Gain an extensive, educational and unforgettable insight into Japan's spellbinding heritage in our World Heritage Japan tour. Starting in the bright lights of Tokyo, one of the most eclectic cities on earth, guests visit the vibrant shopping district of Harajuku and explore the many temples and shrines before walking through an ancient Geisha district. From the city we continue our world heritage tour and head up into the mountains of Nikko National Park.

Take an unforgettable ride on the Bullet train to Takayama. A fascinating and well preserved old town, Takayama takes guests back in time with its traditional architecture and unique culture. Stay in Japanese style ryokan accommodation complete with tatami mats, shoji rice paper sliding doors and onsen baths. Continue to Shirakawago by bus. Along with neighboring Gokayama, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Guests will have the opportunity to stay in one of them.

On the way to Kyoto we stop at Kanzawa, a stunning castle town and once Japan's wealthiest town. Now a thriving center for culture and arts, guests can also visit the beautiful Kenroku-en garden. When we arrive in the formal imperial capital of Kyoto, guests are literally spoilt for choice with over 2,000 temples and shrines and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites available to visit. Kyoto is also home to Kinkakuji, known as The Golden Temple, and Ryoan-ji, the site of Japan's most famous Zen garden. Experience a traditional tea ceremony and make your way to the summit of the religious center of Mt Koya (Koya-san). Visits to Miyajima and Hiroshima unveil stunning juxtapositions in modern and traditional architecture, delicious cuisine and friendly locals. Finish the tour with a relaxing couple of days in Nara, one of Japan's former capitals from the 8^th Century.

Arrive in Tokyo to be greeted by our staff then transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Spend a full day sightseeing in Tokyo. Visit Meiji Shrine before soaking up the sights in the trendy Harajuku district. Finish the day visiting Sensoji temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Head to the mountains of Nikko National Park. With an expert local guide visit the numerous temples and shrines.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Board the Shinkansen bullet train and make your way to Takayama, a beautifully preserved town with its own intriguing culture due to its remote location. Stay in traditional Japanese accommodation.

Overnight in Takayama.

Visit the Miyagawa morning market and try some local fresh produce. In Hida No Sato we visit a traditional Folk Village where over 30 farmhouses and other buildings from the Hida region remain.

Overnight in Takayama.

Travel by bus to Shirakawago that rests in the mountainous Shogawa River Valley. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it remains famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

Dinner is included tonight at your accommodation.

Continue to Kanazawa and visit Kenroku-en garden, ranked one of Japan's top 3 gardens. Then head to Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital and home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Start the day by visiting Nijo Castle, famous for its Monoyama architecture. Continue to Kinkakuji (The Golden Pavillion), one of Kyoto's most famous temples. The final stop of the morning is Ryoan-ji Zen, the site of Japan's most famous rock garden, perfect for a spot of Zazen meditation after a busy morning. After lunch, visit Kiyomizu (Pure Water) Temple.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Adorn a traditional kimono and participate in a tea ceremony as you learn about Japanese culture in a restored machiya (traditional wooden farmhouse). Try your hand at making your own tea before exploring Kyoto at your own pace.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Take a scenic train journey to Mt Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train winds its way up into the mountains of the Wakayama Prefecture. A number of temples line the streets of Koyasan, our knowledgeable guide will show you around them while explaining the links to Japanese Buddhism.

Overnight in Koya-san.

Through an interesting series of cable cars, trains, bullet trains and finally a ferry, you make your way to the small sacred island of Miyajima. Visit the iconic floating Torii Gate. Here you can also take the cable car up to the top of Mt Misen for sweeping views of the island and surrounding Inland Sea.

Overnight in Miyajima.

Head back to the mainland and explore Hiroshima, a culturally vibrant city. Wide boulevards, great food and fascinating boutiques are home to a friendly and welcoming community. Wander through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and discover the many memorials, monuments and statues before heading into the Museum itself. 

Dinner again is served at your ryokan.

Visit Nara, a former capital of Japan from the 8^th Century, home to a number of temples and shrines from this period. Explore Nara Park and Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden building.

Overnight in Nara.

Today is free for you to continue your sightseeing in Nara until your included transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport (90min).