Suggested itineraries Yudanaka
Nikko Kanazawa
Matsumoto
Matsumoto
Takayama Tsumago
Tokyo
Tsumago
Kyoto Kamakura Kyoto Nara
Central Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto & Japanese Alps This classic itinerary highlights the very best of Japan. From the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo to the peaceful temples and gardens of Kyoto, you’ll experience many of the contrasts of Japan. Spend time in traditional accommodation, delve into Japanese history and see geisha in Kyoto. Day 1
Arrive in Tokyo and begin your exploration of the city.
Day 2
Explore Tokyo, either with a guide or at your own pace, including the Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine.
Day 3
Visit Kamakura to see the Daibutsu Buddha.
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Take the train to the small city of Matsumoto in the morning. Explore the famous Crow Castle and other sights. Take the train to the quiet and picturesque village of Tsumago, where you can walk part of the historic Nakasendo Highway. Travel by local train and bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart. Use this afternoon to see the sights, including the Golden Pavilion and Ryoanji temple, famed for its Zen gardens. A day to explore more of Kyoto’s highlights. In the evening your guide will collect you for a tour of Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district. Take a day trip to nearby Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Return to Kyoto via Fushimi-inari Shrine for its stunning procession at the red torii gates. Start the day with a chance to try your hand at a traditional cultural activity such as a tea ceremony. Later, return to Tokyo by bullet train.
Nara Hiroshima Miyajima Island
Matsumoto Tokyo
Hakone National Park
Kyoto
Mount Koya
Nara
Grand tour of Japan
Japanese Alps Explorer
This comprehensive itinerary allows an in-depth exploration of the best that mainland Japan has to offer.
The central Japanese Alps region is one of the most beautiful in the country. From May to October walking, hiking and outdoor activities can be enjoyed, whilst the winter brings ample opportunity for skiing and snowboarding.
Day 1
Arrive in Tokyo and begin exploring the city.
Day 2
Enjoy a guided tour of Tokyo.
Day 3
Visit Nikko, home to some spectacular shrines.
Day 4
Start early at the Tsukiji Fish Market, then enjoy a guided tour around the shitamachi district of Tokyo.
Day 5
Travel to Tsumago.
Day 6
Visit the castle town of Matsumoto and later, travel through the Japanese Alps to Takayama.
Day 7
Explore Takayama’s traditional buildings.
Day 8
Travel to Kanazawa.
Day 9
Explore Kanazawa, including the Kenrokuen Garden.
Day 10
Travel by train to Hiroshima.
Day 11
Visit the evocative Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
Day 12
Cross the Inland Sea to Miyajima Island.
Day 13
Travel to Kyoto and take part in a tea ceremony or cookery class.
Day 14
Explore Kyoto at your own pace.
Day 15
Take in the quiet gardens of Kyoto. In the evening take a stroll around the Gion district with your local guide.
Day 16
Visit the nearby Fushimi-inari Shrine. Continue to Nara to see the Todai-ji Buddha. Travel to Mount Koya. Spend the night in temple lodgings.
Day 18
Explore Mount Koya. Take the train to Hakone National Park.
Stay longer
Day 19
Explore the national park.
Travel to Hakone National Park on your way back from Kyoto, to spend some time relaxing in the hot springs.
Day 20
Return to Tokyo for a final night.
Day 21
Onward flight from Tokyo.
Onward flight from Tokyo.
Kamikochi Murodo
Tokyo
Day 17
Day 10
Kanazawa
Day 1
Arrive in Tokyo.
Day 2
Explore the varied sights of Tokyo at your own pace.
Day 3
Travel to the small hot spring town of Yudanaka by train to see the playful snow monkeys.
Day 4
Visit nearby Obuse, a quiet artisan town.
Day 5
Take the train to Matsumoto and then travel by local bus to Kamikochi.
Day 6
Do some light walking or more serious hiking in and around Kamikochi.
Day 7
Return to Matsumoto to explore the city, including Crow Castle.
Day 8
Traverse the mountains on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. You spend the evening in Murodo, about halfway along the route.
Day 9
Enjoy a walk in the area and then continue on the route to Kanazawa.
Day 10
Explore the Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa’s samurai districts.
Day 11
Take the express train to Kyoto. Try a traditional activity of your choice, such as calligraphy or flower arranging.
Day 12
Explore Kyoto at your own pace and in the evening take a walk around the geisha quarter with your guide.
Day 13
Visit nearby Nara to see the great Todai-ji Buddha.
Day 14
Return to Tokyo by bullet train.
Day 15
Head to the airport for your flight.
www.audleytravel.com/japan • 01993 838 210 • Central Japan
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