Japan Holidays

Day 1 Seoul (Incheon), South Korea Day 2 Jeju, South Korea Day 3 Nagasaki, Japan Day 4 Kagoshima, Japan Day 5 Hiroshima, Japan Day 6 Kochi, Japan Day 7 Kyoto, Osaka, Japan Day 8 Nagoya, Japan Day 9 Shimizu, Mt Fuji, Japan Day 10 Tokyo, Japan

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Day 1 Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan Day 2 At Sea Day 3 Akita, Japan Day 4 Toyama (Fushiki), Japan Day 5 Tsuruga, Japan Day 6 Sakaiminato, Japan Day 7 Busan, South Korea Day 8 Nagasaki, Japan Day 9 At Sea Day 10 Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Travel between: 10...

Day 1 Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan Day 2 At Sea Day 3 Nagasaki, Japan Day 4 Jeju (Seogwipo), South Korea Day 5 At Sea Day 6 At Sea Day 7 Hakodate, Japan Day 8 Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan Day 9 Aomori, Japan Day 10 At Sea Day 11 Tokyo (Yokohama), Japan

Travel between: 19...

Day 1: Osaka. Arrive at any time and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm. Exclusive Inclusions: Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Day 2: Osaka/Koyasan. Travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Exclusive Inclusions: Your Local Living Moment Overnight in Mount K?ya Temple Day 3: Koyasan/Hiroshima. Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Have some time to enjoy Koyasan this morning, before travelling to Hiroshima this afternoon. Day 4: Hiroshima. This morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen. Day 5: Hiroshima/Kyoto. Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour. Day 6: Kyoto. Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time. Day 7: Kyoto/Hakone Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a feast on a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs. Day 8: Hakone/Tokyo. Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping. Day 9: Tokyo. Depart at any time.

Day 1: Osaka. Arrive at any time and join your group and CEO for a Welcome Meeting in the evening around 6:00 pm. Exclusive Inclusions: Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Day 2: Osaka/Koyasan. Travel to the centre of Buddhism in Japan and sleep in a temple atop the 800m Mt Koya. Savour a traditional dinner of shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). Exclusive Inclusions: Your Local Living Moment Overnight in Mount K?ya Temple Day 3: Koyasan/Hiroshima. Watch the monks pray in the morning and enjoy a traditional breakfast. Have some time to enjoy Koyasan this morning, before travelling to Hiroshima this afternoon. Day 4: Hiroshima. This morning, visit the Peace Park and Memorial Museum commemorating the events of 1945. In the afternoon, take a ferry ride over to the sacred island of Miyajima to see the famous floating Torii Gate. Opt to hike around Mt Misen. Day 5: Hiroshima/Kyoto. Travel to Kyoto and start exploring. Visit the impressive Nijo Castle and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, explore the geisha district of Gion on a CEO-led walking tour. Day 6: Kyoto. Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and walk under the bright torii gates. Opt to shop, stroll along the riverbank, or explore another of Kyoto's many temples with free time. Day 7: Kyoto/Hakone Take a boat ride on Lake Ashino-ko, and hopefully catch a glimpse of majestic Mt Fuji. Enjoy a feast on a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal then soak in the natural hot springs. Day 8: Hakone/Tokyo. Head to Tokyo with time to do some last-minute shopping. Day 9: Tokyo. Depart at any time.

