Wonders of Japan

Welcome to Japan and the vibrant city of Osaka.  Japan.  Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for your three-night included stay. This evening, meet your Tour Director for your briefing and welcome dinner.

We begin our morning tour of Osaka with a stroll through Shinsaibashi-suji shopping avenue, followed by Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as ‘Osaka’s kitchen.’ Afterwards, visit the Museum of History and the rebuilt Osaka Castle. The afternoon is free at leisure before transferring to the Umeda Sky Building for 360-degree night-time views of the glittering skyline of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory. Then savour your dinner and admire the spectacular views, 170-metres off the ground.

Drive to Asuka, birthplace of the Japanese nation and cradle of Japan’s  ancient culture. Wander through the Inabuchi terraced rice paddies and the ancient Tobiishi stone bridge, celebrated in Japanese folklore. Then visit Ishibutai tumulus, the largest known megalithic structure in Japan. EmeraldPLUS As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, learn about the history, life and training routine of a sumo wrestler during a private visit to a Sumo Museum in Kehayaza, where Sumo originated. After your welcome ceremony, witness a demonstration of Jinku and the wrestlers in action in the dohyo. Later in the evening, take a ride on the Osaka Metro to explore the lively entertainment area of Dotonbori.

Drive to the culturally-rich city of Kyoto, home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. Upon arrival, glide through the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on a traditional rickshaw, before exploring the World Heritage-listed Tenryu-ji Temple, where you’ll enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal. Afterwards, visit the famous Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion,  so named, as this temple is completely covered in gold leaf. Settle into your hotel in Kyoto for your included two-night stay. EmeraldPLUS As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, tonight’s exclusive dinner will allow you to engage with a Geisha or Maiko, your hosts for this evening. This is  a rare opportunity to learn about the life of a Geisha and the traditional art of Japanese hospitality.

Begin your day with an early morning visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, iconic for its thousands of vermilion torii gates and appearance in the film ‘Memoirs of a Geisha.’ Continue to Nara, Japans first permanent capital established in 710 A.D., originally known as Heijo. Here, you’ll visit Todaiji Temple, founded in the eighth century as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples across Japan.  This Temple grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 A.D., in order to lower the temples influence on governmental affairs. Spot wild deer in Nara Park before returning to Kyoto, stopping at a sake brewery and museum to sample Japan’s famous brew. Ryokan Upgrade For a unique insight into Japanese culture, opt to stay overnight in a Ryokan (at additional cost, must be pre-booked before departure). This traditional Japanese Inn features tatami mat flooring with futon beds, sliding shoji paper doors, onsen hot spring baths and private facilities, and includes breakfast and dinner.

Travel by Shinkansen, or bullet train, to Hakone. Upon arrival, stroll through the Hakone Chokokuno Mori Open-Air Museum, admiring art works and sculptures in a natural setting, before transferring to your hotel for your included stay.

Admire the stunning views of iconic Mount Fuji during your scenic cruise of Lake Ashinoko, before driving to Tokyo. Upon arrival, explore the quaint district of Asakusa, paying your respects at Sensoji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple.  Later, check in and relax at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, your home for the next three nights. DiscoverMORE Dine at a Gonpachi Nishiazabu, made famous in the film, ‘Kill Bill’ (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese Izakaya evening bar scene, enjoying Yaki-tori and Kushiyaki with your Tour Director (extra expense)

Soak up the spectacular views of Tokyo from above, at the top of Tokyo Sky Tree, the world’s tallest tower. Then learn how to make your own sushi lunch, instructed by a local chef. Afterwards, wander through picturesque Shinjuku-Gyoen Gardens, before experiencing the Shinjuku entertainment district come alive at dusk and its vibrant sights and sounds.

Visit the Imperial Shinto Meiji Shrine, before walking across the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, in Shibuya. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure for some last-minute shopping in Shibuya. EmeraldPLUS As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, this evening, take in the bright lights of Tokyo during your farewell dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay, with free-flow drinks on a yakatabune, a traditional-style houseboat.

Bid farewell to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun,’ leaving with many wonderful memories. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Tours cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.