Today you fly to Tokyo.

Welcome to the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo – “Konnichiwa”! On arrival at Narita airport, an airport assistant helps you organise your onward journey; at Haneda there is no assistant, but finding your way on your own is easy there too. 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. 3 nights in Tokyo. (Distance by public transport: approx. 70 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs, depending on arrival time; walking time: approx. 30 min, approx. 1 km)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast Shizutetsu Hotel Prezio Tokyo Tamachi is centrally located, just a few minutes’ walk from Tamachi station; sights such as Tokyo Tower and Shibuya are easy to reach. The restaurant serves local and international dishes, and you can relax in the lobby. The rooms are elegantly furnished and have bath or shower/WC.

At 8:45 am you meet your guide and the group in the hotel lobby. 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, 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. 6.5 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 Numazu. The evening is at your leisure. 1 night in Numazu. (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 Shizutetsu Hotel Prezio Numazu is centrally located near JR Numazu station, surrounded by shops and restaurants. It has a lounge, laundry service (for a fee) and free Wi-Fi. The simple, modern rooms have air conditioning, TV, kettle, fridge and bathroom with shower/WC.

After breakfast you hand over your luggage for separate transport and continue with a light daypack. The Shinkansen, Japan’s famous high-speed train, takes you to Hiroshima; on the way you enjoy a bento box your guide has brought for you. After arriving in the early afternoon you have free time – for example for a walk through the gardens of Hiroshima Castle, along the Kyobashi River or to a nice café. 2 nights in Hiroshima. (B/P) Your suitcase is transported separately and awaits you at the hotel in Kyoto on day 8; pack a small bag for two nights. (Distance by Shinkansen: approx. 780 km; travel time: approx. 4 hrs; walking time: approx. 30 min, approx. 1 km)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Candeo Hotels Hiroshima Hatchobori is centrally located in the Hatchobori district of Hiroshima.

By public transport 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 by public transport: approx. 60 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 6 hrs, approx. 4 km)

By Shinkansen you travel to Himeji. From afar the snow-white Himeji Castle, “White Heron Castle”, is impressive – 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, admire the building from outside. Next door, Koko-en Garden with its ponds, waterfalls and pavilions invites you for a stroll, followed by time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon the Shinkansen takes you to Kyoto, the old imperial city, in under an hour. Your luggage is already waiting at the hotel. 4 nights in Kyoto. (B) (Distance by Shinkansen and public transport: approx. 385 km; travel time: approx. 2 hrs; walking time: approx. 2 hrs, approx. 4 km)

4 nights · Double room · With breakfast S-Peria Hotel Kyoto is located in the Shimogyo district with good connections to the main station, an ideal base for exploring. A highlight is the wellness area with whirlpool and sauna. The modern rooms, compact as often in Japan, have a bathroom with bathtub/shower, air conditioning and TV; a Japanese-Western breakfast buffet is served in the morning.

In the morning you visit Ryoan-ji with its famous Zen rock garden, where raked gravel and harmoniously arranged rocks create an atmosphere of deep calm. A short walk takes you to Kinkaku-ji, the “Golden Pavilion”, reflected in its pond; the interior is not accessible. By public transport – via Demachiyanagi station and the Keihan line – you head to the centre; if you prefer more comfort and traffic allows, your guide orders a taxi. Along the way you have lunch on your own. In the afternoon you marvel at the hall of around 1,000 carved Kannon statues in Sanjusangen-do. Then you stroll along Kawaramachi-dori and the neighbouring shopping streets to Nishiki Market, where you can taste specialities. End the day in a café or return to the hotel with your guide. (B) (Distance by public transport: approx. 30 km; travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 5 hrs, approx. 5.5 km)

You spend today as you like. Optionally (bookable in advance) you visit Fushimi Inari Shrine in the morning, where thousands of vermilion torii line the path up Mount Inari – you decide how far to go, up to the climb to the summit (approx. 3 hrs, steep in places). Afterwards you visit Nijo Castle (UNESCO World Heritage), once the Kyoto residence of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, with magnificent wall paintings and the famous “nightingale floors”. The rest of the day remains flexible: depending on the weather and the group’s wishes, your guide leads you through the Imperial Palace park or into the lively shopping streets – or you use the time to rest. (B) (Optional programme by public transport: approx. 20 km; travel time: approx. 30 min; walking time: approx. 5 hrs, approx. 6 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)

Today you enter the spiritual world of Koya-san, one of the most impressive places in Japan. Your main luggage is taken separately to Osaka and you travel with just a small bag for two nights – practical, as the temple lodging is rustic with little space. By coach you drive into the remote mountains south of Kyoto. For more than 1,200 years Koya-san has been a spiritual centre of Japanese Buddhism. Among ancient cedars lies Okunoin cemetery: thousands of moss-covered gravestones and lanterns line the path to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, founder of the Shingon school, who according to pilgrims’ belief remains in eternal meditation. At Kongobu-ji, the head temple, you see ornate wall paintings, wide tatami rooms and one of Japan’s largest rock gardens. In the afternoon you check into your temple lodging: simple rooms with futons on tatami, meals at low tables on the floor, usually no chairs. Due to the altitude, evenings and nights can be cool. In the evening you enjoy vegetarian temple cuisine together, and early in the morning you can join the monks’ prayers. 1 night on Koya-san. (B/D) (Distance by coach: approx. 130 km; driving time: approx. 3.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 2 hrs, approx. 2 km)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast You stay in a traditional temple lodging (shukubo) on Koya-san: simple rooms with tatami mats and futons, private WC and shared bath; the vegetarian meals are eaten at low tables.

Today the sacred Kumano pilgrimage region awaits. By bus you drive along the Ryujin Skyline mountain road through forests and river valleys, with short photo stops; if the weather does not allow this route, your guide chooses a coastal road. In the early afternoon you reach Kumano Nachi Taisha (UNESCO World Heritage), one of Japan’s most important pilgrimage sites. The climb of around 470 steps through ancient cedar forest takes about two hours and requires good fitness; alternatively, take an easier path and meet the group later. The goal for everyone is Nachi Falls, with a drop of 133 m one of the highest waterfalls in Japan – together with the red pagoda one of the country’s most beautiful photo motifs. In the late afternoon you continue to Shingu. In the evening you gather at an izakaya, a Japanese pub where many small dishes such as skewers, tempura and regional specialities are shared. 1 night in Shingu. (B/D) (Distance by coach: approx. 150 km; driving time: approx. 4.5 hrs; walking time: approx. 3 hrs, approx. 1 km)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Hotel New Palace is located near the station in the centre of Shingu, a good base for Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine. It has an onsen area with hot springs and a restaurant serving Japanese and Western cuisine. The simple, practical rooms have TV, air conditioning, microwave and desk.

By express train you leave the Kii Peninsula for Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city. In Osaka Castle Park you look out at the imposing castle with its moats, then dive into the neon world of Dotonbori in the Namba district with street food and big-city flair. To finish, your guide invites you for a cool drink and together you look back on the past two weeks. You spend the last evening as you like. Your suitcase awaits you at the hotel. 1 night in Osaka. (B) (Distance by public transport: approx. 265 km; travel time: approx. 3 hrs; walking time: approx. 2.5 hrs, approx. 3.5 km)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Miyako City Osaka Tennoji is located south of the centre near Tennoji station. The modern city hotel has a 24-hour reception, laundry service, a restaurant overlooking the skyline and a lobby bar. The bright, compact rooms have a bathroom with shower, air conditioning and TV.

After two varied weeks in Japan you travel to Kansai airport by public transport or taxi and start your journey home. If you wish, you can book a transfer. (B)

Today you land back home.