Japan Odyssey

The first day of our small group tour Japan will begin in central Japan in the city of Kyoto with a welcome dinner. For those flying into Osaka, we recommend a coach transfer from Osaka to Kyoto. Odyssey welcomes the opportunity to provide recommendations for transfer arrangements to Kyoto upon request. The ancient city of Kyoto was the home of the Emperor for 11 centuries over 1,200 years ago. Numerous temples and shrines of poignant historical beauty in Kyoto display the refined architecture of Japan. Kyoto's legacy of aristocratic art and culture makes Kyoto unique among other cities of Japan. A "heartland" for many Japanese people, Kyoto is the place to encounter the finest essence of traditional Japan.

This morning, we set out with our local guide to explore the highlights of Kyoto. We will visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, site of the famous Golden Pavilion. The Golden Pavilion is set in a stunning garden across a mirror lake and was originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun, but at his request, became a Buddhist Temple after his death. We will then cross to another World Heritage listed temple, Ryoan-ji. This is the site of the Rock Garden, an area of great purity and simplicity, a beautiful masterpiece of Japanese culture. Our tour ends early afternoon back at the hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to visit Kiyomizu Temple (Pure Water Temple), an independent Buddhist temple with over 1200 years of history and from the temple's veranda we will enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto or take a walk around the Gion district of Kyoto, known for its very traditional style and Geishas.

Today we have a full day excursion to the ancient capital city of Nara, site of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” World Heritage-site. Our local guide will also take us to visit Todai-ji Temple, where Japan’s largest Buddha statue (daibutsu) is housed in the world’s largest wooden building. One of the other highlights of Nara we will surely see is the sight of tame deer wandering through the city especially in the environs of Nara Park. We then make your way to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and admire the ornate interior filled with both bronze and stone lanterns. Nara was the capital city before Kyoto and the site where Buddhism first settled on this island. Dating over 1,300 years ago, it was built by the strong desire for peace under the divine grace of the Buddha. Along with Buddhism came the advanced culture and treasures of the Asian continent to its west. Nara is in some terms recognised as the eastern end of the Silk Road.

This morning we make our way to the impressive JR Kyoto Station where we board the Shinkanzen Nozomi (Bullet Train) to Hiroshima. Later we will visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), which memorialises the devastation and lives lost in the atomic attack the city suffered in World War II.  Peace Memorial Park, which is laid out near the hypocenter of the attack, is dedicated to peace.  Here we'll learn about Hiroshima's recovery and growth to become a city with a population of 1.2 million citizens. The events of August 6, 1945 will forever mean that Hiroshima is a name that resonates around the globe. While we immediately think of the atomic bomb, Hiroshima is in fact a busy, prosperous and attractive city; a small metropolis that at once feels immensely liveable

We start our day with a guided visit to the island of Miyajima, located in Hiroshima Bay. The island is located less than an hour from Hiroshima, accessed by a 10-minute ferry ride. Its most famous site is the floating torii gate which at high tide gives the impression of floating on the water. The official name of the island is Itsukushima; however, the island is most commonly known as Miyajima which translates to "shrine island". It has a long history as holy site of Shinto, and its highest peak, Mount Misen, was worshiped by local people as early as the 6th century. In 1162, Taira no Kiyomori, the most powerful man in Japan during the end of the Heinan Period, selected the island as the site of his clan’s family shrine and built the Itsukushima Shrine in a small inlet, while the torii gate was set in the Seto Inland Sea. Itsukushima Shrine, which along with its torii gate, is unique for being built over water. The shrine’s multiple buildings are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars over the sea. At high tide the shrine and the torii gate appear to float above the water making for a very picturesque view, and at low tide visitors are able to walk out and se the gate from up close.

We continue exploring the city with our local guide in the morning, starting with a visit to the Shukkeien garden (translated as “shrunken scenery” garden), adjacent to Hiroshima’s Art Museum. The garden was originally built in 1620 by Ueda Soko, it’s said to have been modelled after Xi Hu (West Lake) in Hangzhou, China. In the vicinity we continue to Hiroshima Castle, also called Carp Castle, its main keep is 5 stories high and it’s surrounded by a moat. The castle was destroyed in 1945 with the Atomic Bomb and rebuilt 13 years later and now houses a museum about the city, its castle and castles in general in Japan. From the top floor of the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding city.

Today we transfer to Hiroshima station and board the Shinkansen to Okayama, where we change trains and board an Express Train to Matsue, arriving around midday. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the town including a visit to the beautifully landscaped garden and carefully curated art collection at the Adachi Museum. Our last stop of the day is at Matsue Castle, one of a dozen original castles in the country. Matsue prospered under the feudal lords in the Edo period (1603 – 1868). It is known as a water town, where a castle sits like a tower in the centre of web-like waterways which include the lake. Note:  Our luggage will be transported directly to our Tokyo hotel. You will need to arrange an overnight bag to cater for our two nights (Matsue and Hakone) before our arrival in Tokyo.

This morning we transfer to Izumo Airport to board our flight to Tokyo's Haneda Airport, and from there we will take a transfer to Hakone at the foot of Mt Fuji. We stop at Lake Ashi for a short cruise followed by a ride on the Hakone Ropeway (when visibility is good, panoramic views of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from the ropeway's upper station, we’ll also enjoy views of Owakundani Valley below). Our touring ends at the hotel late afternoon, where we’ll enjoy dinner. Following dinner, we will be able to experience the local onsen (Japanese hot spring) at the hotel. Hakone is a mountainous resort region containing many hot spring resorts. Hakone was designated as a National Park in 1938 and remains a mecca for Japanese wishing to soak in hot springs and gaze upon Mt. Fuji, the beautiful mountain that has such spiritual significance for all Japanese.

On the ninth day, we travel to Tokyo to for a full sightseeing day. The capital of Tokyo is the centre of population, politics, finance, and culture in Japan.  Approximately 12 million people reside within Tokyo, and almost one-fourth of Japan's total population lives within commuting distance of the city.  Historically, Tokyo was the centre of the feudal government of the Tokugawa Shogunate.  Popular Japanese traditions such as Kabuki, Sumo wrestling, and ukiyo-e woodblock prints became popular and flourished in ancient Tokyo. On a guided tour of Tokyo, we will see the iconic Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace, the Emperor's residence, as well as having the opportunity to visit the buzzing Nakamise shopping street.

Today, the Odyssey program leader will take you visit more of the local attractions of this fascinating city or you may explore the city at your own pace. You will receive additional information of local attractions and self guided walks with your travel documentation.

Today is at leisure for you to continue exploring this amazing city. In the evening we get together again for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Our tour will end in Tokyo after breakfast.