A TASTE OF JAPAN

Day 1 Arrive Tokyo

Land in Tokyo, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in the Kioicho district. Kioicho, embraced by greenery and with a rich history, is where Japanese traditions and Western culture intertwine. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho is a modern hotel in keeping with the modernity of the mega-city all around, it is well-connected to the city’s public transport network and sits just behind the Imperial Palace Gardens.

Overnight: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

Day 2 Tokyo

Meet your guide to explore Tokyo. Visit Meijijingu, Tokyo’s most important shrine and the beautiful Inner Gardens. By contrast, wander through the districts of Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya to get a feel for modern Tokyo before experiencing the tranquillity of Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens. End the day by experiencing the bustling shopping and nightlife of Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest station, before heading back to the hotel.

Overnight: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

Day 3 Tokyo

Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring Tokyo. Perhaps head to Hama Rikyu Garden or enjoy a boat ride along the Sumida River to Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, the Senso-Ji. Here you will also be able to see the Philippe Starck designed Asahi Beer Hall; one of Tokyo’s most recognisable modern landmarks. Enjoy the bustling Ameykoko Market Street or head to the fascinating restaurant supply district of Kappabashi.

Overnight: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

Day 4 Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

After breakfast, transfer by bullet train to Hiroshima. Start with a visit to Hiroshima Castle and the lovely Shukkei-en Strolling Gardens, then later you’ll have the chance to pay your respects and learn about the city’s history at the moving Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. At the end of the afternoon, you will be transferred across the Inland Sea to your lovely ryokan on the sacred and beautiful island of Miyajima. Kurayado Iroha ryokan is a modern version of a traditional Japanese Inn facing the Seto Inland Sea. There is an open-air bath located on the roof of the building, which can be reserved and from which you can have a panoramic view over the sea and the Island of Honshu. The dining room looks out to sea and serves a delicious Japanese breakfast, followed by an amazing, multi-course kaiseki dinner, combining the finest traditions of Japanese cuisine with impeccable presentation and fresh seasonal ingredients.

Overnight: Kurayado Iroha Ryokan

Day 5 Miyajima Island

Meet your guide to explore Miyajima Island on foot. Visit the Itsukushima Shrine, the famous ‘floating’ tori gate, the 5 tier pagoda and Daisho-In Temple. Enjoy a hike or a cable car ride up the island’s highest peak, Mount Misen before heading back for a relaxing evening at your ryokan.

Overnight: Kurayado Iroha Ryokan

Day 6 Kyoto

Transfer by bullet train to Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit the stunning Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji Zen Garden with your guide. Head to the nearby Ninnaji, which houses one of Kyoto's loveliest gardens, before checking into your attractive hotel on the edge of the Gion district.

Overnight: ArtMonZen

Day 7 Kyoto

Enjoy a full day guided tour of more of Kyoto's highlights with your private guide. Start the day with a visit to Sanjusangendo Temple, which was partly destroyed by fire in 1249 and reconstructed in 1266. Next, see the lovely Kiyomizu Temple, which takes its name from the pure water of the cascade which runs down the hill behind the complex. Then move on to Gion, where you may be lucky enough to spot some geiko and apprentice maiko scuttling off for their appointments. Then visit the nearby Yasaka Shrine. From there head to Ginkakuji with its beautiful gardens and then on to Nijojo - don’t miss the ‘nightingale floors’, made to creak on purpose to give away any intruding assassins.

Overnight: ArtMonZen

Day 8 Kyoto

You have the day at leisure to explore Kyoto independently. Perhaps start the day with a visit to Nishiki Market - a long, narrow covered street packed with shops selling local specialties; it's sometimes called Kyoto’s kitchen, and it’s easy to see why. Barrels of fresh and pickled vegetables spill out into the street, and the air is fragrant with the savoury smell of grilling sembei crackers and steaming fish dumplings. Head out to nearby Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, where you can start by visiting the impressive giant bronze Buddha, housed in the famous Todai-ji temple. Then enjoy a walk through Nara-koen Park, home to friendly local deer who will follow you hoping for tasty treats! The Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which dates from Nara’s time as the capital of Japan, is also located in the park and is well worth a visit. Spend the afternoon enjoying the beautiful Isuien, a very pretty Japanese garden close to Todaiji Temple which dates back to the mid-17th century.

Overnight: ArtMonZen

Day 9 Tokyo

After breakfast, take the bullet train back to Tokyo. Transfer to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation before your final night in Tokyo.

Overnight: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho

Day 10 Depart

After breakfast, you will be met and privately transferred to the airport for your flight home.