Buffet breakfast to be served at the hotel.

Morning – guided sightseeing tour of Tokyo

Meet your guide after breakfast this morning for your guided sightseeing tour of Tokyo. We shall have various opportunities to view the Cherry Blossoms during today. 

Imperial Palace Plaza - Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and imperial residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.

Yakasuni Shrine - The origins of Yasukuni Jinja lie in a shrine called Shokonsha, established at Kudan in Tokyo in the second year of the Meiji era (1869) by the will of the Emperor Meiji. In 1879, it was renamed Yasukuni Jinja.

Yasukuni Jinja was established to commemorate and honour the achievements of those who dedicated their precious lives to their country. The name “Yasukuni,” bestowed by the Emperor Meiji, means to preserve peace for the entire nation.

More than 2,466,000 divinities are enshrined at Yasukuni Jinja. These people, regardless of their rank or social standing, are considered to be completely equal and worshipped as venerable divinities of Yasukuni.

We begin our morning with a visit to the Imperial Palace and Chidorigafuchi (cherry blossoms) before continuing on to Yakasuni Shrine. 

Stopping for lunch at Tokyo Whisky Library, we continue this afternoon to Teamlab Borderless Azabudai and end the day sightseeing at Shibuya.

Tokyo Whisky Library - Anyone not very familiar with but willing to learn more about whisky best make straight for this Aoyama hideout. Pass the church on the ground floor of the elegant Santa Chiara complex and climb the stairs to find the door to Whisky Library, distinguished by – of course – its bookcases. And as you’d expect, these shelves are filled not with dusty old tomes but with a stunning collection of more than 1,200 different distilled spirits, sourced from all of the world’s major whisky (and whiskey) regions. Aiming to help newbies learn more about the overwhelming variety of fine malts, this bar has none of that ‘connoisseurs only’ attitude sometimes evident at other Tokyo whisky bars and provides a simple menu of options to get your sipping started. The 82 seats include sofas, stools and seating in private rooms, encouraging you to admire your drink from a variety of angles and in different lighting conditions – you’ll feel like you can discover something new even if you order the same tipple twice.

TeamLab Borderless doesn’t have traditional exhibition spaces. Instead, over 50 artworks move around the exhibition spaces interacting with each other and visitors. The artworks cycle through different stages over time — sometimes it takes a full hour for them to complete their cycle, but some are shorter. Because of this, we recommend allowing yourself time to circle back and visit exhibition spaces more than once. Some of the artworks you can see at TeamLab Borderless include:

• Microcosmoses – Wobbling Light: jelly-like masses of light shake as they travel through the room.
• An Existence Without Centre or Boundary : an artwork that appears to exist materially in the room, but does not actually exist.
• Bubble Universe: bubble-like spheres fill the space.
• Universe of Fire Particles Dissolving: flames extend in every direction and then dissolve away.
• Sketch Ocean: Visitors colour in a fish and then watch it come to life.

Evening – Yakitori BBQ Dinner at Nishi Azabu Gonpachi  

We depart early this evening to Gonpachi for our first Japanese dining experience…Yakitori BBQ. This is the restaurant from the famous movie ‘Kill Bill’.

Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu offers carefully selected domestic soba noodles and hand-made soba flour carefully ground in a stone mill every morning, skewers carefully grilled with binchotan charcoal, and freshly fried hot tempura with a unique arrangement of Gonpachi. Gonpachi is world-famous for being the model for the historic ‘izakaya meeting’ between former President George W. Bush and former Prime Minister Koizumi, as well as scenes from film director Quentin Tarantino's ‘Kill Bill.’ As a Japanese restaurant that serves soba noodles, skewers, tempura, etc., it is patronized by customers not only in Japan but also around the world. Enjoy the dynamic interior reminiscent of good old Japan and the ‘Gonpachi Nishi Azabu’ that has fans from Japan and abroad.

Overnight: Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo

Buffet breakfast to be served at the hotel.

