Signature Japan - Through Temples & Time

Welcome to the ancient city of Kyoto, where old Japan thrives in Buddhist temples, Zen gardens, and traditional teahouses. Complimentary arrival transfers are provided today. Those arriving early can book an optional guided walk tracing the quieter paths around the Fushimi Inari Taisha, climbing through peaceful forests and descending through the scarlet torii gate (available to prebook on request). As evening falls, join your Signature Guide for our welcome reception: a serene dinner in the meticulously designed garden of Ganko Takasegawa Nijoen. This special culinary experience showcases Kyoto's finest cuisine.

Rise early for a contemplative journey through the Arashiyama district, beginning with Tenryu-ji Temple, where we are welcomed to practise shakyo, tracing an ancient sutra in quiet devotion, seated on floor cushions (zabuton) in the traditional zazen-style, before continuing through the temple gardens and into the iconic bamboo groves. A short walk through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove leads to Gio-ji Temple, a hidden garden sanctuary of tranquil reflection.

In the afternoon, we explore Gion, Kyoto's celebrated geisha district, where centuries-old traditions still shape daily life. Accompanied by our expert guide, we stroll along the atmospheric streets of Gion, passing elegant teahouses while gaining insight into the customs and culture of this historic neighbourhood. With a little luck, we may catch a glimpse of a geiko or maiko gracefully making her way to an evening appointment. Dinner unfolds around Pontochō Lane, a lantern-lit dining district running parallel to the Kamo River, offering an intimate and traditional Kyoto setting.

A smooth two-hour bullet train ride brings us to Hiroshima. By ferry, we reach Miyajima island, where Senjokaku Pavilion and Itsukushima Shrine frame the iconic floating torii gate. Lunch is at leisure on Miyajima Island before we return to Hiroshima. Hiroshima is a city defined by resilience. Rebuilt from the devastation of 1945, it is now one of Japan's most vibrant and welcoming destinations, known for wide boulevards, excellent cuisine, and warm hospitality.

This afternoon, we visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a moving tribute to the past that focuses on hope, reconciliation, and peace. Adding a deeply personal perspective, we also attend a private talk from a hibakusha, the local name for an atomic bomb survivor, or a local expert. For dinner, we can pick up a bento box to enjoy on the train as we journey back to Kyoto, arriving in the evening.

Today is your Signature Day, where you can select an authentic, curated experience to connect deeply with Japanese culture. You could: Escape the city on a scenic e-bike ride along the Kamo River to the mountain village of Kurama, where you visit the forest-clad Kurama Temple and enjoy a traditional soba lunch before cycling back through Kyoto's peaceful northern countryside (8am-4pm) Immerse yourself in the timeless traditions of Kyoto with a morning at historic Sennyuji Temple, where you participate in a Buddhist prayer ceremony, learn the art of ikebana flower arranging, and experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony guided by a tea master (8. 30am-1. 15pm) Join a kintsugi workshop where broken pottery is delicately restored with lacquer and gold, a poetic art form that celebrates beauty in imperfection (2. 30pm-4. 30pm) – limited to a maximum of seven guests All optional activities on this day are reached via public transport, offering an authentic way to explore Kyoto. Signature Experience: Tonight, we have the privilege of joining an apprentice geisha for an elegant kaiseki dinner. This rare opportunity, which takes place in the historic villa where celebrated painter Takeuchi Seiho once lived, provides a unique window into Kyoto's traditional hospitality and the life of a geisha.

Journey into the sacred cedar-clad mountains of Kōyasan, a revered pilgrimage centre and home to more than 100 temples.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims who have travelled here for over a thousand years, we visit the striking Konpon Daitō Pagoda, the spiritual heart of Shingon Buddhism, before enjoying a selection of traditional Japanese dishes over lunch.

Later, we check into our Signature Stay at Joki-in Temple, where a night in a traditional shukubō offers a rare glimpse into Japan's monastic heritage.

This evening, savour a simple yet authentic shōjin ryōri dinner, prepared according to centuries-old Buddhist traditions and reflecting the humble lifestyle of the resident monks. Signature Experience: At dusk, a monk takes us on a special night-time walk through Okunoin Cemetery, one of Japan's most sacred sites and home to over 200,000 graves and mausoleums. Our once-in-a-lifetime journey takes us to the hall where the founder of the Shingon school of Buddhism, Kūkai, is said to still meditate.

Dawn brings the morning worship, a deep resonance of Buddhist chants filling the temple halls, a serene experience that you can observe, and take part in. After breakfast, we journey north stopping to enjoy lunch in the charming castle town of Inuyama. We visit Inuyama Castle, one of only five castles in Japan with an original National Treasure keep, offering a rare glimpse into the medieval past of the country. Perched above the Kiso River, the castle rewards visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Continue to the Kiso Valley after lunch, where we settle into a traditional ryokan. Dinner is a multi-course kaiseki feast, followed by a soothing soak in the onsen.

Signature Experience: After a traditional breakfast, we set out on foot along the Nakasendō trail from Magome. Stone-paved paths wind past waterfalls and farmsteads, echoing the footsteps of travellers from centuries past. Returning to our ryokan by afternoon, the remainder of the day is yours to rest or wander the quiet lanes of Kiso Fukushima.

Take a private transfer to Tokyo, pausing at Lake Kawaguchiko where, on clear days, Mount Fuji rises in perfect symmetry. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the Kawaguchiko area, featuring hōtō, the Mount Fuji region's signature dish of hand-cut noodles simmered in a rich miso broth with seasonal vegetables, offering a hearty and authentic taste of local culinary heritage. After arriving in Tokyo this afternoon, we stroll through the Imperial Palace area, taking in views of the historic grounds surrounding the city.

Once the site of Edo Castle, these gardens offer a striking contrast between Japan's imperial past and the modern city skyline beyond. Our farewell dinner is held at Mo Mo Paradise. Here, shabu-shabu is served as it should be: thin slices of meat and seasonal vegetables swirled through a delicate broth. It is a ceremonial way to dine, bringing everyone together for a final meal that feels distinctly Japanese.

Bid farewell to Japan today, taking your complimentary departure transfer to the airport. If you have time to linger, you might join a private walking tour of the city or immerse yourself in a sumo experience. Alternatively, open a new chapter of discovery by speaking to your Signature travel expert about extending your stay.