Discover Japan

Immerse yourself in the remarkable country of Japan, a land steeped in mythical traditions and modern wonders. Start in the neon-lit metropolis of Tokyo. Gather a sense of peace whilst exploring Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Visit the iconic Mt. Fuji and take the world’s second longest cable car up to glorious Mt. Owakudani.

Travel to Kyoto onboard the fast moving ‘Thunderbird Express’. Kyoto is full of delightful gems from the 17th-century Nijo Castle to the Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most famous sites in the nation.

Learn the art of origami, the unique flower arrangement known as Ikebana and join in a Zen meditation class. Experience an overnight stay in a shukubo; a serene Buddhist temple lodging.

Explore Osaka Castle and cruise the calm waters of the Osaka’s Yodogawa River. This is a most fitting conclusion to your discovery of Japan.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: NEW ZEALAND TO TOKYO

Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Tokyo for a three-night stay.

DAY 3: TOKYO

Tour this vibrant city today. Stroll through Hama-Rikyu Teien and take a cruise along Sumida River to Asakusa where you will visit Sensoji Temple. Wander through the Nakamise shopping street and visit Meiji Shrine before heading to the top of Tokyo Tower for sweeping views of the city.

DAY 4: TOKYO - MT. FUJI

Travel to Hakone, the gateway to Mt. Fuji. Visit the Fuji Visitor Centre to learn more about this iconic mountain before heading up to the 5th station. After lunch, take a cruise across Lake Ashinoko. From here you will take the world’s second longest cable car up to Mt. Owakudani. At the top you can sample a hard boiled egg from the sulfuric hot springs for which Hakone is famous for.

DAY 5: TOKYO TO TAKAYAMA

Leave Tokyo and travel to Takayama, stopping en route in Matsumoto, where you will visit Matsumoto Castle. Continue to one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms where you can try your hand at making pickled wasabi vegetables before continuing to Takayama.

DAY 6: TAKAYAMA

Head to the Miyagawa morning market and try some of the regions fruit and vegetables. Later, visit traditional houses and local museums, including the Takayama Festival Floats Museum, Kusakabe Folk Museum and the Takayama Jinya. This afternoon you will visit one of Takayama’s many sake breweries.

DAY 7: TAKAYAMA TO KANAZAWA

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Shirakawago, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Try your hands at making Japanese washi paper before continuing to Kanazawa, where you will visit the Nomura Samurai House and walk through the Old District.

DAY 8: KANAZAWA TO KYOTO

Wander through Kenroku-en Garden this morning, one of Japan’s top three gardens, and visit the Kanazawa 21st-century Museum of Contemporary Art. After lunch, board the Thunderbird Express train to Kyoto.

DAY 9: KYOTO

Start your day with a visit to Nijo Castle and one of Kyoto’s Zen temples, where you will have the opportunity to join a Zen meditation class with a Buddhist priest. Later, visit the famous Kinkakuji, known as the Golden Pavilion. Head to a restored Japanese wooden townhouse where you will learn about origami, calligraphy and enjoy a tea ceremony. Finish the day with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple and a walk through the Higashiyama District.

DAY 10: KYOTO - NARA

Today you will travel to Nara. Visit the Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure, which is home to Japan’s largest Buddha. You will also visit Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated shrine, and wander through Nara Park. Return to Kyoto stopping en route at the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and Fushimi Inari Shrine, also known as ‘10,000 Torii Gates’, which features in the movie Memoirs of a Geisha.

DAY 11: KYOTO TO KOYA-SAN

Travel to Koya-San today and visit Kongobunji Temple, as well as the Garan temple complex. Okunoin is Japan’s largest cemetery and holds the mausoleum of the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kobo Daishi.
Take a walk to the mausoleum, passing 200,000 tombstones belonging to feudal lords and prominent monks along the way. Tonight, stay in a Buddhist temple lodge, known as a ‘shukubo’. Enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian dinner, known as shojin ryori, this evening.

DAY 12: KOYA-SAN TO OSAKA

Rise early this morning to witness the monks chant their morning prayers, followed by a shojin ryori breakfast. Later, drive to Osaka for an overnight stay. Visit Osaka Castle and take a cruise along the Yodogawa River. Tonight you will wander down Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample local delicacies before enjoying a sumptuous farewell dinner.

DAY 13: DEPART OSAKA

This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Osaka airport to board your overnight flight to New Zealand.

DAY 14: ARRIVE NEW ZEALAND

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from Discover Japan