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Day 1 : London / Osaka

Overnight flight from London to Osaka

Day 2 : Osaka

Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to Osaka centre by bus to our hotel – the Osaka New Hankyu for 2 nights. The hotel is located opposite the train station which affords access to explore the surrounding areas. Vibrant, prosperous and commercial Osaka is renowned for its abundance of great restaurants, the performing arts of Kabuki and Bunraku and historic Osaka castle. The city boasts an impressive aquarium and superb Museum of Oriental Ceramics. The remains of the day are at leisure to explore Osaka or relax.

Day 3 : Osaka

At leisure in Osaka. Offered as an optional excursion is Himeji and Kobe. Departure to Himeji is via JR Super Express train. The second largest city of Hyogo Prefecture after Kobe, Himeji is most famous for its magnificent UNESCO World-Heritage Listed feudal castle, widely considered Japan’s most beautiful. Located between the sea and Rokko Mountain Range, Kobe is capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan’s most attractive cities. Kobe has been an important port city for many centuries. Kobe Port was one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade in the late Edo Period. Thanks to continuing trade, the city remains one of Japan's more cosmopolitan cities. Exploration of Kobe and a visit to a Sake brewery is included.

Day 4 : Mt Koya

Leaving Osaka, our end destination today is Mt Koya. En route to Mt Koya, a visit is made to Nara. Located south of Kyoto, UNESCO-Listed Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century AD, and is a major Buddhist centre. Top billing is the Todai-ji Temple – vast wooden edifice built in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan. It houses a colossal bronze statue of Buddha and Nara Park. To get to Mt Koya, we embark on a train ride and then a cable car up the mountain. From the top of the mountain a bus will take us to the village proper. Your main luggage will be taken in a separate truck which will transfer straight to Kyoto in readiness for your arrival tomorrow, so it’s important you pack a smaller overnight bag with everything you’ll need for today and tomorrow, including clothes, toiletries and any medications. Located in a lofty valley amidst mountain peaks, streams, waterfalls and rivers, 8th century Mt. Koya with its shrines and myriad temples is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. Over 100 temples stand in the town which is set on top of a wooded mountain. Our stay is at the Sekisyou Inn. This is a traditional temple lodging (Shukubo). The accommodation will be basic yet adequate as will the food. The rooms comprise a bed on the floor which the resident Monks will have made up in readiness for your arrival. Although the beds are on the floor they are ‘futon’ in style and whilst firm are comfortable. The included dinner will comprise basic vegetarian food of the sort the Monks eat. It will be along the lines of rice, tofu and tempura. A Japanese breakfast included the following day which will again be along the same lines. If a fussy eater, do pack a few sweet snacks for breakfast, as Japanese breakfasts tend to be overtly savoury. We’ll also have the chance to experience Buddhist morning prayer, though it commences around 0500hrs, so is only for those who can get out of bed in time.

Day 5 : Kyoto

After breakfast, enjoy some exploration of Mt Koya including a temple and village visit. Later, we board the cable car for our journey down the mountain and then travel by coach to Kyoto. On arrival, we transfer to the New Miyako Hotel. Capital of Japan for over 1000 years, Kyoto remains Japan’s star attraction. Founded in AD 794, the city’s vast number of temples, shrines, museums and historical sites acts as a textbook to Japanese history, while arts, crafts and cuisine rank among Japan’s finest. In Kyoto explore the sights on a guided tour by public transport. The remainder of the day is at leisure

Day 6 : Kyoto

A free day at leisure to explore Kyoto or undertake optional excursions.

Day 7 : Tokyo

This morning, we walk the short distance to Kyoto Rail Station from where we travel by Shinkansen ‘Bullet’ train to Tokyo, a journey of just over 2 hours. The Shinkansen is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan in operation since around 1964. The network has expanded to link most cities on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu with running speeds of up to 300km/h (188mph). Test speed runs have been recorded at 443 km/h (275mph)! Shinkansen literally means "New Trunk Line", referring to the tracks, but the name is widely used in and outside Japan to refer to the trains running on the lines as well as the system as a whole. Tokyo offers a surprising blend of futuristic cityscapes, historic sights, gardens and cultural pursuits. Comprising a vast conglomeration of districts, each boasts its own characteristic attractions. From the shops of Ginza, Akihabara and Shinjuku, and bars of Roppongi and Akasaka to fashion and upscale dining in Harajuku and Shibuya shopping paradise, enjoy the vibrancy of Tokyo. Enhancing our experience, we embrace the city on a guided tour utilising public transport. Remains of day at leisure in Tokyo.

Day 8 : Tokyo

Today enjoy a tour of Tokyo with an English speaking guide. To offer extra authenticity, we’ll be utilising Tokyo’s public transport. Ports of call will include the Meiji Jingu shrine, Omotesndou street, Asakusa kannon temple, Nakamise shopping arcade and Akihabara electric town.

Day 9 : Tokyo

Free day at leisure

Day 10 : Tokyo / London

Transfer to Tokyo Narita International Airport for the onward flight to London.

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