JAPAN
The Endless Journey
Day 1 : Tokyo, Japan Arrival
Today arrived in Tokyo, Japan. It is impossible to sum up Tokyo in one line, a paragraph, a page or even a book. The city has a force and power all of its own. It creates its own gravity; a centre of everything: politics, industry, finance, shopping, the arts, architecture, nightlife and food. Upon arrival clear your customs and proceed to the terminal where you will meet and greet your experienced tour manager/guide. Later proceed to hotel check-in and later proceed for dinner. Overnight in Tokyo. (Dinner)
Day 2 : Tokyo
Today after breakfast, a full-day city tour of Tokyo city. Enjoy Chidorigafuchi Park, Visit Team Lab & Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Dinner at an Italian/Indian Restaurant. After dinner hotel transfer. Overnight in Tokyo. (B, L, D)
Day 3 : Tokyo – Mt. Fuji & Hakone – Tokyo
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Mt. Fuji & Hakone Tour. Visit Mt. Fuji 5th station (weather permitted). Set in the mountainous countryside just to the south of Mt. Fuji, Hakone offers a curious mix of different attractions. Lunch at American Restaurant. On clear days the ropeways provide spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and of course way in the distance the imperious Mt. Fuji – one of the world’s most famous mountains and perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Japan. Hakone ropeway one way (Weather permitted). Overnight in Tokyo. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : Tokyo – Miyajima – Hiroshima
After breakfast at the hotel – Leave for Hiroshima by bullet train to reach Hiroshima. Upon arrival proceed to Indian Restaurant for lunch. After lunch proceed for sightseeing in Hiroshima – The name Hiroshima has become synonymous with the atomic bomb attack that ended WWII, and millions of visitors flock to the city every year to pay their respects. Peace Memorial Park / A-Bomb Dome, Miyajima – Visit Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island – Just a 15-minute ferry ride across the bay. With a peaceful atmosphere, some ancient shrines, and one of Japan’s most iconic views, it makes the perfect contrast to the bustle of the city. Overnight in Hiroshima. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : Hiroshima – Kobe
Today we depart for Kobe. Kobe is a city on Osaka Bay in central Japan. Arrive early afternoon and visit the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge – The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is a suspension bridge, which links the city of Kobe on the Japanese mainland of Honshu to Iwaya on Awaji Island, Maiko Marine Promenade and the Jain temple. Later visit the Kikumasa Sake Museum. Overnight in Osaka (B,L,D)
Day 6 : Kobe – Kyoto
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Kyoto by coach. Kiyomizu Temple: Avoid crowds and enjoy an early morning visit to Kiyomizu Temple for a birds-eye view of Kyoto. There is nowhere more special than Kyoto. Join our guide to explore the quaint alleyways of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka and appreciate historical neighbourhoods and sites. (In case of extreme hot or cold weather, seasonal adjustments will be made to our walking tour so that you have the best experience.)
Later after lunch Arashiyama: Walk through the flourishing bamboo forest and discover the alluring beauty of the surroundings. Kinkakuji Temple: Visit the icon of Kyoto, the “Golden Pavilion,” covered with gold foil. Kyoto was founded in 794 as Japan’s capital and the home of Emperor Kanmu. Today it is Japan’s Seventh-largest city, not a tiny rural village, and it is the juxtaposition of modern, urban life against time-honoured traditions that makes this one of the most fascinating of Asian cities. Later visit Togetsukyo Bridge and Nijo Castle followed by dinner and overnight in Osaka. (B, L,D)
Day 7 : Kyoto – Nara – Osaka
Today after breakfast, Drive to Nara, perhaps Japan’s friendliest and greenest city. Upon arrival have an Indian or Japanese lunch later sightseeing in Nara. Nara Park – If beautiful pagodas and magnificent statues of Buddha enchant you, then Nara Park is the perfect palace to stroll between them. Kasuga shrine, Toda-ji Temple – Today, the most famous tourist attraction is Todai-ji temple; the world’s largest wooden building which houses a mighty bronze daibutsu or giant Buddha statue. Later drive to Osaka for dinner. Overnight in Osaka. (B, L, D)
Day 8 : Osaka
Today after breakfast, we Guided city tour of Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle, the Shinsaibashri Area and the Dotombori Area. Free time on your own. Overnight in Osaka. (B, L, D)
Optional Tour
3 Nights / 4 Days South Korea
Day 09 : Arrival to Seoul, South Korea
Upon arrival at Seoul International Airport, you will meet your local maxim representative and head to Seoul. Upon arrival at Seoul, proceed for hotel check in. Later dinner and overnight in Seoul. (L,D)
Day 10 : Seoul
Today, explore Seoul, visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace, passing by the Presidential Blue House, Jogyesa Temple, Cheongwadae Sarangchae (closed Mondays) and the changing of the Guard Ceremony. After lunch drive to the Changdeok Palace one of the World Cultural Heritages. It is the best preserved of the five royal palaces in Seoul and was the main palace of many Joseon Kings for the longest period. You will also visit the hot spots in Seoul including Insadong Arts & Crafts Market (Mondays only) and Nandaemun Traditional Market. (B,L,D)
Day 11 : DMZ and the Third Infiltration Tunnel
After breakfast, start your tour. The first stop will be Imjingak Peace Park, which was established in 1972 to remind the Korean War and wish for peace in the entire Korea. Next, visit The 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, discovered on Oct. 17, 1978 and located 52km from Seoul. Then, Dorasan Observatory where North Korean military personnel are visible and so is the highlights of Gaeseong and the Geumgangsan Diamond Mountains. Then stop by Dorasan Station, a railway station on the Gyeongui Line, the northernmost stop on South Korea’s railway line and Unification Village. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and return back to your hotel around 15:00pm-15:30pm.
DMZ tour is off on Monday, A Passport is required to join the DMZ tour. (B,L,D)
Day 12 : Departure
Today after breakfast, proceed to the airport to take your flight back to your home. (B)