Japanese Family Adventure
Duration: 14 days
Location: Experience the highlights of Japan as you visit the cosmopolitan Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the Setouchi region with a visit to Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial. End your trip learning about the beauty of Japanese culture with a Geisha makeover.
Highlights of the tour
See a Sumo training session
Take part in a Geisha makeover
Have an interactive learning experience for Samurai
Visit poignant Hiroshima
Day 1 - Arrival in Tokyo
After your arrival at the airport our guide and driver will transfer you to the hotel, where you have the rest of the day to settle in at your leisure.
Day 2 - Explore Tokyo
Today you will have the chance to explore Tokyo with your guide. Starting the day with an exclusive experience, visiting a Sumo stable. Step inside the world of sumo wrestling with a visit to see a morning training session. After lunch you will get the best view of Toyko from the top deck of the SkyTree before seeing some of the other highlights, Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street and Tsukiji Fish Market.
Day 3 - Explore Tokyo
Today you will continue to explore Tokyo with your guide and visit Imperial Palace East Garden, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Omotesando and Shibuya Crossing. On returning to your hotel you have the rest of the day free at your leisure.
Day 4 - Hakone & Lake Ashi
After breakfast, you will take the drive with your guide to Hakone. Where you can take the Hakone Cable car to Sounzan, and the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani before exploring it's valley. And then on to Lake Ashi for a Cruise. Later in the day visit Hakone Sekisho and Hakone Shrine before returning to your hotel in Tokyo.
Day 5 - Take the bullet train to Hiroshima
Today you will take the bullet train and leave Tokyo to visit Hiroshima. On arrival at the station you will be met by your guide and walked to your hotel. Once you have settled in, you have the rest of the evening to spend at your leisure.
Day 6 - Hiroshima
This morning you will visit the Peace Memorial Park and the museum, before seeing the poignant Bomb Dome. After lunch take the ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima where you will visit the Itsukushima Shrine, 5 storied pagoda and Senjokaku (Main hall of Hokoku Shine). Late in the afternoon you will return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 7 - Senkoji Temple
This morning you will ride the bullet train to Shin-Onomichi and visit Senkoji Temple located inside Senkoji Park is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect. According to lore, the temple was built by the famous Buddhist priest Kobo Daishi. Teh temple is also well-known as the scenic view point of Seto inland sea. The park rests atop a mountain overlooking the city and provides panoramic views of the port, mountains and surrounding islands. In the afternoon take part in a Manekineko Paint workshop. The maneki-neko (lit. 'beckoning cat') is a common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner. Finish the afternoon with a visit to Cat Alley before an overnight stay in Ikuchishima island.
Day 8 - Himeji
This morning you will take the bullet train to Himeji to visit the Castle and Kokoen garden. After lunch take a trip to the Samurai Store Himeji where children have a chance to wear Samurai armor and helmet. In the later afternoon take the bullet train to Shin-Kobe for your overnight stay in Kobe.
Day 9 - Mikumayama & Sumoto Castle
This morning you will head to Matsuho Anchorage Park. A spectacular view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the world's longest suspension bridge, can be seen from here along with local seafood and vegetables that are sold on the roadside. After this head to Awaji Hana Sajiki for a vast panorama of beautiful flowers. With Akashi Kaikyo and Osaka Bay in the background, this 15-hectare panorama of seasonal flowers is one of the most beautiful spots on Awaji Island. In the afternoon visit Mikumayama and Sumoto Castle Ruins. The ruins of Sumoto Castle are located on top of Mikuma Mountain,133 meters above sea level. You can see the urban area of Sumoto City, Osaka Bay, and the Kitan Strait. Mikumayama is part of the Seto Inland Sea National Park. In spring, the entire mountain is covered with light red cherry blossoms.
Day 10 - Meriken Park
Today spend the day exploring Kobe and Meriken Park, nice waterfront park in Kobe's port area. Built on out crop of reclaimed land, the park is covered in grassy lawn and open courtyards dotted with a collection of modern art installations and fountains.
Day 11 - Kyoto
This morning leave Kobe and take the Bullet Train to Kyoto. On arrival at the station you will be met by your guide for a day of exploring, including visits to Kinkakuji Temple, the Sagano Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant spend the afternoon visiting Arashiyama and the Togetsukyo Bridge. In the late afternoon take a cruise on the Hozu River. The cruises utilise traditional style, flat bottomed boats piloted by boatmen who guide the craft with oars and bamboo poles. The boats take about two hours to leisurely make their way down the river and are a relaxing way to see the natural scenery of the largely undeveloped ravine.
Day 12 - Nara Deer Park
After breakfast at the hotel take the local train to Nara and visit Nara deer park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Todaiji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Before returning to your hotel for an overnight in Kyoto.
Day 13 - Kyoto & Geisha experience
This morning visit some of the highlights of Kyoto, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizudera Temple, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka slopes and Gion.
In the afternoon partake in a Geisha and Maiko makeover experience and photo shoot. This experience celebrates the traditions and beauty of this Japanese culture. Spend the remainder of the evening back at your hotel or exploring other areas of Kyoto.
Day 14 - Departure from Kyoto
Today you will transferred to the airport by your private guide in time for your flight.
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