12th May: Depart Malta

Meet at Malta International Airport for our flight to Japan. According to the current flight schedule we are expected to depart Malta at 15.35hrs, have a short transit in Dubai, and fly to Tokyo arriving at 17.35hrs.

13th May: Arrive Tokyo

Tokyo is a thriving colourful city that enchants its visitors with its numerous attractions, historic temples, electronic town, gardens, high rise buildings and markets. The contrast and diversity experienced here is like no other. From a jungle of electric lights and colours at night, which provide a sensory overload for visitors, to the traditional neighbourhoods with their old low-slung wooden buildings and glowing lanterns radiating warmth. Tokyo will also connect us to Mt Fuji and many other interesting parts of Japan.

According to our current flight schedule we are expected to arrive in Tokyo at 17.35 hrs. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel for our first night in the Land of the Rising Sun.

We will overnight in Tokyo for the next 2 nights. Accommodation: Gracery Ginza Hotel or similar.

14th May: Discover Tokyo (B=breakfast)

We will spend our day discovering the diverse city of Tokyo; from the modern part of the city, to the old classic neighbourhoods and spiritual areas. We will also get a different glimpse of the city as we will rise 150m above the ground at the Tokyo Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view which will leave you convinced that you are walking in the sky!

Perhaps the most iconic symbols of the city in Tokyo is Shibuya crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. Surrounded by large advertising screens, it is best known for the incredible ‘scamble’ that occurs every time the traffic lights turn red, stopping all vehicles in every direction to allow a huge wave of pedestrians to flood into the intersection for a few moments. Get ready to experience this!!!

We will also explore several temples and shrines including Asakusa Sensoji Kanon Temple, one of the most colourful temples in Japan. A stop at the Imperial Palace Double Bridge will complete the list of the most prominent sites to visit in Tokyo. One of the things to do in Tokyo is to head to the different shopping areas and get lost in the vibrant streets. One of which is Nakamise street, which is one of the oldest and most famous shopping streets in Asakusa. It runs for 250m, starts and ends with a temple gate, and it has a history of centuries with shops selling traditional souvenirs, kimonos, clothes, snacks and sweets.

Ginza comes next. Described as Tokyo’s most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district where locals hang around. We will allow some time here to feel the Japanese buzzing energy and get accustomed to the local’s way of life. Later in the evening we will transfer back to our hotel to freshen up and those who wish can join us to explore Tokyo by night.

15th May: Mt Fuji and the Shibazakura Festival (B, D)

Get ready for a spectacular day! The sight of Mount Fuji is already breathtakingly beautiful. Now add blooming flowers during spring time and the surrounding lake, and you’ll find yourself in paradise!

Japan is an anthophile’s dream and besides the famous cherry blossoms in March, Japanese are also proud of the blooming of the Shibazakura. The low growing shrub comes in a dozen shades of pink, and when it is in full bloom it creates vistas of pink blossoms. Japanese celebrate the Fuji Shibazakura Festival and the best time falls into the 1st three weeks in May, which is exactly when we will be visiting.

With 800,000 plants, the festival promises only the most spectacular views, set around a small lake, that, according to legend, is home to a tamed dragon, against the backdrop of Japan’s most famous landmark, Mt Fuji. Festival stalls selling pots of pink moss, shibazakura-themed souvenirs, food and local produce will complete our experience.

We will then make a stop at hot spring resort town of Lake Kawaguchiko, to enjoy even better views of Mt Fuji. Here we will take a short cruise on one of the Fuji Five lakes. We will set sail from the pier, cruise under the Kawaguchiko Bridge, and swing by an island. This will give us the opportunity to gaze at Mount Fuji as it looms over the beautiful lake shore. Jump at the chance to snap a photo of the mountain as it reflects in mirrored image across the lake beneath.

Finally, hop on the panoramic ropeway which sits more than 1000m above sea level, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the lake below, and the perfect shot of Mount Fuji right opposite. Tonight we will overnight in Kawaguchiko. Accommodation My Stays Mt Fuji Hotel or similar.

16th May: Matsumoto (B)

After breakfast we will depart to Matsumoto by coach (2 hours), and to start off with we will visit another national treasure, the Matsumoto Castle. Matsumoto is one of Japan’s premier historic castles. Its five-storey main tower, built in late 16th century, is the oldest surviving castle tower in the nation. It’s famously photogenic, backdropped by views of the Northern Alps. We will allow time to walk around the gardens as these provide wonderful views of the area.

