Your journey to Japan begins with your flight to Osaka.

Welcome to the metropolis of Osaka – “Konnichiwa”! You travel independently to the hotel by public transport or taxi; if you wish, you can book a transfer. The rest of the day is free to recover from the journey and get ready for the very active days ahead. If you want to dive right in, have dinner in the Dotonbori area of Namba, for example. 2 nights in Osaka. (Distance by public transport: approx. 60 km; travel time: approx. 45 min, depending on arrival time; walking time: approx. 30 min, approx. 1 km)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Hotel Monterey Le Frere is centrally located in the north of Osaka and combines modern comfort with Japanese elegance – a good base for exploring. The stylish, functional rooms have air conditioning, kettle, fridge, safe, TV and modern bathroom; a breakfast buffet with regional specialities is served in the morning.

By express train you travel to Himeji. From afar, the snow-white Himeji Castle, also known as “White Heron Castle”, is impressive – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of traditional Japanese architecture and the largest and best-preserved castle in the country. If you like, climb the narrow, partly steep wooden stairs to the upper floors and enjoy the view over the town and castle grounds; alternatively, admire the building from outside. Next door, Koko-en Garden with its ponds, waterfalls and pavilions invites you for a stroll. Afterwards there is time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon you take the express train back to Osaka. From the Umeda Sky Building you enjoy the view of the city lights, and then your guide leads you through the lively streets to a local bar, where you review the day over a drink. If you like, stay on; the others return to the hotel together. (B) (Distance by public transport: approx. 180 km; travel time: approx. 2 hrs; walking time: approx. 3 hrs, approx. 5 km)

Early in the morning you take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima. By public transport you continue to Miyajimaguchi pier, and in about 10 minutes you cross to 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 – one of Japan’s best-known photo motifs. Past small shops and craft stalls you walk to the shrine, which you also visit inside. After your guide’s explanations 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 the mainland and Hiroshima. The Peace Museum conveys the events of 1945 in a moving way, and on a walk through the Peace Park with its memorials and Peace Flame you remember the victims of the atomic bombing – a moving place that also stands for hope and peace. In the evening the Shinkansen takes you to Kyoto. 3 nights in Kyoto. (B) Your suitcase is transported separately from the hotel in Osaka to the hotel in Kyoto; you only need a daypack for the day. (Distance by public transport: approx. 800 km; travel time: approx. 4.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 5.5 hrs, approx. 4.5 km)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast The hotel is centrally located in Kyoto near the Hachijo exit of the main station – a good base for the city’s sights. It offers free Wi-Fi and a breakfast buffet with regional specialities; the modern rooms have air conditioning and private bathroom.

In the morning you visit Ryoan-ji temple, famous for its Zen rock garden: between raked gravel and harmoniously arranged rocks, an atmosphere of deep calm unfolds. A short walk takes you to Kinkaku-ji, the “Golden Pavilion”, which rises above a pond and is reflected in the water; the interior is not accessible, but the garden offers many atmospheric perspectives. By public transport you head to the centre. After lunch on your own in the Teramachi shopping street you visit Nijo Castle, which reflects the power and lifestyle of the Tokugawa shoguns. Particularly famous are the “nightingale floors”, which chirp softly when walked on. Finally you stroll through Nishiki Market, “Kyoto’s kitchen”, with pickled vegetables, fresh fish and sweets. If you like, stay on; the others return with the guide to the centrally located hotel, from where you can easily explore Kyoto on your own in the evening. (B) (Distance by public transport: approx. 30 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 5 hrs, approx. 5.5 km)

By express train you travel to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and an important centre of Buddhism, and by small local bus on to Todai-ji. One of the largest wooden halls in the world houses a monumental bronze Buddha statue here. Your guide picks a suitable spot where you taste local sweets and tea. Then a walk through Nara Park takes you to viewpoints at Nigatsu-do Hall and Wakakusa Hill – the tame sika deer are an integral part of the townscape – and to Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its countless stone and bronze lanterns. At lunchtime you eat on your own or stroll through the historic Naramachi district. In the afternoon you return to Kyoto together; the rest of the day is free. (B) (Distance by public transport: approx. 80 km; travel time: approx. 2 hrs; walking time: approx. 3 hrs, approx. 4.5 km)

In the morning you visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vermilion torii line the path up Mount Inari. You decide how far to go – from a short walk to the climb to the summit (approx. 3 hrs, steep in places). In the afternoon you take the Shinkansen to Odawara – your guide has a bento box for you on the way – and continue by private bus into the Fuji region. In good weather you stop at a viewpoint near Gotemba with a view of Mount Fuji. After check-in you spend a special evening with your guide at the adjoining Fujiyama Onsen bathhouse: dinner together features warm Japanese dishes and regional specialities such as hoto, the typical noodle dish of Yamanashi, with views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Your guide will gladly explain how the onsen works. 1 night in the Fuji region. (B/P/D) Your suitcase is taken separately to Tokyo; pack a small bag for one night. (Distance by public transport: approx. 340 km; travel time: approx. 2 hrs; walking time: approx. 3 hrs, approx. 5 km)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Highland Resort Hotel & Spa is located in Fujiyoshida (Yamanashi Prefecture) right next to the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park and offers impressive views of Mount Fuji; Lake Kawaguchi is a few minutes’ drive away. It has several restaurants, a café and large thermal baths (onsen) in the neighbouring Fujiyama bathhouse. The modern rooms have air conditioning, TV, fridge, free Wi-Fi and bathroom with hairdryer.

Today you explore the region around Mount Fuji, Japan’s sacred mountain, where lakes and wide views shape the scenery – on clear days already visible from the hotel. 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 Tokyo. Your suitcase awaits you at the hotel; the evening is at your leisure. 3 nights in Tokyo. (B) (Distance by coach: approx. 230 km; driving time: approx. 5 hrs; walking time: approx. 2 hrs, approx. 2.5 km)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa is located in the traditional Asakusa district, just a few steps from Senso-ji and the subway station, and combines Japanese elements with modern design. The rooms have a comfortable bed, desk, TV, free Wi-Fi, safe and bathroom with bidet toilet. From the roof terrace on the 13th floor you can see as far as the Tokyo Skytree; breakfast is served à la carte in the hotel café.

On foot and by metro you experience Tokyo the way locals do every day – trains can be crowded, but everything runs remarkably smoothly. Your guide provides orientation and regular breaks, as a day in the metropolis can be demanding. 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. Then you head to Shibuya, to the Hachiko statue and the famous crossing; 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, and 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 public transport: approx. 50 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 4 hrs, approx. 5.5 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. 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. 6.5 km)

After ten varied days in Japan you travel to the airport by public transport or taxi and start your journey home. If you wish, you can book a transfer. (B) (Distance by public transport: approx. 70 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 15 min, approx. 1 km)

Today you land back home.