13-Nights Best of Japan — CALL

Your journey starts in Tokyo, a city of contrasts. Japan’s capital is famous for its pioneering modernity, iconic neon cityscapes and soaring skyscrapers, yet dotted with peaceful parks, shrines, temples, and tranquil gardens. Despite its mania for pop culture, anime, fashion, digital trends and discernible consumption, the city embraces an ancient heritage evident in the temples and shrines scattered amongst the towering high-rise buildings.

Next, visit Hakone, a tranquil mountain lake retreat renowned for its natural beauty and therapeutic hot springs. Visitors can cruise across Lake Ashi, marveling at Mount Fuji's reflection, or ascend to Owakudani to witness volcanic activity and savor black eggs boiled in sulfuric hot springs. Riding the zig-zag railway and ropeway up to Gora to visit the open-air museum is recommended. Your accommodation here is in a traditional Japanese Inn called a ryokan, offering an immersive cultural experience steeped in hospitality and tranquility.

Travel by bullet and express train to Takayama. The journey is incredibly scenic as the train winds its way through mountains and gorges in this stunningly picturesque region. With its plethora of temples, shrines, festivals, rivers and bridges, the mountain town of Takayama is also known as “little Kyoto”. The region is agricultural, and every day fresh vegetables and fruit are brought to Takayama’s lively morning market by local farmers. Due to the town’s previously secluded location in the mountainous Hida region, a remarkable number of its unique traditions have been preserved.

Continue by bus to Kanazawa stopping for a few hours at Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri (“Praying hands”) farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Kanazawa is famed for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, traditional tea houses, and samurai residences. Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s Top Three gardens. Kanazawa's rich cultural heritage is discovered through its museums and craft workshops.

Head to Hiroshima, a poignant symbol of peace and resilience. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome to honor the victims of the atomic bombing. Explore the rebuilt city, vibrant with culture, cuisine, and a thriving arts scene, showcasing its enduring spirit. Nearby is Miyajima, an island considered to be one of Japan’s most scenic spots.

Take the bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital. From historic landmarks to scenic landscapes, Kyoto's timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage enchant visitors, offering a profound journey into Japan's past. Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto exudes a serene ambiance. Stroll through historic districts like Gion, where trainee geisha gracefully glide through cobblestone streets. Discover the beauty of Japanese gardens at Arashiyama or savor traditional tea ceremonies in tranquil tea houses. Plan a visit to Nishiki market at lunchtime and choose from a wide array of tantalizing foods on offer. Buy a high quality Japanese knife and have your name engraved on the blade – the perfect souvenir.

In Nara, Japan's first capital, you’ll find a treasure trove of history and culture. Renowned for its ancient temples, including the majestic Todai-ji with its colossal Great Buddha statue, Nara Park offers tranquil strolls amidst friendly deer. Explore the picturesque streets of Naramachi, lined with traditional machiya houses, and sample local delicacies like mochi and sake. Nara's serene ambiance, rich heritage, and natural beauty make it a captivating destination, perfect for immersing oneself in Japan's timeless traditions.

At the conclusion of this itinerary, travel to one of the Tokyo airports, or to Osaka’s Kansai airport.