9 Days Takayama Tour With Hiroshima 9 Days

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information. Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow. **INFORMATION** From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus) From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

Today will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo. Our tour will first stop by the Tsukiji Fish Market, the famous fish market that provides fresh ingredients for thousands of families and businesses alike. Then we proceed to the Edo Tokyo Museum where you can get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. After lunch, we will delve in the old town district of Asakusa – shop around the Nakamise Shopping area and pray at the Sensoji Temple. The tour will also stop by the famous Meiji Shrine located in Shibuya. Then, the tour will probe the stores at Harajuku, the unofficial fashion capital of Japan that offers the latest pop culture and fashion. Returning to our hotel, the tour bus will be passing by the famous Shibuya Crosswalk.

We will continue our journey to Hakone, where we will take a ropeway to Owakudani, an active volcanic crater still steaming from its last eruption some 3,000 years ago. There you will get a taste of the local Japanese food, the black egg, cooked in one of the craters. We then continue to Lake Kawaguchi to enjoy the works at the Kubota Art Museum. Our Takayama Tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen, hot spring, to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. Yukata, a Japanese robe, will be provided for you. The onsen is located in our own ryokan, a Japanese style hotel, which includes a traditional Japanese food.

In the morning, we head to Nagano to visit Matsumoto Castle. This castle is one of the very few original castles that were kept intact and never destroyed. Its unique black coloring gave its nickname karasu-jo, the Crow Castle. Matsumoto Castle is one of the three must see castles in Japan and ranked on the top 100 in the world castles. Our Japan tour continues to the Azumino Wasabi Farm so you can learn more about the famous sushi garnish. We then head to Takayama to explore the Old Town before heading to our hotel.

Takayama, or as some people call it Little Kyoto, has many areas where homes and shops are more than 300 years old and well preserved. The morning market is also located in that area and we will explore many vendors and activities. You will have free time to roam around to buy souvenirs, take pictures, or visit other important sight see spots. Takayama is famous for its old town which has preserved buildings and houses since the Edo Period. Takayama Jinya is a great example of Edo architecture, having actually served as the local government office, headed by the officials dispatched from Edo. We will also head to the town of Shirakawago, a beautiful village with gassho-zukuri houses, which are over 250 years old. The unique technique allows for these houses to withstand heavy snowfall that hits the region, while also staying cool enough for a pleasent stay during the summer. Our Takayama Tour will then make a visit to the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, known as one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens of Japan. A stroll along this beautiful garden featuring streams, hills, and everything nature has to offer is sure to calm your soul.

We begin our morning visiting the serene Arashiyama. There are many things to see and do in the Arashiyama area, such as shops, cafes and restaurants are found in the district's busy center around area's landmark Togetsukyo Bridge and Keifuku Arashiyama Station. We then head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight. We proceed to Kiyomizu Temple and Ninenzaka. Kiyomizu Temple is noted for the stunning views of Kyoto from the wooden veranda. The street Ninenzaka is a traditional street filled with shopping, snacks, and gives you a feel of ancient Japan. Before ending our day, we will spend some time at the Gion-Geisha District. This is the perfect chance to see a traditional Geisha walking down the streets of Kyoto in stunning Kimonos.

We will begin today by heading to Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka. Cup Noodles Museum is an interactive museum where you can learn about the history of cup noodles and even make your own original cup noodle. Next our tour bus will make a stop at Himeji-jo, or Himeji Castle. Himeji-jo is a UNESCO distinguished site, representing Japanese castle architecture at its highest with almost all of the castle structure still intact from its original construction in the early 1600’s, having survived all wars, earthquakes and natural disasters. We will then make our way to Hiroshima. One of the main highlights here in Hiroshima is the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath, and the Peace Park Memorial where you can see and read about the relic of the war. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved to be a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace.

We will spend today exploring the city of Hiroshima. First we will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Here you can see and read about the relic of the war. Stroll along the park to see famous attractions like that of Sadako’s statue and the freedom bell. In the afternoon, our Takayama Tour will head to Miyajima, an island south of Hiroshima known for its Itsukushima Shrine, or floating torii gate. During high tide, the torii gate looks as though it is floating in water, creating a unique sight, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful sights. Miyajima is also known for its momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and oysters which you can enjoy during your time on the island. The rest of the day will be spent touring the city with your Japan tour guide who will show you all the best places Hiroshima has to offer.

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast.

Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

**INFORMATION** From Hiroshima Station to Hiroshima Airport(HIJ) - about 45 mins (Bus)

This tour disbands in Hiroshima.
If you plan on flying from Haneda, Narita, Kansai, or Itami Airport(s),
Please refer to our Hiroshima Airport page for more details.