Day 1 Konnichiwa Tokyo. Your in-depth exploration of Japan begins in Tokyo. On arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, take a shuttle bus transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Welcome drink and local appetisers. Day 2 Explore Vibrant Tokyo. We launch our city tour in the old-time entertainment centre of Asakusa, where we’ll encounter the Sensoji Buddhist Temple. One of Tokyo's most colourful and popular temples, Sensoji has been rebuilt countless times since it was founded in 628, making it Tokyo's oldest temple site. Strolling down Nakamise next, we immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds of shitamachi (downtown Tokyo), admiring the wooden dolls, colourful chiyogami (origami paper) and traditional Japanese sweets. We’ll ascend Tokyo Skytree, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower for panoramic views of the city, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or on an optional experience where a professional stylist will dress you in a traditional Japanese kimono. Day 3 Off to the Five Lakes District. Our first stop today is the Imperial Palace Plaza from where the two bridges that form the entrance to the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace can be viewed. We'll have the opportunity to explore the leafy Imperial Palace East Gardens before continuing our city tour. At the Tokyo National Museum browse collections of Japanese art, then continue to the Ginza district where we’ll learn how to make sushi with a Local Specialist. We venture to the Five Lakes District next, keeping a keen eye out for the UNESCO listed Mt. Fuji which dominates the landscape. Day 4 Majestic Mt. Fuji and Timeless Takayama. Visit Oshino Hakkai, a small rural village in the Fuji Five Lakes district, renowned for eight natural spring water ponds that are fed by melted snow from Mt. Fuji. Admire the reflections of the sky and landscapes in its clear waters, then ascend Mt. Fuji by road to 2,300 metres at the 5th station. Ride up Mt. Tenjo on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway next, for jaw-dropping views (weather permitting) of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Then, journey through the Japanese Alps to the beautiful hillside town of Takayama, before enjoying dinner at the hotel. Day 5 Experience Gokayama and on to Kanazawa. Immerse yourself in tradition as you walk through the Edo-style streets of Takayama's Old Town. Indulge a lunch of Japanese Hida-gyu – beef from a black-haired Japanese cattle breed, renowned as one of the finest quality varieties of beef. Journey back in time this afternoon during a visit to the peaceful UNESCO-listed Gokayama, a mountain village set amidst five valleys. Admire the unique construction of the local Gassho-zukuri wooden houses that have been built without the use of nails with steeply sloped thatched roofs to prevent snow from building up on them. Next, meet a local family in one of these houses to observe local artisans making washi paper and trying your hand at making your own. Make a difference to the sustainability of this small business during this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Stay overnight in Kanazawa. Day 6 Traditional Kanazawa. Join a Local Specialist this morning to learn the secrets of painting gold leaf, a delicate craft the Japanese have been perfecting since the 16th century. Continue to the tranquil gardens of Kenrokuen, which took shape over a hundred years to emerge as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. Connecting with your exquisite natural surrounds, you’ll stroll through ornate landscapes and past ponds and temples. Take a short walk through the Omicho market next to see the local fish catch and enjoy an insider’s view of everyday life in a busy coastal town. Then, visit the Nagamachi District with its beautifully preserved samurai houses that line the traditional stone streets. Here you will gain first-hand insights into samurai life during a visit to the Nomura house, an elegant samurai mansion. Day 7 Onwards to Kyoto. We board an Express train this morning to Kyoto. We’ll Connect With Locals at a traditional ryokan and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch, learning about local Japanese customs from our hosts. After lunch, we visit the UNESCO-listed Kinkakuji Temple with its famous Kinkaku (Golden Pavilion), the proud symbol of Kyoto and a Zen temple, which has its origins as a 14th-century villa. Day 8 Discover Enchanting Kyoto. The blazing orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine guide our path through the forest, up into the mountains and to a sacred site that has heard prayers for prosperity and happiness since the 8th century. We continue to Sanjusangen-do Hall and admire the minute detail of each of its 1,001 “thousand-handed” goddesses of mercy statues, then enjoy a walking tour of the Gion area. This evening, we indulge in a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests. Day 9 Cross the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. This morning we leave Japan’s main island Honshu behind, crossing the world’s largest suspension bridge over the Seto Inland Sea to Awaji Island. Enjoy free time for lunch, then take a walk around Yumebutai, a complex of buildings built on the side of the mountain. One of the most striking features is the ‘100 Stepped Garden’ — a group of 100 flowerbeds in small square gardens on an incline and arranged in grids spread over several levels. Visit the Water Temple and admire the reflection of the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and bamboo groves as you descend the steps to the Buddhist temple beneath its still waters. Journey to the small mountain hot springs village of Kotohira where our accommodation tonight is one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories - a traditional Japanese ryokan. We’ll have some time this evening to climb the steps adjacent to the hotel to visit Kotohira-gu Shrine and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Later perhaps take a relaxing soak in the onsen (hot spring) bath at our hotel. Day 10 Spiritual Kotohira and Onwards to Hiroshima. This morning visit the Zentsuji Temple, birthplace of one of the most revered figures of Japanese Buddhism, the high priest Kobo Daishi. It is the 75th temple on the 88 temple Shikoku Pilgrimage, which covers approximately 1,200 kilometres and was traditionally done on foot taking up to 60 days to complete. It is still done by many people today although modern pilgrims use cars, taxis, buses, bicycles or motorcycles. Continue to Omishima Island and make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Drive to Hiroshima via the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido Expressway, a 60-kilometre highway that links the islands of the Seto Inland Sea with nine individual bridges. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening. Day 11 Set Sail for Miyajima Island. We travel by ferry to the sacred Miyajima Island, where we’ll see the famous UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine and elaborate torii gate that stands majestically in the sea. After some free time for lunch and to explore the island’s spiritual sanctuaries, we return to Hiroshima for a visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Imagine the devastation and horror that followed the world’s first atomic explosion in 1945 as you see the UNESCO-listed Peace Memorial, the only structure left standing in the area and an expression of hope for world peace. This evening, we’ll indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake made with egg, cabbage, soba noodles, and meat, seafood or cheese, grilled in layers on a hot plate. Day 12 High Speed Bullet Train to Osaka. Board the high-speed bullet train to Osaka this morning and enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Dotonbori Street area. Visit Osaka Castle, which played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow guests for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Day 13 Sayonara Osaka. Our encounter with Japan’s centuries-old traditions and modern cityscapes at its end, take a transfer by airport shuttle service to Kansai International Airport, or Osaka Itami Airport for your onward flight.

