Ancient & Modern Japan

Begin in Kyoto, an atmospheric city amid beautiful hills. Around 6pm, say konnichiwa to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner. Want more time in Kyoto? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

With more than 2,000 temples, shrines and gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese heritage. Unlike many other Japanese towns, it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and modern urban development, keeping intact much of the spirit and architecture of traditional Japan. Today, we have an introductory tour of the city. Starting with a visit to the impressive Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as a residence for the Tokugawa shoguns, before moving onto the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, built in 1397 as a summer villa for the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga. We then visit the Ryoan-ji temple, home to the most famous rock garden in Japan. After, we head to central Kyoto, with free time to eat a leisurely late lunch at a local restaurant, relax at the hotel or explore Kyoto more.

Enjoy a trip to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan (approximately one hour each way). With eight World Heritage sites, it’s second only to Kyoto as a repository of Japan’s cultural legacy. Our walking tour includes a visit to the best-known temples and shrines, including the Todai-ji Great Buddha temple. Built in 752 by Emperor Shomu, this 49ft (15m) tall bronze Buddha is housed in what is reputed to be the largest wooden building in the world. We also spend time in the Nara Koen Park (home to large numbers of overfed and slightly unruly deer) and visit the attractive outer grounds of the Kasuga Shinto shrine. Later in the afternoon, we return to Kyoto and stop at the Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Fushimi Inari is the most important of several thousands of shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. As we head towards early evening, we can walk around Gion, the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. Packed with bars, restaurants and traditional teahouses, Gion is most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit. At this time, we may also see an apprentice geisha on the way to an appointment, though it’s rare to see one. Alternatively, stroll around Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s Kitchen. It’s a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi.

Today is our first ride on the shinkansen (bullet train) as we depart Kyoto and speed to Hiroshima (approximately two hours). We then make a short excursion by local train and ferry to the beautiful island of Miyajima, where we visit the famous floating torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine. Built on the water, this torii appears to float when the tide is high; combined with a backdrop of Mount Misen, it’s a sight to behold. Back in Hiroshima, you have free time to explore. Options include the Hiroshima Orizuru Tower to visit the observation deck and bar with views over Peace Memorial Park. Alternatively, there’s the feudal-era Shukkeien Garden for a peaceful wander around the pond. Important: As there is no storage for large suitcases on the shinkansen, you will need to pack a small overnight bag for two nights (nights 4 and 5). You are reunited with your main luggage at the Kanazawa hotel on Day 6.

Spend time at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum, both monuments to the fateful day in August 1945 when the city was struck by the first wartime use of the atomic bomb. In the park, there’s a symbolic flame that will only be extinguished when the last nuclear weapon on Earth has been destroyed. After, we head to Kobe by train (approximately 1hr 45min) where we stop for the night. This compact port city is easy to explore on foot, so food-lovers might want to head out and try the world-renowned Kobe beef at source. This evening, there is the option to join your leader for a Kobe beef dinner. Please advise your tour leader at the start of the trip if you’d like to join so they can ensure a reservation is made for the group. There can be a charge for cancellations so once committed to the meal, please avoid cancelling your attendance.

Travel by Thunderbird and Shinkansen trains this morning and travel (approximately 3hr 15min) north to Kanazawa, tracking the shores of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. In the western Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa is an atmospheric town that once rivalled Kyoto as the historic jewel of mainland Japan and is renowned for its arts, wealth and abundant seafood. After lunch in Kanazawa, we visit the Kenrokuen Gardens, which is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan with a large artificial pond and flora that changes dramatically through the seasons.

Start with a trip to Nagamachi, the samurai district of Kanazawa during the Edo period. Here, we visit the Nomura Samurai House & Garden, a well-preserved representation of a wealthy samurai’s home. We continue to explore Nagamachi, finding samurai residences, narrow lanes and canals. After, we visit the 300-year-old Omicho Market, a bustling marketplace where chefs, locals and visitors stock up on fresh produce, including freshly caught seafood from the Sea of Japan. This afternoon, we visit Higashi Chaya, one of Kanazawa’s largest geisha districts. Important: You need to pack a small overnight bag as your luggage will be transferred to Takayama tonight. You are reunited with your main luggage at the Takayama hotel on Day 8.