Classic Japan

Welcome to the island of Kyushu, Japan. Enjoy your welcome reception at your luxury hotel in the centre of the city. (D)

Begin your exploration of Fukuoka with stops at the Shofukuji Temple, Japan’s first Zen Temple, Kushida Shrine and Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. This museum shows the old daily life and culture of Fukuoka city in Meiji and Taisho period, focusing especially on urban houses of that period. (B/L)

Freechoice: This afternoon, choose from one of these Freechoice options.

• Cruise the canals: Drive to Yanagawa, dubbed the ‘Venice of Kyushu’ for its 930km of canals. Cruise along the tranquil waterways, learning about the town’s history and culture, and stop at Yanagawa Ohana, the villa of the Tachibana family who ruled the town from 1600-1868.
• Old & new Fukuoka: Visit the 234m tall Fukuoka Tower, the tallest seaside tower in Japan, with a 360-degree observation deck. Then explore the Edo Period ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park.

This evening head down to Fukuoka’s open air food stalls (Yatai) to help you choose your own meal of Yakitori, Oden or Hakata Ramen dinner.

This morning, drive to Mount Sarakura, which towers more than 600 metres above the city of Kitakyushu. The spectacular vista from the top is often described as the “10 billion dollar view”. Afterwards, visit the iconic TOTO Museum, dedicated to Japan’s famed high-tech toilets.

Then travel by Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima on the island of Honshu. (B/D)

Enrich: Experience an emotional visit to the Peace Park and Museum before visiting Orizuru Tower to create your own special origami donation.

Later check into your hotel in Hiroshima for two nights. Tonight, sample Okonomiyaki, a delicious savoury Japanese-style pancake and specialty of the region.

Sail by ferry to Miyajima Island to visit the Daisho-in Temple and the floating Torii Gate at the Itsukushima Shrine. Later enjoy free time in Hiroshima. (B/L)

Enrich: Tonight attend a performance of Kagura, a type of Shinto ritual ceremonial dance.

Travel by Shinkansen to Kobe and continue to the Kirin Beer Factory for lunch, tasting and a tour of the factory. Drive to Osaka to enjoy a two-night Special Stay. Enjoy your Club Floor benefits before transferring to the Umeda Sky Building for 360-degree night-time views of the skyline of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory, 170m off the ground. Then settle into your dinner with a view. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: This morning, explore Osaka on one of these Freechoice excursions.

• Shopping & markets: Wander through Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, an icon of the city that dates back almost 400 years. Then explore Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as Osaka’s kitchen.
• History of Osaka: Visit the Osaka Museum of History, which chronicles the city from ancient times when it was the capital of Japan. Tour the five-storey Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous sites, that has been rebuilt over the centuries.

This afternoon is free at leisure. Enjoy more your Club Floor benefits, including complimentary refreshments and evening cocktails, before catching the Osaka Metro to explore the lively entertainment area of Dotonbori and Hozenji Yokocho food alley. (B)

Drive to the ancient village of Asuka, the birthplace of the Japanese state and cradle of Japanese culture. Wander through the beautiful Inabuchi terraced rice paddy fields; see the ancient Tobiishi stone bridge, famous in Japanese folklore; and visit Ishibutai Tumulus, a seventh century tomb that’s largest known megalithic structure in Japan. (B/L)

Enrich: Learn about the history, life and training routine of a sumo wrestler during a private visit to a Sumo Museum in Kehayaza, said to be the birthplace of sumo. After your welcome ceremony, see a demonstration of Jinku (traditional folkloric songs) and watch the wrestlers in action in the dohyo.

Continue to Japan's first permanent capital established in the year 710 as Heijo, the city now known as Nara. Spend the night in Nara.

This morning, visit Todaiji Temple, one of the World Heritage-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. Constructed in 752, it was the largest wooden building in the world until the end of the 20th century and houses one of Japan’s largest statues, a 15-metre tall bronze Buddha.

See the curious deer in Nara Park, then return to Kyoto and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its corridor of thousands of vermilion torii gates that appeared in the film ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. Stop at a sake brewery to taste and learn about Japan’s most famous tipple.

Begin your memorable three-night stay in Kyoto Brighton Hotel with an authentic teppanyaki dinner. (B/L/D)

Ryokan Upgrade: For a unique insight into Japanese culture, choose to stay tonight in a Ryokan (at additional cost, must be pre-booked before departure). This traditional Japanese Inn has tatami mat flooring with futon beds, sliding shoji paper doors, onsen hot spring baths and private facilities, and includes dinner and breakfast.

