Classic Japan

After clearing Customs and Immigration formalities at Osaka's Kansai International Airport you will be met and assisted to your transfer to Kyoto.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years before Tokyo became its capital in 1868 and is Japan’s most beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage possessing 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is known as the “City of 10,000 shrines” because there are 2000 religious sites (mainly Buddhist). Other major attractions on a Japanese vacation are Kyoto’s palaces and gardens plus its old and colourful neighbourhoods. 

The balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore Kyoto at your own pace.

Start your full day tour at one of Kyoto’s most celebrated sites, the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. The shrine complex spans over the entire Mt. Inari (233m/765ft) and thousands of bright red torii gates line the mountain trail. You will visit the main shrine hall and the famed vermillion gate tunnel.

Next, travel to central Kyoto to visit Sanjusangendo Temple, the longest wooden structure in Japan. Inside, you will find 1001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist saint of Mercy.

Then visit another celebrated site, Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This temple is older than Kyoto as the capital of Japan and is famous for its wooden platform stage, the Kiyomizu Butai. The massive stage was constructed out of wood and joints – no nails. At four story’s high, it was once a popular wish-making spot.

In the afternoon visit Kinkakuji Temple, a favorite to millions of visitors each year. You will quickly see why this jewel set into the northern hills is one of the most visited sites in Japan, it is covered in real gold leaf and vibrant at any time of year no matter the weather.

Continue to Kintano-tenmangu, a remarkable shrine to scholarship that was built to appease the spirit of an angry ghost. The shrine’s surrounding entertainment district was first built after a fire in 1444, when a large section of the temple had to be rebuilt, and the remaining timber was used to construct 7 tea houses that became the first ‘flower town’ or Geisha district in Kyoto.

Explore the Kamishichiken district, every bit as charming as its more touristy cousin the Gion district, with the added bonuses of fewer crowds and excellent photo opportunities.

Day at leisure to explore historic Kyoto at your own pace. Please ask your destination specialist about option excursions available.

This morning transfer to Kyoto JR station to board the bullet train to Hiroshima an approximately 2 hour journey. An assistant will meet you at your hotel, escort you to the train station and then help you board the train. 

Upon arrival in Hiroshima, meet your private guide and begin your tour with a visit to Peace Memorial Park. The area where the park now lies was ground zero for the Atomic Bomb on August 6th, 1945. After the bombing, Memorial Park was created and dedicated to those who lost their lives in the attack. Stroll through the park and discover the many memorials, monuments and statues in the park before heading into the Museum itself.

From Hiroshima, a short train and ferry ride will take you to Miyajima Island. A small sacred island located in the Island Sea, it has been a holy place of Shintoism since the earliest times. Here you will find perhaps the most photographed site in Japan - The Floating Torii Gate. Designated as one of Japan's '3 Most Beautiful Views', the shrine dates back to the 6th century with the present structure dating back to the 12th century. You will have time to explore the island and its many shrines and temples and sample local goodies like maple leaf-shaped cakes.

Overnight at a ryokan on Miyajima Island. 

Following breakfast, travel to Hiroshima by ferry and train and then take the bullet train to Tokyo, Japan's sprawling capital city. The balance of the day is at lesiure. 

We suggest you stop en-route in Himeji to visit Himeji castle, one of Japan’s most famous castles. The castle is about a 5 minute taxi ride from Himeji station, making it a very convenient stopover. Please let us know in advance if you would like to make the stop, as we need to arrange your train tickets accordingly. 

Travel around Tokyo using the city's sophisticated and efficient subway and train lines together with your private guide to visit some of Tokyo's main sites. Start the tour with a visit to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. After visiting the temple grounds, stroll along Nakamise shopping street to look for souvenirs. Then travel to the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a part of the inner palace area. The palace itself is not open to the public as it is the residence of the emperor, but you can walk through the garden grounds to see the moats, remains of Edo castle and gardens. Next, visit either Ginza or Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. Your guide will then say goodbye so you can continue exploring these areas at your own pace.

Travel from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji by bus this morning and head up to the 5th Station. The 5th Station is situated at 2,300 meters (7,546 ft) above sea level. At this height, you will be amazed at spectacular, breathtaking views from above the clouds. After which you will enjoy lunch.  Once your lunch is done a short visit on a Lake Ashi Cruise.  This crater lake along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone was formed by a powerful volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago, and provides postcard views of Mt. Fuji towering 30 km northwest. Admire the superb view of Mt. Fuji from aboard a ship. Take a ropeway ride to the peak of Mt. Komagatake. There will be time to include a walk around at the peak. Take a cableway ride up to the spiritual Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya (original shrine) that nestles at the mountaintop. Depart Hakone and proceed to Odawara Station by bus. Board the Kodama Shinkansen to Tokyo in the non-reserved section.  You will arrive back in Tokyo between 8-10pm, all dependent on traffic conditions. You will need to make your own way back to your hotel on arrival.

This morning, transfer to Tokyo's Narita airport for your onward flight. Of course if you want to stay longer your Goway Destination Specialist can customize the perfect itinerary for you.