1st day: Departure from London

In the evening flight from London to Fukuoka via Tokyo with your tour guide. You will arrive on the evening of the following day (time difference +7 hours)

2nd day: Welcome to land of the rising sun

Transfer to the hotel where you will have a relaxing night. Fukuoka is the nearest Japanese town to the Asian continent. From here were coming Chinese and Korean influences for over 1000 years into Japan.
That is why the town has a particular, cosmopolitan atmosphere to it.

3rd day: Fukuoka - the gate to southern Japan

You start discovering Japan with a trip to Fukuoka’s surroundings, to Dazaifu, the historic location of the government of the Kyushu province. In the magnificent rockery belonging to the Zen temple of Komyozenji you will have your first contact with the famous Japanese horticulture. Then you will be given the opportunity to get some information about Japan’s history and its erratic relations to the neighbouring states at Kyushu national museum, the newest one of the four Japanese national museums. Subsequently you are going to visit the Dazaifu- Tenmangu Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in Japan. It was built on top of a grave of an important man with a sad destiny.

Back in Fukuoka you stroll through the center on your way to the Kushida Shrine that was constructed in 757. It is one of the most important religious sites in this region and at the same time it is the starting point of the Hakata Gion Yamagasa festival. At this place you can marvel at some anchor weights that the Mongolian fleet left back when it was destroyed by a typhoon, the „kamikaze“ (divine wind) in the 13th century.
Right next to it lays the modern Fukuoka: Canal City, a pink and purple vision of a city in the city, shopping mall and popular meeting point for the town’ youth.

4th day: Nagasaki, the cosmopolitan town

Many visitors only come to the town because of the second drop of an atomic bomb in the history of mankind even though the city has so much more to offer.
For over 200 years it was Japan’s only connection to the rest of the world, that’s why so many foreign populations are part of Nagasaki’ history. You will visit the Dutch enclave on the artificial island of Dejima. Only on this minuscule territory that only the Netherlands had access to they were allowed as the only nation among the western traders to carry on commerce with the Japanese.
The Sofuku Temple of the Chinese traders is a rare example for Chinese architecture from the Ming dynasty. It is considered a national treasure and is the oldest preserved building in Nagasaki.
Likewise Christianity was once strongly represented in Nagasaki. The monument of the 26 martyrs reminds of the 16th century when the Japanese government tried to suppress the catholic belief.
In the north of Nagasaki is the Urakami neighbourhood where the second atomic bomb exploded on 9th of August in 1945. In the „Peace Park“ a pillar marks the exact spot. You walk along the home of Dr. Nagai who wrote down his experiences as a survivor in the famous book „The bells of Nagasaki“. Then you will come to the reconstructed Urakami cathedral. The members of the parish were all killed and only left a couple of melted rosaries. And finally you reach Hypocentre Park. To finish the day you are going to look at this beautiful metropolis with its erratic and painful history from above: From the viewpoint on Mt. Inasa you will be able to enjoy the spectacular, so-called ’10 million dollar night view“.

5th day: Aso-san - an active volcano

In the morning you will drive to the volcano Aso which has the biggest caldera in the world with an extent of about 130km. The crater Nakadake which is inside of it is still active. Its last big eruption was in 1990. The surroundings of it is called „Fire land“ because of the sulphuric vapour and the hot gases. It is not possible to tame this mountain but you can visit it - you ride to the summit by a funicular. There you will be able to appreciate the breath-taking view to the depths of the crater and the sulphuric crater lake. This of course is only possible if there is none of the sometimes occurring small spontaneous eruptions. In the afternoon you will drive on to Kumamoto.

