INDEPENDENT TREASURES OF JAPAN

Day 1: ARRIVE IN TOKYO, JAPAN

Welcome to Japan! Your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: TOKYO

Today, hop on Tokyo's subway system for a private guided sightseeing tour of the city. Start with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a man-made forest. Next, stop at the Samurai Museum to learn about their history and see authentic period-specific swords, armour, and kabuto (helmets). You will even have the chance to have your picture taken wearing a helmet and armour! At Tokyo Skytree ascend to Sorakara Point on floor 450 at some 450 metres or 1500 feet it is the highest point visitors can explore. Here you'll have stunning panoramic views over the city and and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji. Lastly, visit bustling Nakamise shopping arcade and Asakusa Kannon Temple, the oldest of their kind in Tokyo. (B,L)

Day 3: TOKYO

Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Today's I-Time Tips Enjoy a full day at leisure for your own discoveries. Utilize your included Tokyo Metro Pass to explore more of Tokyo's unique neighbourhoods, take a day trip to Mount Fuji, or embark a sunset dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay. (B)

Day 4: TOKYO-KYOTO

Today, travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to historic Kyoto, former capital of Japan. (B)

Day 5: KYOTO

Your private guided sightseeing tour uses efficient public transportation to take you around the city. Start at stunning Kinkakuji, Temple of the Gold Pavilion, covered with shimmering gold leaf. Next, take a walking tour through Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district, which is also known for its high concentration of machiya-style merchant houses. Continue to Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Flanking the main statue are 1,000 life-sized statues, covered in gold leaf, with 40 arms said to have the power to save 25 worlds. Finish with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for the thousands of brightly coloured Torii Gates. (B,L)

Day 6: KYOTO

Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Today's I-Time Tips Take an excursion to nearby Nara or explore more of Kyotos historic temples and shrines using your included subway and bus pass. (B)

Day 7: KYOTO-HIROSHIMA

Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima. Today's I-Time Tips Consider a visit Shukkei-en Garden, where natural landscapes are represented in miniature form. We've included a day pass to use the local tram system to help you get around! (B)

Day 8: HIROSHIMA

Your private guided sightseeing starts at Peace Memorial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the Memorial Museum and Memorial Hall, which commemorate the lives lost in the WWII atomic bombing. Travel by the Aqua Net Ferry directly from Peace Memorial Park to Miyajima Island. Here, visit Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its floating Torii Gate and enjoy free time to explore the many shops. (B)

Day 9: HIROSHIMA-OSAKA

Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka. Your private guided sightseeing tour starts at Osaka Castle and the surrounding park. Then explore Minami, the city's most famous entertainment district, encompassing the districts of Shinsaibashi and Namba and the famed Dontonbori Street. Start with lunch featuring okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake dish famous in Osaka. Then, explore this exciting area by foot with your guide. From museums and shopping to theatre and dining this is where the locals come for fun. (B,L)

Day 10: OSAKA

Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Today's I-Time Tips Return to Minami for further exploration or visit the Open-Air Museum of Japanese Farm Houses. Whatever you choose to do we've included a subway and bus pass to help you get around. (B)

Day 11: OSAKA

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)