Luxury Tours

14 Day Luxury Japanese Gardens Tour

*Prices and inclusions are subject to change.

Japanese gardens are an amazing art form which has been refined for more than 1000 years. Many of these breathtaking gardens are located throughout Japan can been witnessed on our 14 Day Japanese Gardens Tour. On this tour we combine luxury accommodation and hospitality with Japan's spectacular gardens and fascinating sightseeing.

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

Day 01 - Arrive Tokyo

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

Board your private transfer to your accommodation at the Sakura Prince Tower Tokyo, one of Marriot's Autograph Collection hotels. Enjoy a relaxing stay in spacious guestrooms and a lush, verdant setting.

Take a short walk, or board the courtesy shuttle bus to Shinagawa Station to issue your Japan Rail Pass.

Shinagawa is the ideal place to stay for its convenient access to wide range of restaurants and shops. Shinagawa Station is a major stop on the JR Yamanote Line loop system which circumnavigates Tokyo.

Stay: Sakura Prince Tower - 1/4

Day 02 - Tokyo

Meet your private tour guide this morning who will assist with your initial navigation of Tokyo for a half day visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine, Senso-ji Temple and Harajuku.

Post tour, board a train to the Ginza shopping district. Take time to explore the Ginza's famous upmarket shopping, numerous department stores and wide range of boutiques, galleries and dining. The basement of any Japanese department store is home to an incredible food court where foods are expertly prepared and presented for sale.

Next, travel to Ueno Station and visit the Ameyoko Ueno Markets. There are over 500 shops that sell everything from basic foods to high-class imported goods at reasonable prices and is always crowded with local shoppers.

In the evening return to Shinagawa Station using the JR Yamanote Line.

Stay: Sakura Prince Tower - 2/4

Day 03 - Tokyo

Continue your exploration of Tokyo by taking a trip to Odaiba - the huge amusement zone where you can enjoy shopping, delicious food, entertainment, and a view of Tokyo Bay simultaneously.

From Shinagawa Station board a JR Yamanote Line train to Shimbashi Station. (7 min) At Shimbashi Station, using your Pasmo Card, board the Yurikamome Line unmanned monorail across the 918 metre span Rainbow Bridge to Daiba Station. (14 min)

Odaiba was built on reclaimed land in the Tokyo Bay in the southeast of Tokyo. This ultra-modern island is home to the Fuji TV Studio, Toyota Motor Company Showcase, Palette Town, Giant Ferris Wheel, the Museum of Maritime Science, Odaiba Marine Park, and the Sega Game Centre. A visit to the Oedo Onsen Monogatari volcanic hot springs (JPY2,700) is an excellent way to soak away the stresses of exhilarating travel. Luxuriate in open air, foot, sand and steam baths, tatami rooms and massage salons. The hot water spouts up naturally from 1400 meters below the surface.

Stay: Sakura Prince Tower - 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 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, a giant bronze statue of Buddha which 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, is a strip of shops which 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, whose 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 which stands at 9m high.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, whose 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, the must-see Zen temple 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: Sakura Prince Tower - 4/4

Day 05 - Tokyo - Kanazawa

Check-out of your accommodation 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. (150 mins)

Your accommodation at the Hotel Nikko Kanazawa is a two minute walk from the East Exit of Kanazawa Station.

Kanazawa, often referred to as ""little Kyoto"", is a lovely seaside town with a number of hidden treasures. After check in, spend the afternoon exploring the city of Kanazawa.

Your sightseeing should include a trip to the Omicho Market which is a 10 minute walk or 3 minute taxi or bus ride from Kanazawa Station. 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 (9am to 6pm) where you can also enjoy a cup of green tea and a traditional Japanese sweet.

Stay: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa - 1/2

Day 06 - Kanazawa

Continue your exploration of Kanazawa today by visiting one of Japan's top three most beautiful gardens - Kenrokuen, which is a 15 minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station.

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 sports including Kanazawa Castle Park, Kanazawa Museum of Art, 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 Nikko Kanazawa - 2/2

Day 07 - Kanazawa - Hiroshima

Check out of your accommodation and from Kanazawa Station, board the Thunderbird bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station. (160 min) Within the station, change trains to a Sakura bullet train to Hiroshima Station. (80 min)

Your accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel is a 2 minute walk from Hiroshima Station. Enjoy a relaxing stay in rooms featuring Sheraton's Signature Sleep Experience beds and signature bath products.

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 Dome-mae (Atomic Bomb Dome) stop. (15 mins)

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.

On the way back to station, 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.