Day 1, TokyoMonday. Konichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo, where your Japan Anime Adventure is about to kick off! Today, you'll arrive at either Narita or Haneda airport, and make your own way to our accommodation. For the rest of the day, you can unleash your inner otaku and either power up your energy levels with some rest or go full-on ninja mode, hitting the streets to explore the city! No meals included.Day 2, TokyoToday begins with a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, inspired by the enchanting world of "Spirited Away." This immersive experience transports you back in time, offering a glimpse into Japan's architectural history. After this exciting experience, we'll venture to Inokashira Park and Suga Shrine, featured in the beloved film "Your Name." Discover the park's natural beauty and capture plenty of photos on the staircase leading to the shrine, reminiscent of the film's iconic end scene. Take a moment to explore before entering Harmonica Yokocho, a labyrinth of alleyways boasting clothing stores, bars, and local eateries. Afterwards, you can choose to head to Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) food district. Brace yourself for a feast fit for a One Piece pirate, with dozens of small eateries dishing out ramen, soba, sushi, yakitori, and kushiyaki.No meals included.Day 3, TokyoEmbark on a boat adventure along the Sumida River today, enjoying stunning views of the Tokyo skyline from Hinode Pier to Asakusa. Dive deeper into the charm of Asakusa's streets, exploring the Sensoji Temple and gaining insights into Buddhism in Japan. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Akihabara, Japan's 'Electric Town,' a cultural hub of anime, manga, and the birthplace of the famous J-pop group AKB48! For a uniquely Tokyo experience, why not visit a maid café? Come nightfall, get ready to unleash your J-pop star during an evening of karaoke, a beloved Japanese pastime with a surprise twist!No meals included.Day 4, TokyoToday, visit the iconic Nakano Broadway! This renowned multi-floor complex and shopping arcade is brimming with rare and collectible treasures such as anime, manga, and action figures. Next, journey to Tokyo's vibrant Harajuku area. After a brief tour, dive into the eclectic shopping district, where maids, punks, goths, and fashionistas showcase their unique styles – in Harajuku, anything goes. Following a stroll through this vibrant scene, visit the nearby Meiji Shrine, a tribute to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. As the day unfolds, you can opt to witness the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the busiest street crossing in the world! After this, the city is yours to explore at your own pace! Why not try our Kartoon Karting activity and zoom through the streets of Tokyo, living out your Mario Kart fantasies in real life!No meals included.Day 5, TokyoEnjoy an exciting day of exploration in Ikebukuro! Begin your journey at the Sunshine City shopping mall, then venture to Otome Road in search of the finest anime goods. Then, don your trainer badges and journey to Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, where you can catch 'em all in true anime style! Continue the adventure at the Tokyo Anime Station in Ikebukuro, a brand-new attraction overflowing with exhibitions dedicated to the anime universe. Later in the day, prepare for a thrilling experience at Namjatown, an indoor theme park filled with fun attractions, rides and tasty gyoza and dessert stalls. In the afternoon, you have the choice to either venture into the city for solo exploration or stay with your group for a well-deserved chill session.No meals included.Day 6, TokyoMake the most of a free day in the city today! You can choose to explore on your own or ask your Adventure Leader for tips! Consider visiting Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s largest parks. In spring, it becomes one of the most popular places in the city to see the cherry blossoms. If shopping is more your thing, why not visit the bustling Ameyoko Market? This also puts you in the Ueno area, perfectly placed for Ueno Park and the National Art Museum. You can also choose to visit Odaiba, home to Joypolis – Tokyo’s indoor amusement park! It’s also in this area that you’ll find the famous giant Gundam statue. If a day trip from Tokyo out to the sea sounds more your jam, head to the coastal town of Kamakura. It’s a beautiful, relaxed place that offers a change of pace from the city and is also the town from ‘Slam Dunk’! Tokyo's diverse offerings cater to every taste. The city is yours to explore, and the choices are as vast as the anime multiverse itself!No meals included.Day 7, TokyoSunday. Your epic Japan Anime Adventure draws to a close today. Bid farewell to the Land of the Rising Sun and make your own way to Narita or Haneda airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!No meals included.