Country Discovery
Japan
Country Discovery
Japan
Day 1
We meet our travel companions as we check-in in our hotel in Tokyo. The meeting time is at 6pm, so we have enough time in the evening to get our first taste of Japan in a local restaurant and take a walk around the city.
And before going to bed, we start off the trip strong with a visit to the highest viewpoint in the world, the Tokyo Skytree. There's no better way to get a feeling of the city than from 630 meters!
The flight to Tokyo and transportation from the airport are not included in the price to grant you full flexibility when to arrive.
Day 2
We start the day at Shinjuku Gyoen Park, a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city. After enjoying the serene landscapes, we visit the iconic Meiji Jingu Shrine, followed by a leisurely walk in Yoyogi Park. For lunch, we'll explore the trendy restaurants and cafes around Harajuku, known for its unique street fashion and vibrant atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we head to the famous Shibuya Crossing and explore the surrounding districts. Before evening plans, we'll take a break at Meiji Jingu Gaien, a beautiful spot for some relaxation.
After a refreshing shower at the hotel, the evening takes us back to Shinjuku for dinner and drinks. Whether we visit a buzzing club or enjoy Japanese karaoke, the night is full of possibilities!
Day 3
Our day begins with a visit to the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market, where we'll indulge in fresh seafood and explore the many culinary delights. Next, we immerse ourselves in the historical charm of Asakusa, home to the iconic Senso-ji temple.
In the afternoon, we dive into the energetic world of Akihabara, famous for its electronics, anime, and manga culture. Depending on our pace, we may also make a quick visit to Ueno to enjoy its rich cultural offerings.
After some downtime and a refreshing shower at the hotel, the evening is ours to enjoy. We'll have dinner and explore the vibrant nightlife in either Shibuya or Roppongi, both offering unique experiences of modern Tokyo after dark.
Day 4
Our Hakone adventure begins with a visit to Odawara Castle, a historic landmark that takes us back to Japan's samurai era. We explore its beautifully restored grounds and museum, learning about the castle's role in Japanese history. From there, we head to the tranquil Sengokuhara area, famous for its scenic pampas grass fields and gentle hiking trails. After enjoying a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature, we end the day unwinding in a traditional onsen, soaking in the hot spring waters and recharging for tomorrow's activities. We stay overnight in a ryokan or hotel in Hakone.
Day 5
We dedicate the second day to the famous Hakone Loop, a must-do experience. Starting with the Hakone Tozan Railway, we ascend through scenic mountain landscapes. The cable car takes us to Owakudani, where we marvel at the steaming volcanic terrain. A pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi offers incredible views of Mount Fuji, weather permitting, and we visit the serene Hakone Shrine, nestled among ancient trees with its iconic red torii gate overlooking the lake. After completing the loop, we catch the famous Shinkansen train, covering the 380km between Odawara and Kyoto in only 1:40hr, one of the marvels of Japanese technology.
Day 6
Today we begin the exploration of the old capital of Japan, Kyoto. We head to Nishiki Market first, the oldest food market in town, dating back 400 years!
With full bellies, it's time to explore our first temple in Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera. It's a large complex nested in the forests around the city, welcoming us for a peaceful afternoon stroll in the nature. We then head back to the hotel early to get some rest and a warm shower after the long day behind. Tonight, we visit a local restaurant to try Kyoto's cusine and then get lost in the city's nightlife!
Day 7
Today we explore the more naturalistic part of Kyoto, Arashiyama. We first visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park, hiking up to the mountaintop surrounded by wild monkeys. Don't worry, they don't bite! We'll even have a chance to feed the monkeys and make friends with them for some nice pictures. We then rent boats for a trip around the Katsura river, exploring the local waterfalls and typical houses on the shore.
For lunch we enjoy a unique experience, eating a true buddhist meal in the Tenryu-ji temple in the ways of the monks, all sitting together on the ground. In the afternoon we have two more must-see highlights, the stunning Bamboo forest and Kinkaku-ji, the golden temple.
Like the day before we explore the cuisine of Kyoto at another local restaurant and spend the night at the most famous Karaoke place in the city, we have a room all for ourselves and unlimited drinks!
Day 8
We start the day with the largest Inari shrine in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha. Given its popularity, we start our visit early in the morning to avoid the large crowds of people looking for the perfect shot among the orange gates. We allow ourselves enough time to fully explore the sanctuary, which takes up to 3 hours. From there, we walk to Gion, a traditional neighborhood where we can see Geishas strolling by even today.
After lunch, we visit the Hokan-ji Temple, home to the most iconic pagoda of Kyoto and equally liked by the crowds of tourists. Satisfied with the perfect shot, we attend a true tea cerimony reserved for us. For one hour, we will unwind and learn everything about the ancient art of making Matcha tea from pure green tea leaves. At the end we each taste our own creation, accompanied by some sweet Mochis to ease the bitter taste of Matcha.
Day 9
Today, we embark on a journey to explore two vibrant cities, Osaka and Kobe. In Osaka, known as the 'Nation's Kitchen', we begin our day at the lively Dotonbori district, famous for its extravagant neon lights and mouth-watering street food. We won't miss the chance to try local specialties like Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki! We then visit the majestic Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's rich history and architectural grandeur.
Before sunset, we hop on a train to Kobe, a city renowned for its scenic beauty and delicious Kobe beef. Our first stop is the Kobe Harborland, where we enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and take in the picturesque views of the port area. As the day comes to a close, we indulge in a premium A5 Kobe meat dinner at a local restaurant, savoring every bite of this world-famous delicacy. Don't worry, world-class vegetarian and vegan-friendly options are always available!
Day 10
Today, we venture to Nara, a city steeped in ancient history and cultural heritage. Our first stop is the Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer considered as divine messengers in Shinto religion. We feed the friendly deer and capture memorable moments in the serene surroundings of the park.
Next, we visit the iconic Todai-ji Temple, housing the Great Buddha Hall, which boasts one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The magnitude of the statue leaves us in awe of the craftsmanship and religious significance.
After a traditional Japanese lunch, we explore the charming streets of Naramachi, a preserved merchant district offering insights into Nara's past. Here, we browse artisan shops and try local snacks, like the famous Mochis.
Our day concludes with a visit to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, renowned for its thousands of lanterns illuminating the pathway to the sacred grounds.
Day 11
Leaving Kyoto behind, we take a Shinkansen train to Hiroshima and begin our exploration with a visit to Miyajima Island, famous for its iconic Itsukushima Shrine and the floating torii gate. We wander along the island's scenic trails, admire the lush forests, and soak in the tranquil seaside views. There's also time to sample local delicacies, such as Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and fresh oysters. As the day winds down, we return to Hiroshima for dinner and spend the night in the city, ready to delve into its profound history the following day.
Day 12
Our second day in Hiroshima is dedicated to reflecting on its historical significance. We start at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a solemn site that honors the victims of the atomic bombing. Here, we pay our respects at the Atomic Bomb Dome, a stark reminder of the destruction caused by nuclear weapons. Next, we visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which provides deep insight into the events and aftermath of the bombing through powerful exhibits and testimonies.
After this poignant morning, we catch the Shinkansen back to Tokyo, arriving in time for a farewell dinner. It's a perfect opportunity to reminisce about the journey, share our favorite moments, and enjoy one last evening in Japan before saying goodbye.
Day 13
Our adventure in Japan comes to a close today as we bid farewell to this captivating land of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty. It won't be long before we will back, however. Japan steals your heart like no other countries, forcing you to come back to its beauty once more. Until we meet again!
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