Morning – Go Kart Experience 

A unique experience this morning…go kart in the streets of Tokyo.

This guided go-karting course will bring you past many of Tokyo's iconic spots, including Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, Ginza, Ueno, Asakusa, and Tokyo Skytree. You'll get to experience a thrilling go-kart ride around the city and take in its sights along the way.

Solo and group riders are both welcome — you can ride alone or with friends and family. Note that whether you're riding solo or with a group, you or your group will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide-driver who will lead the way as you zip through Tokyo in your go-kart.

Before you set off, take the opportunity to don a wacky costume or dress up as your favourite game character. Then, after a short instructional session, hop into your kart, and imagine yourself transported into a colourful video game world as you take to the streets of Tokyo, one of the most vibrant cities in the world!

Upon completion of your go kart experience, stop for tempura lunch at Aoi Marushin.

Aoi-Marushin was founded near Senso-ji Temple's famed Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) in 1946. Specializing in tempura and tendon (tempura on rice), the restaurant moved to its present location half a block west of the gate in 1965. Known for using lots of batter, this is a great shop for getting your authentic tempura fix.

Afternoon and Evening – at leisure

After lunch, return to the hotel with the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure. 

Overnight: Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo

Buffet breakfast to be served at the hotel.

Morning – travel by Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto

Check-out after breakfast this morning, meet your guide and travel by private chartered motorcoach to Tokyo train station.

     Depart from: Tokyo

     Depart time: 09:00

     Train: Nozomi # 13

     Arrive Kyoto: 11:15

     Lunch will be a Bento Box with some delicious Japanese food.

Arriving into Kyoto, board you privately chartered motorcoach and begin your sightseeing tour of Kyoto.

Afternoon – guided tour of Kyoto  

We continue to visit Ninnaji Taizoin Temple followed by a Japanese Tea experience. Our day concludes with a visit to the most famous of Kyoto sites, Kinkakuji Temple.

Ninnaji Temple - Also known as Omuro Gosho, Ninna-ji Temple was built in 888. Within the large compound there stand two important cultural properties—the five-story pagoda and the niomon gate—and a national treasure, the main hall. Many of the temple's assets are displayed in the Reiho-kan Museum, including the sedentary statue of the deity Aizen Myo. It is also famous for its 200 squat cherry blossom trees, collectively known as Omurozakura, that are as short as two meters and bloom last in Kyoto.　

Japanese Tea Ceremony - begin at the Temple with a traditional purification ritual, a completely unique and insightful experience for Western visitors. Afterwards, remove your shoes at the entrance of the Grand Tearoom and proceed inside to take your seat. Sample matcha tea at its best. The Tea Master will guide you throughout, showing and explaining every step of the way. Throughout the ceremony you will be taught the fine art of drinking matcha tea and learn about the importance of the ceremony.

Kinkakuji Temple - hidden at the foot of the mountains of Kyoto, this famous Buddhist temple welcomes some of the largest numbers of visitors per year. Get your sunglasses ready, this is one dazzling temple! At the door of the temple, an entry ticket, a slip of Japanese calligraphy, well worth its price, allows you entry to an immersive and poetic experience. 

A tree-lined road leads you to the pond, in the middle of which stands Kinkakuji, showing off its golden exterior. Despite its small size, the majesty of the building is undeniable. Perched on this three-storey building is a phoenix, which dazzles the people coming to admire the monument.

Evening – Shabu Shabu Dinner at Nanzenji Yachiyo

Nestled among Kyoto’s eastern hills on the approach to one of the ancient city’s most influential Zen temples lies Nanzenji Yachiyo, a long-established inn that takes as much pride in its haute cuisine as in its traditional hospitality. Although only ten minutes by car from the bustling downtown Gion area, this spot is a quiet area where nothing interrupts the garden scenery, which borrows from the surrounding landscape. The designer, Ogawa Jihei, also created the famous Heian Jingu Shrine garden and Maruyama Park. Nanzenji Yachiyo’s garden, visible from every room in the main building, is one of the many ways it feels like having a private slice of quintessential Kyoto.

