Garden Tours

18 Day Japanese Gardens Tour

See even more of Japan and its breathtaking gardens on an extended version of our 14 Day Japanese Gardens Tour. This tour combines the highlights of Japan with some of the finest gardens.

*inclusions shown in the bullet points - package does not include airfares

Day 01 - Arrive Japan

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita International Airport, clear customs with your luggage and exit to the Arrivals Lobby.

Take the escalator downstairs to the train station and at the JR East Travel Service Centre (06:30 - 21:45) issue your Japan Rail Pass to commence using from Day 05.

Return back up to the Arrivals Lobby, present your Limousine Bus Coupon at the Airport Limousine Bus counter and board the bus from the airport to your accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel. (80 min)

Your accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel is a two minute walk from the Takanawa Exit of JR Shinagawa Station. Shinagawa is the ideal place to stay in Tokyo for its convenient location and access to a wide range of restaurants and shops.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 1/4

Day 02 - Tokyo

This morning board a JR Yamanote Line train to Shinjuku Station. (21 mins) At Shinjuku Station, take the West Exit and walk to the Keio Plaza Hotel, which is the meeting place for your 1-Day Tokyo Tour. Please be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour's departure time.

At 09:10, you will be collected from the JTB Sunrise Tours Sales Office on the 3rd Floor of Keio Plaza Hotel for your 1-Day Tokyo Tour operated by Sunrise Tour. You will be guided by an English-speaking Japanese local and transported by coach to the following sites:

Imperial Palace (Nijubashi Bridge) - Once home to Edo Castle, the center of development of Edo-Tokyo, this is now where you can find the Imperial Palace

Tsukiji - Tsukiji, an area known as "Tokyo's Kitchen" for many years. Even after the market relocated, the Outer Market remains bustling with its many shops offering food and food-related items. Walk along the alleys throughout the Outer Market and enjoy shopping for goods and tasting local food.

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street - Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, offers plenty to see including the bright red Kaminarimon Gate, a statue of the god of thunder, and a five-story pagoda. The bustling street known as "Nakamise" stretches for about 250 m from Kaminarimon Gate to Senso-ji Temple and is filled with a plethora of shops.

(Lunch)

Tea Ceremony Experience - Watch a graceful tea ceremony, then experience preparing tea yourself

Tokyo Tower - Enjoy a panoramic view of the famous Tokyo skyline from the main observation platform

The tour disbands upon arrival near Shinjuku Station West Exit around 6pm.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 2/4

Day 03 - Tokyo

Start today by boarding a JR Yamanote Line train from Shinagawa Station to Ueno (18 mins) to visit the Ameyoko Ueno Markets. The long market lanes run from JR Ueno Station to JR Okachimachi Station. There are over 500 shops that sell everything from basic foods to high-class imported goods at reasonable prices, and thus it is always crowded with shoppers.

In the nearby Ueno Park, there is a concentration of cultural institutions such as the first zoo in Japan, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo Cultural Hall, National Western Art Museum, National Science Museum and Tokyo National Museum, all offering recreation and relaxation for the citizens.

Next, board a Tokyo Metro Ginza Line train to Asakusa Station (5 mins) to visit the nearby Sensoji Temple (popularly known as Asakusa Kannon Temple), Tokyo's oldest and most impressive temple which is said to have been founded in the 7th century. Nakamise Dori, the colourful shopping promenade, extends from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate and is an excellent place to buy everything from kimono to traditional sweets. Positioned across the road from Kaminarimon Gate the Asakusa Rickshaw tour guides await to guide you around the area by rickshaw.

Just a one minute walk from Asakusa Station is the Asakusa Pier. From Asakusa Pier, board the Tokyo Cruise water bus to Hamarikyu. (JPY980/35mins)

At Hamarikyu, you will find the Hama-rikyu Gardens (09:00 - 16:30/JPY300), perfect for an afternoon garden stroll. The gardens were constructed for the Tokugawa Shogun family's residence during the Edo Period, and is known for the 'Shioiri-no-ike' pond, a tidal pond that relies on the intake of water from the Edo Bay, and is designed to feature a landscape that changes along with the ebb and flow of the tides. These are the only tidewater ponds which still remain in Tokyo.

Walk to Shimbashi Station (15 mins) and board a JR Yamanote Line train to Shinagawa Station. (8 mins)

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 3/4

Day 04 - Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo

Take a day trip to the seaside town called Kamakura. Located just 45 minutes from Shinagawa Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, Kamakura is one of Japan's most popular sightseeing destinations, famous for a number of temples, shrines and beautiful Japanese gardens.

