Ancient & Modern Japan

Start Kyoto

Morning visit to Nijo castle and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion); afternoon guided walk through beautiful shrines and temples

Day trip to Nara, ancient capital of Japan. Visit impressive UNESCO temples including Toda-ji, housing the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha

Free day in Kyoto; relax in one of the many zen gardens, walk the popular Philospher Path or experience a traditional tea ceremony

Day trip to Hiroshima; visit Peace Memorial Park and the pretty island of Miyajima

Travel from Kyoto to Takayama, a traditional old town set amid the 'Japanese Alps'; visit the Hida Folk Village 

Orientation tour in Takayama and free day to explore its peaceful shrines and temples

On to the mediaeval village of Tsumago; short leisurely walk on the Nakasendo trail; train to Matsumoto

Visit the famous Matsumoto Castle and travel by train to spa town of Yudanaka; soak in a hot spring

See the famous Snow Monkeys before travelling by train to Tokyo; evening orientation tour

Optional trip to Hakone and Mount Fuji or to the lovely seaside town of Kamakura

A full day city tour of Tokyo including the Senso-ji Temple

Free day for further exploration; optional karaoke farewell night

End Tokyo