The main building, constructed over a century ago, was formerly a villa of Nanzenji Temple and was fashioned in the sukiya-tsukuri architectural style, a way that appealed to traditional aesthetics. Although it retains that character, it has been renovated with modern features and upgrades like fragrant hinoki cypress baths.

The history of Nanzenji Yachiyo’s restaurant dates to 1588, with records of having served food for renowned warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s nearby villa. As the city of Kyoto underwent historical changes, so to do the restaurant change locations and names. It found its present home and opened as an inn following the end of World War II. It upholds culinary traditions by serving classic Kyoto dishes like pike conger eel in summer and “yudofu” simmered tofu, which Nanzenji Temple is well known for.

The elegant restaurant, with its garden views, is also a popular place for shared hot-pot dishes like shabu-shabu, marunabe, and sukiyaki. Every day, the staff prepares a new dashi soup stock that is famously suited to the delicate flavours of the Kyoto-style kaiseki haute cuisine.

Nanzenji Yachiyo is the perfect spot for guests looking for a quaint place to stay with a beautiful garden view and delicious food!

Overnight: Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Buffet breakfast to be served at the hotel.

Morning – Nijo Castle, Heian Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple and Samurai Theatre

Today is a day of visits to some majestic and cultural monuments, Nijo Temple followed by Heian Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple, all with the opportunity to view Cherry Blossoms!

Nijo Castle - known as the Kyoto residence of the famous leader Tokugawa Ieyasu (the first shogun of the Edo Period), Nijō Castle is a stronghold that represents the prestige and power of the mighty leader known as the unifier of Japan. Construction on the castle was begun in 1601 and finished 25 years later by Ieyasu’s grandson Iemitsu.  In 1939, the castle was donated to the city of Kyoto and was officially opened to the public.  Enjoy exploring and learning about Ieyasu’s dramatic and interesting life - no one said history had to be boring! With hundreds of varieties of flora as well, Nijō-jō is also a great place to view some of Japan’s treasured seasonal beauty.

Heian Shrine - located in the museum-heavy Okazaki area and built for the city’s 1,100th anniversary, Heian Jingū is a new shrine as far as Kyoto goes.  A replica of a famous Heian Period structure, its architecture has a distinctive Chinese influence noticeable throughout.  Visitors enter through the grand Ōtenmon Gate into the outer sanctuary, a sprawling open space surrounded by look-out towers with a large ritual hall directly ahead.  Heian Shrine’s Shin'en Garden, which consists of four distinct sections, is particularly beautiful and famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and irises in summer.  The torii gate leading up to the Heian Shrine is actually one of the largest in the country, towering overhead at a height of about 24 metres.  Heian Shrine is host to the grand Festival of Ages in October as well as many others throughout the year.

Kiyomizu Temple - situated in the eastern Higashiyama area, Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous and celebrated temples in Kyoto.  The temple was founded in 778 AD and contains buildings from the 17th century, including a main hall designated as a National Treasure.  The temple’s wooden stage is undoubtedly what the temple is most famous for, offering an outstanding panoramic view of Kyoto rising out of a sea of maples.  Drink the sacred water filled with good karma at the Otowa no Taki waterfall, wish for a loving relationship at the Jishu Shrine, venture into the “womb of the bodhisattva” tunnel and admire the numerous examples of beautiful architecture… There are countless ways you can enjoy Kiyomizu-dera.

On completion of our sightseeing, we travel to Kushikura for a Yakitori BBQ lunch.

Kushikura - for refined yakitori in traditional surroundings, Kushikura is a sure bet. Because they can do shio-yaki (salt-grilled) chicken, it’s a good choice gluten-free diners.