This morning, explore the captivating city of Kyoto, a place where old Japan is still alive. (B/D)

Freechoice: Go deeper into the city on one of these Freechoice excursions:

• Historic Districts of Kyoto: Be immersed in the atmosphere of Kyoto’s ancient preservation districts, seven historic areas that preserve cultural traditions and traditional architecture.
• Follow the Philosopher’s Path: Visit the Silver Pavilion, a 15th century Shogun villa, before strolling along part of the famous Philosopher’s Path. This beautiful stone path runs for approximately two kilometres through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district.

Enrich: Partake in a Japanese tea ceremony while dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono, a great photo opportunity.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time in Nishiki Market. Known as ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’ it is one of the best traditional markets in the city and home to over 100 stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and tofu to pickled vegetables and sweets, as well as hot food and souvenirs.

Enrich: At tonight’s special dinner, you will be able to interact with a Geiko and Maiko as they host your meal. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about what is involved in becoming a Geisha and the art of Japanese hospitality.

Begin the day with a visit Nijo castle, built in 1603 as the residence of Tokugawa leyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. Later, glide through the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by traditional rickshaw before enjoying a vegetarian meal at the World Heritage listed Tenryu-ji Temple. Then wander the gardens around the famous Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion, so named because it is completely covered in gold leaf.

Freechoice Dining: Enjoy the option of dining at Funatsuru Restaurant, known for its mix of Kyoto cuisine and French dishes or try Japanese Shabu Shabu at Junsei Restaurant. (B/L/D)

Travel by Shinakansen to Hakone. After lunch study the art works and sculptures at the Chokokuno Mori (Hakone Open Air Museum). Afterwards drive to the Fuji Five Lakes district, known locally as Fujigoko, located beneath Mt Fuji. Soak in the views from your hotel for the night. (B/L/D)

Drive to Tokyo for lunch, then spend time at the dazzling teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum. Wander freely amongst the immersive displays, created by hundreds of projectors, lights and computers. Later check-into your hotel, your Special Stay for the next three nights. With direct access to four subway lines, the hotel was recently rated in the Forbes Travel Guide as Tokyo’s exclusive Japanese decor 5-star luxury hotel. Rooms overlook the most picturesque sites in Tokyo, such as the Imperial Palace, the 500-year-old Hie Jinja Shrine and beautiful landscaped Japanese gardens.

Choose from dining at a ninja themed restaurant or culturally immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese evening Izakaya bar scene serving Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki with your Tour Director as they show you their favourite places to go. Alternatively dine in at Nobu Tokyo restaurant. (B/L/D)

Visit the Asakusa district, known as the centre of Tokyo’s shitamachi or ‘low city’. Capturing the atmosphere of Tokyo’s past, the narrow laneways are lined with traditional shopfronts, food stalls and ancient temples. You can pay your respects at Sensoji temple, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple built in 645. (B/L)

Freechoice: This afternoon, explore the city on one of these Freechoice excursions:

• Shrines & Shibuya: Visit the Imperial Shinto Meiji Shrine, before walking across ‘the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing’ at Shibuya and seeing the famous Hachiko dog statue.
• Exploring Shinjuku: Wander through picturesque Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens before witnessing the Shinjuku entertainment district come alive at dusk. You can also choose to stay and join the crowds later into the night.

Gather your bearings and get a bird’s eye view of Tokyo from above as you take in the panorama from Tokyo Sky Tree, the world’s tallest tower at 634 metres.

Enrich: Partake in an interactive, private group demonstration and lesson in playing the Taiko drums, led by renowned Taiko masters.

Afterwards visit the epicentre of Tokyo’s teenage youth culture as you wander along Takeshita Street Harajuku, known for its colourful street art, edgy fashion, quirky vintage clothing and cosplay stores. Grab something sweet at one of the many dessert shops and carts that specialise in crêpes, donuts, and bubble tea.

Later take in the bright lights of the city from a yakatabune (traditional houseboat) on Tokyo Bay during your evening farewell dinner cruise with free flow drinks. (B/L/D)

Say goodbye to the land of the rising sun with many wonderful memories.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)