Tour of the beautiful Japan

Welcome to Tokyo in Japan! Rich in contemporary urban culture, Tokyo boasts fascinating museums and world-class shopping as well as alleys filled with restaurants and karaoke bars. Our adventure begins with a welcome meeting tonight at 18:00. You can arrive at any time during the day as there are no scheduled activities, but make sure to arrive in time for this meeting. Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore Tokyo's exhilarating nightlife. Perhaps take a stroll along Omoide Yokocho or Memory Lane in Shinjuku, a bustling alley of restaurants and crowded bars that started in the '40s and quickly gained notoriety as a black market district. Today, it's one of the best places to try some of Tokyo's local fast food.

Today we stay in Tokyo and explore the historic Asakusa, one of the oldest and most traditional parts of the city. We visit the city's oldest temple, Senso-ji, founded nearly 1400 years ago when Tokyo was nothing more than a fishing village. We browse through the many interesting stalls full of delicacies, crafts, and souvenirs that line Nakamise Dori's shopping street. Then we hop on the subway and head to the bustling Shibuya district. Check out one of the world's busiest intersections before diving into a depachika (underground food hall) for a range of mouthwatering Japanese treats. Then enjoy a bird's-eye view of Tokyo from Shibuya Sky, an open-air, three-story observation deck, 360 degrees, 46 floors above the city. Afterwards, let the sounds of the city fade as we visit the Meiji Shrine, surrounded by a peaceful forest. Then we return to the city streets to explore the Harajuku district, home to Japan's quirky youth pop culture. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend at your leisure.

Today we're getting on the Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) and the local train to Kanaya station, where we'll transfer to the scenic train that travels through mountains and gorges at Kawane. The journey is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring and the changing leaf color in autumn. After disembarking at Senzu station, your host will welcome you at the station and accompany you to their home. This afternoon, we visit a local tea farm and try our hand at tea picking, learn how tea is properly prepared, and also taste some tea tempura. Your host will also show you the local seasonal vegetables they have in their garden.

After a hearty traditional Japanese breakfast made at home on the farm, we say goodbye to our host and take the local train to Kusanagi station, where you will start an easy hike along country trails that pass through tea plantations and mandarin fields. You will reach the Kusanagi shrine, built 1900 years ago, and continue to Nihondaira. Don't miss the incredible view of Mount Fuji along the way and from the Nihondaira Yume Terrace at the end of the hike. Continue to Shimizu by local bus and train, where you can enjoy a free afternoon of relaxation or further exploration. Shimizu is one of the oldest ports in Japan and was one of the stops on the ancient Tokaido Trail.

This morning, we visit the Shimizu fish market by the sea and enjoy a brunch with freshly caught fish. After brunch, we return on the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. One of the original names of Kyoto was Heian-kyo, which literally translates to 'capital of tranquility and peace', and the thousands of temples, shrines, and gardens make it an ideal place to relax. In the afternoon, head to the Noshiki market and stroll through 'Kyoto's Kitchen'. It's the perfect introduction to Kyoto's regional specialties: from pickled vegetables hidden under layers of fermented rice to the delicious and ornate Kyo-wagashi (Kyoto sweets) and other local products. As the sun sets, we continue to Gion, the cultural heart of the city and the most famous geisha district.

Today we head towards one of the most photogenic places in Kyoto: the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. Famous for its thousands of scarlet torii (square arches) along the path, this shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. Since foxes carry out his orders, there are also many fox statues along the way, ranging from cute to creepy. Next, we visit a nearly 300-year-old sake brewery, the oldest continuously operating brewery in the city. We discover their special sake brewing techniques and the importance of rice and water for sake before tasting the goods. The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. If you're in a contemplative mood, the Philosopher's Path might have what you're looking for. Stroll beside a stream, under the dappled shade of blossoming trees, past the Zen temple Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, and Nanzen-ji Temple. You can continue walking south towards the historic center and explore the wooden houses, or perhaps visit the Kinkakuhi temple, immortalized in Yukio Mishima's novel "The Golden Pavilion". Or maybe take a look at the onsen in town: it wouldn't be a complete experience in Japan without a bath in a public onsen.

We're returning by train this morning and heading towards Osaka, probably the culinary capital of Japan. Free time available to explore the city. Meet again in the evening and take a walking street food tour with the tour leader through the Dotombori district and the Kuromon market, and celebrate the end of this fast and furious journey in Japan with your fellow travelers.

Our journey in Japan ends here. See you on the next tour!