The Rising Sun Odyssey: An 11-Day Cultural Extravaganza in Japan

Welcome to the vibrant city of Tokyo, marking the beginning of your unforgettable Japan Plus Culture Tour! Upon your arrival, gather in the hotel's lounge area in the afternoon to meet your Adventure Leader for a comprehensive trip briefing. Discover the exciting itinerary planned for the next 11 days, meet your fellow travellers, and receive valuable tips for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in Japan.

Indulge in a luxurious kaiseki dinner, savouring the exquisite flavours of a traditional multi-course Japanese meal. Following dinner, prepare for a thrilling experience as we whisk you away to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city from its towering heights. Get ready to marvel at Tokyo's breath-taking skyline and iconic landmarks from this spectacular vantage point.

Start your day bright and early with a captivating visit to the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market, renowned for its abundance of shops and restaurants offering the freshest seafood in the city. Indulge in a delightful mid-morning breakfast sushi experience, immersing yourself in the flavours of Tokyo's culinary scene.

Continue your aquatic adventure as we journey to the picturesque Sumida River in the Asakusa district, where we'll embark on a scenic boat tour. Glide along the river, soaking in the spectacular panoramic views of the city's skyline.

Upon returning to land, embark on a leisurely exploration of the Asakusa district on foot, ensuring a visit to the iconic Sensoji Temple. This historic temple, completed in 645 AD, exudes vibrancy and charm, surrounded by a bustling market offering an array of local snacks and traditional souvenirs.

If your appetite for seafood has been whetted by the morning's visit to Tsukiji, prepare to indulge further with an afternoon sushi-making class. Under the guidance of a professional instructor, learn the art of crafting Japanese culinary staples with your own hands.

As evening approaches, consider venturing into the vibrant Roppongi area, renowned for its eclectic mix of entertainment, dining, and nightlife options. Explore the bustling streets and discover the vibrant energy of Tokyo's nightlife scene.

Kickstart your day with an authentic slice of Japanese culture as we visit a Sumo stable. Witness real-life Sumo wrestlers in action during their training session, offering a fascinating glimpse into this ancient sport. Afterward, explore the historic town of Sumo, immersing yourself in its rich heritage. For lunch, indulge in a hearty chanko nabe meal, a traditional dish enjoyed by Sumo wrestlers.

In the early afternoon, venture to the magnificent Meiji Jingu Shrine, a symbol of reverence dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. After exploring the shrine's serene surroundings, enjoy some leisure time in the vibrant Harajuku district to explore at your own pace.

Next, brace yourself for the bustling energy of Shibuya, home to the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Hunt for the iconic Hachiko statue while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic neighbourhood.

As evening descends, the choice is yours to explore further or unwind in Shibuya or Akihabara. Seek recommendations from your guide for additional experiences to make the most of your time in Tokyo.

Embark on a scenic journey to the picturesque town of Hakone, the next destination on your Japan Plus Culture Tour.

Arriving in Moto-Hakone just before lunch, prepare to set sail on a unique adventure aboard a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi. Cruise across the tranquil waters, surrounded by towering mountains and the serene beauty of the landscape. If luck is on our side, catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Fuji on the horizon.

Following the exhilarating boat cruise, ascend to the mountain peaks via a cable car ride, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.

In the evening, unwind and rejuvenate your senses in a traditional Japanese onsen, immersing yourself in the therapeutic sulfuric waters known for their healing properties. Relax in the tranquil ambiance of your ryokan accommodations before indulging in a sumptuous kaiseki dinner, showcasing the finest flavours of Japanese cuisine.

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at your accommodation before enjoying a few more hours of relaxation at the onsen, immersing yourself in tranquil serenity before our departure for Kyoto.

Board a train and arrive in Kyoto by early afternoon, allowing ample time to drop off our luggage and commence our exploration. Begin with a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in over 1000 years of history. Perched atop the hillsides overlooking Kyoto and nestled beside the Otowa Waterfall, the temple offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

In the heart of Kyoto, embark on a captivating tour of the renowned geisha districts, including the picturesque Gion. Delve into the fascinating world of geishas as you witness a traditional geisha show, gaining insight into the area's rich history and enjoying a mesmerizing performance.

As evening descends, immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Kyoto as you explore the vibrant streets in search of a delectable dinner. Consider returning to the Gion area, where you'll find an array of traditional restaurants serving authentic Japanese cuisine.

Get ready for an exhilarating morning as we kick off with a visit to the renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the mesmerizing sight of nearly 10,000 vibrant red torii gates, forming picturesque trails that wind through the foothills of Mount Inari. Take your time exploring the serene pathways and soaking in the breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape.

