Japan's Hidden Treasures

Travel along the Hakone ‘Loop’ to explore the mountain town. In the morning, meet your guide and make your way to Hakone via public transport. On reaching the town, located within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, take the ropeway from the Gora area to the Owakudani volcano crater. During the gondola ride, enjoy bird’s- eye views of the volcanic landscape comprising active, sulfuric hot springs and the characteristic black soil. In Owakudani, you could sample eggs cooked in the hot springs and believed to have healing properties. Next, hop into an elegant boat to enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi, a caldera lake. On a clear day, you may be able to take in beautiful views of Mount Fuji. (Duration: full day; Time: 1030 hrs; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Entrance fees included; The order of the itinerary may vary; Please note that the visibility of Mount Fuji is weather dependent and the best chances of viewing it are from November to March)

Today you will take a guided tour with a local guide to the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama and the UNESCO site Shirakawa-go village. Start the day with a visit to the local Miyagawa Market along the Miyagawa River in the old town. Most stands sell local crafts and farm products such as vegetables, pickles and flowers. Take a walk in the district called San-machi Suji, the traditional home of Takayama merchants and sake brewers, which has been preserved in almost exactly the same state as 200 or 300 years ago. Here are inns, shops and taverns which trace their history back many generations. Visit the Takayama Jinya. Because of its valuable timber resources, the Hida Region around Takayama was put under direct control of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1692. The Takayama Jinya served as the local government office, headed by the officials dispatched from Edo. The present building complex includes various rooms for administrative purposes, offices, kitchens, toilets, bath rooms, residential space, a court room and storehouses. It was in official use until 1969, and is now open to the public as a museum. End the morning by stopping at a sake brewery and enjoy a tasting on Japan’s national tipple. Takayama’s sake is renowned nation-wide, thanks to the clear water of the surroundings. In the afternoon reach Shirakawa-go region by bus. Your guide will show you around the village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukkuri translates as ‘Praying Hands’, as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, and are designed to withstand the heavy snows which fall in the region. After the visit, you will separate from your guide and continue on own to Kanazawa or back to Takayama (transportation is included but will be unaccompanied). (Full Day; Private Activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable shoes.)

Discover the glorious 17th century Kenroku-en, renowned among Japan's top three gardens. Kenroku-en includes fountains, waterfalls, bridges, stone layouts, and teahouses that enhance its appearance around the year. A sophisticated water system feeds its two ponds – Kasumigaike and Hisagoike. The centerpiece of the garden is a huge two-legged stone lantern – Kotojitoro. Walk on its meandering paths that cut across forests of cherry trees and Karasaki pine. Drop by the well-preserved Seisoanku Samurai villa next door. Later, you will also visit the unique samurai district of Nagamachi. Nomura-ke, the showstopper of this district, is a historic samurai residence with Edo Period heirloom antiques, samurai calligraphy, an lovely courtyard garden, and a tea ceremony room. See the 400-year old Japanese bayberry tree on the premises, Japanese cypress ceilings, and traditional fusuma-e paintings. (Half Day; Private Activity with Public transport; Time of the Day: 0930 or 1300 hrs; Duration: 4 hrs; Fitness level: Moderate)

Revel in the traditional sights, smells and sounds of feudal Japan’s best preserved city, in the company of your local guide. Visit the many UNESCO World Heritage sites dotting Kyoto, beginning with the Kinkakuji Temple, originally built for the Shogun. At his request, the Shogun’s villa was converted into a Buddhist Temple after his death. Discover the magnificent 15th century Nijo Castle with its splendidly preserved medieval gardens from Japan’s Edo period. Admire the many details and typical architectural features of the old monument, before walking down to the bustling Nishiki Market. Eat your heart out at this food street payable on spot, also known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen', lined with innumerable restaurants and traditional eating houses! Try out typical local delicacies such as pickles, dried fish and sushi. Also visit the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo grove. (Full Day; Private activity & Public transport; Time: 0900 hrs; Duration: 9 hrs. Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Fitness level- Moderate; Food tasting to be paid by the guests on spot).

Learn about the history of Hiroshima on this informative tour. Meet your guide at your hotel and make use of public transport to reach the first city to be devastated by an atomic bomb. Head to the Peace Memorial Park at ground zero, dedicated to those who died in the attack. Walk around the park and get a look at the memorials, statues and monuments that commemorate that fateful day in 1945. Browse the exhibits in the museum and learn about the resilience of the human spirit that led to the rebirth of the city. Afterwards, visit the 17th century Shukkeien Garden with its miniature depictions of various natural formations such as valleys, mountains and forests. Take in the traditional design features of typical Japanese gardens as you walk along the winding path that circles the pond. You could stop by the tea houses around the pond for vantage views and excellent photo opportunities before it’s time to head back. (Duration: Half Day; Starting Time: 0900/1300 hrs; Private Activity; Shared Transfers; Fitness Level: Moderate; Entrance Fees Included; This tour involves use of public transport for transfers).