Discover Japan

The tour will start in the capital of Japan, Tokyo. It is one of the most modern cities in the world, where you can try the latest version of everything and the stores sell top fashion. However, look under the glossy surface to see that Tokyo is still very traditional country - ladies wear kimonos, people go to temples and enjoy blossoms of the city parks. Enjoy this unique atmosphere. Hit the road into Japan Alps on the next day and arrive to Takayam, which is commonly called the "Little Kyoto". Takayama earned this nickname because of its skilled craftspeople who built houses and temples for the Emperors in Kyoto. It significantly differs from the modern Tokyo by its traditional architecture. Visit the praying houses at the Hida Folk Village, walk around the houses and stop for a cup of sake at one of the local breweries. Rent a bicycle if you want to explore the neighbourhood and enjoy the adventure. Then you will go to Kanazawa – castle-town and popular region to see samurai and geishas, and one of the most breath-taking gardens in Japan, as well as unique castles and temple labyrinths.

Take the morning train to the notorious Hiroshima, which became the first target of an atomic bomb on 6 August 1945; however, has risen phoenix-like from the ashes, and rebuilt itself as one of the most vibrant cities of Japan. Visit a memorial park and museums there and take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island in the afternoon to see the famous Floating Torii Gate, which perhaps is the most photographed site in Japan. Then continue on to Kyoto, the former Imperial Capital and home of the country's most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life to visit the Nijo castle, the famous Kinaku-ji or the "Golden Pavilion" and Daisen-in's zen stone gardens. There are said to be 2,000 temples, shrines, palaces, museums and traditional gardens in Kyoto. Then travel to Onsen Spa near the Mt Fuji and the Lake Kawaguchiko to have spa treatment and dinner. Depending on the season you will spend two nights in hotel or one night on Mt Fuji in a simple guesthouse accommodation (from July 1 - August 27, still the subject of weather conditions), when it is allowed to climb the mountain. During the other periods the tourists drive to Station 5 and hike down the mountain, or the climb it is not allowed at all. Enjoy the hikes around the lake instead. Drive back to Tokyo for more sight and have a rest since you will have one more night there.