A short walk from the castle is Nakamachi-dori, one of the most beloved of all Matsumoto attractions. This afternoon we will head to Nakamachi Street, known for its kura, or traditional stores, characterised by their black and white criss-cross patterned walls. A walk along this shopping street transports you back in time a few hundred years to when this modern city was but a simple castle town. This beautiful street is also a popular shopping area where you can buy Japanese handicrafts, such as pottery, lacquerware, and wooden crafts. There are many cafes and restaurants, as well, so it is a great place for us to grab the famous Shinsu Soba and Craft beer.

After a full day out we will head to our hotel. We will overnight at Iroha Grand Hotel or similar for 1 night.

17th May: The Japanese Alps (B)

Today will probably be one of the biggest highlights you will experience! The stunning Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a must for nature lovers like us. Today we will delve deeper into the country to see the Japanese Alps with breathtaking mountain views, beautiful green and lush valleys, turquoise lakes, and the unique and impressive 18m tall snow wall. But what is the Alpine Route? This is a scenic 90km route that crosses the northern part of the Japanese Alps from the east to west. It is an incredible journey through sacred mountains, wilderness, forests, impressive tunnels, high peaks, hot springs, and Japan`s highest dam Kurobe Dam. Most exciting is that in spring time, the Alpine Route is literally carved through the snow, making an impressive 18-meter high snow wall which we will be walking and driving through.

The whole Alpine Route is divided into nine sections, each with different transport modes and walking distances, and it can be easily covered in 1 day. To experience it all we will be taking the trolley bus, cable car, ropeway, highland bus and finally coach. Starting from 712m above sea level, we will eventually reach Murodo, the highest point of the route at 2450m with Mt Tateyama just opposite, one of Japan’s 3 holy mountains along with Mount Fuji, and Mount Hakusan.

At this point, we will have some time to go on a short hike to visit the Mikurigaike pond surrounded by several tall mountains. We will also enjoy a cup of coffee whilst admiring the splendid views from up here, before we start our way down, first by bus through a green lush forest with huge cedar trees, and then by cable car to Tateyama. From here, we will take our coach to the hotel. We will overnight at Hotel Grand Terrace Toyama or similar for 1 night.

18th May: A Rural Experience (B)

Today will offer us a different experience and yet another highlight. On our trips we like to move away from the hectic cities and travel to villages to get a more authentic experience. Takayama is a pleasant mountain town in the northern Japan Alps famous for its beautifully preserved old district especially because it retains a traditional touch. Considered as Gifu’s crown jewel, it boasts traditional architecture and preserved buildings and one can spend a whole day wandering its old streets, visiting craft shops, sampling local tea and digging into local treats. We will spend our morning roaming around the town, and exploring the market where every morning merchants set up their stalls.

Less than an hour by bus, is Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japanese fairytale hidden away deep in the mountains of Gifu. Here we will explore the historic village of Ogimachi with its immaculately preserved 250- year-old steep-roofed dwellings, taking us back to a different era of Japan. This village is famous for its gasshō-zukuri houses, whose steep-sided thatched roofs resemble hands clasped in prayer. The houses are still inhabited, and together with their adjacent rice paddies, present an incredibly picturesque landscape that is a joy to behold and to take a stroll through

And after a day out we will transfer to Kanazawa which is where we will be spending our night. Accommodation Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa or similar.

19th May: Kanazawa and Gion (B)

Kanazawa is one of the best preserved major Edo-period cities in the country. The samurai, the merchants, the geisha, and the lords have all left their mark on Kanazawa. The city boasts many historical attractions such as the Kanazawa castle and one of the most picturesque parts of the city, Higashichaya old town, which we will both visit.

The town features rows of tea houses dating back hundreds of years. Untouched by time, it is a living example of Japan’s cultural past and charming setting. Along with the Gion area of Kyoto, which we will visit this evening, it is one of only two geisha quarters nationally recognised for its cultural value. But Kanazawa’s unchallenged main attraction is Kenrokuen, by many considered the most beautiful garden in Japan. Every feature of a traditional Japanese garden is present here: ponds, stone lanterns, waterfalls, stone paths, bridges, streams, and historical tea houses. Moreover, it meets the 6 contrasting features for a truly outstanding garden; extensive space and quiet seclusion, human artistry and old fashioned elegance, flowing water and distant views. According to a Chinese poem it is almost impossible to create a garden that holds all six elements in common. However, if you take a stroll through Kenrokuen, you can actually find them all. We will spend some time absorbing the peaceful surroundings whilst discovering this unique garden.

Later in the afternoon we will depart to Kyoto by express train*. Upon arrival, we will check-in our hotel and off we go for another authentic experience.

