DAY 1 FRI 7 NOV

HOME TO TOKYO

Meet your Tour Leader, Colin Barlow at Sydney International Airport. Depart on our Qantas flight to Tokyo. Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to the luxurious New Otani.

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo 

DAY 2 SAT 8 NOV

SHINJUKUGYOEN CHRYSANTHEMUM FESTIVAL

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

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo 

DAY 3  SUN 9 NOV

RIKUGIEN GARDEN

Visit 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 your hotel with a free afternoon.

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY MON 10 NOV

TOKYO TO NIKKO

Travel to Nikko today with a stop at Omiya Bonsai Village, home to the finest bonsai in Japan. Next stop is the Imperial Villa at Nikko, a fascinating tribute to Japanese architecture and history.
Visit Kanaya Samurai House this afternoon. Check into the historic Nikko Kanaya Hotel for two nights. Dinner tonight at the hotel.

Kanaya Hotel, Nikko 

DAY 5  TUE 11 NOV

NIKKO

Visit the World Heritage listed Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple today with a photo stop at the red lacquered Shinkyo (Sacred Bridge), UNESCO heritage listed with design dating to 1636; it spans the Daiya River. Dinner included tonight.

Kanaya Hotel, Nikko

DAY 6  WED 12 NOV

NIKKO TO KANAZAWA

Travel by bullet train across the spine of Honshu from Nikko to Kanazawa.Visit Nomura Samurai House. Check into the Nikko Hotel for 2 nights.

Nikko Hotel, Kanazawa 

DAY 7 THU 13 NOV

KANAZAWA

Graham's all time favourite garden today, Kenrokuen, one of Japan's finest! Lunch included. Free afternoon to check out Kanazawa's famous Kutani porcelain.

Nikko Hotel, Kanazawa

DAY 8  FRI 14 NOV

KANAZAWA TO AWAZU

Travel into the mountains today to UNESCO listed Shirakawa-go Village with their Gassho-style houses that subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan with bath house (onsen). Make time for a relaxing bath before dinner which is included tonight.

Yamashiro Onsen, Awazu 

DAY 9  SAT 15 NOV

AWAZU TO KYOTO

Train to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, and a treasure-trove of temples, shrines, palaces and gardens. First stop is Nijo Castle, once home to the Tokagawa Shogun. You will never forget the dining experience this evening, a traditional banquet overlooking an ancient garden and villa, and entertained by a refined and gracious Geisha.

Hotel Okura, Kyoto 

DAY 10 SUN 16 NOV

HAKUSA SONSO GARDEN

First stop this morning is the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji 1489), now a Zen Temple with discerning complex of pavilions, moss garden, dry sand garden, ponds, islands and bridges. Tea ceremony is next, done in style at Hakusa Sonso; a villa, garden and museum created by the painter Hashimoto Kansetsu. Refined and expansive, this garden is considered Hashimoto’s finest work. Traditional Japanese lunch is included.

Hotel Okura, Kyoto 

DAY 11  MON 17 NOV

KINKAKUJI& RYOANJI TEMPLE

Admire the reflection at Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Zen Temple covered in gold leaf. Ryoanji Temple is next, from the 15th century, famous for its Zen rock garden with enigmatic arrangement of stones. Traditional Shabu Shabu dinner within another flawless Japanese garden.

Hotel Okura, Kyoto

DAY 12  TUE 18 NOV

KYOTO TO NAGOYA

Travel to Nagoya by train. Morning visit to Nagoya Castle with its gold dolphins, the symbol of the city. The Honmaru Palace is a magnificent mix of architecture and art works. Spectacular
chrysanthemums are a bonus! Late afternoon visit to Nabana no Sato, a flower park with a twist. Dinner included, then experience the spectacular light illuminations.

Marriott Hotel, Nagoya 

DAY 13  WED 19 NOV

NAGOYA TO TOKYO 

TheShinkansen to Tokyo this morning, passing Mt Fuji. After a guided city tour,check back into the New Otani Hotel. Farewell dinner tonight at the hotel.

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo 

DAY 14  THU 20 NOV

TOKYO TO HOME

Day at leisure. Late check-out is included. Evening transfer to Haneda airport.

DAY 15  FRI 21 NOV

Arrive home