Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)

Day 1. Arrive Tokyo (inflight meals)
Your courtesy home collection (in the evening of 15 November 2026) will take you to Perth Airport for your night flight to Singapore, followed by a connecting flight to Tokyo. The bustling metropolis of Tokyo awaits you with shimmering towers rising beside tranquil shrines and manicured gardens. With no scheduled sightseeing today, settle into your hotel and begin absorbing the energy of this fascinating city that fuses the modern and the ancient in effortless harmony.
Three nights: Hotel Metropolitan, Tokyo Ikebukuro - or similar.


Day 2. Tokyo Icons and Ginza (BD)
Begin your discovery amid the peaceful forest of Meiji Shrine, a timeless sanctuary honouring Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Pass the grand Imperial Palace and pause at Niju Bridge before strolling through Ginza on one of the world’s most luxurious avenues.

Day 3. Asakusa and Tokyo National Museum (B)
Step into Tokyo’s past in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest Geisha district and home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and its vivid red lanterns. Wander the bustling Nakamise Shopping Arcade where traditional crafts, sweet treats, and souvenirs tempt every sense in the oldest shopping street of Japan. Later, explore the Tokyo National Museum and admire the exquisite art, delicate ceramics, and priceless treasures that narrate Japan’s rich and ancient story.

Day 4. Tokyo to Hakone, Owakudani and Lake Ashi (BD)
Journey to the lakeside retreat of Hakone, famed for its rejuvenating hot springs and majestic mountain vistas. Witness the steaming volcanic vents at Owakudani, then glide above the valley on the Hakone Ropeway for sweeping views of Mt Fuji. A gentle cruise on the deep-blue waters of Lake Ashi reveals mirror reflections of distant peaks before arriving in the charming town of Moto-Hakone.
One night: Yumoto Fujiya, Hakone – or similar.

Day 5. Hakone to Matsumoto, wasabi farm and castle visits (BD)
Travel through scenic countryside to Matsumoto and visit Daiwo Wasabi Farm, one of Japan's largest. Walk along the trails between the fields to see the meticulously maintained network of small streams that feed each plant with clear flowing water from the Northern Alps. After, tour the striking “Crow Castle,” one of Japan’s oldest surviving fortresses.
One night: Matsumoto Hotel, Kagetsu - or similar.

Day 6. Matsumoto to Takayama (B)
Continue through alpine valleys to Takayama, a beautifully preserved town where wooden inns and bridges Higashi District recall centuries past. Visit Takayama Old Town, Takayama Jinya that allows you to sense an elegance and powerfulness different to shrine and temple architecture, and Takayama Jinya, a museum dedicated to the famous Takayama Festival, one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals.
One night: Mercure Hida Takayama - or similar.

Day 7. Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa, Kenroku-en (BD)
Immerse yourself in Takayama’s morning market beside the Miyagawa River, alive with local farmers and craft vendors who have been operating here for 600 years. Venture into the mountains to discover Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO-listed village famous for its steeply thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses that echo prayers to the heavens. Continue to Kanazawa, the origin of gold-leaf making since the 16th century. Stroll through Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, where sculpted pines and still ponds create a perfect picture of tranquillity.
Two nights: Tmark City Hotel, Kanazawa - or similar.

Day 8. Kanazawa Crafts and Geisha Quarter (B)
Start the day with a visit to the bustling Omicho fish market. Next, embrace Kanazawa’s heritage as you learn the ancient art of gold-leaf application, decorating your own lacquer box with delicate metallic shimmer. Wander through the atmospheric Geisha quarters, the Higashi district, where teahouses and lattice façades recall the days of geisha and samurai. Spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure, perhaps visiting a local art gallery or sipping matcha in a serene teahouse.

Day 9. Kanazawa to Kyoto, Sushi and Origami (BD)
Depart for Kyoto, Japan’s graceful former capital and a living gallery of tradition. Enjoy a Tea Ceremony Experience with Casual Outfit at Traditional Interior House. Also visit the Higashiyama District along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains, one of the city's best preserved historic districts. It is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital city.
Four nights: Miyako Hotel, Kyoto - or similar.

Day 10. Fushimi Inari and Nijo Castle (B)
Be guided by the tunnel of thousands of donated orange vermilion torii gates to reach the Fushimi Inari Shrine which is dedicated to the god or rice. In Kyoto, step into the world of shoguns at Nijo Castle, where creaking “nightingale floors,” intricate screens, and sculpted gardens reveal the grandeur of Japan’s feudal era. Explore the lively retail Nishiki Market. Spend the afternoon discovering Kyoto’s elegant shops or quiet temples at your own pace.

Day 11. Shinkansen to Hiroshima and Miyajima (B)
Experience the thrill of Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train as it speeds you to Hiroshima. Board a ferry to serene Miyajima, where the “floating” torii gate rises from the sea. In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum for a moving reflection on the past before returning to Kyoto this evening, inspired by the spirit of resilience and peace.

Day 12. The deer of Nara Park, sushi making and sake (BLD)
Travel to Nara and visit Nara Deer Park, home to thousands of wild deer. These deer are considered to be sacred because it's said that one of the 4 gods in Kasuga Shrine rode the deer to Nara. The cute thing about these deer is that they bow at you when you feed them! It's an experience that everyone should try! Next, enjoy an authentic hands-on sushi-making workshop (small group tour) in a traditional Kyoto setting. A Sushi lunch is included. Before returning to the hotel, visit a local sake brewery. You'll get the chance to learn the unique characteristics of different varieties of sake, discovering which type you most prefer and how to identify your favourites on menus and bottle labels (sake tasting is included.)

Day 13. Depart Kyoto (B)
Your journey draws to a gentle close as you bid farewell to Kyoto’s timeless beauty. Reflect on the exquisite traditions, warm hospitality, and unforgettable moments that have made this journey through Japan truly extraordinary. We transfer to Osaka airport for your afternoon flight to Singapore.

Day 14. Arrive to Perth (inflight meals)(B)
Your overnight flight from Singapore to Perth will arrive in the early morning. Our courtesy transfer ensure you get home safely.

Please note:
• Hotels listed are subject to change. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to substitute accommodations of a similar or superior standard.
• Travel Insurance is recommended by the Australian Government. Your travel insurance should cover the period from Sunday, 15 November to 29 November 2026, as you will be picked up from your home on the evening of Sunday, 15 November, the day before your flight. The actual flight departs on Monday, 16 November 2026. Our friendly Villa staff can assist with an insurance quote with Covermore and NIB.

This itinerary contains changes from our previously released itinerary.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.