Surrounded by wooded mountains on three sides and Sagami Bay on the south, Kamakura was once the capital of Japan from 1192 to 1333.

Many of the wonderful sites in Kamakura are within walking distance of Kamakura Station, so one can easily spend the day exploring the many temples, shrines, parks and gardens. Some of the sites you might like to visit include:

The Great Buddha - this giant bronze statue of Buddha stands at 13.35m tall and is the second largest in Japan. The Buddha once was housed inside a temple, but late in the 15th century, a large tsunami washed away the wooden structure and the Buddha has remained outside ever since.

Komachi-dori St - leading out from Kamakura Station, this strip of shops has many great places to buy souvenirs and a number of good places to buy some snacks from nuts and crackers, to cute little cakes and sweets.

Hasedera Temple - situated high on a hill, the main temple has a fine view of the coastal city. The temple is home to a wooden statue of Kannon, the 11-headed goddess of mercy that stands at 9m high.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - This iconic Shinto shrine is Kamakura's geographical and cultural centre and attracts many visitors with its beautiful peony gardens and two museums, the Museum of Modern Art and the Kamakura Museum of National Treasures.

Hokoku-ji Temple - this Zen temple is a must-see attraction in Kamakura. Behind the temple is a magnificent bamboo garden which is tranquil escape. Towards the back of the bamboo garden is a small tea house where you can enjoy a special cup of green tea while taking in the beauty of the serene surroundings.

Return to Tokyo in the late afternoon.

Stay: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - 4/4

Day 05 - Tokyo - Kanazawa

Check-out of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel and from Shinagawa Station board a JR Yamanote Line train to Tokyo Station. (12 mins) Make your way to the bullet train lines and from Tokyo Station board a Kagayaki bullet train to Kanazawa Station. (150 mins)

Your accommodation at the Hotel MyStays Kanazawa is a five minute walk from the West Exit of the station.

After check in, spend the afternoon exploring the city of Kanazawa.

Your sightseeing should include a trip to the Omicho Market which is a 15 minute walk from the station, or board the Kanazawa Loop Bus (left loop) from bus stop #7 at the Kanazawa Station East Exit bus terminal to Musashigatsuji-Omicho Market. (4 mins)

Omicho is the liveliest of all markets in Kanazawa and is popular with the residents of the city. Many of the 170 shops specialise in fresh fish and vegetables. Lovers of seafood will delight in some of the surrounding sushi bars and restaurants that serve fresh seafood from off the coast of Kanazawa. For those who prefer their seafood cooked, tempura and grilled options are available.

For a rare look inside Japan's traditional entertainment culture, make a visit to Kanazawa's famous "Higashi Geisha District" where you can walk down the winding lanes which features rows of old geisha houses. Late in the afternoon and early evening you may see a geisha scampering between appointments in full traditional costume. Shima, a former geisha house, is open for public viewing (9:00-18:00/JPY500) where you can also enjoy a cup of green tea and a traditional Japanese sweet.

Stay: Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa - 1/2

Day 06 - Kanazawa

Today visit the Kenrokuen Gardens by boarding the Kanazawa Loop Bus (right loop) from stop #7 at the Kanazawa Station East Exit bus terminal to Kenrokuen Garden - Kanazawa Castle Park. (16 mins)

Kenrokuen is an exquisite garden constructed over 300 years ago and is said to be one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan along with Kairakuen in Mito and Korakuen in Okayama.

The literal meaning of Kenrokuen is "The Garden of Six Sublimities" which refers to its spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broad views.

It took 150 years to complete the ponds, streams, waterfalls, flowers and teahouses which are all truly breathtaking.

Surrounding Kenrokuen is a number of popular sightseeing spots including Kanazawa Castle Park, Kanazawa Museum of Art, the 21st Century Museum of Modern Art and the Kanko Bussankan where local Ishikawa traditional crafts, confectionary and sake are sold.

In the evening make your way to the bright lights of Katamachi which is Kanazawa's lively entertainment district. The area's "Izakayas" (Japanese-style pubs) are a must to visit where cold drinks and inexpensive dishes are served.

Stay: Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa - 2/2

Day 07 - Kanazawa - Okayama

Check-out of the Hotel MyStays Kanazawa and from Kanazawa Station board a Limited Express Thunderbird train to Shin-Osaka Station. (149 mins) Make your way to the bullet train lines and board a Sakura bullet train to Okayama Station. (46 mins)

Your accommodation at the Hotel Granvia Okayama is a one minute walk from the station.

