Our Discover Japan itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed below. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

DAY 1-2 AUSTRALIA TO TOKYO
Fly overnight to Tokyo, the capital of Japan and on arrival, transfer approximately one and a half hours to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city until an informal welcome dinner tonight. Group members arriving late in the evening may miss dinner.

DAY 3: VIBRANT TOKYO
Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its frantic, high-tech frontage and you’ll find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore. Head to the first observatory of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views over the city before taking a wander through the district of Asakusa stopping at the Sensoji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. Visit the Imperial Palace Plaza Garden (you will not enter the palace itself) and the peaceful Hamarikyu Gardens. You will be on your feet for four to five hours during your touring in Tokyo.

DAY 4: TOKYO – MT FUJI
This morning there will be an early start transferring to the station for the bullet train to Odawara. Your bullet train ride will be approximately 35 minutes, on arrival transfer to tranquil Lake Ashi. Take a cruise across the lake before taking the Komagatake cable car for spectacular views of Mount Fuji and the lake below. Continue by coach to Japan's most iconic landmark - Mount Fuji. Start at the fifth Station for breathtaking views of Fuji. Please note travelling to the fifth station at Mount Fuji is only possible if weather conditions permit it. If it is not possible, visit Fuji San World Heritage Centre (formerly Fuji Visitor Centre) for a wealth of information on the mountain and the Five Lakes area. Drive to either Kofu or Suwa to check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 5: MATSUMOTO CASTLE
This morning, drive two hours to Nagano to explore the formidable 16th century Matsumoto Castle. There are steep ladder-style steps in the Matsumoto Castle that you must climb up and back down again. If you choose not to look inside the castle, you can enjoy the surrounding gardens, moat and architecture of Matsumoto Castle. After lunch, stop at a miso house to learn about the process of making this Japanese seasoning. Try some freshly prepared miso soup before travelling a further two and half hours to Takayama, nestled high in the mountainous Hida region. In Takayama we use a selection of hotels, some of which are more traditional in style but you will be accommodated in Western-style rooms.

DAY 6: TAKAYAMA
Head to the Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can sample some of the delicious local fruits and vegetables (at your own expense). Later, take a leisurely stroll round the traditional houses of the area and visit the museums stopping at Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, Kusakabe Folk Museum, Takayama Jinya and Kamisannomachi Street. You will spend approximately five hours on foot today sightseeing around the town of Takayama.

DAY 7: CHARMING SHIRAKAWA – GO VILLAGE
Travel one and a half hours to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Shirakawago, famous for its traditional Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. You will spend one and a half hours on foot exploring the area. There are some stairs in the house to climb if you want to explore the higher levels. Continue on a journey of one hour to try your hand at making washi paper this afternoon, before driving to Kanazawa, a journey of approximately one and a half hours. On arrival, visit the Nomura Samurai House before checking in to your hotel.

DAY 8: TRAVEL TO KYOTO
This morning, wander through the beautiful Kenroku-en, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’ before strolling down the traditional Higashi Chaya Street. Sightseeing this morning will be approximately three hours. After lunch, drive four hours to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 9: EXPLORE KYOTO
Start the day with a visit to the Ryoanji Temple and Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, due to its gold-like exterior. You will spend approximately three hours at the temples. After lunch, learn traditional Japanese handicrafts such as origami and enjoy the art of a traditional tea ceremony.

DAY 10: NARA
Travel one hour to Nara, stopping en route at the mesmerising Fushimi Inari Shrine. The Fushimi Inari Shrine goes from the bottom to the top of Mount Inari (233 metres high). You will walk up part of the mountain; there are some steep steps and the incline allows a steady paced walk. On arrival in Nara, visit Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure and home to Japan’s largest Buddha. Also visit Isui-en Gardens, known for its natural ponds, sightseeing here will be about three hours on foot.

DAY 11: KOYA – SAN
This morning, drive two and a half hours to Koya-San, the centre of Shingon Buddhism. See Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery and home to the mausoleum of Kobo aishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Next, visit the Kongobuji Temple and Garan temple complex. The walk through Okunoin Cemetery to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi is roughly two kilometres and sometimes you will be walking over uneven surfaces. Continue to Osaka, a journey of approximately one and a half hours to check in to your hotel.

DAY 12: OSAKA CASTLE
This morning, visit the famous Osaka Castle before taking a stroll around the Dotonbori distric, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious local delicacies. Next, enjoy a twenty minute cruise along the Yodogawa River. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before a farewell dinner this evening.

DAYS 13-14: FLY OSAKA TO AUSTRALIA
This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.
Please note: Only breakfast is included today. Late checkout is not included in our Discover Japan tour. If you wish to book a late check-out for your final day in Osaka, please contact our reservations department who can confirm the additional price and make this arrangement for you, subject to availability at the hotel.