Today you fly overnight to Tokyo.

Welcome to the exciting metropolis of Tokyo – “Konnichiwa”! At the airport an assistant helps you with your onward journey and gives you the tickets you need; you then travel to the hotel by public transport or taxi (included in the tour price). After check-in you spend the rest of the day as you like and gather energy for the eventful days ahead. 3 nights in Tokyo. (Distance by public transport: approx. 75 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs, depending on arrival time; walking time: approx. 15 min, approx. 1 km)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The B Akasaka is a stylish hotel in the heart of Tokyo, close to restaurants, shops and public transport. It has a restaurant serving Japanese and international cuisine, a bar, massages and a 24-hour reception. The modern rooms have air conditioning, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and minibar.

Comfortably by private bus you explore Japan’s capital today. The first stop is Meiji Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in the country, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his consort; on its shady paths the noise of the city seems far away. From the free observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (waiting times possible) you look out over the seemingly endless sea of buildings, and your guide shows you where the districts you will visit today are located. In Shibuya you visit the Hachiko statue and experience the famous crossing, where crowds surge across in time with the traffic lights. Lunch is up to you, perhaps together in a local restaurant. In the afternoon you experience traditional Tokyo in Asakusa around Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, reached via a lane full of stalls. To finish, you take a break on the riverbank by Azumabashi Bridge with a view of the Tokyo Skytree. Your guide is sure to have a restaurant tip for the evening. (B) (Distance by private bus: approx. 45 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 3 hrs, approx. 3 km)

Optionally, take a day trip to Nikko (bookable in advance): by express train you travel north from Asakusa into the mountains in about 2 hours. There the magnificent Toshogu Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage), resting place of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, awaits, surrounded by mighty cedars, and the ornate Taiyuin, mausoleum of Tokugawa Iemitsu. As the site is extensive with many stairs, good fitness and sturdy shoes are recommended. In autumn especially, the forests glow in red, orange and gold. In the late afternoon you return to Tokyo. Alternatively, explore Tokyo on your own – there is enough to see for a whole week. (B) (Nikko excursion by public transport: approx. 280 km; travel time: approx. 4.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 4 hrs, approx. 7 km)

Today you leave Tokyo and drive to the region around Mount Fuji, Japan’s sacred mountain – instead of high-rises, lakes and wide views now shape the scenery. Depending on the weather and the group’s wishes, you stop at Lake Kawaguchi with Oishi Park and at quiet Lake Motosu, which offers particularly impressive views of the volcanic cone on clear days. The schedule is deliberately flexible to leave enough time for nature and views (views of Fuji depend on the weather). In the late afternoon you reach Mishima. The evening is at your leisure. 1 night in Mishima. (B) (Distance by coach: approx. 230 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs; walking time: approx. 2.5 hrs, approx. 2.5 km)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Dormy Inn Mishima is just a few minutes’ walk from Mishima station. A special highlight is the onsen with hot spring water. The rooms have comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, TV and air conditioning.

By Shinkansen you travel to Himeji; your guide has organised a bento box for the journey. Your suitcase travels separately and awaits you in Kyoto on day 8 – pack a small bag for two nights. Around midday you reach the gleaming white Himeji Castle, “White Heron Castle” – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest and best-preserved castle in Japan. If you like, climb the narrow, partly steep wooden stairs to the upper floors; alternatively, explore the site from outside. Right next door, Koko-en Garden with its ponds, small waterfalls and pavilions invites you for a stroll. In the late afternoon you continue to Hiroshima. Your guide is sure to have a restaurant tip for the evening. 2 nights in Hiroshima. (B/P) (Distance by public transport: approx. 780 km; travel time: approx. 4 hrs; walking time: approx. 3 hrs, approx. 4.5 km)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Hotel Intergate Hiroshima is centrally located in the Naka-ku district; the Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome are within walking distance. It has a lounge, free Wi-Fi and its own onsen. The simple, modern rooms have air conditioning, TV, kettle, fridge and bathroom with shower/WC.

By private bus and a ferry ride of about 10 minutes you reach the sacred island of Miyajima. On arrival you are greeted by the famous “floating” torii of Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to stand on the water at high tide. Past small shops you walk to the shrine, which you also visit inside. Then you spend the time on the island as you like – perhaps with grilled oysters in a restaurant by the water. In the early afternoon you return to Hiroshima. The Peace Museum conveys the events of 1945 in a moving way, and in the Peace Park with its memorials and Peace Flame the victims of the atomic bombing are remembered – a moving place that also stands for hope and peace. To round off the day, your guide recommends an okonomiyaki restaurant where the savoury pancakes are cooked right on the hot plate. (B) (Distance: approx. 60 km; travel time: approx. 3 hrs; walking time: approx. 3 hrs, approx. 2 km)

By train you travel to Kyoto, where you change to the private bus that takes you to Nara – the city is regarded as the cradle of Japanese culture. Behind the imposing South Gate of Todai-ji, the view opens onto the enormous main hall, one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, with the Daibutsu, a monumental bronze Buddha statue. Your guide explains the history and significance of the site. In Nara Park with its free-roaming sika deer you enjoy views of Nigatsu-do Hall and Wakakusa Hill. In a café your guide treats you to tea and local sweets; afterwards, time permitting, you can explore on your own. In the late afternoon you reach Kyoto, where your suitcase is already waiting at the hotel. 2 nights in Kyoto. (B) (Distance by train: approx. 380 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs; by private bus: approx. 90 km, approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 2 hrs, approx. 2 km)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Vessel Hotel Campana Gojo is centrally located in Kyoto on Gojo Street, not far from Kiyomizu-dera. It has a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, a whirlpool and a sauna. The rooms combine Japanese style with modern comfort and have a private bathroom, air conditioning, fridge and kettle.

In the morning the coach takes you to Ohara, a picturesque mountain village in the north of Kyoto amid gentle hills. Sanzen-in, Ohara’s most important sanctuary, impresses with extensive gardens and halls; afterwards you visit tranquil Jikko-in. To refresh yourself there is a matcha with a small sweet. Back in Kyoto you walk to Kinkaku-ji, the “Golden Pavilion”, whose gilded upper storey is reflected in the pond; the interior is not accessible. In the afternoon you stroll through Nishiki Market, “Kyoto’s kitchen”, with pickled vegetables, fresh fish and sweet and savoury snacks, before being taken back to the hotel in the evening. (B) (Distance by coach: approx. 45 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 3 hrs, approx. 3 km)

On the last morning the coach takes you to Fushimi Inari Shrine, where countless vermilion torii stretch in long rows up Mount Inari. You decide how far to follow the path – the summit takes around three hours and is steep in places. Then the group programme ends and you travel by public transport to Kansai airport, from where you fly home in the evening. If you wish, you can book a transfer. (B) (Distance by private bus: approx. 10 km; driving time: approx. 30 min; walking time: approx. 1 hr, approx. 1 km; by public transport to the airport: approx. 100 km, approx. 1.5 hrs)

With lots of memories in your luggage, you land back home today.