11-Day Traditional Japan Tour with Historical Hiroshima

You would set out for Hiroshima via the speedy Shinkansen. Hiroshima, a city reborn from ashes, offers a mix of serene beauty and deep historical significance:

• Marvel at the striking sight of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its seeming ability to float on water during high tide.
• Contemplate lessons learned from history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a symbol of endurance and peace after devastation, which commemorates the atomic bomb victims and promotes the enduring message of world peace.

Prepare for the thrill of independent exploration as you set off to the historical city of Kyoto aboard a super-swift Shinkansen train.

In preparation for your self-guided day, your guide would ensure that you have the necessary tickets, which would be forwarded to you in advance.

The guide would also advise you on how to get to the train station from your current hotel and how to find your new hotel upon arrival in Kyoto.

You would dive right into the traditional wonders of Kyoto, a city where history and culture reside in every corner:

• Engage with the splendor of Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion), an icon of Kyoto covered in glistening gold leaf, reflecting elegantly on the surface of the surrounding pond.
• Venture into historic Nijo Castle, famous for its lavishly decorated interiors and "nightingale floors" designed to chirp when walked upon to alert guards of intruders.
• Indulge in a variety of local gastronomy at Nishiki Market, where you can sample Kyoto's specialty foods and shop for traditional Japanese ingredients.

• Immerse yourself in a local custom with a kimono-wearing experience, feeling the regal weight of this traditional Japanese garment.
• Tour through history-filled Gion, known as Kyoto's geisha district, which is filled with wooden machiya merchant houses.
• Complete your day by visiting Pure Water Temple (Kiyomizu-dera), an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site with serene views and tranquility.

You would embark on a delightful day trip to Nara, a city renowned for its historic temples and free-roaming deer:

• Start your day with a matcha-making experience in Uji. Learn about the traditional process and craft your own frothy matcha.
• Enjoy some leisurely time at Nara Park where over a thousand tame deer roam freely — in Japan these honored creatures are considered "messengers of gods".
• After a fulfilling day in Nara, return to Kyoto and visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading to the scenic mountaintop.

On the seventh day, you would venture into Arashiyama, a scenic district on the outskirts of Kyoto, renowned for its natural beauty and historical sites:

• Stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Grove, a stunning pathway sheltered by towering bamboo, one of the most photographed sites in Kyoto.
• In the afternoon, partake in a traditional tea ceremony. As you sip your ceremonial tea, watch an elegant performance by a maiko – an apprentice geisha – which will reveal to you the intricate beauty of this timeless Japanese custom.

Step aboard the bullet train that takes you from Kyoto back to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Your reliable guide would provide all of the necessary information to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free adventure.

Upon your arrival in Tokyo, a city brimming with an amalgamation of traditional temples and futuristic skyscrapers, make the most of your free time.

• Visit the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort. The tranquil forest that surrounds the shrine in the middle of Tokyo provides a calming retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.
• Take a stroll down Omotesando, renowned for its zelkova-tree-lined avenue, showcasing stunning architecture and luxury brand shops.
• The highlight of the day is a sumo show experience, where you get a chance to observe sumo wrestling. Accompanied by a sumptuous sumo lunch, watch the sport intimately as never experienced before.

You would experience the remaining distinctive facets of Tokyo, from bustling markets and quintessential food to historic districts and modern marvels:

• Start your day at the lively Tsukiji Outer Market. Explore numerous stalls that offer the freshest seafood, traditional Japanese ingredients, and an array of food-related goods.
• Afterward, partake in a sushi-making experience, where you'll learn the art of sushi preparation from a master sushi chef, followed by a satisfying lunch featuring your creations.
• Continue your journey to Asakusa, a district known for its old-world charm, where you'll visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest and most renowned Buddhist temple.

• Then, venture into the unique world of Akihabara, renowned as a global epicenter for anime, manga, and electronic goods.
• Cap off your day by ascending Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Tokyo's skyline.

As your unforgettable Japanese adventure concludes, a one-way private transfer will smoothly take you from your hotel to the airport.

Sayonara and safe travels!