Japan in Autumn

Saturday 23 November

A mid - morning departure from Auckland on Air New Zealand to arrive late afternoon in Tokyo. Transfer to your inner-city hotel for a three-night stay. 

Sunday 24 November

After breakfast we begin a sightseeing tour of Tokyo including the Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, the Tokyo Skytree and a Sumida River Cruise.  In the evening experience a typical Japanese (Izakaya) dinner.

Tokyo is a paradox of ancient tradition and post-modern culture where consumerism and elegance and serenity go hand-in-hand 

Monday 25 November

This morning a half day sightseeing tour including the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Suntory Museum. A free afternoon to further discover the city at leisure.

Tuesday 26 November

Today we depart for Mt Fuji. Enjoy a cruise on the crater Lake - Ashi, the Hakone Cable car Ropeway with spectacular views to Mt Fuji and a trip to Mt Fuji 5th station. Dinner in the hotel this evening.

Wednesday 27 November

After a leisurely breakfast we board a Bullet Train to arrive in Kyoto before lunch time. After lunch our afternoon sightseeing tour will include visiting the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu Temple. 

Thursday 28 November

This morning starts with further sightseeing of Kyoto that includes a visit to Fushimi Shrine followed by a Saki tasting. We continue onto Nara a city that remains full of cultural treasures, including some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples. We return to Kyoto and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. 

Nara - Japan’s first permanent capital was established in the year 710 at Heijo. Prior to that, the capital was moved to a new location whenever a new emperor ascended to the throne

Friday 29 November

Today’s tour visits Japan’s other major city Osaka. Dotonbori, the famous heart of Osaka is known for its bright and extravagant neon lights. On to the Umeda Meda Sky Building where the observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck. We continue with a trip on the Aqua Liner, a water bus that provides a view of Osaka from the river’s surface and onto visit the Osaka Castle. The evening finishes with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Osaka Castle - This five-story castle is one of the most famous Japanese landmarks. Originally built in the 1580s, their main attraction is the stone wall. Impressive even in terms of its sheer size, it is said that up to a million large stones were used

Saturday 30 November

A leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for your return flights. On arrival in Tokyo change planes and depart on Air New Zealand for an overnight flight home.

Sunday 01 December

Arrive Auckland mid-morning