Best of Japan & Islands

Description

Tokyo 5 nights
Shizuoka 2 nights
Osaka 3 nights
Hiroshima 2 nights
Okinawa 4 nights
Miyajima Island 3 nights

✈️UK to Tokyo (5 Nights): Your journey begins in Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic capital where you’ll spend 5 nights to explore the wonders of this fascinating city.  Top on your agenda will be a visit to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, which is Japan’s oldest temple and an historic treasure, where you’ll also be able to soak up the Nakamise-dori, the bustling shopping street which leads to the temple that’s full of local food, sights and sounds.  Shibuya offers a more modern view of the capital, with its iconic Shibuya Crossing – possibly one of the most famous pedestrian crossings in the world.  For a dose of tranquillity amidst the city’s hustle and bustle, head to the Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. Also, don’t forget to explore the vibrant Harajuku, famous for its unique and eclectic fashion and boutiques.  The city’s transport links are great for getting around, with the efficient Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway making most tourist attractions easily accessible.

🚆Tokyo to Shizuoka (2 Nights):  You’ll take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to your next destination, Shizuoka, a coastal city southwest of the capital.  Shizuoka is famous for its picturesque landscapes, including views of Mount Fuji, tea plantations, and its scenic coastline.   There are plenty of places to view Mount Fuji, but one of our favourites is from Miho-no-Matsubara Beach which offers a spectacular view of the impressive mountain and the surrounding coastline. For food lovers, the Shimizu Sushi Museum provides insight into Japan’s beloved cuisine, and you can try super fresh seafood at Shimizu Fish Market. If you have time, take a visit to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine via the Ropeway cable car, which offers you a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

🚆Shizuoka to Osaka (3 Nights):  You’ll hop back on the efficient bullet train to take you to your next destination, Osaka, known for its culinary delights.  One of the best places to experience the city’s cuisine is Dotonbori, which is a lively place filled with neon signs and a wide variety of street food stalls, shops, entertainment and restaurants.    For something more historical, visit Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s history.  For the best views of the city, head to the Umeda Sky Building which has a great observation deck.

🚆Osaka to Hiroshima (2 Nights). Getting the bullet train for the final time on your Japanese adventure, you’ll arrive in Hiroshima, a city with an incredible history and an array of historic sites which serve as a reminder of the past.  At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, you’ll find the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum which provides a detailed look at the events of that fateful day.  Near the park, Hiroshima Castle, also known as the Carp Castle, has a beautifully reconstructed keep and grounds. For a taste of the city, make sure you try the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a delicious savoury pancake, and visit the Hiroshima-style tsukemen ramen shops.

🚢Miyajima Island (3 Nights):  From Hiroshima you’ll take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, officially known as ‘Itsukushima’.  The island has a lovely serene atmosphere where deer room freely.  Make sure you visit to Miyajima’s Momijidani Park and the Itsukushima Shrine, known for its dramatic torii gate that seems to float on the water – a truly beautiful sight which is especially picturesque during high tide when the gate is surrounded by water.

🚢✈️Miyajima > Hiroshima > UK.  After your stay on Miyajima Island, you’ll return to Hiroshima via ferry, then take a flight back home to the UK.