Next, venture to Nishiki Market, affectionately known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', where you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a culinary adventure. With over 100 shops and restaurants offering a variety of delectable treats, take some time to savour a delicious lunch amidst the bustling atmosphere of this renowned market.

In the early afternoon, rendezvous for a visit to the Sake Museum, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich history, craftsmanship, and culture of Japanese rice wine. Explore the fascinating exhibits and learn about the intricate process of sake production.

With the afternoon at your leisure, feel free to explore Kyoto at your own pace, whether it's discovering more of the city's cultural treasures, indulging in shopping, or simply relaxing and soaking up the ambiance of this enchanting city.

Start your day by discovering your inner peace. We’ll pay a visit to the Daisen-in Temple for a very special meditation class, led by a Buddhist monk. Once we’re all nicely relaxed, we’ll head into the temple’s traditional Zen garden to take a look around – there’s a reason it’s known as one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan!

We’ll then pay a visit to another of Kyoto’s most iconic sites – the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Zen temple is covered in gold leaf, sending shimmering reflections across the pond it stands over.

The Imperial Palace is our next stop! The former place of residence for Japan’s Imperial family until 1868 – when the country’s capital moved to Tokyo – it’s today a historic attraction filled with beautiful traditional buildings, courtyards, and gardens.

After a busy day of sightseeing, the evening is yours to do as you please. Why not head into the downtown area to make the most of Kyoto’s nightlife?

Prepare for an adventurous morning as we check out of our accommodation in Kyoto, but our exploration of the city is far from over. After dropping off our luggage for safekeeping, you have the option to embark on an exhilarating sightseeing tour of the Arashiyama district aboard a traditional rickshaw.

We'll continue our exploration of Arashiyama in the afternoon, allowing time for lunch before visiting the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Wander through this enchanting grove of towering bamboo stalks, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of nature. Additionally, explore the picturesque gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned for their tranquil ponds, meticulously landscaped areas, and traditional architectural marvels, offering a glimpse into the artistry of Japanese garden design.

As the afternoon progresses, we'll journey to our next destination on the Japan Plus Culture Tour – Hiroshima. Boarding a train, we'll arrive in the city in the evening, providing the perfect opportunity for some well-deserved rest and relaxation after a day filled with exploration and adventure.

Embark on an unforgettable journey this morning as we set off for the breathtaking Miyajima Island. After a scenic train ride, we'll board a ferry offering stunning views of our first destination, the majestic Itsukushima Shrine. This iconic torii gate, standing tall in the sea, creates a mesmerizing sight, seemingly floating during high tide and accessible on foot during low tide.

Next, ascend to new heights as we take the ropeway or opt for a refreshing hike to the summit of Mount Misen. From this elevated vantage point, over 500 meters above sea level, marvel at the panoramic vistas of the Seto Inland Sea and its picturesque islands.

Returning to sea level, spend the afternoon further exploring the enchanting Miyajima Island before we journey back to Hiroshima in the early evening. Upon our return to the city, you'll have the option to join your group for a delectable okonomiyaki dinner, a traditional grilled pancake dish that serves as a delicious introduction to the culinary delights of the region.

Today, we begin early with a poignant visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a site of profound significance commemorating the atomic bombing during World War II. Opened in 1955, the museum serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating events and emphasizes the importance of lasting world peace. Explore the exhibits with the assistance of an audio guide, gaining insight into the region's history and the impact of the bombing.

Following your museum visit, enjoy some free time to savour lunch before we embark on our transfer to the final destination of our Japan Plus Culture Tour – Osaka.

Arriving in Osaka in the evening, we embark on a delightful boat ride down the canal, offering enchanting views of the vibrant Dotonbori district. This bustling area pulsates with energy, lined with an array of remarkable bars and restaurants. For your last evening meal, we have a special treat planned – indulge in a delectable takoyaki dinner, followed by a craft beer crawl, allowing you to immerse yourself in the culinary delights of 'Japan's Stomach' in style.

As today draws to a close, we bid farewell to our unforgettable Japan Plus Culture Tour. Commencing the day with a bullet train journey from Osaka to Tokyo, we reflect on the incredible experiences and cherished memories created throughout our journey.

As we arrive in Tokyo, our adventure comes to an end, but the memories of our time exploring the rich culture and diverse landscapes of Japan will endure. We hope this journey has left an indelible mark on your heart, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future. Until then, safe travels and farewell.