The Mount Fuji Tour begins.  Your Tour Leader will meet you at the airport (up to one week before the tour begins) and transfer with you to the tour hotel in the heart of Tokyo, an ideal base from which to explore. In the evening we’ll head to Shinjuku and the entertainment area of Kabukicho where, after a walking tour of the area, we’ll feast at a local restaurant. A perfect introduction to local cuisine, and chance to meet the other members of the group. After dinner we’ll go up onto the 45th floor of the Metropolitan Building for fantastic 360 degree views of the city.

This morning we’ll go to the Tsukiji fish market, a fascinating world of chaos, with some of the world’s finest sashimi. In autumn 2018 the original famous fish market moved to Toyosu, another area of the city where all the action takes place behind glass viewing windows down below.  While the new market is a cleaner and more efficient it does lack the atmosphere of the old market.  On the tour we visit the outer section of the old market which is still buzzing with atmosphere, stalls, shops and restaurants. After having a look around the stalls, why not have some for breakfast?

Later in the morning we’ll make our way over to Asakusa. The location of the first temple in what is now called Tokyo, and the old gateway to the Yoshiwara, the floating world, during the Edo era. It’s steeped in history and has a bustling atmosphere. Take some free time here to browse the market stalls and explore the side streets hiding the real treasures.

Following a bite for lunch we’ll take the Sumida River cruise to Tokyo Bay passing under a number of colourful bridges. From there we’ll go to the famous Scramble Crossing in Shibuya where hundreds of people swarm over the road as the lights turn green.

After breakfast we set off to Kawaguchiko at the base of Mt. Fuji, an ideal location from which to view the iconic volcano and explore the surrounding crater lakes. After dropping off your luggage at the ryokan (traditional inn) you make your way to the Kachi Kachi cable car, a popular spot to take in the panoramic view of the town, Lake Kawaguchi, and Mount Fuji. From here you might want to break away from the group and continue walking up the hiking trail (unguided) to Mt Mitsutoge.

Later, you visit the Kubota Itchiku Museum on the northern side of the main lake. The museum displays the truly unique work of the designer Kuboto Itchiku, who dedicated his life to the kimono and fabric as art. The museum itself is of exceptional design.

In the evening, after relaxing in the hot springs enjoy a delicious traditional kaiseki meal served at the inn — immerse yourself within its delicate tastes and textures.  All the while you will have a stunning vista of Mount Fuji and plenty of photo opportunities to capture this magnificent sight.

Kawaguchiko is famed not only for its views of Mt. Fuji but also for the lakes and caves created by the volcanic activity in the area. We visit a couple of the caves within the Sea of Trees, an unusual forest growing over the waves of lava flow, secret caverns and passages. We see the Ice Cave and the Wind Cave, both naturally freezing vaults used in the past for storing food.

The afternoon is then free for you to explore Mount Fuji or head elsewhere. There are many other things to see in the area, including the Iyashi no Sato village of traditional thatched houses, museums, take a cruise on the lake. or how about the Fuji Q Highland amusement park with its record-breaking roller coasters?

This morning we’ll take the train to Matsumoto, an old castle town boasting one of the best preserved castles in the country. Surrounded by a moat and clad in black weatherboard gives the castle a slightly sinister appearance sitting as it has done since the 1580’s. Built in a time when the use of firearms were changing the way wars were fought and won, gun holes were incorporated into the design and there is a collection of the firearms from the era on display inside. After taking a look around the castle you'll have time to explore some of the castle district close to the hotel.
 

During the Edo era (1603 – 1868) there were five central highways leading to Edo (Tokyo) linking the country together for trade and troop movement. Along these highways were numerous post towns and checkpoints which kept an eye on what was being moved through, collecting taxes ,checking papers and always watchful for criminals, spies and insurgents.

At the end of the Edo era as the Emperor regained his power the checkpoints across the country, along with many relics from the feudal times including samurai estates and castles were broken up and destroyed marking a new age of change and modernization. The old highways evolved into the massive concrete road networks which we see today, the old post towns became the immense hi-tech sprawling cities.

One of these old highways connecting Edo to Kyoto was called the Nakasendo running through the Japanese Alps and along the Kiso valley. Mainly because of the terrain its an area with a much slower pace of development and home to the town of Magome, and the neighbouring town of Tsumago, two of the best preserved areas from the Edo period. These days the locals go to painstaking lengths maintain their towns, preserving the old charm from days gone by.