Located in a fine traditional machiya building on the north edge of downtown, Kushikura serves some fantastic yakitori (the “kushi” in the name refers to the skewers on which the yakitori is cooked) both as part of filling set meals and a la carte.

There are several nice private rooms for families and groups, as well as a great counter where you can watch the chefs at work.

Later this afternoon, a real treat at the Samurai Kenbu Theatre.

Afternoon – Samurai Theatre

Embark on a fascinating journey through the heart of Japanese martial arts and culture at Samurai Kenbu Theatre, where you experience a unique experience that immerses you in the ancient world of the Samurai. Programs are designed to enlighten and entertain, providing a blend of historical insight and hands-on practice.

Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, our range of classes and shows cater to all levels of interest. Learn the art of Kenbu, a traditional performance that combines swordplay with dance and poetry, deeply rooted in the Samurai ethos. Our expert instructors will guide you through the graceful yet powerful movements, allowing you to experience the discipline and artistry of the Samurai spirit.

Don't miss our exciting Samurai Class, where you can don authentic Samurai attire, wield a katana, and delve into the rich history and practices of these legendary warriors. From engaging classes to breathtaking performances, Samurai Kenbu offers an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Discover the spirit, beauty, and strength of the Samurai at Samurai Kenbu Kyoto. Join us for an adventure into the heart of Japanese culture.

Imagine stepping into the shoes of a Samurai and immersing yourself in their culture and practices. At our Kyoto Samurai Kenbu workshop, this experience comes to life! Kenbu, a traditional Japanese stage art, masterfully combines the use of a Katana (the iconic Japanese sword) and a traditional fan, all while embodying the spirit and poetry of the Samurai.

Located in Kyoto, our workshop offers an authentic Samurai experience. Here, at our dojo (training gym), you can don the traditional attire used in Kenbu performances, learn the art of handling a Japanese sword and fan, and embrace the Samurai way in a fun and interactive manner.

Evening – Dinner suggestion…Have you ever tried Fire Ramen?

After a fun day exploring and experiencing Kyoto, this evening is at your leisure.

Burnt Kogashi Shoyu Ramen, also known simply as Burnt Shoyu Ramen, is characterized by its distinctive smoky aroma achieved by lightly burning soy sauce before combining it with rich broth. Popularized in regions like Kyushu, Japan, this technique enhances ramen flavour complexity.

MENBAKA Kyoto Fire Ramen Restaurant…we started first Menbaka (Fire Ramen) restaurant in 1984. In the early days, our restaurants served different types of ramen. One year after establishment, the founder found out that the green onion would not only emanate good smell but also enhance good taste. Since then, Fire Ramen was created and has become the most popular dish in Menbaka. 

Great experience and delicious ramen. At first when they gave us safety gear, I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. It was all safe and thrilling at the same time. The ramen was delicious, would have bought it even without the fire show."

Overnight: Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Buffet breakfast to be served at the hotel.

Morning – Sushi Making

A little after breakfast this morning, travel to your venue for a sushi making experience. 

Ready to roll like a sushi pro in Kyoto? Say Konnichiwa to Yone, Hide, and Yutaka, three sushi chefs on a mission to share their love for sushi-making! 

Kyoto is known for its unique style of sushi, which emphasizes seasonal and local ingredients. These culinary ninjas start their day hunting for the freshest fish at the Kyoto Central Wholesale Market, guaranteeing top-notch ingredients for your sushi adventure. With over 10 years of sushi mastery, these skilled chefs will lead you through the art of crafting the perfect nigiri and rolls. Don't worry about the language barrier; these craftsmen speak English fluently. 

Whether you're a sushi rookie or you already know a thing or two about nigiri, the step-by-step class will have you making top-notch sushi in no time! Join a group class for an in-depth, 90-minute lesson to take your sushi skills to a new level! You'll learn the secrets of traditional Japanese Nigiri Sushi, Gunkan Sushi, and Hosomaki–which is Maki Sushi made with nori on a ‘Makisu’ (bamboo mat). The chefs will explain, in-depth, about making sushi while everyone washes their hands. Then, you'll make 6 Nigiri and 2 types Maki rolls. You'll create a top-notch sushi meal with regular or premium fish (optional) and ingredients! After mastering the art of sushi-making, you'll indulge in your mouthwatering creations. 