6th day: The last battle of Saigo Takamori in Kumamoto

The provincial charm, the mild climate and almost tropic flora are defining for the city of Kumamoto. The city center is dominated by one of Japan’s biggest castles. In 1877 the Japanese governmental troops defeated at this spot and after a couple of months of besiegement the last army of samurais lead by Saigo Takamori who became by his death one of Japan’s legendary heroes. The construction of the castle was accomplished in 1607, at this time it had 49 towers and 29 gates, but most of them did not withstand the battle of 1877. Nevertheless the reconstructed main tower alone will give you an impression of the original’s mightiness as it was in the 17th century.
Gyobu-tei, the place of residence of one of Kumamoto’s former feudal landowners will thereafter give you an interesting inside into the life of the noble warriors and the samurais in the Edo era. In the afternoon you visit the Suizemji garden in the western part of town, one of Japan’s most famous gardens where there is even a miniature-Fuji-san. In the evening you leave the island Kyushu and drive to Hiroshima by the famous high-speed train Shinkansen.

7th day: Hiroshima & holy island of Miyajima

Just like Nagasaki, Hiroshima has a lot to offer besides the sad past that everybody first thinks about. You start the day with a visit to Shukkei-en garden which is modelled on a mythical Chinese lake. In the „Peace park“, which was laid out in the 1960s, are situated the memorial sites for the different groups of victims of the bomb. In front of the only residue, the almost completely ruin of the melted atomic bomb dome, is the Peace museum which foremost dedicated to the individual memories of the survivors.
There is a ship putting out to sea with destination Miyajima from the bomb dome. The Torii (Itsukushi Shrine-gate) which is standing in the sea and close to this island is known in German culture as the Japanese landmark. Since 1996 Miyajima is part of the world Cultural Heritage. In front of the Torii is located the Senjokaku. It is called Senjokaku because its surface is equal to the size of 857 Tatami mats. In common parlance Senjokaku is called the pavilion of 1000 Tatami mats. This pavilion is the biggest building on Miyajima.

8th day: Garden city Okayama

In the morning you leave Hiroshima und drive to Okayama. Here is one of the „Three Famous Gardens“ of Japan, the Koraku-en. The first ever „walking garden“ with copious grass fields includes even the nearby Okayama castle which is called „crow castle“ because of its black colour, as a “borrowed“ setting into the garden panorama. After that you will go to the town probably with the most tradition in whole Japan which is Kyoto. In springtime, surrounded by scenting cherry blossoms, the vivid colours of the leaves shape the town’ picture.

9th day: Kobe - a significant harbour town

The sightseeing walk through Japan’s most important harbour town leads you first to the town hall where you have a magnificent panoramic view and you even can spot the world’s longest suspension bridge. Afterwards you will head to the harbour. Here you see a small gallery which is dedicated to the earthquake of 1995. It lasted only 20 seconds and had a magnitude of 7.2. You will see some square-meters of cracked floor and series of images from the incident that will take your breath. From there you will quickly get to „Nankinmachi“, Kobe’s Chinatown. This neighbourhood emerged 120 years ago by the time Chinese immigrants opened several restaurants there.
In the afternoon you will get an insight into the manufacturing process of the famous rice wine, the „sake“.

10th day: Osaka - Tradition and the modern era

Umeda, the central train station of Osaka looks, at first sight, like a busy anthill where lots of people run around in all different directions. The modern Japan waits at the gates of the station to present itself to the new visitors. After only a minute you stand in front of an impressive department store with integrated Ferris wheel. On the Umeda Skybuilding, one of the most modern buildings of Osaka you get the best overview of the city. At the height of 173m you have a beautiful, far view on the city of the rivers. During a river trip on Yodogawa river Osaka’s unique skyline presents itself to you on both sides of the river while young Japanese pursue their favourite hobby, baseball. Also you cannot miss the noble castle of Osaka when visiting Japan’s second biggest city.

11th day: The „White Heron“

Today you can walk on the wings of the „white heron“, the castle complex of Himeji-jo. It was built 1580 Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second unifier of the Japanese empire. It was considered to be invulnerable. Its white walls gave it the nickname „white heron“. It was a cultural treasure for a long time and was declared World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO in 1993. Right next to the castle complex there is Koko-en Park, which is composed by nine different gardens. These gardens emulate exactly the shapes of the nine former samurai residences.

