Essence of Japan

Day 1: Tokyo
Today you will arrive at Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolis. This bustling city is the economic and cultural hub of the nation. Spend the afternoon exploring the best of what Tokyo has to offer, and enjoy the endless opportunities for fine dining and entertainment at every turn. Overnight at Remm Tokyo Kyobashi.

Day 2: Tokyo
After breakfast, you will head out to explore the historic and culturally significant areas of the metropolis and see some of Tokyo’s most recognizable sights. From the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, Sensoji, to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most upscale and famous districts, unravel the mysteries of the past and see how it blends seamlessly with the present day. Overnight at Remm Tokyo Kyobashi.

Day 3: Tokyo
After breakfast, you will go and explore more of the hip, vibrant youth culture scene of Tokyo. Young Tokyoites have set trends both in Japan and globally with their avant-garde fashion. Explore the perennially trendy neighborhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku, stopping at Meiji Shrine for a glimpse of the local Shinto traditions, before heading to the ‘Skyscraper District’ of Shinjuku. Overnight at Remm Tokyo Kyobashi.

Day 4: Tokyo - Kiso Valley
After breakfast and some time at leisure, check out of your hotel and you will take the high-speed bullet train to Nagano. From there continue by express train to picturesque Kiso Fukushima, where you will find yourself stepping back in time to the Edo era. You will enjoy dinner at your hotel. The night skies are particularly beautiful here, so be sure to look up at the stars before retiring to bed. Overnight at Onyado Tsutaya.

Day 5: Kiso Valley
After breakfast, experience the serene beauty of Japan’s wilderness with a hike along the Nakasendo, an ancient trail that winds through the Kiso Valley and connects the two charming historical post towns of Magome and Tsumago. Wander around these well-preserved, atmospheric towns to get a feel of what life was like in olden-day Japan. Dinner and overnight at Onyado Tsutaya.

Day 6: Kiso Valley - Kyoto
After breakfast, you will leave Kiso Valley and make your way to Kyoto, Japan’s reigning cultural capital. This captivating city and former Imperial capital boast over 2,000 shrines and temples, and 17 registered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spend the afternoon strolling around the historical geisha district of Gion and the modern shopping precinct of Shijo. Overnight at Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi.

Day 7: Kyoto
After breakfast, you will head off the beaten path and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous for the thousands of blazing red torii gates that line the trails winding through the forests. Legend has it that torii are gateways between the earthly and divine realms. Follow the route to the sprawling and scenic grounds of Tofuku-ji Temple before ambling to Kiyomizudera Temple, one of Kyoto’s star attractions and an exquisite example of the skill displayed in traditional Japanese carpentry. Overnight at Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi.

Day 8: Kyoto
After breakfast, you will head towards the Nanzen-Ji Temple, famous for its magnificent 350-year-old wooden entrance gate known as the Sanmon, and the remarkably Roman-looking red brick aqueduct within its grounds. From here, descend towards Ginkaku-Ji Temple, the Silver Pavilion, and spend the rest of the afternoon beneath the towering cedars of Mt. Hiei, trekking the same trails used by the local ‘marathon monks’ during their ascetic training. Overnight at Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi.

Day 9: Kyoto
After breakfast, you will be heading on an idyllic excursion. Make your way to Kibune, a rural town with mythical origins set in a forested valley in the mountains to the north of Kyoto. From here, hike along a tranquil wooded path until you reach Kurama, a town steeped in mystery and folklore, and is known as the legendary lair of mountain goblins. There are plenty of photogenic spots to admire on the way, so be sure to take your camera with you for those Instagrammable moments. Overnight at Hotel Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi.

Day 10: Kyoto - Hiroshima
After breakfast, you will be heading to Hiroshima, which is a vibrant and thriving city that has found a way to honor its past without being solely defined by it. Besides having a number of historically significant sites to explore, it has an exciting food scene with several delicious specialties to offer. In particular, a local favorite is a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Overnight at Hotel Vista Hiroshima.

Day 11: Hiroshima
No visit to Hiroshima is complete without a day trip to Miyajima, the sacred island said to be the dwelling place of the gods. Indeed, this sacred island is home to one of the most scenic views in Japan — the ‘Floating Torii Gate,’ of Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at Hotel Vista Hiroshima.

Day 12: Hiroshima - Osaka
After breakfast, you will be heading towards Osaka — Japan’s culinary capital. Renowned for its delectable soul food, it is an essential destination for foodies. In fact, the well-known motto of the city’s exuberant inhabitants is kuidaore or ‘eat until you drop,’ so be prepared to do just that. Overnight at Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba.

Day 13: Osaka
After breakfast, you will head out to explore more of the city. Osaka is a lively city full of things to see and do. Don’t miss Dotonbori, the beating heart of the city, Shinsaibashisuji, a major shopping arcade that shopaholics will adore, and Osaka Castle, where you can follow the evolution of the city from feudal times to the present day. Alternatively, spend the day at Universal Studios Japan, one of the most popular and beloved theme parks in the country. Overnight at Hotel Gracery Osaka Namba.

Day 14: Osaka
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and make your way to Osaka City Air Terminal. A limousine bus runs from here to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in just under an hour.