Taste & Traditions of Japan

Arrive in the frenetic city of Tokyo, Japans exciting capital. Meet at Arrival Exit Gate after Customs clearance, then guests will be escorted to the transfer. Our staff, or driver will be holding a signboard with the Flight Centre logo on it. Arrival transfer hours are between: 6:00am 08.30pm. For arrivals outside of these hours, a surcharge will be applied pricing based on number of travellers and type of assigned vehicle. You will be taken to the group joining hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Nil.

Begin the day at Tokyos iconic Meiji Shrine, entering through a towering Torii gate and observing Shinto cleansing rituals. Explore nearby Harajuku and Takeshita Street, a hub of youth fashion, followed by a visit to Shibuya and its famous scramble crossing. In the afternoon, head to Asakusa for a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master, then stroll Nakamise Street and visit Sensoji Temple, Tokyos oldest Buddhist temple.
Meals: Breakfast.

Peel back the layers of Tokyo and can do whatever you fancy. Speak to your Tour Leader about joining some optional experiences on offer, to be paid locally.
Meals: Breakfast

Today, your journey will begin with a train ride to Odawara station. Your hiking guide for the day will pick you up and take you to the starting point of your hike. The Amazake Chaya tea house is a 4-century old teahouse that was visited by Emperors and Shogun to drink tea, just like you will. After tea, commence hiking 500-year-Old Tokaido Highway along cobble stones to Lake Ashi (crater lake).
After a picnic lunch, walk out to Hakone Shrine with its famous red tori gates in the lake before continuing your hike.
After the tour, its time to jump back on the train to get to your hotel in the Shizuoka station area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, hop on the train and head over to the city covered with endless tea fields, Kakegawa. This small city is mostly known to be the center of tea production in Shizuoka, the number one tea producing prefecture in Japan. Once you have arrived in Kakegawa station, a private vehicle will be ready to take you to see the giant Japanese kanji for tea. Next, it is time to try out your hand at tea picking. Finish the tour with lunch. This homemade bento is made by incorporating tea leaves as one of their ingredients. After this tour, head back to your hotel and enjoy some down time before continuing to the soba making class. Shizuoka is famous for their soba created from water straight from Mt Fuji. The Soba master will guide you to teach the steps to make the perfect soba.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying a slow and relaxing morning, travel aboard the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shizuoka to Kyoto. Your transportation will be waiting for you at Kyoto station to start your Kyoto adventure.
First, visit the Nishiki Market. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," explore this lively retail market that specializes in all things culinary and encompasses five city blocks right in the center of town. With over 100 shops, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Then walk through Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka which is one of the most attractive Kyoto's street where traditional shophouses are restored beautifully. Continue to walk to World Heritage Kiyomizu Temple, known as the Pure Water Temple and take in the majestic views from the 13 metre high veranda before exploring the complex.
Meals: Breakfast.

Explore the former imperial capital of Japan and visit some of the citys famous World Heritage Sites. Start your day with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) which was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun but, at his request, became a Buddhist Temple after his death.
Then visit Ryoanji temple. Known for its iconic Zen rock garden, which features 15 carefully placed rocks surrounded by white gravel, inviting contemplation and tranquility. The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers visitors a peaceful escape into the heart of Japanese Zen philosophy and design.
End todays tour with the enchanting Arashiyama area, nestled at the foot of the Western mountains and renowned as one of Kyoto's premier sightseeing districts. The tour will end at the hotel and the evening is free at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast

Today is a free day. Take your time relaxing in your hotel, wandering around the city, or join a tour all at your leisure. Speak to your Tour Leader about joining the optional experiences on offer, to be paid locally.
Meals: Breakfast

Start your day by taking the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, a city known for its history, making it a symbol of peace and resilience.The city of Hiroshima, now the largest city in the Chugoku Shikoku region, is also referred to as the "City of Water." Take the ferry to cross the shore to Miyajima Island. Explore the romantic location and listen to your guide share the fascinating background of the area. Arrive at the main complex Itsukushima shrine and its floating Tori Gate, a lovely family Shinto shrine founded in the 6th century. Head back to the mainland and visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is located at the centre of Hiroshima City. Next, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum that offers a powerful and moving experience. The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building served as a location to promote Hiroshima's industries. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing and remains so today.
Meals: Breakfast

After some free time for lunch on your own, meet up with the group to catch the train to our final destination, Osaka.
Your guide will take you to one of the most famous symbols of the city, Osaka Castle. Here you will learn about the shoguns that ruled the country before power was restored to the Meiji Emperor. The current castle was rebuilt in 1931; however, a castle stood on this spot from 1583 to 1868. Take a short walk to the riverside and hop on a boat for a one-hour cruise of the waterways of Osaka where you can get a very different perspective of the city. Lastly, end the tour with a panoramic view of the city. Ascend to the observatory of Umeda Sky Building. From a height of 170 meters, marvel at panoramic vistas spanning Osaka and extending as far as Awaji Island. Delve into the nostalgic charm of Takimi-Koji gourmet street housed in the building's basement, featuring imagery reminiscent of 1920s Osaka. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll before ending the tour and have the rest of your day free at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast

Today is a full free day for you to take in Osaka for the last time on this trip. Speak to your Tour Leader about joining the optional experiences on offer, to be paid locally.
Meals: Breakfast.

This morning you will be transferred to Osaka airport for your return flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast