Japan Awaits
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Japan is an entrancing mix of ancient tradition and the ultra-modern. Tea ceremonies, tatami mats, zen gardens and the time-honoured geisha tradition co-exist with high speed bullet trains, minimalistic eateries and glittering skyscrapers. Add in the natural beauty of the Mt. Fuji area, poignant Hiroshima and Osaka’s vibrant food scene and you have a destination that is simply enthralling.
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Highlights
- Go behind the ring of Japan’s national sport in a leading Tokyo sumo stable
- Admire venerated Shinto shrines, Zen temples and perfectly manicured gardens
- Take part in a traditional taiko drumming class
- Appreciate Japan’s rich culinary heritage with authentic kaiseki dining, street food staples, ocean-fresh sushi and traditional sweet treats
- Ride like a local on high-speed bullet trains and rickshaws
- Pay your respects at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park
- Earn 1 Qantas Point* per $1 spent on this itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Tokyo.
Arrive into the Japanese capital and transfer privately to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hilton Tokyo (Hilton Room)
Day 2
Tokyo.
Start your journey with a stroll in the beautiful Edo period garden, Hamarikyu, one of the most visited in the city thanks to its year-round botanical attractions. Pause to admire the surrounds over green tea at the Nakajima-no-Ochaya tea house on an island in the gardens. Next, visit Asakusa Kannon Temple, one of the city’s most venerated temple sites dedicated to the Bodhisattva, Guan Yin, the Chinese deity of mercy and benevolence that has its origins in Hindu belief from India. The restaurants around Asakusa are some of the best for traditional Japanese cuisine, including the ever-popular tempura. Or perhaps learn to make sushi with an expert followed by lunch (additional cost). Afterwards, visit Meiji Shrine, a sanctuary for Shinto followers and a popular venue for traditional Japanese weddings. You may choose to take part in a solemn Shinto ceremony, full of ritual and offerings.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Tokyo (Hilton Room)
Day 3
Tokyo.
An up-close ‘behind the ring’ encounter this morning when you visit one of Tokyo’s sumo stables for an appreciation of Japan’s national sport. Housing anywhere between two and forty young men a time, these living and training quarters demand absolute loyalty and discipline from the wrestlers, with daily training commencing at dawn for beginners and 8am for seniors.
Next visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum which depicts Tokyo’s 400-year-old history – from the Edo Period to the present-day – through vivid exhibitions, imagery, scaled models and life-size replicas. Conclude your sightseeing with a taiko drum experience. Taiko is a more recent tradition of Japanese drum playing that has roots in ancient Japanese religious ceremonies and folk music. Take part in a class to learn about its history and the drumming technique before putting it to the test behind your own drum.
Enjoy this afternoon at leisure or explore the city at your own pace.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Tokyo (Hilton Room)
Day 4
Tokyo – Kamakura – Tokyo.
Escape the bright city lights today and head out to the charming coastal town of Kamakura, just an hour away. Begin your exploration at the Hase Kannon Temple, a temple of the Jodo sect that is most famous for its gilded statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, the largest in the country.
Next stop is the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura’s most famous. Founded in 1063 by the Genji family, the creators of the Kamakura Shogunate, it became the centre of politics and culture during the Kamakura period. Large landscaped grounds contain several vermilion coloured buildings, an impressive arched bridge, a lotus pond and dance platform.
This afternoon, stroll down Komachidori Shopping Street on the look-out for traditional crafts and mementos. Time your visit for lunch and try some local delicacies – shirasu (whitebait), takoyaki (fried dough balls stuffed with octopus), fresh-made sembe (shrimp or sweet soy rice crackers), purple sweet potato, black sesame – before returning to Tokyo.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hilton Tokyo (Hilton Room)
Day 5
Tokyo – Hakone.
Leave the bustle of Tokyo behind and head for Mount Fuji – Japan’s highest and most prominent mountain. If you’re feeling energetic hike up to admire the views (weather permitting). Alternatively, visit the Fujisan World Heritage Centre for an introduction to the area and its famous peak.
Then travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring destinations, and view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park, an area encompassing coastlines, mountains, lakes and more than 1,000 volcanic islands.
Stroll the grassy hillsides of Hakone’s Open Air Museum. Admire the impressive contemporary sculptures and artwork on display, including masterpieces by Henry Moore and Rodin. The museum also features one of the world’s finest Picasso exhibits, presenting some 300 works by the cubist master.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hakone (Standard Room)
Day 6
Hakone.
Head into the great outdoors today admiring stunning views of Mt Fuji and choosing from a number of activities: a ropeway ride at Mt. Komagatake; cruising on Lake Achi; visits to the Owakudani crater and volcanic hot water springs and the Okada Museum of Art.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hakone (Standard Room)
Day 7
Hakone – Kyoto.
Step aboard the bullet train for the high-speed trip to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Guest Room)
Day 8
Kyoto.
This morning visit the ornamental Nijo Castle. Built in 1603 by the first shogun of the Edo Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu, as his Kyoto residence, Nijo Castle is one of the finest examples of feudal era Momoyama architecture. Beyond its massive stone walls and sprawling palace grounds, thick with cherry trees, stands the castle’s centrepiece: the ornately embellished Ninomaru Palace. Next stop, the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples with its gold leaf adornment. The temple was originally the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and upon his death in 1408 it became a Zen temple. Burned numerous times in its history, most recently in 1950, the temple was rebuilt in 1955 and continues to function as a storehouse of sacred relics.
This afternoon, travel to Arashiyama and stroll through the impressive bamboo grove, one of Kyoto’s top sights. Wandering along the path between the soaring stands of bamboo is an ethereal experience. The bamboo is still used in local workshops to produce baskets, cups, boxes, mats and pieces of art.
Later today, ride like a local on a rickshaw admiring the surrounding scenery from a different perspective (additional cost). Finally, stop by Tenryuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the head temple of the Tenryu sect of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. It is the largest and most frequented temple in Arashiyama.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Guest Room)
Day 9
Kyoto.
This morning take a leisurely walk along the cherry-lined Philosopher’s Path admiring the ever-changing vistas, the temples and shrines along the way and pausing for a refreshment at one of the cafés along the two-kilometre trail. Then a chance to experience the ancient Japanese ritual of the tea ceremony. Take part in a traditional ceremony in a nearby temple or be welcomed into the home of an apprentice geisha (maiko) who will lead the tea ceremony and explain the importance of this age-old custom.
Finish the morning at Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west. It is filled with shops, restaurants and ochaya (teahouses), where geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko entertain.
The afternoon is at leisure before taking your seat for an unforgettable meal in the company of a maiko, or geisha. Treat your tastebuds to a kaiseki ryori (multi-course) dinner and sip sake as you learn more about your host’s world. Then, enjoy traditional dance and musical entertainment performed by your maiko (additional cost).
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Guest Room)
Day 10
Kyoto – Hiroshima – Osaka.
This morning, you are transferred to the train station to board the bullet train to Hiroshima. Better known for its tragic past, a visit to Hiroshima is a reminder of the catastrophic moment in 1945 when the city was hit by the world’s first atomic bomb. A poignant visit to Peace Memorial Park is a chance to pay respects and discover more about the event. Wander around the Atom Bomb Dome, the only structure left standing after the blast, retained as a tragic reminder and explore the old wing of the Peace Memorial Museum.
Afterwards travel to the southwest edge of the city and board a ferry to the island of Miyajima where you visit the Itsukushima Shrine. The red torii gate, one of the most photographed sites in Japan, is located 150 metres from the shore at the entrance to the cove in which the Itsukushima Shrine stands. An optional sea kayaking excursion gets you close up to the shrine and its famous torii gate.
Return by ferry to the mainland and then continue to the railway station for the bullet train ride to Osaka.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Conrad Osaka (Deluxe Room)
Day 11
Osaka.
Enjoy a morning at leisure before joining your specialist foodie guide to discover the gastronomic highlights of the city. Wander through the colourful Shinsekai district packed with inexpensive, and tasty, snack shops. Nibble on kushikatsu, deep fried morsels of meat and vegetables, and wash it down with a cold beer. Venture into the covered Kuromon Ichiba Market, also known as “Osaka’s Kitchen”, where more than 150 shops sell fresh fish, meat and produce, traditional sweets and low-priced clothes and homewares. Sample some grilled sea food or yakitori, sea urchin or takoyaki – a street food staple. Finish up in Dotonbori, the city’s official entertainment district, where food is the main attraction and hundreds of eateries line the main thoroughfare and streets. Be sure to try local titbits like okonomiyaki (tasty savoury pancakes), kitsune udon, ramen and teppanyaki treats before returning to the hotel to sleep it off.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Conrad Osaka (Deluxe Room)
Day 12
Depart Osaka.
Transfer to Osaka Airport where your journey ends.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departures & Rates
Twin Share Per Person: From $19,190
Solo Traveller: On request
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Ask one of our Travel Specialists about Packaging Flights with your Tour and Save
Earn 1 Qantas Point* per $1 spent on this itinerary
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
Hilton Tokyo
The Hilton Hotel in Tokyo is situated in the Shinjuku district; the perfect base to explore cultural attractions including the Akihabara, Roppongi and Meiji Shrine. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to Shinjuku station and the Tokyo Metro subway is directly connected to the hotel, making transport about the city hassle-free. Accommodation comes as spacious guestrooms, suites and executive rooms, all designed with comfort in mind and feature essential modern amenities. The stylish suites and elegant executive rooms enjoy exclusive access to the Executive lounge, including complimentary breakfast, canapés and drinks. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in the hotel with seven alluring restaurants. Choose from the authentic Japanese delights of Musashino or tantalising Chinese flavours at Dynasty to simple-yet-sumptuous Mediterranean classics at Brasserie Checkers.
Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa
In many ways the Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa offers the best of both worlds – a fusion of ryokan and hotel which refuses to compromise on comfort, service, or luxury. Some rooms combine a traditional hotel style bedroom with a tatami seating area, allowing guests to enjoy the luxury of a western bed within the Zen ryokan aesthetic of traditional Japan. Complimentary drinks are served in the late afternoon in the Living Room – a cosy area of comfortable chairs gathered around a huge open fire and surrounded by a massive sweep of glass. The Dining Room serves excellent Provincial cuisine, in warm brick semi-private rooms, and the adjacent sushi restaurant caters to those looking for something a little more Japanese. The Hyatt Regency takes advantage of Hakone’s abundant hot springs, and the large, communal baths are ideal for relaxation. The hotel also offers spa treatments for those in need of relaxation. Like many ryokan, the Hyatt Regency provides yukata robes which can be worn throughout the hotel. The resort is easily accessible from major cities in Japan, at just one and a half hours’ drive west of Tokyo and a two-and-a-half-hour bullet train journey east of Osaka.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
The Hyatt Regency is located in Higashiyama Shichijo, the traditional and cultural heart of Kyoto city. The 189 rooms and suites of varying sizes have a classic Japanese design which is simple and calming, and some have view over the city. The hotel is ideally located close to the city’s landmarks such as the National Museum and Chishakuin, Sanjusangendo and Yogenin Temples. Gion District, a traditional neighbourhood famous for geishas, has numerous shopping and entertainment options. Nishiki market is also close by.
The hotel has a pleasant Japanese garden and fi ve restaurant and bar options, including Japanese and European. After a busy day you can pay a visit to the Riraku Spa where treatments incorporate both Western and Eastern traditions and sauna facilities and gymnasium are also on hand for that total body recharge.
Conrad Osaka
The luxurious Conrad Osaka is housed in one of the city’s newest, shiniest skyscrapers – Festival Tower West – in the Nakanoshima area, an urban island in the heart of the city, home to art museums and concert halls, and steps away from lively neighbourhoods aplenty.
The 164 rooms fuse traditional Japanese aesthetics with an urban edge, luxuriously appointed bathrooms and easy-to-use bedside tablets control all in-room technology, from the master lights and curtains to room temperatures. All rooms have city-wide views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Ask for a west-facing room for a distant aerial glimpse of Osaka Castle.
True to Osaka’s reputation as a gastronomic heaven, there is an array of high-quality restaurants to choose from on the picturesque 40th floor. Atmos Dining is home to a tasty breakfast buffet and all-day dining menu, and 40 Sky Bar & Lounge serves afternoon tea that can smoothly transition into cocktails after dark. Meanwhile lively C:Grill – a crustacean-centred restaurant – is a popular spot among locals. For Japanese cuisine, however, Kura steals the show – it’s home to a series of intimate counters, where chefs prepare a selection of seasonal sushi or delicious teppanyaki grilled dishes against a backdrop of sparkling night views.
Rejuvenate body and spirit during your stay with a visit to the Conrad Spa. Boasting four private treatment rooms, a relaxation room, beauty salon and whirlpool area, choose to indulge in massages and treatments while looking out over the lively city. Those looking to stay active can swim laps in the heated indoor pool, or make use of the onsite gym, with personal trainers available to tailor a workout to your needs.
