Traverse the Japanese Alps between Tokyo and Osaka

Itinerary

1. Day

   1

   Depart from the UK

   Tokyo, Japan

   Today you'll begin your adventure, flying overnight to Tokyo, the capital of Japan.

2. Day

   2

   Arrive in Tokyo

   Tokyo, Japan

   On arrival in Tokyo this morning, you'll be met by your English-speaking representative before transferring to your hotel, where you'll have the rest of the day at leisure to settle in and relax.

3. Day

   3

   Explore Tokyo

   Tokyo, Japan

   Today you'll head out to discover Tokyo, Japan's capital and the ultimate 24-hour city. Despite its shiny modernity, behind the high-tech frontage, you'll discover plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore.

   Your tour begins at the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, the world's tallest tower, before taking you through the old district of Asakusa. Stop to seek out the tranquillity of the ancient Buddhist Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest. You'll then drive by the Imperial Palace Plaza and take a stroll through the classical landscapes of Hamarikyu Gardens.

   Later this evening, you'll enjoy a relaxed dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay, taking in excellent city vistas as you dine.

4. Day

   4

   Mount Fuji

   Mount Fuji, Japan

   Following breakfast at the hotel, you'll begin a memorable day trip to see one of the world's most iconic peaks, the majestic Mount Fuji.

   You'll take the super-fast bullet train to Odawara, where you'll first enjoy a boat trip on tranquil Lake Ashi to take in spectacular panoramas of this beautiful area from the water.

   Then it's time to venture up the Komagatake Ropeway and ascend over 2,000 metres up Mount Fuji to the 5th Station and take in the breathtaking views over the Fuji Five Lakes area below.

5. Day

   5

   Matsumoto Castle

   Matsumoto, Japan

   This morning, after breakfast, you'll transfer to Matsumoto and explore the formidable 16th-century Matsumoto Castle. This is one of the best-preserved of Japan's historic castles, one of five castles designated as 'National Treasures of Japan' and the oldest five-tiered, six-story castle tower left in the country.

   While here, you'll also visit a traditional Miso House to learn about the process of making this famous Japanese seasoning, a staple of the country's cuisine.

   After your miso-making class, it's time to travel onwards to Takayama, nestled high in the scenic mountainous Hida region, also known as the Japanese Alps.

6. Day

   6

   Explore Takayama

   Takayama, Japan,

   

   Today you'll spend some time exploring pretty Takayama, where the narrow streets of its Sanmachi Suji historic district are lined with wooden merchants' houses from the Edo Period, as well as many small museums.

   Browse the local handicrafts and fresh produce at the Miyagawa morning market and wander past some of the lovely traditional houses. You'll also visit several of the excellent local museums - including the Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Crafts Museum and Takayama Jinya

   To end your day, enjoy some free time in Kamisannomachi Street, where there are several traditional restaurants, shops and breweries to explore.

7. Day

   7

   Shirakawago and Kanazawa

   Shirakawago, Japan,

   Get a glimpse of rural Japan today at the wonderful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakawago, famous for its farmhouses built in the unique gassho-zukuri architectural style. Gassho-zukuri means "built like hands in prayer", a nod to the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs which look like the hands of Buddhist monks together in prayer. These steep roofs are designed to withstand the heavy snow that falls in this region in winter.

   After your visit, you'll continue to Gokayama to try your hand at washi paper making, then travel to Kanazawa and meander through the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

8. Day

   8

   Kanazawa and Kyoto

   Kanazawa, Japan

   

   Begin today with a workshop to learn the process of making gold leaf, an ancient Japanese art where a lump of gold is beaten until it is only 1/10,000 mm thick. Kanazawa and its surrounding areas produce more than 99% of all gold leaf in Japan, which is used in temples, shrines and many traditional crafts.

   After your gold leaf workshop, you'll take a stroll through the traditional Higashi Chaya Teahouse District, visiting Ochaya Shima - a historical geisha house.

   Later, you'll travel to Kyoto. The capital of Japan for 1,000 years, today Kyoto is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.

9. Day

   9

   Kyoto

   Kyoto, Japan

   Today you'll explore Kyoto, discovering some of its most iconic sights. The day begins with a visit to Ryoanji, the 'temple of the peaceful dragon', originally an aristocrat's villa during the Heian Period and now home to Japan's most famous rock garden.

   You'll also see the famous Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, a dazzling building whose two top floors are completely covered in gold leaf.

   In the afternoon, you'll head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse and try your hand at origami before enjoying the age-old rituals of a tea ceremony with a tea master.

10. Day

    10

    Nara

    Nara, Japan

    Today's visit is to Inari Shrine in Fushimi-ku, with its incredible 10,000 vermilion torii gates. The gates of this famous Shinto shrine straddle trails leading into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari.

    After exploring this site, you'll continue to Nara, a relaxed and charming town virtually untouched by modernity. Nara is home to to many archetypal pieces of early art and architecture, and you can spend some time strolling through Nara Park to Todaiji Temple, meeting the resident sika deer en-route. You'll then explore Isuien, an ornate garden which has been well preserved since it was first built in the Meiji era.

11. Day

    11

    Koyasan

    Koya-San, Japan

    Start today with a visit to the holy mountain of Koyasan, home to over 100 monasteries nestled in a valley enclosed by peaks said to resemble a lotus flower. Arguably the most sacred mountain in all of Japan, Koyasan is the heart of Shingon Buddhism and the resting place of Japan's best-known Buddhists, known as both Kukai and Kobo Daishi.

    You'll then have the chance to wander around Okunoin - a vast cemetery of 200,000 stupas and enjoy the tranquillity and spectacular views as you discover Kongobuji Temple and the Garan Temple Complex.

    After today's excursions, you'll continue your journey to Osaka.

12. Day

    12

    Osaka

    Osaka, Japan

    Begin your day by exploring Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous castles, situated right in the heart of the city and surrounded by a lovely park. Originally constructed in the 1580s, the castle has an observation platform where you can enjoy sprawling city views and a museum with a restored golden tea room and artefacts including Samurai costumes.

    Next, take a short cruise along the Yodogawa River and stroll through Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious local delicacies for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this fascinating city at your own pace.

13. Day

    13

    Departure

    Osaka, Japan

    Today you'll check out of your hotel in Osaka and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.