12th day: Kyoto - the millennial capital

First you walk along the Emperor’s Palace in Kyoto, which is open to public only 8 days a year. The rockeries as well as the building’s architecture will definitely shape your image of Kyoto. In the so-called Nishijin textile-centre you will be able to enjoy a Kimono fashionshow. Combinations of sparkling colours and soft silk will take you to another world. In the Ninna-ji you can then admire the typical architecture of a Buddhist temple and maybe you will have the opportunity to listen to a Buddhist priest singing the sutra. The golden pavilion (Kinkakuji) is equally something you will not forget. The construction of this temple, which is known officially as Rokuonji began in 1397. It was meant to be part of the seniority residence of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death in 1403 Kinkakuji, which was covered completely with gold leaf, was transformed to a Zen temple.

13th day: Gion - „Geisha lane“

Kyoto probably left a memorable first impression on you but now we will deepen this impression by showing you more of it.
The Nijo castle, constructed by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the third unifier of Japan, for power demonstrating purposes, is totally different from the emperor’s palace with its simplistic design. Watch the painted walls and the sliding doors and listen to the „nightingale floor“.
Not far from that is located the next highlight, the enormous entrance gate to the Chion-in Temple complex.
You wander through the Maruyama park and Yasaka Shrine onto the Gion-neighborhood where there is a long alley with a lot of small businesses which will gladly offer you lots of different delicacies including excellent service.
Once you arrived on top you will have a superb view onto the town of Kyoto. You can enjoy this view best from the vast balcony of the Kiyomizudera Temple. The translation of Kiyomizudera is approximately „temple of clear water“. Under the famous wooden terrace you can taste the crystal clear spring water that gave the temple its name. It is supposed to have healing effect.
The next stop is at Gion Corner Theatre which brings us closer to Japan’s history and culture. There you will attend an exhibition in the Maiko gallery on different utensils of Geishas in training as well as a presentation of traditional Japanese art such as Ikebana, Kabuki theatre, Bunraku doll theatre and geisha dances.

14th day: Arashiyama - Zen temple in the bamboo grove

Kyoto is located right in between some forested mountain chains. Today you are going to explore the scenic Arashiyama. As far back as in the 8th century aristocrats came here to enjoy the countryside. Likewise you will stroll through the bamboo groves and visit the Zen temple Tenryuji, which is part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage. Its landscaped garden from the 14th century is preserved in its original shape. After a walk over the famous Togetsukyo Bridge you will be delighted by the outlook from Iwatayama.

15th day: Nara - Deer & Buddha

The next trip leads you to Nara, Japan’s first capital. The tame Nara deer, symbol of the city, welcome you to their home. There is a highlight right at the beginning of the roundtrip. The Kofukuji hosts the country’s highest, 5-story tall pagoda. After visiting the local national museum the roundtrip goes on. The next interesting location is the „Big East Temple“(Todaiji-complex). In the biggest wooden building of the world is situated as well the world’s biggest bronze Buddha statue. Enjoy the great achievement of the captivating ancient art of construction and the harmonious atmosphere as well. Afterwards you can stroll through the row of the 3000 lanterns decorating the Kasuga- Taishi Shrine.

16th day: Gifu and Nagoya - Japanese traditions to experience

You leave Kobe and go on the trip to Nagoya. There the first thing you see will be the town’s landmark, two golden dolphin-like creatures on top of the castle. After an extensive tour through the old military facilities the trip goes on to Gifu at the centre of Japan. During the ride with one of the trains you will broaden your first impression and get more and more a feeling for the country. You will drive up to the spectacular Gifu castle with the funicular railway where you have a beautiful view on the Japanese Alps. At the end it is planned to visit the Shoboji Temple where the biggest gold statue made out of dry varnish is located. The great Buddha has been finished in 1832 after 32 years of construction.
Tonight you have the exceptional opportunity to spend the night in a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese hotel. Do not miss the occasion to take a relaxing bath.

