Japan - Past, Present and Future

Tours - Japan-Past, Present & Future

Tour includes:

Accommodation at selected hotels with meals as mentioned in your final itinerary.
Check-in time is 3.00PM and check-out time is 11.00AM. Early or late service is subject to availability with surcharge.
Meals if mentioned in the final itinerary
Transfers if mentioned in your final itinerary:
- Airport transfer (arrival and departure) in a shared van
- Public/Private transport on tour day
Guidance:
- Client Service Officer: provide self-guided clients with tour information
- Guide for half day or full day tour (English & other languages: German, Spanish, etc.)
Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time
Service charge and current government VAT tax
JR Pass and/or Train ticket(s)

Tour excludes:

VISA
Optional tour
Please make sure you have 6 months passport validity.
Early/late check in/out service at hotels (surcharge if request)
Tips and gratuities
Services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary
All drinks, including water, soft drink and alcohol on all included or optional excursion
Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
Travel Insurance (Compulsory)

DAY 1: TOKYO ARRIVAL

Welcome to Japan! Meet your assistant at Narita Airport and transfer your hotel. Relax at the hotel before walk out for dinner at Japanese-style restaurants in the nearby area.

DAY 2: TOKYO (ASAKUSA & HARAJUKU)

Wake up to a tasty breakfast before beginning your adventure. Journey to Hamarikyu garden, the former private garden of an Edo Period Lord. Stopover for sampling Japanese green tea, followed by a short cruise along Sumida River. Later on, travel to Asakusa for a visit to the renowned Sensoji! The colorful, popular temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. Stroll along Nakamise shopping street nearby, where typical Japanese souvenir and various traditional snack are sold!
Enjoy local sushi or ramen for lunch. After lunch, we will visit magnificent Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. The shrine is crowded in the first day of the year because of hatsumode (first prayers). For the rest of the year, if in luck, you may witness solemn procession of Shinto weddings. Continue the journey to Harajuku and Omotesando. This tree-lined avenue features a multitude of dazzling architecturally ambitious buildings of global haute couture brands. Finish the day with Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's tallest and most distinctive skyscrapers for a panoramic view of the city if time permits.

DAY 3: EXPLORE TOKYO YOUR OWN WAY!

Let's make your own way exploring the metropolitan. Going back to visited fascinating valleys for an insight? Use our information packet to discover new places? A visit to Tsukiji Fish Market and surrounding restaurants in Tsukishima is strongly recommended.
Interested in Japanese technology? Odaiba - a unique island of gaming and multimedia - is perfect for you! If traditional art is your interest, come to the Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza and watch a performance. Akihabara is recommended for electronic gadgets' lovers.

Travel further from Tokyo? An optional one day trip to nearby Nikko to visit UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine, or to Kamakura to admire the giant Buddha statue is available. Tell us what's your plan?

DAY 4: TAKAYAMA

After breakfast, we travel to Takayama. Takayama is renowned for its beautiful old town, where traditional touch is preserved. Visit the Takayaka Jinya - a building from the 17th century that has been preserved as it was from the time of its construction, and is still in use today.
The nearby Hida area is famous for a unique style of architecture that resembles hands folded in prayer. This has a practical use, but step inside to discover how roomy and comfortable it is, and why this remains unchanged.

DAY 5: TAKAYAMA - SHIRAKAWAGO - TAKAYAMA

Today's morning we will journey to Shirakawago. Shirakawago region lines the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains that span from Gifu to Toyama. Declared as UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, the place is famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.
In the afternoon, head out on a walk of the town visiting the old town and sake brewery. The freshest sake is the best - find out for yourself how it's made, and what it tastes like!

DAY 6: KANAZAWA

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and stroll around the village before heading to Kanazawa. The town used to serve as home of second most powerful clan, Maeda Clan, during the Edo Period. We will go sightseeing at Nagamachi, former living district of samurai. The district exhibits a historic atmosphere with remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals. Visit Nomura-ke, a samurai residence restored to golden era of samurai precedence.
There are few other museums that might interest you if time permits. One of them is Contemporary Art Museum. Now open to the public, the museum is renowned for displaying the cutting edge of design right around the corner from the old. There is also the DT Suzuki Museum, showcasing the history of Zen being brought to the western world.

DAY 7: KANAZAWA - HIROSHIMA

Fuel up with a good breakfast before heading to Hiroshima, a city recovered itself from Atomic Bombing aftermath. Admire stunning vibrancy and splendid culture which has regrown itself from the ashes. Peace Memorial Park andFuel up with a good breakfast before heading to Hiroshima, a city recovered itself from Atomic Bombing aftermath. Admire stunning vibrancy and splendid culture which has regrown itself from the ashes. Peace Memorial Park and Museum inside the park are major attractions of the city. Prefectural Museum of Art, Shukkei-En Gardens, Baseball Stadium, restaurants selling unique okonomiyaki is recommended attractions for your leisure time!

