Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly to Tokyo
Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific Airways to Tokyo, Japan’s capital, for a three-night stay. Tokyo was once known as Edo and was a small fishing town. In 1868, as part of the Meiji Restoration, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was then renamed Tokyo, meaning the Eastern Capital.

Brisbane passengers may depart on Day 2.

Day 3: Discover Tokyo
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Today’s city tour starts on the observation deck of the 634-metre Skytree, before seeking out the tranquillity of the ancient Buddhist Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest. Glimpse Tokyo’s historical heritage at the Edo-Tokyo Museum and explore Tokyo’s Imperial Palace. This evening take a relaxed dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay for some excellent city vistas.

Day 4: Meiji Shrine
The city tour continues with a relaxed morning wandering around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Garden. Explore the huge evergreen forest that encompasses the Shinto Meiji Shrine. The afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish.

Day 5: Fuji Five Lakes
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mt Fuji to its base where we find the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacular with the calm waters of the five lakes, formed by past eruptions, reflecting Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Later, try your hand at making traditional Japanese soba noodles before tucking in to your creations. Continue to Oshino Hakkai, a scenic area of ponds full of crystal clear spring water created by Fuji’s melting snow, where there is also a small museum.

Day 6: Mt Fuji
Ascend 2,000 metres up Mt Fuji to the 5th Station where, with its perfectly conical peak looming overhead, you can take in the breathtaking views over the Fuji Five Lakes below. Returning to the beautiful Five Lakes region, explore Iyashi no Sato, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko. Destroyed by a landslide in 1966, the remaining thatched-roofed houses of this old Japanese village have been transformed into an open-air museum and craft village, exhibiting plenty of local and traditional handicrafts.

Day 7: Bullet train to Kyoto
Transfer to the station at Mishima. Sit back and relax in the comfort of a bullet train as you speed across the country to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was the capital for a thousand years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. The geisha is both an intriguing and integral part of Japanese history – enjoy tea with either a maiko (apprentice geisha) or geisha at a typical tea house.

Day 8: Explore Kyoto
Spend the day soaking up some of Kyoto’s delightful sights, starting at Ryoan-ji Temple, a zen temple with an excellent example of a ‘dry landscape’ garden. Continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple, known as the Golden Pavilion, where there is an archetypal Muromachi period garden. Next, visit Kiyomizu Temple, a 17th-century Buddhist temple. In a restored Japanese wooden townhouse, enjoy a traditional handcraft experience and witness the rituals of a traditional tea ceremony.

Day 9: Himeji
Jump on the bullet train again today for a day visit to Himeji. The feudal era fort, one of the most impressive in Japan, towers over the city recognisable as the backdrop to several major films. Appreciate its turbulent past before strolling around Kokoen, the Edo-style gardens just across the castle moat. This afternoon return to Kyoto.

Day 10: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Take a day trip by bullet train to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Hiroshima needs no introduction. The city today is vibrant and modern with a forward-thinking, sunny outlook. Find a moment to reflect at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Hopping on a ferry, make the short trip to the holy island of Miyajima. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most recognisable, which rises majestically out of the waters of the inland sea.

Day 11: Depart Kyoto
Transfer to Kansai airport (Osaka) to board your overnight flight to Australia.

Due to flight schedules, Perth passengers may arrive home on day 11.

Day 12: Arrive Australia
Arrive home today.