DAY 1 | SUN 8 NOV

Arrive Tokyo 

Meet your Tour Leader Grahame Rowe at Sydney International Airport. Depart on our Qantas daytime flight to Tokyo. Transfer on arrival to the luxurious New Otani, featuring a beautiful 400 year old Japanese garden.

Accommodation: New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 2 | MON 9 NOV (B/D)

Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Festival

This morning, visit the stunning chrysanthemum exhibition at Shinjuku Gyoen. Free afternoon to explore Tokyo or relax at the hotel. Welcome Dinner at our hotel tonight.

Accommodation: New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 3 | TUE 10 NOV (B)

Rikugien Garden

Visit Rikugien Garden, one of Japan’s most famous strolling gardens to understand the elements of Japanese garden design. The forest of flaming maples along the river will set the scene. Return to our hotel with a free afternoon to relax or explore.

Accommodation: New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 4 | WED 11 NOV (B/D)

Omiya Bonsai Museum

Travel to the ancient imperial retreat at Nikko. Stop at Omiya Bonsai Village, home to the finest bonsai. Check-in to the historic Nikko Kanaya Hotel for two nights. Dinner tonight at our hotel.

Accommodation: Kanaya Hotel, Nikko

DAY 5 | THU 12 NOV (B/D)

Nikko

Visit the World Heritage listed Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple today. See cryptomerias, the red Shinkyo Sacred Bridge across the Daiya River and giant lanterns wrapped in mountain mist. Walk through the Imperial Villa. Dinner included tonight in our hotel.

Accommodation: Kanaya Hotel, Nikko

DAY 6 | FRI 13 NOV (B)

Nikko to Kanazawa

Travel by bullet train across the spine of Honshu from Nikko to Kanazawa. Visit Nomura Samurai House. Check-in to the Nikko Hotel for two nights.

Accommodation: Nikko Hotel, Kanazawa

DAY 7 | SAT 14 NOV (B/L)

Kenrokuen Garden

Graham Ross’ all time favourite garden today, Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s finest! Free afternoon to check out Kanazawa’s famous Kutani ware porcelain.

Accommodation: Nikko Hotel, Kanazawa

DAY 8 | SUN 15 NOV (B/D)

Shirakawago Village

Travel deep into the mountains today to the UNESCO listed Shirakawago Village. Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan with bath house, so make time for an onsen (hot spring). Dinner included tonight.

Accommodation: Tsujinoya Hananosho

DAY 9 | MON 16 NOV (B/D)

Nijo Castle

The delights of ancient Kyoto awaits. Depart for Kyoto by train. Visit Nijo Castle, famous for its fortress-like interior and ingenious escape routes of the Tokugawa Shogun. A unique dinner tonight where we meet a Maiko Geisha and enjoy a traditional

shamisen performance.

Accommodation: Hotel Okura, Kyoto

DAY 10 | TUE 17 NOV (B/L)

Hakusa Sonso Garden

Visit the Silver Pavilion (1489) and Hakusa Sonso (1915) to enjoy the garden, villa and museum created by the painter Kansetsu Hashimoto. A tea ceremony will be performed by a Tea Master. A traditional Japanese lunch is included.

Accommodation: Hotel Okura, Kyoto

DAY 11 | WED 18 NOV (B/D)

Ryoanji Temple

Admire the reflection in the lake at Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). Ryoanji Temple is our next stop, renowned throughout the world as Japan’s finest example of a rock and sand garden. Dinner tonight is Shabu-shabu at a nearby restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel Okura, Kyoto

DAY 12 | THU 19 NOV (B/D)

Nabana no Sato

Travel to Nagoya by train. Visit Nagoya Castle, walk through the ornate rebuilt Hommaru Palace and see the castle’s spectacular chrysanthemum exhibition. Afternoon visit to Nabana no Sato, a huge horticultural park with dahlia and tuberous begonias in a giant greenhouse. Stay until dark to experience the light show, voted Japan’s best illumination display. Dinner included tonight.

Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Nagoya

DAY 13 | FRI 20 NOV (B/D)

Tokyo

We’ll take the Shinkansen to Tokyo passing Mt Fuji. Our local guide will take us on a city tour then we’ll check back into the New Otani Hotel. Farewell dinner tonight in the original Samurai House at our hotel.

Accommodation: New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 14 | SAT 21 NOV (B)

Tokyo to Home

Morning at leisure either to stroll down the famous Ginza, visit Hibya Park, go shopping or enjoy the many temples this city has to offer. Late check-out is included today. Evening transfer to Haneda Airport for our flight home.

DAY 15 | SUN 22 NOV

Arrive Home

Morning arrival home.