Today, after checking out we’ll hop on the train to Magome, tucked away in the beautiful area of the Kiso Valley, also known for its lacquer ware among other crafts. Here you’ll be staying in a minshuku, a traditional family run Japanese inn.

Today we’ll walk along a stretch of the old Nakasendo Highway. We'll pass hamlets, and old farmhouses, forests and paddy fields passing an old notice board with messages from the federal days stating decrees and laws by the shogun. The Rekishi Shiryokan museum is also worth a visit with an extensive collection. Enjoy, and soak in the atmosphere.

It’s time to visit Takayama, a city nested high in picturesque mountains and it’s a beautiful train ride winding up through the valley to get there.

After dropping your bags at the hotel, it’s off to the old town. Takayama is traditionally a city of merchants, who have bequeathed a fine old quarter that evokes times long gone. The old town is packed with shops showing off arts and crafts or local delicacies, cafes and restaurants selling traditional fare, and is a delight to explore. You stop at a sake brewery and have the opportunity to sample a variety of the local rice wines, you will also have a chance to try the famed local beef dishes.

The old town is also home to a number of heritage houses, old merchants homes preserved as museums.  On the tour we’ll visit the Kusakabe Mingeikan, a wealthy merchant’s home where you can travel deeper into old times.

Continuing to explore Takayama, you visit the fascinating morning street market whose stalls sell anything from local produce to crafts to souvenirs. Getting out of the hubbub of the market we'll next enjoy the peace and calm of the woods to the east of the old town on the Higashiyama Walk. The trail takes you past numerous shrines and temples and the ruins of Takayama castle. Later, you have the choice of exploring more of the old town and the heritage houses or you might strike out to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of ancient thatched houses in a distinctive local style.

This morning we’ll continue our journey to Kyoto by winding our way back down from the mountains to Nagoya. From there we’ll catch the bullet train on the final stretch to Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan and the centre of history and culture.

In Kyoto we’ll visit the grand stilted temple of Kiyomizudera with World Heritage status perched in the Eastern Mountains with its legendary platform and 3 water springs said to have magical properties. You'll have the chance to browse some of the souvenir shops on the main slope from the temple before we walk through the old cobbled streets to Gion, a preserved geisha district where today's tour will be concluded.  Later, in the evening you'll have the opportunity to see a cultural show of performing arts.

Today, start the day off with the tea ceremony at a tea house that has been performing the ceremony for 7 generations. Not only will you observe the intricate ritual, but you’ll also have the chance to make some matcha. It's not as easy as it looks.

Later, walk along the Path of Philosophy to Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion with its outstanding Zen Garden dating back to the 15th century. After this you can either hop on the bus back to the hotel or downtown, or you can walk with your tour leader through the quiet local residential area to the Kyoto Craft Centre.

Today we’ll hit the "big three". Three of the best World Heritage Sites in Kyoto starting with Ryoanji Zen Garden famous for its 15 stones where only 14 can be seen from any single point. Around the back of the temple there is a water receptacle with 4 kanji chiselled on it saying something so simple, but so profound that you'll know you've been Zenned.

If you have been to Japan before you will no doubt have visited many of the major sights around Kyoto. We are happy to provide suggestions and guidance for lesser known spots if you prefer.

Next on the itinerary is a trip just up the road to Kinkakuji – the Golden Pavilion, another of the "must see" sights of Japan with its immense beauty reflected in the surrounding pond.

After a bite for lunch one of the local restaurants and perhaps a glass of beer too, we’ll head over to Nijo, (Nijo Castle) to complete this day of history and culture. With elaborate national treasures painted on the sliding doors, the squeaky nightingale floorboards, and complex ceilings what more could you want to finish the day?

For those who still have the energy, there is also the option of a trip to the excellent Nishiki Food Market.

There is nothing scheduled on today’s itinerary. If you decide to fly out from Osaka, the airport is just 85 minutes away by train. If you decide to fly out from Tokyo, Tokyo is only 2½ hours away by bullet train. Let us know and we’ll be happy to help with any arrangements. Alternatively why not stay a few extra nights in Kyoto – there is plenty more to see and do in the area!