Whether you're a sushi samurai or a curious foodie, join us for an unforgettable sushi-making experience in Kyoto. You’ll be able to bring home your newfound skills and make sushi long after your trip ends. Your taste buds (and friends) will thank you!

After lunch, bard your privately chartered motorcoach and travel to Biwako for a unique Japanese experience.

Afternoon and Evening – at leisure – venue Suggestion!

After returning to your hotel…or drop-off point of your choosing, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

Entertainment suggestion…Macho Bar!

Japan is famous for weird and wacky restaurant themes, but this one is sure to carry weight. Macho Cafes or Macho Bars have recently become popular amongst locals and foreigners alike. Experience Magic Mike-esque evening with muscley eye-candy.

Whilst the emphasis of a Macho Bar is indeed on its aesthetics, the food and alcohol are delicious. The menu offers a selection of themed drinks with designated poses, allowing you to sip on delicious cocktails whilst eyeing the firm, flexed muscles of the wait staff.

If you’re not one for alcohol, a variety of nutrient-rich health foods such as wasabi avocado and freshly squeezed fruit juice are available. Don’t worry, the eye-candy service extends to these beverages as well, as they squeeze the juice from the fruit by hand right in front of you.

There is an additional separate menu found in store, full of special ‘performances’ involving lots of flexing, ‘kabe-dons’, and a list of poses offered for free with each dish or drink ordered. These include typical body-building poses such as the double bicep and abdominal flex to show off their rippling abs. If you are lucky, you might just be able to see the infamous ‘pec dance’ and maybe even touch a Macho Man’s firm chest.

For a more flamboyant performance, the ‘Overflowing Muscle Fibers’ option is your best bet, with all the Macho Men ripping off their uniform for you – true Magic Mike style. You’ll also notice that certain taglines are used to enhance the atmosphere, like ‘aishiteru, aishiteru (I love you, I love you) for females, or ‘aniki’ (bossman) for males.

Once the night is over, the Macho men will send you off with an energetic ‘Arigatougozai-macho’ and a handful of photos in your phone commemorating your unique experience. Japan’s themed bars and cafes are one of a kind and I can guarantee that you won’t find a night out like any other in Japan’s Macho Bars.

Overnight: Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Buffet breakfast to be served at the hotel.

Morning – check-out…travel by Shinkansen Bullet Train to Hiroshima

Check-out after breakfast this morning, meet your guide and travel by private chartered motorcoach to Kyoto train station.

     Depart from: Kyoto

     Depart time: 09:52

     Train: Nozomi # 111

     Arrive Hiroshima: 11:33

    Lunch will be a Bento Box with some delicious Japanese food.

Afternoon – Itsukushima Shrine and Miyajima Ropeway

Arriving into Hiroshima, board your privately chartered motorcoach and travel to Itsukushima Shrine…afterwards, take the Miyajima Ropeway to Miyajima island.

Itsukushima Shrine and Miyajima Island - the centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima Jinja) on Miyajima is the source of both the island's fame and its name. Formally named Itsukushima, the island is more popularly known as "Miyajima", literally "shrine island" in Japanese, thanks to its star attraction. The shrine is known worldwide for its iconic "floating" torii gate.

The shrine and its torii gate are unique for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea during high tide. The shrine consists of multiple buildings, including a prayer hall, main hall and noh theatre stage, which are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea.

Miyajima Island has a long history as a holy site of Shinto. The island's highest peak, Mount Misen, was worshiped by local people as early as the 6th century. In 1168, Taira no Kiyomori, the most powerful man in Japan during the end of the Heian Period, selected the island as the site of his clan's family shrine and built Itsukushima Shrine.