Okayama is home to the magnificent landscape garden of Korakuen - another of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. The garden, covering about 14 ha., was completed in 1700.

It contains rustic tea arbours, extensive lawns, lovely ponds, graceful groves, and peaceful hills, lanes and streams. All are tastefully arranged to harmonize with the surrounding hill and mountain. The maple trees, cherry and Japanese apricot groves offer beautiful seasonal contrasts.

Okayama Castle, a 3 minute walk from the south exit of Korakuen Garden, was originally constructed in the 16th century. The four-storied donjon was rebuilt in 1966, which displays many relics of local history. It is called Crow Castle due to its black exterior.

Hayashibara Museum of Art, a 5 minute walk from the Okayama Castle, exhibits over 10,000 works of swords, armour, fine arts and calligraphy.

Stay: Hotel Granvia Okayama - 1/2

Day 08 - Okayama

Visit Himeji Castle today by boarding a Sakura bullet train to Himeji Station. (19 min) Himeji Castle is a 15 minute walk from Himeji Station.

Himeji Castle (09:00-16:00/JPY1,000) is the star attraction as one of Japan's most magnificent castles. History has been kind to Himeji Castle - unlike many other castles it has never been destroyed by war, fire or earthquake. Himeji Castle is known as the "white heron" due to its white plaster fireproof walls is a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A free tour of Himeji Castle is available for English speaking visitors. Please note that reservations are not accepted for this service. Inquire when you purchase your admission tickets. Allow about 1 hour and a half for the tour.

Visit the nearby Kokoen (09:00 - 17:30/JPY300), to stroll through the nine Japanese gardens with a distinct Edo period feel. Inside the gardens you can find a tea house where you can try a tea ceremony, and a restaurant with beautiful views of the garden.

Return to Okayama in the evening.

Stay: Hotel Granvia Okayama - 2/2

Day 09 - Okayama - Hiroshima

Check-out of the Hotel Granvia Okayama and from Okayama Station board a Sakura bullet train to Hiroshima. (40 mins)

Your accommodation at the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima is a two minute walk from JR Hiroshima Station.

Hiroshima was a city left in ashes after the atomic bomb was dropped. Hiroshima has made a remarkable recovery and has been rebuilt as a modern thriving city. The area which felt the full force of the bomb has been transformed into a Peace Memorial Park with gardens of great beauty and nearly forty memorials to the victims of the atomic explosion. Hiroshima is now known as the "International City of Peace" dedicated to a total ban on the use of Atomic weapons. A visit to the Peace Memorial Park should be included in every Hiroshima itinerary.

To visit the park, board a tram in front of Hiroshima Station and get off at Genbaku Domu-Mae (Atomic Bomb Dome) stop. (180yen/15 mins) Alternatively, use your Japan Rail Pass to board the city sightseeing loop bus, the Hiroshima Meipuru-pu, which stops in front of the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima.

Using your tour map, visit a number of exhibits including the Atomic Bomb Dome: Positioned below the epicentre, this skeleton of melted steel and concrete has been left as it was after the bomb was dropped. It stands as a stark reminder of the city's August 6, 1945 bombing.

The highlight of the park is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This state of the art museum focuses on Hiroshima both before and after the explosion. It also tells the story of Hiroshima's rapid rebuild into the beautiful city it is today.

In the afternoon, make sure you visit Hiroshima Castle. This castle was first built in 1589 until its destruction in 1945. Having been rebuilt in all its glory, it is now used to exhibit historic artefacts from Japan's feudal past.

Next, make a visit to the nearby Shukkeien Garden (09:00 - 17:00/JPY260). Constructed in 1620 for a feudal lord of Hiroshima, the name translates as "shrunken scenery garden" which describes the miniature landscapes that represent forests, valleys and mountains.

Stay: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima - 1/2

Day 10 - Hiroshima / Miyajima Island

Enjoy a day of exploration upon the sacred earth of Miyajima Island.

From Hiroshima Station board the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. (26 min) Using your Japan Rail Pass board the JR ferryboat from Miyajimaguchi Pier to the island.

The entire 30 sq. km. island is designated by the Japanese government as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The must-see Itsukushima Shrine, built in the 6th century, is dedicated to the maritime guardian goddesses. The shrine buildings are connected by corridors which stretch out over the water giving it the appearance of floating on the sea at high tide. The giant red wooden O-Torii (Grand Gate) is the most noted symbol of Miyajima.