We will head to Gion, the geisha district, and spend the rest of our evening here. Gion is quite charming and has strong ties to Japanese arts. It features traditional wooden houses with narrow, but tall facades. The side alleys are lined with preserved merchant houses serving Japanese cuisine, and among these are ochaya tea houses entertained by maikos (geiko apprentices) and geikos (a dialent for geisha). They enjoy engaging in light conversation, serving drinks and performing traditional dance. We will overnight in Kyoto for the next 2 nights. Accommodation Keihan Kyoto eki-minami or similar.

*Please note that to travel comfortably by train our luggage will be transported directly to the hotel in Kyoto and we will receive it the next day. Thus, we will carry a small bag and change of clothes with us.

20th May: Kyoto Full Day (B)

After breakfast we will depart to Kyoto. We have all seen pictures of soaring stalks of bamboo reaching the sky. But nothing can capture the feeling of standing in the midst of it all. Get ready to experience Arashiyama Bamboo Grove as we walk through thousands of tall bamboo plants in the bamboo alley.

We will then explore another two heritage sites,: (i) Kinkaku-Ji-Golden Pavilion. They say that nothing is as symbolic of Kyoto as Kinkaku-ji’s golden reflection shimmering across the rippled surface of the pond before it, (ii) Kiyomizudera Temple, one of the most celebrated temples in Japan marking its spot on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Translating as ‘Pure Waters Temple,’ Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside. The stage affords nice views of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of colour in spring time.

This afternoon will be all about delving deeper into the Japanese culture. We will experience one of the centuries old rituals, an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. This will give us the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the history, architecture and tastes of Japan, and to enhance our experience, you will also get to wear a traditional kimono.

21st May: Fushimi Inari shrine and Nara (B)

One of the most famous shrines in Japan is the Fushimi Inari shrine. This morning we will go on a torii gate-covered hiking trail through a seemingly unending path of over 5000 vibrant orange torii gates that wind through the hills behind the shrine. The hike to the mountain is quite pleasant and takes around 2 hours to complete.

Nara is a must see destination for us interested in traditional Japanese culture. It is also popular for its beautiful parks and thousands of deer, and it is packed with first-rate sights, including the famous Todai-ji Temple, and Nara-koen Park, with its famous semi-wild deer. During the second part of our day we will explore all this, and then we will head to our next destination…Osaka. We will overnight in Osaka for the next 2 nights. Accommodation: Hotel Vischio or similar.

22nd May: Himeji and Kobe (B)

Today we will make some very interesting stops. The first is Himeji castle, a nationaltreasure and a world heritage site. Himeji Castle is also known as ‘White Heron Castle’due to its elegant, whit appearance, and is widely considered Japan’s most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved complex castle grounds.

Next is Kobe Harborland. The district offers a large selection of shops, restaurants, cafes and other amusements. We will enjoy some free time here. You can opt for lunch overlooking the harbour, walk along the waterfront, go on the Ferris wheel or discover the shopping malls. Later, we will head to Osaka again, a charming relaxed city where its locals are known for their warm hospitality. The city is also known for its great nightlife, so those who wish, we’ll hop on the train and head to the centre to make the most of our night!

23rd May: Osaka (B)

It’s our last day in the Land of the Rising Sun. After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel. But our adventure is not over yet!! During the first part of our day we will go on an Osaka City Orientation Tour. We will visit the Umeda Sky Building, a 173m tall building consisting of two towers that are connected with each other by the ‘Floating Garden Observatory’ on the 39th floor. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck.

Next up is Osaka Castle. This five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country, with a history that dates back almost 450 years! Presenting Japanese architectural and cultural quintessence, the castle tower is surrounded by secondary citadels, gates, turrets, impressive stone walls and moats. The Nishinomaru Garden, encompassing the former western citadel, is a lawn garden with 600 cherry trees, a tea house, the former Osaka Guest House and nice views of the castle tower from below. We will spend the second part of our morning exploring the open park, which makes it a pleasant refuge from the city’s more urban areas.

Then, get ready for the most vibrant shopping experience ever!! Dotonbori is a bustling downtown area, with colorfully illuminating neon signs, 3D objects appearing to jump out in front of you, and many more unique, entertaining signs. We will have some free time to shop at Shinsaibashi Arcade. The 600m long arcade is filled with retail chains, department stores and trendy boutiques. And to finish off with, we will be treated with a Japanese dinner, as we make a toast for the wonderful memories shared, and experiences felt. We will then head to the airport for our flight back home. We are expected to arrive the next day at 14.05hrs.

We look forward to share this once-in-a-lifetime Experience, unique adventure, and so much More with you!

Thank you for choosing to Experience Japan with us!