Your holiday itinerary (ex Perth, Western Australia)

Day 1. Arrive Tokyo
Land in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, where shimmering towers rise 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.
3 nights: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

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 worlds most luxurious avenues. This evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner with your fellow travellers as neon lights shimmer above the city’s skyline.

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.
1 night: Odakyu Hotel de Yama, Hakone

Day 5. Hakone to Matsumoto and Takayama (BD)
Travel through scenic countryside to Matsumoto and admire its striking “Crow Castle,” one of Japan’s oldest surviving fortresses. Continue through alpine valleys to Takayama, a beautifully preserved town where wooden inns and bridges recall centuries past. Visit a 200 year-old traditional sake brewery to sample Japan’s cherished rice wine, then sit down to a gourmet Hida beef dinner celebrating local flavours.
2 nights: Tokyu Stay Hida-Takayama Musubi no Yu

Day 6. Takayama Old Town and Markets (B)
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. Wander streets lined with Edo-era houses and artisan shops where time seems to stand still. Later, choose between visiting Takayama Jinya, a historic government hall, or viewing the ornate festival floats at the Matsuri Yatai Kaikan. The afternoon is yours to explore hidden lanes, museums, or cafés.

Day 7. Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa, Kenroku-en (BD)
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 . Visit the bustling Omicho fish market before strolling Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, where sculpted pines and still ponds create a perfect picture of tranquillity. Tonight, dine on regional Kanazawa cuisine in a local restaurant.
2 nights: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Day 8. Kanazawa Crafts and Geisha Quarter (B)
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. Visit the Women’s Association of Kyoto in a traditional machiya townhouse, where expert hostesses teach the delicate art of sushi-making and origami folding. As evening falls, take a quiet stroll through lantern-lit streets that reveal Kyoto’s refined charm.
4 nights: Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto

Day 10. Fushimi Inari and Nijo Castle (B)
Early this be guided by the tunnel of thousands of donated orange vermilion torii gates to reach the Fushimi Inari Shrine Later 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. 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 by evening, inspired by the spirit of resilience and peace.

Day 12. Koshoji Temple and Maiko Farewell (BD)
Begin your morning at Koshoji Temple, where the soft hum of chanting fills the air. Join a monk for meditation and a traditional tea ceremony, gaining insight into centuries-old spiritual customs. Enjoy free time to browse Kyoto’s boutiques or gardens before a farewell dinner and graceful maiko performance — a final celebration of Japan’s elegance and artistry.

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.

Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.