Be sure to take the 1.7km ropeway (JPY1,800 round trip) to Mount Misen's summit to enjoy one of the three most spectacular panoramic views in Japan. Keep your eye on the summit's mischievous monkeys before descending on a peaceful walk through the ancient forest.

Return to Hiroshima early evening to feast upon the city's popular delicacy, Okonomiyaki, a noodle-layered pancake cooked on an iron hotplate at your table.

Stay: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima - 2/2

Day 11 - Hiroshima - Matsue

Check-out of the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima and from Hiroshima Station board a Sakura bullet train to Okayama Station. (40 mins) Change trains and from Okayama Station board a Limited Express Yakumo train to Matsue Station. (160 mins)

Your accommodation at the Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu is a three minute walk from the North exit of the station.

After check-in, board a Limited Express Yakumo or Limited Express Matsukaze train from Matsue Station to Yasugi Station. (15 min) From here, board the courtesy shuttle bus to the Adachi Museum of Art. (20 min)

The Adachi Museum of Art (09:00 - 17:30/JPY2,300) features a collection of modern Japanese paintings as well as a beautiful Japanese Garden which is viewed from the museum building and is described as the 'living Japanese painting' of founder, Adachi Zenko.

Return to Matsue in the late afternoon.

In the evening, be sure not to miss the magnificent sunset over Lake Shinji, regarded as one of Japan's top 100 best sunsets. Best viewed from Shirakata Park, the Shimane Art Museum or along the lakefront promenade which is where you can get the closest view of Yomegashima Island. The beautiful sunset can also be enjoyed from the 'Sunset Cruise' which departs from two piers along the south side of the Ohashi River. (JPY1,450)

Stay: Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu - 1/2

Day 12 - Matsue

Continue your sightseeing in Matsue. A city sightseeing loop bus, the Lakeline Sightseeing Bus, departs the station every 20 minutes and runs through the major attractions of Matsue. An all-day-pass can be purchased for JPY500.

You may like to visit:

Matsue Castle - one of the 12 remaining original castles in Japan. The castle's elegant swooping roofs are likened to the wings of a plover bird, lending to the castle's nickname 'Plover Castle' (Chidori-jo). The top floor offers panoramic views over the city. (08:30 - 18:00/JPY560)

Shiomi Nawate Street and Samurai Residence - Running alongside the castle moat, this street is flanked with traditional Japanese houses on one side and pine trees on the other. Halfway along the street is a finely preserved samurai residence which is open to the public. (08:30 - 18:10/JPY510) Browse the souvenir shops and other attractions along the street.

Kyomise Shopping District - a quaint red-brick street with a selection of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.

Other options include taking one of the sightseeing cruises along the city's canal, or on Lake Shinji.

Stay: Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu - 2/2

Day 13 - Matsue - Takamatsu

Check-out of the Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu and from Matsue Station board a Limited Express Yakumo train to Okayama Station. (160 mins) Change trains and board a JR Marine Liner train from Okayama to Takamatsu Station. (60 mins)

Your accommodation at the JR Clement Inn Takamatsu is one minute walk from Takamatsu Station.

After check-in, visit Shikoku Mura (08:30-17:30/JPY1,000), an open-air museum which exhibits a number of historic structures, dating from the Edo and Meiji periods, which have been relocated from areas across Shikoku Island. Amongst the structures are a number of farmhouses, workshops, a kabuki theatre and a vine suspension bridge.

To get there, board a Kotoden Kotohira Line train from Takamatsu Chikko Station to Kawaramachi Station. (5 mins) Change trains and board a Kotoden Shido Line train to Kotoden Yashima Station. (15 mins) Shikoku Mura is a five minute walk from here.

Stay: JR Clement Inn Takamatsu - 1/2

Day 14 - Takamatsu

Visit Ritsurin Koen (06:00 - 17:30/JPY410), a beautiful landscape garden set in front of the wooded Mt. Shiun, which provides a lovely backdrop to the scenic gardens. The gardens feature many ponds and pavilions across the Japanese-style gardens in the south, and the western-style gardens in the north. Stroll through the park and visit the folk museum and shops, or stop for some tea on the verandah of the Kikugetsu-tei teahouse which overlooks the pond. To get there, board a local train from Takamatsu Station to Ritsurinkoen-Kitaguchi Station. (5 mins) The garden's entrance is a 5 minute walk from here.