The shrine is located in a small inlet, while the torii gate is set out in the Seto Inland Sea. Paths lead around the inlet, and visitors enjoy walking along them while looking out onto the sea. After sunset, the shrine and the torii gate are illuminated daily until 23:00, providing a perfect backdrop for ryokan guests to enjoy an evening walk in yukata and geta sandals. 

Evening – Japanese dinner at Setouchi Wasabi

This evening, dinner is at Setouchi Wasabi…below is an example of some of the menu.

Bamboo shoots sprouts. San'in mackerel with vinegar. Etajima oyster confit with olives Ehime sea bream Sanin mackerel salmon Domestic sayori [Simmered] Yellow-flavored shrimp and simmered spring vegetables (bamboo shoots, turnips, shiitake mushrooms, cherry ginseng) [ Strong] Hiroshima Highland Black Beef Steak -Onion Sauce- [Frying] Sakura shrimp kakiage Cod sprouts Kogomi With algae salt from Kamakari Ehime sea bream grilled in Saikyo [Steamed] Clams, shrimp, white fish with seafood tea bowl steamed 〜桜 kake~ [飯物] Ondo Chirimen Kama Rice Sumono Pickles [Sweetness] Fruit anmitsu with white balls….delicious!

Overnight: Rihga Royal Hotel, Hiroshima

Buffet breakfast to be served at the hotel.

Morning – Peace Memorial Museum

Departing the hotel after breakfast, this morning visit is a sombre one…the Peace Memorial Museum.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum - Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園, Heiwa Kinen Kōen) is one of the most prominent features of the city. Even visitors not looking for it will likely stumble upon the large park of over 120,000 square meters. Its trees, lawns, and walking paths are in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown area.

Before the bomb, the area of what is now the Peace Park was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason, it was chosen as the pilot's target. Four years to the day after the bomb was dropped, it was decided that the area would not be redeveloped but instead devoted to peace memorial facilities.

The park's main facility is the Peace Memorial Museum. Consisting of two buildings, the museum surveys the history of Hiroshima and the advent of the nuclear bomb. Its main focus though is on the events of August 6: the dropping of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. The personal details displayed are quite upsetting and serve to remind that we should not take peace for granted.

The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building served as a location to promote Hiroshima's industries. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing, and remains so today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past.

Between the Museum and the A-Bomb Dome is the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims. The Cenotaph is an arched tomb for those who died because of the bomb, either because of the initial blast or exposure to radiation. Below the arch is a stone chest holding a register of these names, of which there are over 220,000.

Every year on the anniversary of the bomb, a ceremony is held at the park. Speeches are made, wreathes are laid at the Cenotaph, and a moment of silence is observed at 8:15 am, the precise moment of detonation.

On completion of the tour, Okonomiyaki lunch at Hiroshimayaki.

Afternoon and Evening – at leisure

After lunch, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure.

Sightseeing suggestion…ride on the old time Hiroden vintage trolleys

The remnants of yesteryear exist in Hiroshima in many ways, especially embodied through the old-time Hiroden Vintage Trolley cars that run through the streets. These trolley cars do more than simply looking the part for the vintage aesthetic, with their wooden-frames and lacquer paint. Many of these trolley cars were issued prior to the dropping of the bomb, and many of them still exist today and are still in operation, servicing the city as an iconic form of public transportation.

The presence of these trolley cars at the time of the bombing has led to them being dubbed hibaku densha, meaning atomic bomb cable cars. These trolley cars are an essential piece of Hiroshima history, as well as a practical way to explore what the rest of the city has to offer!

Overnight:   Rihga Royal Hotel, Hiroshima

Buffet breakfast to be served at the hotel.

Morning – at leisure prior to check-out…

This morning and lunch at your leisure, prior to check-out and transfer to Hiroshima Airport for your flight to Australia

OR

Extend your stay and travel with us to Seoul, South Korea.