14 Day Japan Endless Discovery

Konichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo – Japan!

On arrival, you will be met by a local representative the arrivals hall and transferred to your accommodation.

Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Meal: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar

​Please note:
If purchasing the land only option, please be advised transfers are not included. You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel.  

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a full day of exploring Tokyo with an English-speaking guide. The day begins with a visit to the Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the renowned Japanese artist who spent his entire life in Tokyo. Next, you’ll explore the vibrant Asakusa district, home to Senso-ji Temple, the city’s oldest temple, and the bustling Nakamise-dori street lined with traditional shops.

The tour continues with a stroll around the Imperial Palace, featuring the iconic Nijubashi bridge, and a visit to the sophisticated Ginza district. The day concludes with a stop at the Bunkyo Civic Center, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis from its observation deck.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have the chance to experience the tranquility of Ueno Park, the largest green space in the city, which houses a variety of temples, museums, and even a zoo. The park’s central path is lined with over 800 cherry blossom trees.

Next, we’ll head to the eclectic Harajuku district and visit Yoyogi Park. From there, you’ll explore the nearby Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu), set within a 170-acre forest in the heart of Tokyo. Built from cypress wood and copper, the shrine honors Emperor Meiji, who led Japan’s industrial revolution in the late 19th century. In the late afternoon, we will return you to the hotel for an overnight stay in Tokyo.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel 3* or Similar

After breakfast, you’ll check out of your Tokyo hotel and embark on a scenic two-hour drive to Kawaguchiko. This lake is the most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes and offers some of the most spectacular views of Mount Fuji. If you’re visiting in March or April, you’ll be treated to the cherry blossom season, making it a perfect time to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. At the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the majestic mountain up close. Next, you’ll visit Oishi Park on the north side of the lake, where the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji, along with the cherry blossoms, creates a truly memorable experience. The lake also hosts one of Japan’s most renowned cherry blossom festivals during this season.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Fuji Kawaguchiko Resort Hotel 4* or Similar

Today, you’ll continue your journey to the historic city of Takayama, known for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture. You’ll start with a visit to Matsumoto Castle, also called “Crow Castle” because of its striking black exterior. For a glimpse into traditional Japan, we’ll explore Takayama’s old town, nestled in the scenic Hida mountains. This area maintains a charming, historical atmosphere with its beautifully preserved wooden buildings and the picturesque Sannomachi Street, lined with quaint homes, restaurants, and sake breweries. You’ll also visit Takayama Jin’ya, the former government headquarters during the Tokugawa Shogunate from 1692 to 1871. Later, you’ll continue to a traditional onsen hotel located deep within the breathtaking Japanese Alps.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hoshokaku Hotel 3* or Similar

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Shirakawa-go village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its collection of over 100 traditional ‘Gassho-style’ houses, distinguished by their steeply-pitched roofs. These historic structures, some dating back several centuries, are set in a breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by lush mountains. As you explore this unique village, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the picturesque thatched-roof houses and the serene beauty of the environment.

Following your visit to Shirakawa-go, you’ll proceed to Kyoto, where the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take this time to explore Kyoto’s many attractions, including its historic temples, serene gardens, and vibrant streets, all within the context of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or Similar

Today, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, which follows the scenic Lake Biwa Canal. This path is ideal for a leisurely walk, especially during the cherry blossom season in March or April. You’ll also visit Heian Jingu Shrine, a relatively recent Shinto shrine established in 1895. Despite its modern origins, it boasts impressive features, including a towering torii gate that reaches nearly 25 meters in height. The garden behind the main hall, a prime example of Meiji-era garden design, is adorned with several weeping cherry trees. Next, explore Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a Zen temple renowned for its two floors covered in pure gold leaf, set within a stunning classical Zen garden. The temple’s architecture integrates three distinct styles: Shinden, Samurai, and Zen.

In the late afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kyoto.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Elcient Kyoto 3* or Similar

After breakfast, you’ll journey to Nara, a city steeped in history with significant temples and artwork dating back to the 8th century, when it served as Japan’s capital. Your visit will include Tōdai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), renowned for its Great Buddha Hall, which remains one of the largest wooden structures in the world. This impressive hall houses a 15-meter-tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. Next, you’ll stroll through the enchanting Nara Park, where over 1,200 gentle sika deer roam freely. Following your time in Nara, you’ll proceed to Osaka, a dynamic city celebrated for its vibrant food scene. After arriving, you’ll check in to your hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Osaka.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Osaka 4* or Similar

After breakfast, you’ll leave Osaka to visit Himeji, known as the ‘White Heron Castle.’ This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest and best-preserved example of a traditional Japanese castle, featuring 83 buildings. Its white roof, resembling a heron in flight, gives the castle its nickname, Shirasagi-jō. As the most visited castle in Japan, it offers stunning views of the surrounding Himeji city.

Following your visit to Himeji, you’ll travel to Kurashiki, located along Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, where you’ll explore the Bikan Historical Quarter. This area is famous for its historic buildings and charming local shops. After your tour, you’ll proceed to your hotel in Hiroshima for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima 3* or Similar

Please note: Your luggage will remain at the hotel in Osaka and will be waiting for you when you return in two days. Please make sure to pack an overnight bag for your two-night stay in Hiroshima.

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima 3* or Similar

This morning, you’ll check out of your hotel and head to Hiroshima Station to catch the bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station. Upon arrival in Osaka, you’ll embark on a full-day coach tour with our guide, starting with a visit to Osaka Castle. This historic fortress was pivotal in Japan’s unification during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century. Next, you’ll explore Kuromon Ichiba, one of Osaka’s prominent food markets. This expansive, covered market is known for its vendors offering street food, fresh produce, shellfish, and a variety of trinkets and souvenirs. After a brief lunch break, the tour will continue to the Minami district, a vibrant area filled with boutiques, designer stores, restaurants, and bars. You’ll also take a walking tour of the Dōtonbori area, a major tourist attraction known for its lively atmosphere along the Dōtonbori canal. The area is famous for its bustling shopping scene, street food, bars, and entertainment, with streets illuminated by colorful neon lights and iconic mechanized signs, including the renowned Glico Man and Kani Doraku crab signs. After checking back into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the evening free to enjoy at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Osaka 4* or Similar

Today, you have the entire day at your disposal to explore Osaka at your own pace.

Feel free to delve into the city’s diverse neighborhoods, discover hidden gems, or revisit favorite spots from your earlier tour. You might want to explore more of the Minami district with its myriad boutiques, cafes, and entertainment options, or perhaps venture to other iconic areas like Umeda, known for its futuristic architecture and shopping centers. Osaka is also famous for its culinary scene, so this could be the perfect opportunity to sample local specialties such as takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Whether you choose to visit historical sites, relax in one of the city’s beautiful parks, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife, the day is yours to tailor to your interests.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Miyako Osaka 4* or Similar

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You will have free time to explore or relax until it’s time to head to the airport. We will drive you to Kansai Airport for your flight back home.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: in-flight

Please note: If purchasing the land only option, please be advised airport transfers will not be included and you will need to make your own way to the airport.

Arrive home today.

We hope you have enjoyed your journey through Japan trip with Asia Vacation Group.