here before we continue on to Hiroshima.

Overnight: HOTEL MYSTAYS Hiroshima Peace Park (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Hiroshima – Osaka

Today, we begin our day with a trip to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, appearing to float on the sea during high tide. We then head back to Hiroshima city to visit the sprawling grounds of the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, both of which commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb used in World War II. Afterwards we make our way back to Osaka.

Overnight: Hotel It Osaka Shinmachi (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Osaka – Home

At an appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your homeward flight. We sincerely hope that this journey has provided you with unforgettable memories.