Best of Japan

Best of Japan Overview

Best of Japan from Japan is an exhilarating holiday in Hiroshima (Japan), Kyoto (Japan), Mt. Fuji (Japan), Osaka (Japan), Tokyo (Japan). Available from 16 Apr 2019 to 13 Jun 2030 this 17 day trip costs from £3,520.00.

Discover everything that this fascinating country has to offer in 17 days. Over the course of this trip, you’ll explore busy neon cities like Tokyo and Osaka, enjoy the breathtaking nature at Hakone National Park with its spectacular views of Mount Fuji and relax in the warm waters of Japan’s traditional hot springs. You will visit authentic samurai and geisha neighbourhoods perfectly preserved since Sengoku period, adventure through the Japanese Alps, visit Hiroshima and the famous floating Torii gate. You will travel by bullet train, discover the sacred Mount Koya and spend a night in an authentic Buddhist monastery, visit ancient temples, shrines and castles and learn about Japan’s fascinating history with the help of our knowledgeable local guides.

This is truly the journey of a lifetime during which you’ll not only experience.

Japan’s breathtaking natural scenery and the energy of its vibrant cities, but you’ll also have the chance to immerse yourself in its fascinating culture and rich traditions.

Please remember this is a sample itinerary to inspire you and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans. We can add or remove days, experiences or activities, include additional destinations or remove any that you do not wish to visit on this trip. To start planning your holiday, give us a call on (UK) 020 7112 0019 or email japan@fleewinter.com.

DAY 1 - WELCOME TO TOKYO

You will be met on the arrival hall of the airport by your personal agent who will give you a warm welcome to Japan and will assist you with the included shared transfer to your lovely boutique type Niwa Hotel. After check in, the rest of the day is at leisure, resting and relaxing after your flight or, if you prefer, you can start exploring this lively city.

DAY 2 - DISCOVER TOKYO WITH A LOCAL

Your local guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin your day exploring Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town where you can soak in the atmosphere of the ancient Edo. You will visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and wander down the legendary shopping street of Nakamise. Head to the Imperial Palace to visit the lovely Japanese gardens and finish your day in Meiji Shrine, a wonderful shrine dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji.

DAY 3 - EXPLORING TOKYO

Day at leisure to explore Tokyo, one of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals in the world!

DAY 4- TRAVEL BY BULLET TRAIN

Today you will travel by bullet train to the lovely city of Kanazawa, on the Sea of Japan coast. Using the included Japan Rail Pass, experience one of the fastest and safest transports in the world. Enjoy the ride! The rest of the day is at leisure after checking in. We recommend not missing out the delicious seafood specialities of the area!

DAY 5 - JAPANESE GARDENS AND SAMURAIS

You will discover Kanazawa city on your own by foot or by bus with the help of the information pack we will give you. Visit the famous Kenrokuen garden, one of the top three most beautiful gardens in the county, Kanazawa Castle and the Higashi-chaya old town district and interesting museums including an authentic samurai home!

DAY 6- SHIRAKAWAGO VILLAGE GUIDED DAY TOUR

Today you will travel to Takayama via the lovely Shirakawa-go with the included bus tickets. This charming rural village was declared a UNESCO world heritage site and it is famous for their traditional the farmhouses’s steep thatched roofs. Continue your trip to Takayama by bus and check in to your traditional ryokan Antique Inn Sumiyoshi. A delicious Japanese-style dinner is included at your accommodation tonight. Finish your day with a relax soak at the on site hot spring baths of your ryokan.

DAY 7 - LOCAL MARKETS AND SAKE BREWERIES

After having your traditional home made Japanese breakfast at your ryokan this morning and enjoy the day at your leisure.

DAY 8 - KYOTO: ZEN GARDENS, GEISHAS AND ANCIENT TEMPLES

It is time to leave the Japanese Alps to head to Kyoto by train.With 2,000 religious buildings, including 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens and associated architecture, it is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Check-in to the lovely boutique hotel Noku Roxy Hotel (deluxe twin) and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 9 - EXPLORING KYOTO ON TWO WEELS WITH YOUR LOCAL GUIDE

Start your half day cycling adventure meeting your guide close to the famous Golden Pavilion. You will visit the most famous zen garden in the country and the tranquil Arashiyama including the famous bamboo forest.

DAY 10 - NARA & FUSHIMI INARI

Today´s day is self guided (guided option available) to visit the nearby city of Nara with temples and shrines dating from the 8th century when Nara was Japan’s capital. Enjoy your sightseeing in the company of the lovely and sacred deer which are very friendly and love tourists! In the afternoon you will visit the spiritual Fushimi Inari, where thousands of red Torii closely-spaced form a tunnel- path which will lead you up the mountain where the main shrine is. A beautiful experience that you will not easily forget.

DAY 11 - OVERNIGHT IN AN AUTHENTIC BUDDHIST MONASTERY Head south by train (following our detailed instructions) to the sacred and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Koya and explore this beautiful spiritual place with your 2 days Mount Koya Heritage Pass included. Tonight you will spend the night in a buddhist temple lodging and you will try the local traditional Buddhist cuisine called Shojin Ryori, a vegetarian meal that is not only healthy but delicious!

DAY 12- BUDDHIST CHANTS & FOOD TOUR IN OSAKA

Early morning you will have the unique opportunity to watch the monks chanting their morning prayers. After this mystical experience enjoy a healthy Ryori breakfast before heading to Osaka by train. Osaka is well known for its food. This evening, your guide will introduce you to the splendours of Osaka’s casual cuisine, venturing into the epicenter of street food culture in Osaka: Dotonbori. Bon appétit!

DAY 13 - HIROSHIMA, THE CITY OF PEACE

Travel west to Hiroshima by bullet train. After your check in, start exploring this impressive city on your own: the famous destroyed Atomic Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Park, the rebuilt Shukkeien Garden or the Hiroshima Castle are the main highlights.

DAY 14 - MIYAJIMA AND THE TORII FLOATING GATE

Today is at your leisure to finish your Hiroshima visit and head to the wonderful Miyajima Island (guided option available). Reach Miyajima by boat using your included Japan Rail Pass tickets where you will find the majestic the Floating Torii Gate.

DAY 15 - HAKONE, THE GATEWAY TO THE MT FUJI REGION

Head east by bullet train for your last stop to the beautiful Hakone, well known for the beauty of its nature and the relaxing Japanese hot springs baths. Visit the area by ropeway to Mt. Owakudani for some spectacular views of Mt. Fuji when the weather is fair, down to Lake Ashi for a cruise on a pirate ship replica to Hakone’s old town. Finish your day with a delicious homemade dinner at your lovely ryokan (Japanese inn), the traditional accommodation that locals have been using since centuries.

DAY 16- EXPLORING HAKONE

Start your day with your yummy traditional Japanese breakfast and enjoy the day at leisure in Hakone. You might want to continue sightseeing, visiting the numerous museums of the area or enjoy soaking at your ryokan´s hot spring baths and indulge yourself with this traditional and therapeutical experience.

DAY 17 - SAYONARA!

Start your day having your traditional home made Japanese breakfast at your ryokan. The day is at your leisure before your departure to Narita´s airport to catch your evening flight back home. Safe travels!