Walk back via the shopping arcade which stretches between the gardens and Takamatsu Castle. At nearly 2.7km, it is claimed to be the longest shopping arcade in Japan. The stretch between Kawaramachi and Kataharamachi is paralleled by Lion Dori, a street containing mostly restaurants, including many that serve Kagawa prefecture's specialty - Sanuki Udon - a firm, chewy noodle served cold with a dipping sauce or hot in a soup.

Stay: JR Clement Inn Takamatsu - 2/2

Day 15 - Takamatsu - Kyoto

Check-out of the JR Clement Inn Takamatsu and from Takamatsu Station board the Limited Express Uzushio train to Okayama Station. (60 mins) Make your way to the bullet train lines and board a Hikari bullet train to Kyoto. (95 mins)

Your accommodation at the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo is a 2 minute walk from the Hachijoguchi Exit of the station.

After check in, commence exploring the sights of Japan's old capital. Use your Pasmo Cards to board a Subway Karasuma Line train 2 stops to Shijo Station for the busiest shopping district in Kyoto. There are a number of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore. Next, walk down to the Nishiki Food Market. (10 mins from Shijo Station) Here you can try various Japanese foods from traditional sweets to fresh seafood.

In the late afternoon walk towards Gion, Kyoto's famous entertainment district which is open until late at night. Gion is the one place in Japan where you may see Maiko or Geisha scampering between appointments. As darkness falls, watch the traditional lanterns gradually come to life as you wander down tiny alleys housing a variety of restaurants offering tempting cuisine.

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 1/3

Day 16 - Kyoto

Commence your exploration of the ancient city of Kyoto. Please make your way to the Sunrise Tours Desk (B1F) within the Avanti shopping complex and arrive 10 minutes prior to the official pick up time. Refer to your tour voucher and you will see the Avanti shopping complex is directly opposite the Hachijo East Exit of Kyoto Station. At 08:30am, you will be collected to join your Kyoto Morning Tour operated by Sunrise Tours.

Your English-speaking local guide will take you by bus to Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The tour will disband at the Kyoto Station with a likely return being around 1:30pm.

In the afternoon, from Kyoto Station bus terminal board a local bus #100 or #206 and get off at the Gojozaka bus stop. From the bus stop take the 10 minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple (6am - 6pm/ JPY 300).

Walk up this attractive winding road lined with colourful souvenir and craft shops. Kiyomizu-dera is famous for its giant wooden stage overlooking panoramic views of Kyoto and its main hall purely constructed of wood and sustained by huge columns and beams without the use of a single nail, screw or bolt.

Return to Kyoto Station in the late afternoon. Be sure to visit the Sky Plaza Observation Deck on top of Kyoto Station for a free panoramic view of the surrounding area of Kyoto. This modern station also contains a large shopping mall, including hotels, theatres, specialty shops, restaurants and event venues.

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 2/3

Day 17 - Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

Continue your exploration of Kyoto by boarding a JR Nara Line train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station. (5 mins)

From Inari Station visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine which was featured in the film Memoirs of a Geisha. It is one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Kyoto which is famous for its thousand red torii gates which lead up the mountain.

Return to Inari Station and board the JR Nara Line to Tofukuji Station. (2 mins) Tofukuji Temple is a 10 minute walk from the station and is home to the Hojo Gardens, one of the great Zen gardens of Japan. (08:30-16:00 - JPY400)

In the late morning, from Tofukuji Station board a JR Nara Line Rapid Service train to Nara Station. (50 min)

Upon your arrival at Nara Station, walk to the picturesque Nara Park where tame deer roam. At end of the park is the World Heritage listed Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden architecture housing the giant bronze Buddha that soars 16 metres in height. (JPY600/8:00am-4:30pm).

On the way back to Nara Station, stroll through the Nara Machi (town centre) an old precinct full of traditional houses, shops and tearooms.

Return to Kyoto in the late afternoon.

Stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo - 3/3

Day 18 - Kyoto - Airport

Check out of your accommodation and leave your luggage in storage at the porter's desk for your later return.

Spend your last morning in Kyoto completing any final sightseeing or shopping.

For those departing from Tokyo, board a Hikari bullet train from Kyoto to Shinagawa Station. (2.5 hrs) Within Shinagawa Station board the Narita Express Train to Narita Airport. (65 min)

For those departing from Osaka, board the Haruka train from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport (80min).

*Please note all airport trains must be reserved in advance.

Be sure to check in for your scheduled flight at least 2 hours prior to its departure.