MAJESTIC JAPAN - 11 days, 8 cities, 1 country

Day 1 - Welcome to Osaka, Japan

Begin your Japan luxury tour by journeying to your five-star hotel. Located in the heart of the city, on the banks of the Okawa River and famous for cherry blossom viewing in the spring. Pop into the hotel’s Old Imperial Bar whose classic decor pays homage to Tokyo’s original Imperial Hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Tonight, awaken your tastebuds with tempura and sushi over stunning views over Osaka’s skyline.

Included Dining: Dinner

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel, Osaka.

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Day 2 -  Highlights of Osaka

Get your bearings in Osaka’s hub of cutting-edge architecture by taking in 360-degree city views from the Floating Garden Observatory in Umeda Sky. Take the floating escalator or glass elevator to the donutshaped observatory at the top of this 40-story-high skyscraper to watch the city unfold below. From great heights to tempting bites, discover Osaka’s foodie hub of Dotonbori Street on a walking tour with your Travel Concierge. Try the local specialty of ground octopus wrapped in batter called Takoyaki. Continue your exploration of striking architecture at Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks and pivotal in the reunification of Japan during the 16th century.

Included Dining: Breakfast

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel, Osaka.

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Day 3 -  A Local Perspective on Hiroshima

Travel in style - and as the locals do - arriving in Hiroshima by Shinkansen (bullet train), zipping past small towns, rice fields and snow-capped mountains on your swift and comfortable journey. In Hiroshima, explore the UNESCO Peace Memorial Park and Museum, the only structure left standing after the first atomic bomb was dropped during World War II. Enhance your experience by meeting a survivor who will share moving, personal insights. After a reflective morning, indulge in savory okonomiyaki pancakes popular in the region before taking the shinkansen to Kyoto, known for thousands of years as the Imperial capital of Japan.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Thousands

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Day 4 - The Temples and Geisha of Kyoto

Uncover Kyoto’s ancient traditions and revered culture on a city tour with your Travel Concierge before marvelling at the Zen Buddhist temple Kinkakuji’s famed Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of classic architecture and expansive gardens. Discover a vastly different type of temple at Giouji Temple where a grove of indigenous bamboo and maple trees invite you to linger before learning about the local folklore and exploring the temple's thatched hut. In the Gion district, dine on classic Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine and appreciate the talents of a Maiko, an apprentice geisha. Central to Kyoto culture, geisha are highly skilled entertainers specializing in classical music, dance, conversation and games. Embark on a walk around the vibrant Gion neighbourhood, Kyoto's primary geisha district, and perhaps enjoy the local teahouses, lantern-lit restaurants and bars.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Thousands

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Day 5 - Mt. Fuji and on to Tokyo

Jet set to Mishima on the bullet train for views of the majestic Mount Fuji over lunch at a local restaurant. Personalise your day before travelling to Tokyo: Visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum devoted to the artist who revived the lost art of Tsujigahana, a labor-intensive silk dyeing technique used to decorate kimonos. In this impressive setting, wander the serene gardens and admire the collection of beautiful kimonos depicting themes of nature and the seasons. Or, revel in more mountain and lake views taking the Kachi-Kachi Ropeway cable car to the peak of Mount Tenjo.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel

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Day 6 -  Explore Traditional Tokyo

Explore two of Tokyo’s most notable landmarks, the Tokyo National Museum’s large collection of artwork and artefacts from Asia and the sprawling gardens surrounding Meiji Jingu Shrine. Dive into Tokyo culture your way through a culinary or fashion-focused exploration. Learn the art of sushimaking using the highest quality fish with a Japanese Master Sushi Chef before savoring lunch and strolling Ginza, the Champs-Élysées of Tokyo. Or, join a Local Expert venturing to the wide, treelined, high-end shopping boulevard of Omotesando and bustling Harajuku known for its quirky and cutting-edge fashion before indulging in lunch. Tailor your evening at one of two hand-picked restaurants, each specializing in the local delicacies of Shabu-shabu hot pot or Teppanyaki.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel

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Day 7 -  Journey to Sendai

Journey north to Sendai, the City of Trees and a true locals’ off-the-beaten path region. Hear insights into life on one of Sendai’s many islands, joining the owner of a local inn for a lunch of fresh seafood. Immerse yourself in the spectacular surroundings on a private cruise showing off the impressive views of Matsushima Bay pine-covered islands which have been featured in Japanese poetry since ancient times. Dive further into ancient culture as you take part in a traditional tea ceremony, a treasured ritual dating back a thousand years. Be amazed at the step-by-step ritual from entering the teahouse to taking your seat to pouring and sipping the perfect cup of matcha tea.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Westin, Sendai.

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Day 8 -  Tsugaru and Hirosaki Castle

Travel by bullet train to Neputa Village where you’re invited to Hirosaki Castle to learn the stories behind the blooms from a cherry blossom doctor. Learn how his team nurtures these beautiful trees from sapling to maturity and ensure all the cherry blossoms of the region are strong, healthy and able to thrive during the fleeting cherry blossom season. Explore the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village to see the colourful decorations used during the summer Neputa Festival and watch skilled craftsman at work who spend a month lacquering to create the perfect chopsticks. Admire more of the traditional arts as you sit down to a private performance of traditional Tsugaru Shamisen guitar and thundering and expressive Taiko drumming. Today’s journey concludes at the beautiful and peaceful Oirase Gorge.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel, Oirase Gorge.

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Day 9 -  Exploring Oirase

Discover one of Japan’s most-revered nature haven of Oirase Gorge. Stroll along the crystal-clear Oirase Keiryu stream, admire the cascading waterfalls and marvel at the seasonal colours of the indigenous forest from the lush greens of spring to the fiery hues of autumn. After a lunch of local and seasonal ingredients, perhaps enjoy a soul soothing Onsen bath in the nearby forest, immersed in the serenity with only the distant sounds of nature to accompany you. End the day in the company of a sake brew master, for a private, VIP tasting of this national alcoholic beverage made from fermenting rice and a tour of his local brewery.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel, Oirase Gorge.

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Day 10 -  The Highlights of Tokyo

Returning to Tokyo by bullet train for your final night in this bustling city of neighbourhoods. Explore Askusa neighbourhood's Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, the oldest temple in Japan, entering through the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), the symbol of Asakusa and the city of Tokyo. Soak in more of traditional Tokyo with a stroll down Nakamise Street, dating back to the 17th century, where colourful Japanese souvenirs of traditional dress such as yukata and folding fans are on display. Celebrate your travels with a fine dining experience at Hoshinonaruki where each dish is elegantly prepared and presented to showcase the stellar ingredients.

Included Dining: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel

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Day 11 - Farewell Japan

Your Osaka to Tokyo luxury tour ends in style with your private car to Narita or Haneda International Airport for your onward journey.

Included Dining: Breakfast