17th day: A dashing crossing the Thundergate

In the morning you will betake to the train station where you will hop in the Japanese high-speed train Shinkansen. Enjoy the view during the luxurious ride to Tokyo. After the relaxed journey, the capital of Japan welcomes you. Your hotel is located in Asakusa, one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Tokyo. Right from the beginning of your stay you will notice that you are in the nation’s capital. Enormous buildings that rise to the sky are typical for the cityscape of Tokyo.
After a 5 minute’s walk you get to the famous Thundergate (Kaminari-Mon). Underneath it there is a gigantic red lantern which you will pass and then find yourself on Nakamise. The Nakamise, similar to a market place, is a street with a lot of different shops where you can buy plenty of traditional sweets, dishes and toys as well as fabrics and clothes. The Nakamise leads to Sensoji, better known as Asakusa-Kannon Temple, which was founded in the 7th century when two fishermen found a Kannon statue in the river. Even today hundreds of believers visit the temple on a daily basis.

Japan’s Champs-Elysées
The day continues with a visit of the Edo-Tokyo museum. Even from the outside this museum is a tourist attraction. Also the inside of it is unique with its life-sized sculptures and recreated bridges and buildings. Being on a visit to Tokyo, you cannot miss a stroll across Ginza. It was built by two British architects at the end of the 19th century who took Paris as a design model. Today it is one of the most exclusive shopping miles of whole Tokyo.
In the evening you drive to Shinjuku, the business quarter. „The sky is the limit“ is the mantra when you climb up one of the skyscrapers of the Metropolitan Government Building Observatories. You have a magnificent view onto the city from the 45th floor and when weather is good, you can even see as far as the Fuji-san.

18th day: Busy Goings-on - fish market and Shibuya

The twelfth day starts with a visit to the world’s biggest fish market, Tsukiji. On the way to it everything is sold what is needed for the draught, processing and consumption of the fish. Right here you will also get the freshest sushi of all Japan. After a walk in the Hama-Rikyu garden from which you have a beautiful view on the Tokyo Tower, there will be something totally ordinary: drinking tea... But probably a little different from what you are accustomed to. You will get to know the ancient art of „Cha-no-yu“, the tea ceremony, in a public tea house where you should try a cup of green tea and some Japanese sweets.
Afterwards you drive to Harajuku. You pass the crazy and fancy-clothed teenagers to go right away to the famous Meiji-Shrine which is the centrepiece of the forested Yoyogi Park. The shrine which is dedicated to the emperor’ couple, is considered as a classic example of Shinto architecture. During the New Year’s holiday this is one of the most visited places of the country.
For finishing the day we have planned a visit to Shibuya. The memorial in honour of Hachiko resembles a dog that waited for his owner every day at this exact spot, even after his death. It looks upon one of the liveliest crossroads of Tokyo which is crossed by thousands of people at the same time when the traffic light is green.

18th day: Busy Goings-on - fish market and Shibuya

The twelfth day starts with a visit to the world’s biggest fish market, Tsukiji. On the way to it everything is sold what is needed for the draught, processing and consumption of the fish. Right here you will also get the freshest sushi of all Japan. After a walk in the Hama-Rikyu garden from which you have a beautiful view on the Tokyo Tower, there will be something totally ordinary: drinking tea... But probably a little different from what you are accustomed to. You will get to know the ancient art of „Cha-no-yu“, the tea ceremony, in a public tea house where you should try a cup of green tea and some Japanese sweets.
Afterwards you drive to Harajuku. You pass the crazy and fancy-clothed teenagers to go right away to the famous Meiji-Shrine which is the centrepiece of the forested Yoyogi Park. The shrine which is dedicated to the emperor’ couple, is considered as a classic example of Shinto architecture. During the New Year’s holiday this is one of the most visited places of the country.
For finishing the day we have planned a visit to Shibuya. The memorial in honour of Hachiko resembles a dog that waited for his owner every day at this exact spot, even after his death. It looks upon one of the liveliest crossroads of Tokyo which is crossed by thousands of people at the same time when the traffic light is green.

19th day: From tradition to the modern age

This morning you will have some free time to discover the Asakusa-neighbourhood on your own. Afterwards you get the rare opportunity (because it is normally closed to the public) to visit the emperor’ palace. Get an insight on the „Imperial Household Agency“, which organizes the life of the emperor’s family, and take a closer look at the Chowaden hall, where the emperor’ family welcomes visitors twice a year. Furthermore there is the controversial Yasuki-Shrine where Japanese honour the souls of those who lost their lives for the sake of Japan. In the evening a tour around the streets of the electronic-quarter Akihabara that are enlightened by a vast number of neon signs and a visit to the Tokyo Anime centre awaits you.

