Guided City Tour of Tokyo. Visit the Asakusa Kanon Temple. See Imperial Palace

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a guided tour of Tokyo. Visit the 7th Century Buddhist temple – the Sensoji Temple in the AsaKusa Kanon District. Later see the Imperial Palace. Also visit the Nakamise Shopping Arcade, where you have a chance to buy some local Japanese souvenirs. Later, visit Tokyo Tower, 150m observation deck. Enjoy a local lunch this afternoon.

Later drive to the Ginza area and see the fashion and glamour of Tokyo.

Mount Fuji and Hakone Tour.

After breakfast at the hotel, today experience Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most famous symbol! Take in the amazing views from Mt. Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting) before moving to Hakone. Today enjoy a local lunch at a restaurant.

After lunch you will take the scenic ropeway to Mt Fuji & embark on a cruise on tranquil Lake Kawaguchi. Later returning to Tokyo by bus this afternoon.

Tokyo/Takayama.

This morning, check out & proceed to Tokyo station to embark on a thrilling train ride via the super-express Bullet “Shinkansen” train headed for Takayama (please prepare 01 small bag for 02 overnights, 01 big bag will be transferred to Osaka), a delightful, small town nestled in the majestic Japanese Alps. Over the next few days you will travel back in time as you explore rural Japan where traditional-style architecture, ancient culture and fascinating customs have been proudly preserved. Enjoy a local lunch.

After settling into your hotel in the heart of Takayama, embark on a guided walk through the enchanting narrow streets of the Kami-sannomachi historical district graced with beautiful old wooden homes, delightful small shops, coffee houses and sake breweries, many of which have been in business for centuries. Later visit the Hirata folk art museum. You’ll also view the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall featuring huge floats, decorated with intricate carvings, gilded wood and detailed metalwork, that are paraded through the streets of Takayama during festival times.

Takayama/Shirakawago/Kanazawa.

After breakfast check out and enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque countryside to the rural village– Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll discover fascinating examples of old steep thatched roof houses. This unique architectural style, harmonized into the magnificent mountain landscape, was developed over 100 years ago to survive the harsh winters. You’ll visit one of these houses and learn more about daily life in this remote area. Proceed to the village of Gokayama where you’ll enjoy a demonstration of traditional Japanese paper making techniques. Later this afternoon arrive in the Kanazawa, blending modern living with traditional heritage.

Visit the Higashi Chaya District. A chaya (lit. teahouse) is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. During the Edo Period, chaya were found in designated entertainment districts, usually just outside the city limits. Kanazawa has three, well preserved chaya districts, Higashi Chaya is one of them. You will be whisked back in time to the exciting Edo period when you visit the Nagamachi Samurai district, a small neighborhood of narrow, cobblestone streets where brave samurai warriors once lived. Many homes are still occupied by the samurai descendants but you’ll visit the Nomura Family house that is open to the public where you can admire the stone lanterns and bridges in the garden as well as the cypress-wood ceiling in the residence.

Kanazawa to Osaka.

After breakfast, check out & today enjoy a visit to the historic Oumicho Market, a busy and colorful market and explore along with local residents some of the 200 shops selling seafood, vegetables, fruits, flowers, regional specialties and more. Proceed to the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, one of the finest gardens in Japan and marvel at the waterfalls, ponds and charming tea-houses. Thereafter, head to Osaka where you will enjoy an Indian dinner before a transfer to your hotel & check in.

Day Trip to Kyoto and Nara.

After breakfast at the hotel proceed to Kyoto, visit the Kiyomizu temple – a UNESCO world heritage site. Also visit the Golden Pavillion and see the Nijo Castle. Later, stroll through the charming Geisha district before. Embodying Japan’s rich culture and complex history, Kyoto has over 2000 temples and shrines, delightful gardens and exceptionally preserved wooden buildings. The sights, wonderful local cuisine and exceptional arts and crafts are certain to enchant you! Today enjoy a local lunch.

Later proceed to Nara – the first capital of Japan. Visit the Nara Deer Park which is home to nearly 1200 deer’s, which have been designated as a national treasure and have become a symbol of the city. Also visit the Todaiji Temple which has the largest statue of Buddha in Japan. Return to Osaka where you will enjoy a delicious Indian dinner.

Tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed on a tour of Hiroshima & Miyajima Islands – where time stood still when the city was devastated during World War II by the atom bomb. See the Cenotaph which is a tribute to all those people who died due to the bombing. Transfer to Horoshima by bullet train. Visit the Atom-Bomb Dome – the only building that remained after the bombing which has now become the symbol of Hiroshima. Also see the Peace Park and much more.

Enjoy a local lunch this afternoon and embark on a short ferry ride which will bring you to Miyajima Island. See the floating Tori Gates – the second most photographed monument in Japan and visit the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine. Later transfer to Osaka by bullet train.

Farewell and Fly back home.

This morning, after buffet/boxed breakfast, check out and proceed to the airport (KIX) for your flight back home. Return home with wonderful memories of your holiday with “Air Tours Holidays”, which we’re sure you will treasure for a lifetime. (B)