Japanese Suggestions

We welcome you to Japan. Your extraordinary adventure begins in Tokyo, the vibrant capital of a nation rich in history. Your journey starts with a welcome meeting at 6:00 PM this evening. If you arrive early, we invite you to explore the city at your leisure. You might consider visiting the Sensoji Temple or the Imperial Palace, both of which are free of charge. For lunch, we suggest the Avatar Robot Café. This unique venue is not run by artificial intelligence, but by people with disabilities, providing them with a job opportunity. After the meeting, we will take you on a guided walk through one of Tokyo's most beloved neighborhoods. Finally, you will have the chance to join your new travel companions for an optional dinner.

Today, we venture into the vibrant area of Shibuya. We admire from above one of the world's busiest crossings at Shibuya Station and pay tribute to the statue of Hachiko, the famous loyal dog. Next, we indulge in a visit to a depachika food hall, a place where you can find everything from bento boxes to formal gifts. We might even grab a lunch to enjoy at Yoyogi Park, the site of numerous events from Japan's first Olympics, before visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine. In the afternoon, we explore Harajuku, the beating heart of youth pop culture. The rest of the day is at our disposal for further exploration. If you're a cat enthusiast, the Gotokuji Cat Temple might be your next stop. The evening offers the perfect opportunity to dive into Tokyo's nightlife, whether it's in a bar with laser shows or singing at karaoke.

Today, we travel at full speed through the heart of Japan, headed to Kanazawa. This city is renowned for the Kenroku-en, a 17th-century garden, and for having been the home of the samurai. Here, you will have the opportunity to discover wonderfully preserved samurai and geisha districts, ancient temples, and fascinating markets. After checking into the hotel, you might decide to visit the Kenroku-en garden and the Kanazawa Castle Park. The evening is yours, so you can explore the streets as you please and, why not, try a Kanazawa izakaya and its famous fresh fish.

Explore Kanazawa on foot today, with a walking tour of the Higashi Chaya district. Lose yourself among the Geishas as you walk through alleys and traditional tea houses, locally known as places of tradition, feasts, and entertainment. If tea is your passion, perhaps enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at one of the local tea houses. The afternoon will then be free for you to explore on your own.

Today, we invite you to board a train that will take you through the picturesque Japanese Alps to the stunning city of Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan. Known for its unparalleled beauty and its more than 2000 temples, shrines, and gardens, Kyoto is a magical place to get lost in. Thanks to its efficient bus network, you can easily reach all the sights of interest. You might decide to visit the magnificent Kinkaku-ji temple, covered in gold and surrounded by vast grounds in the northwest of Kyoto, or Nijo Castle, a feudal-era castle famous for its 'nightingale' floors that squeak, designed to alert the inhabitants to the arrival of ninjas. In the late afternoon, we recommend joining your guide for a walk in Kyoto's famous Gion district, the heart of the city's Geisha culture.

Join your leader this morning for a walk through the wooded hills of Mount Inari, famous for its Shinto 'fox temple' and the atmospheric red torii gates – a must-see for photography enthusiasts. The afternoon is free for you to explore, and your leader can provide recommendations on what to see and how to get there. Cycling is also a great way to see the city, and renting a bike is inexpensive. It's your last night in Kyoto, so make sure to try some of the famous Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) or wander through the Nishiki food market in the heart of the city.

Hiroshima is a vibrant metropolis with a tragic history, and this morning you will travel there by bullet train. Upon arrival, your leader will take you to the Peace Park and the ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome building - one of the 11 structures that remained partially standing as a reminder of the destruction of nuclear war following the atomic bomb explosion on August 6, 1945. The Peace Park contains monuments and a moving museum dedicated to the peace of Hiroshima and the world. The afternoon is free for you to rest, relax, or continue exploring the city. Tonight, try Hiroshima's most famous dish - okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with cabbage, meat, or seafood) - grilled right in front of you on a hot plate.

Today you will take a local train and a ferry to spend the day on the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous 'floating' Torii Gate and the majestic Itsukushima-jinja shrine. You will walk the forest trails up to the top of Mount Misen to enjoy breathtaking views of the Inland Sea stretching far below you. Make sure to watch out for the curious and always hungry deer roaming the island. Back in Hiroshima, you can enjoy a free evening tonight.

Travel with us today on the bullet train to Osaka: there's no better way to wrap up your journey than in a city with the motto 'kuidaore' (eat until you drop)! Osaka is recognized as the unofficial culinary capital of Japan, with its cozy alleyways filled with restaurants and bars offering local delights. Discover the Japanese version of fast food: Osaka is famous for the first conveyor belt sushi restaurants after its inventor, a sushi restaurant owner with staffing issues, was inspired by the conveyor belt beer bottles at the nearby Asahi brewery. Upon your arrival, we will take you on a guided walking tour in the Dotombori district, known for shopping and entertainment. At night, this place lights up with neon signs! Today, you might also participate in a taiko drumming lesson or experience a traditional Japanese onsen. For dinner, we recommend trying takoyaki (grilled octopus), an Osaka specialty.

There are no activities scheduled for this day, so our tour ends here. If you would like to extend your travel itinerary, please contact us for more information.