20th day: Past and future

This morning you will be going on a tour through Ueno Park, Japan’s first inner-city park. In the Shitamachi museum the Tokyo from the beginning of last century rises back to life. In recreated trade- and crafts stores you can even try those tools for yourself. There are many different temples situated in the park, for example the Kiyomizu-Kannon Temple. This temple which is an imitation of identically-named temple in Kyoto, is mostly visited by women hoping for a child. The octagonal Bentendo Temple is located on a scenic island right in the middle of Lake Shinobazu and few steps away from it is the Tokogu Shrine. On its door you will see two golden dragons that seem so real that in common parlance it is claimed that the dragons awake at night and drink out of the lake. After a stroll on the busy marketplace of Ameya-Yokocho you will drive to Ryogoku. At this location are the most sumo training grounds as well as the sumo stadium. Here you are going to step into a boat on the Sumida River and go to Odaiba, the heaped up harbour of Tokyo. Enjoy the view onto the enlightened harbour area and the „rainbow bridge“ from the 24th floor of the Fuji headquarters. Finally you can take a walk through Palette Town, an entertainment centre that has something to offer for everybody. On the one hand there is the Toyota City Showcase where you face an exhibition of all car models made by Toyota. On the other hand there is Venus Fort, a shopping mile shaped like an Italian town with enlightened sky matching the real one.

21st day: Kamakura - the town by the sea

19 shrines and 65 temples indicate the past importance of Kamakura, the former Japanese capital. During your stay in the „town by the sea“ you are going to visit the oldest Zen temple of Kamakura, Kencho-ji, as well as Enno-ji which is famous for the ten figurines of the judges of the dead that often scare the visitors.
In the afternoon you will be amazed about Kamakura’s landmark, the great Buddha. You will also visit the Hasedera Temple. This 13,5m tall Buddha statue is standing outdoors because the building that was built for its protection was destroyed so frequently in the past by fire, water and earthquakes that it was finally abandoned. In consequence the trees and the broad sky make a beautiful scenery for this buddha.
From the terrace of Hasedera Temple there is a magnificent view onto the ocean to enjoy.

22nd day: Japan’s holy mountain

Today you will go to the Fuji-San. With an altitude of 3776m it is Japan’s tallest mountain and it is worshipped and considered as holy because of its almost perfect symmetry. Just until a hundred years ago only priests and pilgrims were allowed to ascend it. You will take a cable car to scale Mount Fuji and rise atop of Japan’s beautiful countryside. You will arrive at the north side of Lake Ashi where we planned a boat trip or you. Afterwards you will be able to enjoy the view onto the snow-covered summit of Fuji-san from the inactive volcano crater of Komagatake.

23rd day: Nikko - Japan’s „sunray“

„Do not say beautiful before you saw Nikko“, is an old Japanese saying. After a Buddhist priest founded the temple of Rinnoji 1200 years ago, Nikko evolved quickly into a spiritual and religious center of Buddhism and Shintoism.
In the Futara Shrine remains the „ghost lantern“ that even got the courageous samurais terrified. The Toshogu Shrine with the mausoleum of the third unifier of the Japanese empire, Tokugawa Ieyasu, was built by his grandchild at the beginning of 17th century as a magnificent building. Especially the painted woodcarvings are interesting to see. The Taiyuin mausoleum was then built for Ieyasus grandchild who wanted to serve his famous grandfather even after his death. In 1999 the UNESCO organisation declared the collectivity of the temples and shrines as well as the surroundings of Nikko to be World Cultural Heritage. This nomination does credit to the city of Nikko whose name can be translated as „sunray“.

24th day: Farewell

Today it is about time to say goodbye to Japan (but only for this time).Take a last look on the busy metropolis out of the plane before you will arrive in home country in the evening.