DAY 8: HIROSHIMA - MIYAJIMA

We will travel to Miyajima - one of the "Three Great Views of Japan" popularized in the Edo Period. You will certainly feel a sense of nostalgia from seeing the famous "floating" red gate – Torii – a famous symbol of Japanese shrine entrance.
Miyajima is also populated by the friendly deer - they will eat from your hand and follow you around! Wander the temples and hike (or take a cable car) to the top of Misen Mountain to experience the life of monk.

DAY 9: HIROSHIMA - KYOTO

Prepare for your adventures to Kyoto with a hearty breakfast. Upon arrival, enjoy evening freely at your leisure to wander around Gion District, where you may get a glimpse of Geisha, admire beautifully preserved machiya houses along its side alleys. Dinner with Maiko is offered as an optional experience here.

DAY 10: KYOTO - SAGANO & ARASHIYAMA

We start with the sprawling, breath-taking Nijo Castle, followed by Ryoanji - the UNESCO World Heritage zen temple with famous rock garden. This unique garden has no plant, apart from little patches of moss around the stones. Afterward, visit Kinkakuji, the shining pavilion completely covered by gold leaf that was originally built as a shogun's summer house.
Transfer to the outskirt of Kyoto for a gentle walk through Sagano lush bamboo groove. The sunlight filters through the densely packed grove, projecting thin slashes of light onto this enchanting forest. Head to Tenryuji temple, which survived centuries maintaining its original design. Then continue to Jojakkoji Temple nestled in the quiet and understated wooded hill. Crossing over the iconic landmark Togetsukyo Bridge for stunning views of adjacent cherry forest.

DAY 11: KYOTO - NARA (OPTIONAL)

Today's morning, you will participate in a tea ceremony at the traditional Japanese house, which is typical to Kyoto and many parts of Japan. If you wish, combine this experience with kimono fitting! The traditional dress comes with many colors, ranging from colorful style to quite plain and simple. We will then travel to Nara for your free afternoon here. The city is second only to Kyoto as the richest collection of cultural sites in Japan. Meet the semi-wild deer at Nara Park, admire the structure of Todaiji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine is recommended.

DAY 12: KYOTO - KURASHIKI

Embark on a bullet train to Kurashiki. The city is renowned for its preserved canal area, which were built to allow boats and barges to navigate between the city's storehouses and the nearby port when Kurashi was still a vital rice trading center.
Enjoy the afternoon wandering around this canal town. Ohara museum, Ohashi house, Ivy Square and buy yourself Japanese jeans made at a local factory is recommended.

DAY 13: NAGASAKI

After breakfast, embark on a bullet train to Nagasaki.
Nagasaki is a town of churches - that is, churches, temples, pagodas, shrines and mosques! This multi-cultural city has created a delightful mish-mash of color, culture and design. Sample kappo-ryori at a Kappo restaurant, where you can watch the chef cooking right in front of you!
Option to take a cruise to Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), a small island located about 20 kilometers from Nagasaki. Until 1974, the island served as a coal mine, where more than 5000 residents called this 480 meter long, 150 meter wide place home, resulting in the highest population density in history recorded worldwide.

DAY 14: NAGASAKI

Today, embrace an insight into Nagasaki on foot and by the trams - the iconic transportation of the city. Journey along Teramachi-dori where many old temples lined up, followed by Sofukuji Temple and Urakami Cathedral. Nagasaki has always had a bonding relationship with Christianity - glimpses of Christian influence can be seen in the city's every breath. We also take you to another dark stone in this grand city's history - Nagasaki Peace Park. See how the city resurrect like a phoenix throughout history. Journey to Glover Garden and Dejima - another multi-cultural asset in this city's many facets.

DAY 15: BEPPU

Fuel up yourself with a good breakfast before your journey by bullet train to Beppu.
Beppu is a city by the seashore on Kyushu Island. The region is an abundant source of hot spring, making it home to over 2,000 onsens. Immerse yourself in unmatched range of baths, from ordinary hot water baths, mud baths, sand baths to even steam baths during your stay here.

DAY 16: BEPPU

Today will be your free day to enjoy Beppu. Journey to Jigoku - the Hells of Beppu to admire the view of the dangerous hot springs, namely Umi Jigoku, Oniishibozu Jigoku, Shiraike Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku and many more! Savour local delicacies uniquely cooked by natural hot spring steam.