Stay: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel - 1/3

Day 08 - Hiroshima / Miyajima Island

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

From Hiroshima Station board the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. (26 min) Miyajima is reached by JR ferryboat (10 mins / using your JR Pass) from Miyajimaguchi Pier, a few minutes walk from Miyajimaguchi Station.

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 sixth 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 (JPY 1,800 round trip) to Mount Misen's summit to absorb 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 savoury, layered noodle pancake cooked on an iron hotplate at your table. The locals are very proud of their contribution to Japanese cuisine!

Stay: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel - 2/3

Day 09 - Hiroshima - Okayama - Hiroshima

From Hiroshima Station board a bullet train to Okayama Station. (40 mins)

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

Next, visit Kurashiki which is just 15 minutes by train from Okayama Station. In Kurashiki, explore the Arts and Culture Precinct (Bikan Chiku), where you will find several dozen old-style houses which have been converted into museums, craft shops and cafes. These are located along a quaint, tree-lined canal in the historic arts and culture district. Wander through this historical city on foot, taking in the beautiful townscape before heading back to Hiroshima.

Stay: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel - 3/3

Day 10 - Hiroshima - Kyoto

Check-out of your accommodation and board a bullet train to Kyoto Station. (2hrs) You may need to swap trains at Shin-Osaka on the way.

Your accommodation at The Thousand Kyoto is a 2 minute walk from the Central Exit of the station.

After check in, commence exploring the sights of Japan's old capital. Board a subway 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: The Thousand Kyoto - 1/4

Day 11 - Kyoto Tour with Driver Guide

From 08:30am, meet your local English speaking Driver-Guide in the lobby of your hotel. From the comfort of your own private vehicle, commute around Kyoto and visit many of the famous highlights of this ancient city.

During your 7 hour Tour you will visit:

Kinkakuji Temple (World Heritage Site)

A gold leaf covered shiny pavilion with a tranquil Japanese garden

Ginkakuji Temple (World Heritage Site)

Experiencing the magnificent beauty of Japanese gardens.

Ryoanji Temple (World Heritage Site)

Experiencing the Zen of a beautiful Japanese rock garden.

Nijo Castle (World Heritage Site)

Take a time slip back to the Edo period and explore this gorgeous palace.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple (World Heritage Site)

Marvel at this enormous wooden temple built on the top of a cliff.

Visit traditional shops and tea houses along the way to the temple.

In the late afternoon return to Kyoto Station. 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, specialty shops and restaurants.

Stay: The Thousand Kyoto - 2/4

Day 12 - Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto

A full day of sightseeing awaits you in Nara. But first, take a trip to visit Kyoto's famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Anyone who has seen Memoirs of a Geisha will be familiar with the thousands of red Torii gates which stretch towards Mt Inari.

From Kyoto Station, board the JR Nara Line to Inari Station. (5 min) Follow the signs and the walking path leading up to the shrine. It is one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Kyoto and is famous for its thousand red torii gates which lead up the mountain. The shrine is dedicated to Inari - the Shinto god of rice, commerce and business. Each of the torii gates have been donated by different Japanese businesses.

From JR Inari Station continue on to Nara. (70 min) Here, you can find peace of mind and natural beauty as you uncover the many treasures of Japans former capital (710-784AD).

From Nara Station all of the sightseeing is within comfortable walking distance. Walk through the town towards Nara Park. Should the weather be kind you may like to have your lunch in the picturesque Nara Park amongst the many tame deer that roam the area. At the end of the Park is the World Heritage listed cultural asset Todaiji Temple - the worlds largest wooden building, which houses the Giant Buddha that soars 16 metres in height. Return to Nara Station via Nara-machi, an old precinct full of traditional houses, shops and tearooms in calm and pleasant surroundings, giving a good contrast to the great temples and old burial mounds.

Board a JR Nara Line train back to Kyoto Station in the evening.

Stay: The Thousand Kyoto - 3/4

Day 13 - Kyoto - Himeji - Kyoto

From Kyoto Station board the Hikari bullet train to Himeji Station. (60 min)

Himeji Castle is the star attraction as one of Japan's most magnificent castles. History has been kind as it is one of the few castles that has never been destroyed by wars, fire or earthquake. Himeji Castle, known as the ""White Heron"" due to its white plaster fireproof walls, is a national treasure and a 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.

From the station, the castle is either a 15 minute walk or a 5 minute local bus ride. It is open daily from 9am til 4pm and an entrance fee of JPY 600 applies.

Stay: The Thousand Kyoto - 4/4

Day 14 - Kyoto - Airport

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

Board your private transfer to Kansai International Airport.

For those departing from Tokyo, board a bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo (3hrs). Board your private transfer to the airport.